What cases are you using? No GPU Build with 110mm tall heatsink

jimmivalentino

Efficiency Noob
Original poster
Dec 23, 2017
7
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Title pretty much says it all - what are you using?

I'm think I'm going to go with the Noctua D9L to cool an 8700k, but so far haven't been able to find a case that will fit a heatsink of it's size that doesn't leave space for a GPU - even though its not a 'big' heatsink as such.
 

theGryphon

Airflow Optimizer
Jun 15, 2015
299
237
So, you want a build/case without GPU? Just to make sure...

If you use a top-down cooler, you may have more alternatives.

How about PSU choice? If you would go for external PSUs, there are even more alternatives...
 

jimmivalentino

Efficiency Noob
Original poster
Dec 23, 2017
7
1
Yeah. Work build. I work in audio. Need the portability and CPU speed. No gaming will be done. I am intending to go the DC/DC with external brick route for PSU. Big plus for portability + case size.

Would a top-down cooler work well enough to cool an 8700k? I know there is a lot more options available but cooling performance is somewhat of a priority. I want the biggest heatsinks I can reasonably get so I can run the fans as slow as possible so I can get it quiet(ish) (for audio work).
 
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theGryphon

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Jun 15, 2015
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I'm using a Realan E-I7 (although with low-profile GPU), and it's great for such a build. Maximum CPU height is 77mm, and I'm using it with a Cryorig C1, which is as good as the D9L (if not better). The case is 236x245x100, supports 4x 80mm fans, all 25mm thick without the GPU.

I have a Ryzen 1800X in there at 3.825GHz.

Newegg.com has the silver version of the case...
 

jimmivalentino

Efficiency Noob
Original poster
Dec 23, 2017
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Umm.. do you really need a K-model for audio? If you can settle for a 7700, I suggest the AsRock H110 deskmini:

https://www.asrock.com/nettop/Intel/Deskmini 110 Series/

Small ane nimble. But if you are into audio, shouldnt you have a soundcard? Or do you run a DAC instead?

And the NH-L9i is very quiet.

That ASRock board looks interesting, I probably don't need a K model lol. But why settle for something lesser? :D

Live audio processing is extremely CPU intensive, so even if I don't notice the extra performance vs something smaller straight away, it will get used. Unlike video rendering it can't be offloaded to a card, and the only DSP systems around for audio work aren't worthwhile so most things are done natively now.

And do companies even make soundcards anymore? I thought that was a 2000s thing... if I'm not working away I've got outboard rack gear I plug into that fulfils that role anyway.
 

Mortis Angelus

Airflow Optimizer
Jun 22, 2017
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That ASRock board looks interesting, I probably don't need a K model lol. But why settle for something lesser? :D

Live audio processing is extremely CPU intensive, so even if I don't notice the extra performance vs something smaller straight away, it will get used. Unlike video rendering it can't be offloaded to a card, and the only DSP systems around for audio work aren't worthwhile so most things are done natively now.

And do companies even make soundcards anymore? I thought that was a 2000s thing... if I'm not working away I've got outboard rack gear I plug into that fulfils that role anyway.

Is audio processing more relying on amount of cores or higher frequency? I ask, because the H110 DeskMini does not support Coffey Lake cpus. Only Sky- and Kaby lake, meaning you would lose 2 cores (4 threads).

Also, Creative did recently release one of the best internal soundcards. HOWEVER, since you work in processing and live editing, I guess you hook your mixing table straight to the PC, and probably already have a very good DAC/ADC at your disposal making an internal soundcard useless. And as you said, the "weight lifting" is done by the CPU anyways.
 

Mortis Angelus

Airflow Optimizer
Jun 22, 2017
283
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@jimmivalentino

Here's a good contender if you wanna go all custom build: http://www.cooltek.de/en/discontinued-products/cases/88/u1

Unfortunately it is discontinued, but could probably be found somewhere. Fits coolers up to 135 mm.

Here is one in Italy for sale: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Cooltek-Mi...284250&hash=item1c8b5ac2d1:g:QuMAAOSwmFNZZfJn

Then again, there is the newer one with GPU-space, and you add 45 mm on the height. Question is if that is too much.

Also, do not forget about beefier coolers like these: https://noctua.at/en/products/cpu-cooler-retail/nh-c14s/specification

If you can mount the fan below the cooler, it is only 115 mm tall


Finally, Then there is this one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Realan-H80...d=122597065425&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

Should fit the Noctua NH-L9i easily, but could get loud due to the cramped space and low airflow. And no, do not add any 50 mm fans. :D