🛠️ Creator PC - Advice on Fans / Cooling - and case?

G

griffpatch

Member
Hey Guys - Thanks a lot for taking a look, I'm trying to assemble a workstation PC for everything - Game Development / Video Editing / Streaming / Music production / 3D Rendering / Running LLMs. The main thrust is for Game Dev & creating Tutorial Videos.

Main problem is I don't have a lot of room, so was trying to keep the case down to 50cm deep. It will sit in the living room often, and as I record videos / audio, it would be best if it ran very quiet, at least when not under a lot of load.

I could therefore do with some advice especially around cooling and fans (see my concept spec below)

Current Monitor - Dell U2723QE
Uses - Game Development / Devlog Creation / Tutorials - Yes VR too, Yes streaming and yes Video processing + AI / LLMs, etc
Max Budget - ÂŁ5500 is the fixed ceiling if you need one. This is a workstation PC which I will use for everything related to my businesses, and as such I can push the spend as it will pay me back over time.

Case
FRACTAL NORTH TG XL GAMING CASE (BLACK)
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D 16 Core CPU (4.3GHz-5.7GHz/128MB w/3D V-CACHE/AM5)
Motherboard
ASUS® ROG CROSSHAIR X870E HERO (AM5, DDR5, M.2 PCIe 5.0, Wi-Fi 7)
Memory (RAM)
64GB Corsair VENGEANCE RGB DDR5 6000MHz CL40 (2 x 32GB)
Graphics Card
32GB ZOTAC GEFORCE RTX 5090 AMP EXTREME - HDMI, 3 x DP
1st M.2 SSD Drive
* 2TB CRUCIAL T705 GEN 5 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 14,500MB/sR, 12,700MB/sW)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
* 2TB CRUCIAL T705 GEN 5 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 14,500MB/sR, 12,700MB/sW)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
* 4TB CORSAIR CORE XT MP600 NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD (up to 5000 MB/R, 4400 MB/W)
Power Supply
CORSAIR 1200W HXi SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® PLATINUM V2
Power Cable
1 x 1.5 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead, 1.0mm Core)
Processor Cooling
* CORSAIR iCUE H150i ELITE CAPELLIX XT RGB High Performance CPU Cooler
Thermal Paste
STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
Extra Case Fans
* 1 x 120mm Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12 Case Fan

(I have a slight worry at AMD not supporting thunderbolt 5, although at present this isn't an issue - just a forward thinking niggle.)

Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am5-pc/6AQNaEJ0h2/

I've been warned away from the Samsung SSDs which made this more difficult to spec, I would feel better waiting for the 2TB drives drive (I feel even for the boot drive I'd prefer 2TB to hold my VST instruments along with windows & program files - does that sound wise). I think 1TB just would fill up too fast... But I dunno... Maybe that's a waste? Speed is king!

So I'm not sure about the fans at all - I'm not sure PC Specialist stock the best, no 140mm ones that I could see.
 
Last edited:
G

griffpatch

Member
Sorry, is that because of the monitor? It's not a factor for me because I want the card for video rendering and running local LLMs / simulations more than for playing games - in fact, I really don't play games a lot. My monitor is 4K, but with limited refresh rate... but like I say, that's not the issue. I do however need it to screen capture at high res 60 FPS without a glitch if possible!
If I've misunderstood please let me know!
 
SpyderTracks

SpyderTracks

We love you Ukraine
griffpatch said:
Sorry, is that because of the monitor? It's not a factor for me because I want the card for video rendering and running local LLMs / simulations more than for playing games - in fact, I really don't play games a lot. My monitor is 4K, but with limited refresh rate... but like I say, that's not the issue. I do however need it to screen capture at high res 60 FPS without a glitch if possible!
If I've misunderstood please let me know!
Click to expand...
Without the answers requested it's not really possible to give any advice as we don't have enough information to go on.
 
G

griffpatch

Member
Monitor - Dell U2723QE (at present)
Uses - Game Development / Devlog Creation / Tutorials - Yes VR too, Yes streaming and yes Video processing + AI / LLMs, etc
Max Budget - ÂŁ5500 is the fixed ceiling if you need one. This is a workstation PC which I will use for everything related to my businesses, and as such I can push the spend as it will pay me back over time.
 
G

griffpatch

Member
SpyderTracks said:
Without the answers requested it's not really possible to give any advice as we don't have enough information to go on.
Click to expand...
I've updated my original post hopefully with enough information? - I'm very keen to know if the cooling / fans I've added are sufficient / a good balance to keep it cool, and as quiet as possible :) - Thanks a lot.
 
