# DIY Computer Omnibus Thread. Builds. Upgrades. New Tech. Etc **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Tags:** computer-hardware\ **Created:** [December 6, 2023, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-computer-omnibus-thread-builds-upgrades-new-tech-etc/994187 "2023-12-06T17:31:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![FordPrefect](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e99b99/32.png) [@FordPrefect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FordPrefect)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2023, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-computer-omnibus-thread-builds-upgrades-new-tech-etc/994187/21 "2023-12-08T03:50:23Z")
Boxing Day sales are coming, I bet the price will “drop” back to 580 just in time for the post Christmas rush. Good hunting! ---
**Author:** ![EllisDee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellisdee/32/4531_2.png) [@EllisDee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EllisDee)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2023, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-computer-omnibus-thread-builds-upgrades-new-tech-etc/994187/22 "2023-12-08T03:53:24Z")
Yeah, I think waiting until after Christmas is the smart play. And like I said, the game that I’m currently playing (and likely still will be past Christmas) wouldn’t see any improvement from a 4070 anyway. Hell, I could pop my 1050 ti back in and get the same (max) performance. That’s some fortunate timing. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2023, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-computer-omnibus-thread-builds-upgrades-new-tech-etc/994187/23 "2023-12-08T03:55:22Z")
It depends on how hard you push your PC. If you overclock more the D15 can handle it better than the Hyper212. But, at normal loads (or even a light overclock) the Hyper212 will work just as well as the D15. Basically, the D15 gives you a little more room at the very high end of pushing the CPU. If you never really go there then no need for the more expensive cooler. Also, the D15 fans _might_ be quieter…I am not sure (they are well made, quiet fans…as fans go). ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2023, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-computer-omnibus-thread-builds-upgrades-new-tech-etc/994187/24 "2023-12-08T04:23:49Z")
> [@EllisDee](#): > > Is there some kind of trade embargo with China going on as of a couple weeks ago? Enterprise level Nvidia GPUs (and I think 4090s?) are being banned for sale to China to curb their AI advancement. And, yes, it’s annoying because the price of a 4090 has doubled since then as people were buying them up before the ban went into effect or for smuggling/black market sales. I wouldn’t be surprised if this has had knock-on effects like lower tier Nvidia cards getting bought up as the best people can get their hands on for AI use. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2023, 4:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-computer-omnibus-thread-builds-upgrades-new-tech-etc/994187/25 "2023-12-08T04:27:07Z")
> [@Jophiel](#): > > And, yes, it’s annoying because the price of a 4090 has doubled since then as people were buying them up before the ban went into effect or for smuggling/black market sales. Three months ago (give or take), I bought a 4090 for $1,800. Waited 7-weeks for delivery and it never arrived. Had to dork around with Amazon for refunds (which they provided but fought me on the interest charge they added on their own card). I went back to get another one and nope…prices had skyrocketed. So yeah…annoying. ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2023, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-computer-omnibus-thread-builds-upgrades-new-tech-etc/994187/26 "2023-12-08T04:35:04Z")
Very thankful I have not just one but three Micro Centers I can go to, though it would take some special circumstances to drive out to the far side of the Baltimore beltway. Rockville and Fairfax are about equidistant from me. With something as volatile as GPUs it’s a real luxury to be able to see a live number on the items in stock, buy one online, then go there and have it in my hands that day. ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2023, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-computer-omnibus-thread-builds-upgrades-new-tech-etc/994187/27 "2023-12-08T17:28:26Z")
> [@Whack-a-Mole](#): > > But, at normal loads (or even a light overclock) the Hyper212 will work just as well as the D15. Probably and that was my original idea but for $35 why not get a cooler that had a 12th Gen in mind instead of a 4th Gen. Plus she does want one game (Harry Pothead & Adventures in Hogwarts or something like that) that will stress the system a little bit. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2023, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-computer-omnibus-thread-builds-upgrades-new-tech-etc/994187/28 "2023-12-08T17:48:09Z")
