Building a quiet server

[Kraven213]

I'm putting together a gpu-free server in probably a Fractal Ridge since it fits my space really well. My instinct is to put as powerful a CPU as I can manage in it, even though it more than likely won't need it (for now) as it's going to mainly be a plex/security camera/private game server for 3-5 people.

 

The case is limiting for air cooling the cpu but I can use the GPU space to fit a 280mm rad. My only concern at this point is that the server will be more or less open in a shared office so I'd prefer if it not make any noise when under minimal load, and not go crazy if it ends up under heavier loads occasionaly.

 

Assuming I go with a higher tier 280mm AIO, how much cpu do you think I can squeeze in there while keeping fan speeds in check?

[manikyath]

and where would your storage go?

 

it sort of seems counter productive to go with a super compact case if the sound output is of concern.

[Kraven213]

I have a NAS already that would handle any bulk storage, and a slimmer case just works better with where I have all the networking. Yes a case with like a normal width would mean I just slap a D15 on it and call it a day, but if it's possible to get what I want out of a smaller case, why not?

[WoodenMarker]

A 13900k or 7950x should be fine with a reasonable power limit.

An example from Club386's tests at 125w with a single fan NH-D15 hitting 64-66c under load: https://www.club386.com/intel-core-i9-13900k-vs-amd-ryzen-9-7950x-at-125w-and-65w/

 

A good 280mm cooler should be able to cool similarly in the Ridge.