Looking for a quiet gaming rig

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Hi all,

Before I begin a little about me. I'm going on 50 and have become more of a casual gamer. My attention span and eyes aren't what they used to be so I don't sit in front of a PC gaming like I used to.

I had a DS rig several years ago (I'd say 7 or 8) and never had any issues with it until the one hard drives would randomly stop responding (warranty had expired at that point - at least 2 years, maybe more). Re-seating the connector would start them up again but after a year or so of that I decided to get another machine with updated hardware.

Never having tried them, I went with another vendor just so see what they were all about (suffice it to say Dell owns them now). I didn't have too many problems but some hardware failed which they replaced. Luckily, I bought the extended warranty (I know, you guys do 3 years).

I have an Asus ROG laptop and that thing is so quiet I hardly know it's on and it runs like a champ so I figured I'd try one of their ROG compact desktops thinking it would be somewhat similar and returned after 2 days due do to constant blue screens. 

That said, I'm looking for a new machine that won't sound like I'm standing in a wind tunnel. I just bought a new condo with wooden floors so everything echoes. The fans on my current machine sound like a jet engine in here when they all kick in.

I'm looking at several of the machines but am thinking the Slade Ultimate (I'd prefer something a little smaller tho - space is somewhat limited). I'm open to other options as well.  

Currently I'm primarily playing Tamriel Unlimited and waiting to see what's up with Star Citizen but the rig I have now can't really handle the latter too well without the wind tunnel effect.

Money wise I'm looking somewhat mid-range to higher end but as I said earlier, I'm open to opinions/options.

Thanks in advance for your input.

Edited by Tanqueray - 27 Mar 2017 at 12:57pm

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Tanqueray Members Profile Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 27 Mar 2017 Online Status: Offline Posts: 8	Quote Reply Topic: Looking for a quiet gaming rig Posted: 27 Mar 2017 at 12:56pm
	Hi all, Before I begin a little about me. I'm going on 50 and have become more of a casual gamer. My attention span and eyes aren't what they used to be so I don't sit in front of a PC gaming like I used to. I had a DS rig several years ago (I'd say 7 or 8) and never had any issues with it until the one hard drives would randomly stop responding (warranty had expired at that point - at least 2 years, maybe more). Re-seating the connector would start them up again but after a year or so of that I decided to get another machine with updated hardware. Never having tried them, I went with another vendor just so see what they were all about (suffice it to say Dell owns them now). I didn't have too many problems but some hardware failed which they replaced. Luckily, I bought the extended warranty (I know, you guys do 3 years). I have an Asus ROG laptop and that thing is so quiet I hardly know it's on and it runs like a champ so I figured I'd try one of their ROG compact desktops thinking it would be somewhat similar and returned after 2 days due do to constant blue screens. That said, I'm looking for a new machine that won't sound like I'm standing in a wind tunnel. I just bought a new condo with wooden floors so everything echoes. The fans on my current machine sound like a jet engine in here when they all kick in. I'm looking at several of the machines but am thinking the Slade Ultimate (I'd prefer something a little smaller tho - space is somewhat limited). I'm open to other options as well. Currently I'm primarily playing Tamriel Unlimited and waiting to see what's up with Star Citizen but the rig I have now can't really handle the latter too well without the wind tunnel effect. Money wise I'm looking somewhat mid-range to higher end but as I said earlier, I'm open to opinions/options. Thanks in advance for your input. Edited by Tanqueray - 27 Mar 2017 at 12:57pm

bprat22 Members Profile Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List DS ELITE DigitalStorm East -- (Unofficially!) Joined: 08 Jun 2011 Online Status: Offline Posts: 20391	Quote Reply Posted: 27 Mar 2017 at 2:11pm
	Hi Tanqueray... It would help us if you could give us an idea on your budget and also monitor resolution. The resolution is the biggest factor in selecting the video card. I tried getting into configurator to put something together but keep getting the spinning icon. I'll try again later. The Slade is the quietest here and they do have the smaller 400q vs the default 600q. The level 2 with the 7700k CPU and probably a gtx 1070 for 1920x1080p or the gtx 1080 for upper end 1440p and 4K . Hope this gets you started.