Know who you are buying for. If it was my mom who would only ever check email and rarely use a web browser then the Hyper212 is plenty…maybe even overkill (one of the few people I would ever think a stock cooler was sufficient). Want to play Hogwarts for hours? DH15 all the way. Remember, a PC will not break when it overheats…it will throttle its speed (slow down). That may not be obvious when using it depending on what you are doing. ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2023, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-computer-omnibus-thread-builds-upgrades-new-tech-etc/994187/29 "2023-12-08T17:54:52Z")
For the $35, I’d rather be covered than worry. If it was about an i5 or an i9 processor, it makes sense not to overpurchase. Or, heck, a modest air cooler versus a 360mm AIO system. But replacing an antiquated cooler with one that has better heat pipes, fins and fans for not much money makes good sense to me. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2023, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-computer-omnibus-thread-builds-upgrades-new-tech-etc/994187/30 "2023-12-08T18:00:48Z")
> [@Jophiel](#): > > For the $35, I’d rather be covered than worry. Hyper212 is maybe $35. DH15 is $110. I can see wondering if the 212 is sufficient. Especially if the build is on a tight budget. FTR: I have a [NH-U12A](https://noctua.at/en/nh-u12a). I love it. Has worked with no issue for years and I do AAA gaming on it. I have had a DH15 in the past and loved it too. I would have used it again except I decided I was done with overclocking. ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2023, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-computer-omnibus-thread-builds-upgrades-new-tech-etc/994187/31 "2023-12-08T18:09:10Z")
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 is only $35. Newer, more heat pipes, quieter, easier to install. ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2023, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-computer-omnibus-thread-builds-upgrades-new-tech-etc/994187/32 "2023-12-08T18:11:48Z")
That’s the one I’m getting. The CM Hyper212 in there that I considered recycling is 10 years old. ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2023, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-computer-omnibus-thread-builds-upgrades-new-tech-etc/994187/33 "2023-12-08T18:14:34Z")
> [@Whack-a-Mole](#): > > Hyper212 is maybe $35. DH15 is $110 Sure but I wouldn’t jump right from “10 year old econo-cooler” to a Noctua either. Lots of good middle ground in there. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2023, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-computer-omnibus-thread-builds-upgrades-new-tech-etc/994187/34 "2023-12-08T18:26:26Z")
I would try to remember fans are something to be considered in a PC build. A modern, good PC build will have loads of fans. My current PC build has seven fans (two BIG intake fans, two on the heat-sink, two on the GPU, one on the PSU) coupled with a good air flow case. At low power when you are browsing the internet they are (likely) very quiet. Start pushing the system and they will speed up and get more noisy. Shit fans will get VERY noisy and you will think you have a plane taking off in your room. Good fans will still be noisy (you will hear them) but much less noisy. That comes at a premium but older me is now willing to pay for less noise. YMMV. ---
**Author:** ![FordPrefect](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e99b99/32.png) [@FordPrefect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FordPrefect)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2023, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-computer-omnibus-thread-builds-upgrades-new-tech-etc/994187/35 "2023-12-08T18:53:50Z")
That’s a very good point re: fans. My case has 3 140mm pulling in air from the front, 1 came with the Phanteks case, 2 are Be Quiet! Silent wings, a Be Quiet! cpu cooler with a single fan, 3 on my GPU and a Phanteks 120 pushing out the back. All that means that while playing Cyberpunk 2077 maxed out ray tracing(and DLSS 3.0) the CPU stays under 50C with the GPU core running in the mid 60s with the hot spot closer to 80 C. The air blowing out the back is toasty, but I am located my basement, so the added heat isn’t a burden. The noise is below ambient. I hear my furnace fan running over the sound of my rig, so not silent but, in my situation, not noticeable to me. ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2023, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-computer-omnibus-thread-builds-upgrades-new-tech-etc/994187/36 "2023-12-10T15:56:38Z")
