I'm planning my first self-built PC and have compiled a list of components. Currently, I own a prebuilt PC with a 3060, which is quite noisy. I'm wondering about fan sizes—should I go with 120mm or 140mm fans? Also, could you help me check for compatibility issues in my component list? My goal is to create a clean, silent setup with some lighting, but nothing too flashy. Lastly, which is better for airflow and aesthetics: horizontal or vertical GPU placement? Here's what I've got so far: **CPU:** Intel Core Ultra 9 285K 3.7 GHz 24-Core Processor, **CPU Cooler:** be quiet! Silent Loop 3 78.4 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler, **Motherboard:** NZXT N9 Z890 ATX LGA1851 Motherboard, **Memory:** Kingston FURY Beast RGB 128 GB (4 x 32 GB) DDR5-5200 CL40 Memory, **Storage:** Samsung 970 Evo Plus 500 GB NVMe Solid State Drive, **Storage:** Samsung 990 Pro 4 TB NVMe Solid State Drive, **GPU:** NVIDIA Founders Edition GeForce RTX 4080 16 GB, **Case:** be quiet! Dark Base Pro 901 ATX Full Tower Case, **PSU:** be quiet! Dark Power Pro 13 1300 W 80+ Titanium Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply, **OS:** Microsoft Windows 11 Pro Retail - USB 64-bit, **Case Fan:** be quiet! Silent Wings Pro 4 83.9 CFM 120 mm Fan, **Case Fan:** be quiet! Silent Wings Pro 4 97.41 CFM 140 mm Fan.
2 Answers
What do you plan to use your PC for? From your parts list, it looks like a heavy workstation, but if gaming’s your focus, you might want to look into a more budget-friendly GPU option. And honestly, it seems like you’re pretty set for gaming at 100+fps in high settings with the components you’ve chosen. Just keep in mind that the 4080 is more than you might need for 1080p or even 1440p gaming.
Your build has some solid components, but it might be a bit overkill depending on your needs. For a first timer, I recommend considering a smaller case and also checking out some alternative CPU and GPU options that might be more budget-friendly. Generally, when it comes to fan size, 140mm fans tend to be quieter and can move more air compared to 120mm fans, so they could be a good choice if you’re aiming for a silent build. As for the GPU orientation, horizontal is standard for most builds unless you're going for a specific aesthetic with a vertical mount. Just keep airflow in mind!
I totally agree with the advice on fan sizes. Plus, big cases are great for airflow but can be cumbersome. If you prefer them for their space and flexibility, go for it! It's all about what works for you.
Thanks for bringing that up! The 4080 is just a placeholder while I figure out what's best. My main goal is smooth gameplay at high settings.