Tanqueray Members Profile Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 27 Mar 2017 Online Status: Offline Posts: 8	Quote Reply Posted: 28 Mar 2017 at 12:11am
	I'll be using an ASUS PG278QR monitor, maybe two down the road. Was having problems with the configurator yesterday as well. I'd like to stay under 3k if possible but if it's a little over no biggie.

bprat22 Members Profile Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List DS ELITE DigitalStorm East -- (Unofficially!) Joined: 08 Jun 2011 Online Status: Offline Posts: 20391	Quote Reply Posted: 28 Mar 2017 at 2:26am
	Here's a build that'll meet your needs, budget wise and being about the quietest here. I was going to select the Corsair 400q case, being smaller, but DS just dropped it. The gtx 1080 is excellent for your 1440 p screen. Configuration Code: 1637438 Total Price with Instant Savings: $2,398.00 Direct Load URL: https://www.digitalstorm.com/configurator.asp?id=1637438 Specifications: Chassis Model: Special Deal Hot Seller - Corsair Carbide Quiet 600Q Exterior Finish: - Standard Factory Finish Trim Accents: - Standard Factory Finish Processor: Intel Core i7-7700K 4.2 GHz (Codename Kaby Lake) (Unlocked CPU) (Quad Core) Motherboard: ASUS ROG Strix Z270H GAMING (Intel Z270 Chipset) (Up to 3x PCI-E Devices) <br><strong></strong> System Memory: 16GB DDR4 3000MHz Digital Storm Performance Series Power Supply: 750W EVGA SuperNOVA Expansion Bay: - No Thanks Optical Drive: DVD-R/RW/CD-R/RW (DVD Writer 24x / CD-Writer 48x) (Internal) Storage Set 1: 1x SSD (480GB Digital Storm Performance Series) Storage Set 2: 1x Storage (1TB Western Digital - Black Edition) <br><strong></strong> Storage Set 3: - No Thanks RAID Config: - No Thanks RAID Card: - No Thanks Internet Access: High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections) Graphics Card(s): 1x GeForce GTX 1080 8GB (Performance Edition) (VR Ready) <br><strong></strong> Sound Card: Integrated Motherboard Audio HPC Processor: - No Thanks Extreme Cooling: H20: Stage 2: Corsair H110i GT - 280mm Liquid CPU Cooler (Fully Sealed + No Maintenance) <br><strong></strong> HydroLux Tubing Style: - Not Applicable, I do not have a custom HydroLux liquid cooling system selected HydroLux Fluid Color: - Not Applicable, I do not have a custom HydroLux liquid cooling system selected Cable Management: Premium Cable Management (Strategically Routed & Organized for Airflow) Chassis Fans: Standard Factory Chassis Fans Internal Lighting: - No Thanks Airflow Control: - No Thanks Chassis Mods: - No Thanks Noise Reduction: - No Thanks LaserMark: - No Thanks Boost Processor: Stock Factory Turbo Boost Advanced Automatic Overclocking Boost Graphics Card(s): - No Thanks, Please do not overclock my video card(s) Boost OS: - No Thanks, Please do not tweak the services on the operating system Windows OS: Microsoft Windows 10 Home (64-Bit Edition) Recovery Tools: Windows 10 Installation CD Only (Clean Install with No Drivers) <br><strong></strong> Virus Protection: FREE: McAfee AntiVirus Plus (1 Year Service Activation Card) (Not Pre-installed) ($35 Value) Office: - No Thanks Game: - No Thanks Display: - No Thanks Surge Shield: - No Thanks Speakers: - No Thanks Keyboard: - No Thanks Mouse: - No Thanks Branded Gear: - No Thanks Priority Build: - No Thanks, Ship Within 15-20 Business Days After Order Is Successfully Processed Warranty: Life-time Expert Care with 3 Year Limited Warranty (3 Year Labor & 1 Year Part Replacement) Check it out and let us know.