I waited way too long to fill out my case with fans. It came with three 120mm RGB fans and I was just rolling with that because it was working. Fans are so cheap and easy to install I think I was putting it off just _because_ it would be so quick and simple to do. Added a pair of 120mm Corsair fans up top and a Noctua in the back. Three in front are blowing in, the rest are blowing out. I’m set up in my basement too so it’s relatively loud down here anyways between the HVAC, the washer and dryer, and the fans I use to create an “air wall” between me and the litter boxes. I pretty much never hear my computer now even if everything in it is blowing at MAX rpm except maybe right when the A/C or furnace switches off. But I know there is a huge difference because when I had the stock Intel cooler on it, combined with my used GPU of questionable provenance, the thing sounded like a jet engine even at idle. ---
**Author:** ![Raza](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/raza/32/213_2.png) [@Raza](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raza)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2023, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-computer-omnibus-thread-builds-upgrades-new-tech-etc/994187/37 "2023-12-10T22:33:21Z")
I built a completely new PC almost a year ago (Jan 2023). Despite the cautions against water cooling, I wanted to try a build with one, and since I was going with a decently-hot I9 12900K, I definitely preferred the aesthetics of a water-cooled system versus a gigantic fan. I had air cooling on my to-be-phased-out 8700K, and that Hyper 212 was definitely the central feature (and barely fit my rather large Corsair case). But first I made sure I got a case that is well-regarded for cooling. After a lot of research I settled on a **Lian Li Lancool 216**. The dang front fans actually filter more dust than my Winix air purifier in the same room. I then chose the **Arctic Liquid Freezer II 280** AIO cooler, since it seems to receive a lot of praise. The case allows me several choices for mounting the radiator, but I stuck with the traditional top mount. Everything stays cucumber cool. Even under load I don’t hear a change in sound level. BUT: I think I do hear some low-level…_pump_ noise? It’s pretty minor, but always present when the PC is on. ---
**Author:** ![EllisDee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellisdee/32/4531_2.png) [@EllisDee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EllisDee)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2023, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-computer-omnibus-thread-builds-upgrades-new-tech-etc/994187/38 "2023-12-10T23:41:05Z")
> [@Raza](#): > > Lian Li Lancool 216 Awesome case, good choice. > [@Raza](#): > > I think I do hear some low-level…_pump_ noise? It’s pretty minor, but always present when the PC is on. This is why I won’t do water cooling. It’s quiet, but not silent. ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2023, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-computer-omnibus-thread-builds-upgrades-new-tech-etc/994187/39 "2023-12-10T23:49:03Z")
I find that a good AIO or two is much quieter than a typical air cooled system simply because you need fewer fans. On an air cooled system, you typically have two or three GPU fans, two fans minimum on the CPU tower cooler, then intake and exhaust fans on the case – usually another three to five total. So you can easily have 7-10 fans going at once. With a radiator, the fans cooling are also the intake fans. So I have four 140mm radiator fans (two on the CPU AIO, two on the GPU AIO) and a 200mm fan lazily spinning up top as an exhaust. Larger fans make less noise than smaller once since they do less work to move the same amount of air so each is quieter than the usual 120mm fan. With my CPU running at 5.3GHz and my GPU under full load right now doing AI stuff, the total noise is basically a soft background hum. ---
**Author:** ![EllisDee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellisdee/32/4531_2.png) [@EllisDee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EllisDee)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2023, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-computer-omnibus-thread-builds-upgrades-new-tech-etc/994187/40 "2023-12-11T00:28:59Z")
Water cooling is absolutely quieter on a high performance system. For a silent system you have to sacrifice high performance. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-computer-omnibus-thread-builds-upgrades-new-tech-etc/994187.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-computer-omnibus-thread-builds-upgrades-new-tech-etc/994187.md?page=3)