Remote computer vs silent computer

MrTeal

Diamond Member
Dec 7, 2003
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So, I'm in the planning stages of my next build, and I'm soliciting advice on how to approach it.
My current rig is a 2500k@4.2/1.3V, 2xR9 290 @1150 normally. It pulls around 900W under Prime95/Furmark. It's quietish at idle and not too loud given the power draw, but it's definitely not silent.

I'm looking to build a Skylake and 980Ti/FuryX build, and want complete silence in my computer room. I've kind of got a couple option in mind, but am looking for opinions.

1. Standard WC PC with remote water.
- This would be the closest to a standard computer. You'd still have the box in the computer room, with the PSU included. Water would come in from a remote location and hot water would return there.
-Probably the simplest build, disadvantage is that there would still be a PSU fan.

2. Standard WC PC with WC PSU
- Same as above, but with the PSU being water cooled as well. The PSU cooling system would just be some 1/2" copper line soldered to 1/16" fingers that are attached to the stock heatsink using thermal epoxy, so there would be no risk of leaks. I might include a cold plate under the whole PSU with a big thermal pad to provide general cooling.

3. Remote PSU. I have a bunch of 2450W Platinum server PSUs sitting around unused. I could install one in the room with the rad/pump and pass high current 12V to the computer. Inside the box could either be a small fanless PSU or a PicoPSU. I'd lean towards the ATX PSU just for the ease of adding connectors if I want a SATA plug for lights or something. PCIe and EPS would come from the remote 12V supply.

4. Full remote computer. Just build a standard watercooling rig and stick it in another room, and then run monitor/USB/audio to my computer room. This would be the most traditional route, but I don't really like the idea of not having my computer in the same room. Less fun, too.
 

MrTeal

Diamond Member
Dec 7, 2003
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Oh, in terms of parts I have, I'll probably reuse my Carbide Air 540 and MX500 512GB SDD. PSU I have, though I don't know which one I'll use. Other than that, most stuff is up in the air.
Water supply will be something like a 8M head 4.5GPM pump, with this rad.
23mspox.jpg

No idea what I'll use for rad fans yet. I'm not sure it matters.
 

sm625

Diamond Member
May 6, 2011
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Go with #4, or #1 with a very quiet power supply. Do not try option #3.
 

MrTeal

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Dec 7, 2003
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MrTeal

Diamond Member
Dec 7, 2003
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Go with #4, or #1 with a very quiet power supply. Do not try option #3.

Out of curiosity, why not use option three? I would have thought people would object to #2 more, but mixing PSUs isn't that uncommon. Is the worry about overloading a PicoPSU?
 

LurchFrinky

Senior member
Nov 12, 2003
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Out of curiosity, why not use option three? I would have thought people would object to #2 more, but mixing PSUs isn't that uncommon. Is the worry about overloading a PicoPSU?

You are suggesting running (600W/12V) = 50+ Amps of current outside of your case over a relatively long distance. Unlike other mistakes which might cause you to lose a PSU or motherboard, this has the potential to burn your house down!
 

ShintaiDK

Lifer
Apr 22, 2012
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Option 4. I once had mine like 10 meters away (not due to noise tho). All you need is display and USB cables.
 

MrTeal

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Dec 7, 2003
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Option 4. I once had mine like 10 meters away (not due to noise tho). All you need is display and USB cables.

I suppose what one could do is move the computer to another room, and then in addition to display/audio and a few USB3 hubs put a front panel wired to the computer to control power on and reset.


I whipped up a cooler tonight for the 1000W Fractal Newton PSU. I'll try and load test it in the next few days once I grab a couple 1/2" copper to 1/2" tubing fittings to see what temps look like and if it's worthwhile pursuing a 1000W silent PSU.
2igdp91.jpg
 

rcarlos243

Member
Feb 17, 2014
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Replace the CPU heatsink with Noctua NH-D15 or Cryorig R1 Ultimate and the GPU cooler with Prolimatech MK-26 with Noiseblocker E-Loop B12-3 or Gentle Typhoon AP-14's.
 

Yuriman

Diamond Member
Jun 25, 2004
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If doing #1 or #2, I would still keep some airflow in your case, as even a tiny amount can make a huge difference. Not all components that need cooling will have heatsinks on them. Invest in some high quality fans (e.g. Noctuas) and run them at <800rpm.