Building a new computer

[Niles_M]

Hi guys

I need a new computer. My previous one was a Dell GX280, and it was horrible since I could not modify e.g. the cooling fan without the BIOS complaining. The new computer must satisfy

1) It must be very quiet (this is the main property of the new computer), ideally as quiet as possible. I am very sensitive to noise when I work, and I cannot focus properly, if there is too much noise around me. If there is a case fan, then it should be easily replaceable (contrary to the Dell GX280 – it had a 5pin connector?!)

2) I do a lot of numerical computations and programming in my work, so it cannot be too slow. I do not play any games, so I guess the graphics card is not that important, but I listen to music when not working, so a good sound card is also preferable.

I plan on assembling it myself. Unfortunately, I am ignorant in this field, so if you have any suggestions for the components, they are more than welcome. Regarding the price range, then I guess I can stretch it to 1500 US$ as a maximum. I have keyboard, mouse and monitor.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Best,
Niles.

 

[henry222]

I guess I'm about to say - DON'T
-any saving in self-build is quite small and if you buy bits "here and there" a fault will be blamed on "the other part" and you won't have any back-up.

On the subject of fan-noise, I think you'll need a variable-speed fan and preferably a big-un (like 8"/200), but modern fans are not 2-pin....why does the number of pins matter.....most are common enough connectors and you need the "feedback" wire to check the fan is still running.
((Do you belong to a professional web-site doing your work - the folks there may have some experience....of computing power needed to get the job done.))

Your budget is quite robust - and I'd have thought in the States that would buy you a very decent spec with some warranty . . . . consider the cost to you if self-assy goes bad...however, unlikely component suppliers will say.

Most PC suppliers will sell the main unit, so you can use existing Monitor/Kbd/mouse - but I have a few as back-up, you just never know and they cost very little if you can spare the space. An Optical mouse changed my life. Bear in mind very soon, PC's will be voice activated, with touch screens....worth considering...?

A final point, to consider cooling if you are going for speed - find somewhere cool for the mainbox and run the fans as fast as noise allows.