Building a quiet gaming PC

[nwrigley]

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/MXXDw6

CPU: Intel - Core i5-8400 2.8GHz 6-Core Processor ($178.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Noctua - NH-U12S 55.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($57.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - H370 AORUS Gaming 3 WIFI ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Crucial - Ballistix Sport LT 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2666 Memory ($159.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Crucial - MX500 1TB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($199.99 @ Adorama)
Video Card: Gigabyte - GeForce GTX 1060 3GB 3GB Windforce OC Video Card ($214.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design - Define R6 Black ATX Mid Tower Case ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - FOCUS Plus Gold 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($69.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Asus - DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($18.19 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1150.10

This PC will mostly be used for gaming, productivity, and listening to music. I also do some video editing and Photoshop/graphic design.

A main concern of mine is that it is quiet when not being used for gaming. I don't mind if fans kick on to cool things down during a gaming session, but when I'm browsing the internet, I don't want to hear it. As such, I’ve tried to select parts that are known for being quiet and with fans that can run passively below a certain temperature.


I also use my PC to listen to music a lot. I think I’m covered with this motherboard, but if there is a motherboard that offers better onboard audio or if a sound card is worth it, I would be interested.


I don’t have a strict budget - I want to spend as much as it takes to get what I want, but don’t want to overspend unnecessarily. My plan is to stick with the included case fans and if they aren’t quiet enough, replace them with Noctuas.


Feedback and advice are appreciated!

 

[LTC8K6]

The 8400 comes with a cooler, so you can go with that at first. If it's too noisy for you, you can always replace it with the Noctua later.

 

[UsandThem]

My thoughts:

If you are mentioning that you want it quiet, go ahead and get the cooler you selected. Those stock Intel coolers on their i5 lineup are all aluminum, at least on their current i5 lineup. They spin up and down constantly and are distracting (at least for me).

I'd also personally get the 6GB version of the GTX 1060.

 

[Yuriman]

I have a Noctua NH-L9i which is entirely inaudible to me. I also replaced my power supply's fan with a Noctua model (because I got a great deal on it), but there are quite a few good fanless choices in both ATX and now SFX. With the video card, just make sure it supports turning the fans off when idling. SPCR often updates the listings of which models do and don't support this.