Tanqueray Members Profile Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 27 Mar 2017 Online Status: Offline Posts: 8	Quote Reply Posted: 28 Mar 2017 at 9:42am
	Thanks for the input bprat22. So, I looked at the Ultimate config this morning and am considering this: Configuration Code: 1637421 Total Price with Instant Savings: $3,399.00 Direct Load URL: https://www.digitalstorm.com/configurator.asp?id=1637421 Specifications: Chassis Model: Special Deal Hot Seller - Corsair Carbide Quiet 600Q Exterior Finish: - Standard Factory Finish Trim Accents: - Standard Factory Finish Processor: Intel Core i7 6800K 3.4GHz (6-Core) (Unlocked CPU) Motherboard: ASUS X99-A II (Intel X99 Chipset) (Up to 4x PCI-E Devices) System Memory: 32GB DDR4 3000MHz Digital Storm Performance Series Power Supply: 850W EVGA SuperNOVA Expansion Bay: - No Thanks Optical Drive: DVD-R/RW/CD-R/RW (DVD Writer 24x / CD-Writer 48x) (Internal) Storage Set 1: 1x SSD (480GB Digital Storm Performance Series) Storage Set 2: 1x Storage (2TB Seagate / Toshiba) Storage Set 3: - No Thanks RAID Config: - No Thanks RAID Card: - No Thanks Internet Access: High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections) Graphics Card(s): 1x GeForce GTX 1080 Ti 11GB (NVIDIA Founders Edition) (VR Ready) Sound Card: Creative Sound Blaster Zx (Includes Audio Control Module) <br><strong></strong> HPC Processor: - No Thanks Extreme Cooling: H20: Stage 2: Digital Storm Vortex 240mm Liquid CPU Cooler (Fully Sealed + No Maintenance) HydroLux Tubing Style: - Not Applicable, I do not have a custom HydroLux liquid cooling system selected HydroLux Fluid Color: - Not Applicable, I do not have a custom HydroLux liquid cooling system selected Cable Management: Premium Cable Management (Strategically Routed & Organized for Airflow) Chassis Fans: Standard Factory Chassis Fans Internal Lighting: - No Thanks Airflow Control: - No Thanks Chassis Mods: - No Thanks Noise Reduction: - No Thanks LaserMark: - No Thanks Boost Processor: Stock Factory Turbo Boost Advanced Automatic Overclocking Boost Graphics Card(s): - No Thanks, Please do not overclock my video card(s) Boost OS: - No Thanks, Please do not tweak the services on the operating system Windows OS: Microsoft Windows 10 Home (64-Bit Edition) Recovery Tools: Factory Reset Feature (Restore Windows + Drivers) (Partition up to 50GB of Storage) Virus Protection: FREE: McAfee AntiVirus Plus (1 Year Service Activation Card) (Not Pre-installed) ($35 Value) Office: - No Thanks Game: - No Thanks Display: - No Thanks Surge Shield: APC SurgeArrest Personal PER7 (7 Outlet) 120V Surge Protector <br><strong></strong> Speakers: - No Thanks Keyboard: - No Thanks Mouse: - No Thanks Branded Gear: - No Thanks Priority Build: - No Thanks, Ship Within 15-20 Business Days After Order Is Successfully Processed Warranty: Life-time Expert Care with 5 Year Limited Warranty (5 Year Labor & 3 Year Part Replacement) My thoughts: I included the warranty for parts and kind of miss the quality a Soundblaster adds to gaming. I threw in the surge protector to use for my old rig & TV which it is currently connected to (I have a good UPS that I'd use for the new PC and monitor). My questions are: A - Will I notice a big difference between the 1080 cards? I'm not planning on doing any rendering, etc. just trying to get something that will last for several years without upgrading. Not sure how much difference that memory will make. I am considering doing some VR stuff down the road so ... B - What's the main difference between MOBO's? Am I better off paying the extra $$ now for CPU & MOBO for upgrades a few years down the road? I appreciate the input so far.

bprat22 Members Profile Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List DS ELITE DigitalStorm East -- (Unofficially!) Joined: 08 Jun 2011 Online Status: Offline Posts: 20391	Quote Reply Posted: 28 Mar 2017 at 9:59am
	You're wasting your money selecting the Broadwell-E 6800k for gaming. The added cores do look good but in reality games barely use 4 cores with few exceptions. Plus the Kaby Lake 7700k has much faster core speed, and gaming loves single core performance. The added cores Might come in handy as games make use of them, but they've been saying that for 6 years. Can't predict the future, however. Definitely don't need 32gb ram. Drop to 16gb. For storage set 2...pick the Western Digital Black for a more reliable and much better warranty. like I had. The 1080Ti is a great video card, but that's if you go to a 4K monitor. For 1440p the 1080 will do, but, if in the budget and/or you plan on upgrading the screen, then the 1080Ti doesn't hurt. The build I posted is all you need and best bang for the buck. If you think the added cores and the faster 1080Ti is needed in 2-3 years from now, I don't, then go for it. f you decide to keep the 6800k then I would select the Boost processor, overclocking, to get the cpu's speed up. Any of these selections will work, its just getting the best for the money.

