Building silent, powerful microATX computer.

[Auxi]

Hello everyone

I've been wanting to build a very silent, but also a powerful microATX media/work computer. I've already found a couple of parts, but I need some advice on the few remaining parts I've yet not decided.

Parts I've semi-decided. Please feel free to tell me if I should stay away/get something else:

Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...36&cm_re=in-win_dragon-_-11-108-236-_-Product

Motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...707&cm_re=asus_p8p67-m-_-13-131-707-_-Product

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115073&cm_re=i5-2500-_-19-115-073-_-Product

Parts I've yet not decided:

Memory: To be honest, I want at least 8GB of memory. I'll be running a virtual machine, and therefore the more the merrier. DDR3 is a must

HDD: A cheap SSD, could you guys help me with this? Doesn't need to be more than 64GB. I'll use an external HDD for storage.

GPU: I really don't need anything powerful. I won't be gaming on this computer, but a good enough GPU to play atleast 720p movies would be great!

PSU: This is the most tricky one for me. I have no clue how many watts I'll be needing. I don't want an overkill PSU, and if possible, I'd love a very silent one.

Thank you very much, I'd highly appreciate help! Also remember, I want to run this machine during the night (mostly 24/7), and therefore I want a silent machine. Cheers!

 

[Benny Boy]

Hi Auxi

SSD
Suggest this very fast internal hdd to compliment the ssd. SSD unfriendly and small apps/programs can go here, as well as storage for user/etc folders from OS and other C:\ program storage mapping options
Then use the external accordingly.

Setup and Manage SSD

Here's 2x4GB 1600 on sale
High quality 450w and is enough for up to about a HD 5670 or nVidia equivelent.
HD 5450 will do it. But then so would H chipset mb w/o gpu.

 

[Auxi]

The reason why I don't want an internal HDD, is because they are noisy. I can't stand the spinning sounds anymore haha. I'll put in an internal drive later on if I find out it's completely necessary.

I don't think those memory sticks are compatible on my motherboard. The motherboard I found supports 1333 MHz max.

Glad to hear that ~500W is enough. Was afraid I'd have to put in a large powersupply

As for the GPU, I think I have the budget to go for a better one, just so it doesn't get outdated too fast. I also prefer nVidia

Thanks Benny, appreciate the help!

 

[Benny Boy]

That 1600 RAM will run at the default 1333 when you install it. The mb will support 1600 and higher with a bios setting, without hurting the mb.

As for the internal hdd, if it's so critical, I'm pretty sure you can turn just it off.