Silent SFF Gaming Build

[diduknowthat]

Half a year ago I set out to build a very specific computer. I realized that I didn't need a computer that can play games at maximum graphics anymore. I wanted a quality PC that can double as a media PC, a gaming PC, and a normal workstation.

So my goals for this computer were for it to be...

1) powerful enough to play recent games on medium settings.
2) as quiet as possible.
3) small and portable
3) classy and understating

Here is the list of parts that ultimately went into the build. Mind you the computer was built and rebuilt over the course of last year.

Lian Li PC-TU200B Mini-ITX case
AMD 5800k CPU
Asrock Micro-ITX FM2 motherboard
8 GB G.Skill DDR3 1866 memory
HIS HD 7750 fanless 1GB memory
1 TB Hitachi 7200 rpm 2.5" hard drive
60 GB OCZ Agility SSD (leftover from last computer)
Pico PSU 160 watt powersupply
Silverstone HS02 Fanless CPU cooler
Noctua NFA14 140mm fan

So over half a year after the final rebuild, here it is:

Here's a size comparison with my PS3. It's a large and expensive micro-itx case, but the build quality is absolutely top notch.

Here's a shot of the inside. Notice how gigantic the CPU and GPU heatsinks are. Also I tried my best to keep the cables out of the way of the airflow.

A shot of the back, with a big hole where the a normal ATX PSU should go.

My conclusion? Well. The computer runs off of 160 watt or less of power! A quad core, hybrid crossfire, 8 gigs of ram computer, using desktop components running off of less than 160 watts of power! It also runs games like Battlefield 3 on medium to high settings on 1080p setting.

Did I mention it's quiet? On normal operations the Noctua fan, running at about 550 rpm, is completely inaudible from my chair. It also keeps the CPU at about 40-45 degrees C. During gaming the fan ramps up to about 1200 rpm, making a gentle humming noise. The PWM fan is controlled by Speed Fan perfectly.

Now I don't recommend you to go out there and try to build a computer that runs off of minimum power. However, this does prove that you don't need 700 watt power supplies for normal run-of-the-mill PCs.

Hope you guys find my build helpful and inspiring! I found it a lot more fun to build a computer with a challenging goal other than, "be as powerful as possible".

 

[WiSK]

Interesting approach

Indeed if you don't have a power hungry GPU then a picoPSU is ideal, and using the leftover space for fanless CPU cooler is great

 

[Gookitron]

Very nice.
What power brick are you using with the pico PSU? Does it get melt-the-carpet-hot when you game?

 

[diduknowthat]

I run a 192 watt brick and it actually doesn't get terribly hot.

 

[diduknowthat]

UPDATE:

Alright it's been almost a year and time for an update! I have replaced the HD 7750 with an EVGA GTX 750 Ti 2GB card. Man this little card is fast for 60 watt TDP! I can play almost any game at medium/high settings at 1080p now. I also threw on an Arctic Accelero S1 Plus heatsink to keep everything silent. Furthermore I replaced my ancient 60GB SSD and 1 TB 2.5" hard drive with a 256GB Samsung 850 Pro. It's a win win win situation with new SSD. Faster drive, larger drive, and the computer is down to only ONE moving part!

Temperature wise, when I'm gaming the 140mm front fan kicks up to 1200 rpm and keeps everything below 50C. When doing everything else (web browsing, Netflix, MS office), the front fan runs at ~600 rpm and the CPU sits at about 35C and GPU at 25C.

Take a look for yourself. About half the case's volume is taken up by heatsinks

 

[Zap]

Always nice to see updates on past builds.

I suggest upgrading to the 8850k when it comes out

Depends on his needs. With a GTX 750 Ti, he can't run Crossfire with the integrated Radeon. If he wants a good boost in CPU performance or even to lower power usage, IMO best choice is Intel, but would cost minimum $250+ for an ITX board and lowest end quad. Going to a newer AMD chip is marginal gains but a bit cheaper since he may be able to use his board..

For pure gaming framerates, graphics card upgrade (which he just did).

 

[Stevo_]

Half a year ago I set out to build a very specific computer. I realized that I didn't need a computer that can play games at maximum graphics anymore. I wanted a quality PC that can double as a media PC, a gaming PC, and a normal workstation.

So my goals for this computer were for it to be...

1) powerful enough to play recent games on medium settings.
2) as quiet as possible.
3) small and portable
3) classy and understating

Here is the list of parts that ultimately went into the build. Mind you the computer was built and rebuilt over the course of last year.

Lian Li PC-TU200B Mini-ITX case
AMD 5800k CPU
Asrock Micro-ITX FM2 motherboard
8 GB G.Skill DDR3 1866 memory
HIS HD 7750 fanless 1GB memory
1 TB Hitachi 7200 rpm 2.5" hard drive
60 GB OCZ Agility SSD (leftover from last computer)
Pico PSU 160 watt powersupply
Silverstone HS02 Fanless CPU cooler
Noctua NFA14 140mm fan

So over half a year after the final rebuild, here it is:


Here's a size comparison with my PS3. It's a large and expensive micro-itx case, but the build quality is absolutely top notch.


Here's a shot of the inside. Notice how gigantic the CPU and GPU heatsinks are. Also I tried my best to keep the cables out of the way of the airflow.


A shot of the back, with a big hole where the a normal ATX PSU should go.

My conclusion? Well. The computer runs off of 160 watt or less of power! A quad core, hybrid crossfire, 8 gigs of ram computer, using desktop components running off of less than 160 watts of power! It also runs games like Battlefield 3 on medium to high settings on 1080p setting.

Did I mention it's quiet? On normal operations the Noctua fan, running at about 550 rpm, is completely inaudible from my chair. It also keeps the CPU at about 40-45 degrees C. During gaming the fan ramps up to about 1200 rpm, making a gentle humming noise. The PWM fan is controlled by Speed Fan perfectly.

Now I don't recommend you to go out there and try to build a computer that runs off of minimum power. However, this does prove that you don't need 700 watt power supplies for normal run-of-the-mill PCs.

Hope you guys find my build helpful and inspiring! I found it a lot more fun to build a computer with a challenging goal other than, "be as powerful as possible".

Build looking good, already on the picoPSU/HDPlex bandwagon, agreed most are way over PSU'd. If you want to cover up the ATX hole, ecosmart makes a bunch of different covers, some with 80mm fan cutouts.

http://www.ecosmartpc.com/accessories.html

 

[diduknowthat]

I don't do anything too CPU demanding. Maybe some photoshopping and light video editing here and there, nothing that the current CPU hasn't handled fine. For now I think the computer is perfect the way it is .

And thanks for the link Stevo_. That's very interesting! I especially like the one with the pre-drilled out jacks. I'd have to look into getting one with enough perforation to allow easy airflow, maybe some modification would be needed.