Tanqueray Members Profile Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 27 Mar 2017 Online Status: Offline Posts: 8	Quote Reply Posted: 28 Mar 2017 at 11:43am
	So, I went the 1080Ti as I mainly use my PC as gaming/entertainment center. Primary monitor is my 55" TV which is next on list to upgrade, just waiting on better reviews for larger 4k screens. I bought the 1440p to go with the new PC so not much of a chance to see it in action yet. Anyhow, I just pulled the trigger since my existing PC didn't post after a restart about an hour ago. Had to power cycle it (again). Thanks again for your help. Will keep you posted.

bprat22 Members Profile Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List DS ELITE DigitalStorm East -- (Unofficially!) Joined: 08 Jun 2011 Online Status: Offline Posts: 20391	Quote Reply Posted: 28 Mar 2017 at 12:39pm
	Congrats.

hoserator Members Profile Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List DS Veteran We don't need no stinking "Avatars" ! Joined: 08 Oct 2014 Online Status: Offline Posts: 7965	Quote Reply Posted: 29 Mar 2017 at 2:13am
	Congratulations and welcome to DS. You have read that we do like pictures/images of unveiling.

Snaike Members Profile Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group Just a dude trying to keep the spam away Joined: 23 Jan 2014 Online Status: Offline Posts: 9462	Quote Reply Posted: 29 Mar 2017 at 3:29am
	Congrats on the new machine. How long have you been playing Tamriel Unlimited?

Tanqueray Members Profile Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 27 Mar 2017 Online Status: Offline Posts: 8	Quote Reply Posted: 29 Mar 2017 at 11:24am
	Thanks for the congrats. I'll post some photos even though I didn't go with any fancy lighting. Snaike, been playing TU since launch. You are no longer limited to teaming within your own faction and the world (or you) scale to level for the area you are in, so it's a lot more like Skyrim in that regard.

Snaike Members Profile Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group Just a dude trying to keep the spam away Joined: 23 Jan 2014 Online Status: Offline Posts: 9462	Quote Reply Posted: 29 Mar 2017 at 11:52am
	I stayed away at launch because it was panned in the reviews. I understand they've reworked it? Still a monthly subscription after a buy-in like WoW?

Tanqueray Members Profile Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 27 Mar 2017 Online Status: Offline Posts: 8	Quote Reply Posted: 29 Mar 2017 at 12:27pm
	Free to play. You have to buy the game and expansions if you want to see the add'l content or you can sub & get all the content as part of subscription. Player housing has been added, Morrowind expansion (even subs have to pay for this I think) is out in a few months so it's coming along. Sub gives you unlimited bank space for crafting mats and some other perks like crowns for in game store, add'l XP, etc. Not trying to sell the game or anything but it's come a long way since launch.

Snaike Members Profile Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group Just a dude trying to keep the spam away Joined: 23 Jan 2014 Online Status: Offline Posts: 9462	Quote Reply Posted: 29 Mar 2017 at 12:53pm
	Thanks for the info

Tanqueray Members Profile Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 27 Mar 2017 Online Status: Offline Posts: 8	Quote Reply Posted: 12 Apr 2017 at 3:23pm
	Update 4/12/17 Extremely impressed. You guys rock. Don't really have time post pics right now (I will, I promise) but busy with work and RL now. Suffice it to say "I will no longer shop anywhere else (TM)".

hoserator Members Profile Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List DS Veteran We don't need no stinking "Avatars" ! Joined: 08 Oct 2014 Online Status: Offline Posts: 7965	Quote Reply Posted: 13 Apr 2017 at 2:21am
	Enjoy "work".

Looking for a quiet gaming rig

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