G

griffpatch

Member
Bala Bob said:

Your build looks solid, and you’ve chosen great components. Here’s some advice for your concerns:


  1. Cooling and Fans: The Corsair iCUE H150i ELITE CAPELLIX XT is a great CPU cooler, but adding more 140mm case fans (if possible) will improve airflow and help keep it quiet. Look into Noctua or be quiet! for high-performance, quiet fans. Fan control software will help manage noise when not under load.
  2. Storage: Going with 2TB for the boot drive is wise, especially for large files like VST instruments and game dev assets. The Crucial T705 SSDs will give you excellent speed and capacity. Speed is essential, but the larger capacity will prevent filling up too quickly.
  3. Thunderbolt 5: Not an issue now. AMD doesn’t support Thunderbolt 5 yet, but it’s only necessary for specific devices. Thunderbolt 4 is still great for most current peripherals.
  4. Case Size: The Fractal North TG XL should be fine for your space constraint. Just ensure it has good airflow and isn’t too compact, which could restrict cooling.

Hope this helps! Let me know if you need further advice. If you are looking for best video app for editing then visit here https://capcutmodapkall.com/
Click to expand...
Thanks a lot Bala Bob - I know the case comes with 3 x 140mm Aspect PWM on the front intake. Then the top will have the 3x120mm radiator fans. That only leaves the rear? I assumed there would only be space for 1 there, but could only see 120mm fans listed on PCSpecialist... do they just not cater for any 140s? - I'd love to know if you think there is space in this build for more 140mm fans and if so, where they go in such a setup. Thanks a bunch
 
G

griffpatch

Member
Apologies for the repost, but my thread went dead :) - I am in need of your advice on fans and cooling for a quiet powerful creator system.

Main problem is I don't have a lot of room, so was trying to keep the case down to 50cm deep. It will sit in the living room often, and as I screen record / edit videos / audio, it would be best if it could run quiet, at least when not under a lot of load.

I could therefore do with some advice especially around cooling and fans (see my concept spec below). I can only see 120mm fans available through PCSpecialist (anyone know if there's a reason for this?). Do you think this cooler combined with the 3x 140mm intake fans on the case, 3x120mm radiator fans, and perhaps 1 extra 120mm outflow fan would suffice to cool this system, and be relatively quiet, and is this the best I can do with this case / PC specialist range? I don't mind switching case if this one is not optimal, but I don't want to go bigger really, only smaller lol :) - But advice is very much welcome and appreciated.

One last question - I know for a fact that the 5090 is overkill for me this year, but I was being forward thinking here as if time allowed there are many high end tasks I'd like to put it to. However, I would consider dropping to the 5080 - would that benefit me at all with heat / noise, is would that only be at load anyway? (I tend to not upgrade often, so when I do I like to be forward thinking.)

Current Monitor - Dell U2723QE
Uses - Game Development / Devlog Creation / Tutorials - Yes VR too, Yes streaming and yes Video processing + AI / LLMs, etc
Max Budget - ÂŁ5500 is the ceiling

Case
FRACTAL NORTH TG XL GAMING CASE (BLACK)
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D 16 Core CPU (4.3GHz-5.7GHz/128MB w/3D V-CACHE/AM5)
Motherboard
ASUS® ROG CROSSHAIR X870E HERO (AM5, DDR5, M.2 PCIe 5.0, Wi-Fi 7)
Memory (RAM)
64GB Corsair VENGEANCE RGB DDR5 6000MHz CL40 (2 x 32GB)
Graphics Card
32GB ZOTAC GEFORCE RTX 5090 AMP EXTREME - HDMI, 3 x DP
1st M.2 SSD Drive
* 2TB CRUCIAL T705 GEN 5 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 14,500MB/sR, 12,700MB/sW)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
* 2TB CRUCIAL T705 GEN 5 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 14,500MB/sR, 12,700MB/sW)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
* 4TB CORSAIR CORE XT MP600 NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD (up to 5000 MB/R, 4400 MB/W)
Power Supply
CORSAIR 1200W HXi SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® PLATINUM V2
Power Cable
1 x 1.5 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead, 1.0mm Core)
Processor Cooling
* CORSAIR iCUE H150i ELITE CAPELLIX XT RGB High Performance CPU Cooler
Thermal Paste
STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
Extra Case Fans
* 1 x 120mm Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12 Case Fan

Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am5-pc/6AQNaEJ0h2/
 
Ekans2011

Ekans2011

VALUED CONTRIBUTOR
There was no need to start a new thread on the same argument; it's always better to stick with the previous thread to keep the record.

Anyway, while you wait for someone with more knowledge than me, I suggest the following build for your needs.

