Making a quiet mini itx build (Node 304)

[Acquire]

My current system is in a node 304  (https://pcpartpicker.com/b/yNXH99)

 

Like everything about it, expect how loud it gets during load mainly coming from the GPU.  

 

So, I'm thinking, what can be done to try to make this quieter?  I want to stick to mini itx and I really like this case.  Don't really want a tower.  Would a reference model GPU actually help it out?  What with them being more optimized for small form factor builds?

 

I'm also thinking of swapping out the motherboard for the new Asus Strix Z270 Mini ITX mainly because it allows me to mount the NH-U12S.  The riser boards of the current mobo cause nasty vibration noises since it makes contact.

 

Thoughts? 

[wzrd]

8 minutes ago, Acquire said:

My current system is in a node 304  (https://pcpartpicker.com/b/yNXH99)

 

Like everything about it, expect how loud it gets during load mainly coming from the GPU.  

 

So, I'm thinking, what can be done to try to make this quieter?  I want to stick to mini itx and I really like this case.  Don't really want a tower.  Would a reference model GPU actually help it out?  What with them being more optimized for small form factor builds?

 

I'm also thinking of swapping out the motherboard for the new Asus Strix Z270 Mini ITX mainly because it allows me to mount the NH-U12S.  The riser boards of the current mobo cause nasty vibration noises since it makes contact.

 

Thoughts? 

I have a Node 304 build in my living room, they're awesome right? Believe it or not I managed to get a custom loop into it, something I highly recommend trying if you are experienced in that area.

 

But if not, consider going with an AIO, as this will allow your fans to run at lower speeds, and therefore generate less noise.

 

As regards the GPU, a blower style card is more efficient in terms of overall cooling, because it won't dump heat into the case. It may actually be slightly louder than your Strix card, but it should allow the other case fans to run more quietly, because they won't have to dump less heat into the case.

 

EDIT: Your proposed motherboard change definitely won't do any harm. If it's making that much noise as is, it can only be a good thing