Case
LIAN LI O11DYNAMIC EVO RGB GAMING CASE - The Fractal XL is slightly deeper (503mm), while the O11 is a great alternative.
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D 16 Core CPU (4.3GHz-5.7GHz/128MB w/3D V-CACHE/AM5)
Motherboard
GIGABYTE X870E AORUS MASTER (AM5, DDR5, M.2 PCIe 5.0, Wi-Fi 7) - Probably an X870E Aorus Elite would suffice, but the budget is huge, and the Master has slightly higher specs and costs less than the Crosshair.
Memory (RAM)
64GB Corsair VENGEANCE RGB DDR5 6000MHz CL40 (2 x 32GB)
Graphics Card
32GB PALIT GEFORCE RTX 5090 GAMEROCK - HDMI, 3 x DP
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB CRUCIAL T705 GEN 5 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 14,500MB/sR, 12,700MB/sW) - OS Drive.
1st M.2 SSD Drive
4TB CORSAIR CORE XT MP600 NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD (up to 5000 MB/R, 4400 MB/W) - Main/Working Drive.
1st M.2 SSD Drive
512GB SOLIDIGM P41+ GEN 4 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 3500MB/sR, 1625MB/sW) - Scratch/Cache Drive if needed.
Power Supply
CORSAIR 1500W HXi SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® PLATINUM, ULTRA QUIET - I think it's worth to going a little bit higher given the budget.
Power Cable
1 x 1.5 Metre IEC C19 UK Power Cable
Processor Cooling
CORSAIR ICUE LINK TITAN 360 RX RGB HIGH PERFORMANCE CPU COOLER - Premium AIO, newer model with improved pump and fans.
Thermal Paste
STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
Sound Card
ONBOARD 6 CHANNEL (5.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)
Network Card
ONBOARD 2.5Gbe LAN PORT
Wireless Network Card
NONE OR ONBOARD Wi-Fi (MOTHERBOARD DEPENDENT)
USB/Thunderbolt Options
MIN. 2 x USB 3.0 & 2 x USB 2.0 PORTS @ BACK PANEL + MIN. 2 FRONT PORTS
Operating System
Windows 11 Home 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media
Windows 10/11 Multi-Language Recovery Image - Unlimited Downloads from Online Account
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft 365® (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus
NO ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
Browser
Firefox™
Warranty
3 Year Gold Warranty (2 Year Collect & Return, 2 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Delivery
STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time
Standard Build - Subject to stock availability on pre-order products
Price: ÂŁ4,957.00 including VAT and Delivery
Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am5-pc/NRf7YUW4Sa/
 
G

griffpatch

Member
Thanks so much for the input Ekans2011, appreciate it :) - That is a very interesting case, although I am more at home with the design of the Fractal XL for use in my living room - although I wish it was the mesh version... I think the fractal might have better acoustics/cooling with its larger fans?

What I don't know is whether I need extra fans to draw air out the back (as well as out the top with the radiator).

You've upped the Power Supply, Do you think that is a good plan? What do I gain from that, is it just for future proofing?

I was under the impression that the i150 radiator might be slightly preferable to the newer titan 360? But I'm not sure where I got that from lol - There's so many aspects to research!
 
Ekans2011

Ekans2011

VALUED CONTRIBUTOR
griffpatch said:
That is a very interesting case, although I am more at home with the design of the Fractal XL for use in my living room - although I wish it was the mesh version... I think the fractal might have better acoustics/cooling with its larger fans?
Click to expand...
They are both solid choices; I like the O11's look, but that is purely personal preference. If the Fractal fits in the allotted space, then go for it.

griffpatch said:
What I don't know is whether I need extra fans to draw air out the back (as well as out the top with the radiator).
Click to expand...
Too many fans are counterproductive if not properly set up; they are primarily aesthetic, but I can't say the extra fans are required.

griffpatch said:
You've upped the Power Supply, Do you think that is a good plan? What do I gain from that, is it just for future proofing?
Click to expand...
A PSU's peak efficiency is typically between 50 and 70%; a configuration with a 9950X3D (approx. 230W) and a 5090 (approx. 630W, not counting transient spikes) benefits from a PSU that can handle the entire load while remaining in the optimal efficiency range. The 1200W may be sufficient, but if your budget allows it, I believe it's wiser to have a larger margin.

www.techpowerup.com

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Review - Great for Gaming and Productivity

The new AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D brings Zen 5 with 3D V-Cache to the high-end. This new $700 flagship offers the best application performance, beating even the 9950X, and at the same time you get a fantastic gaming experience that's better than any other non-X3D processor on the market.
www.techpowerup.com www.techpowerup.com

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Palit GeForce RTX 5090 GameRock Review

The Palit GeForce RTX 5090 Game Rock is a custom-design variant of the RTX 5090 that's designed to offer better cooling performance than the FE, thanks to its quad-slot, triple-fan design. You also get adjustable RGB support with the ability to synchronize external lighting.
www.techpowerup.com www.techpowerup.com

griffpatch said:
I was under the impression that the i150 radiator might be slightly preferable to the newer titan 360?
Click to expand...
I don't see how this is possible given that the Titan is a newer model with an improved pump and fans, as well as compatibility with the proprietary ''Link'' technology, which reduces wiring.
 
G

griffpatch

Member
I have so many questions :)

Todays question is this - If you want your main data drive to be the M.2 gen 5, but the boot drive to be a gen 4... Is there any issue specifying that the boot drive should be the 2nd SSD so that the gen 5 can sit under the largest heatsink?
 
Nursemorph

Nursemorph

Gold Level Poster
griffpatch said:
I have so many questions :)

Todays question is this - If you want your main data drive to be the M.2 gen 5, but the boot drive to be a gen 4... Is there any issue specifying that the boot drive should be the 2nd SSD so that the gen 5 can sit under the largest heatsink?
Click to expand...

Shouldn't be. Once you've placed the order, you might want to drop them a message to explain what you want done so that it gets done how you want.
 
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