Hi all,I might be choosing to upgrade my computer over the next month or so, and I'm wondering what you all recommend. My current spec:Athlon 2100XP60GB HDGf3 Ti 500 TDSB Live Platinum512MB 2700 DDR RAM550W PSUI'm after a new computer that will be QUIET, fast, with excellent graphics concerning both speed and quality, and will run excellent in FS with FPS very high and quality that will make anyone drool.I'm planning this time to go for an "already built" PC, as over the many years I've constructed them myself, but I've managed to create in my opinion a "factory" - a quite noisy PC.If you can throw a few recommendations at me, I can take them on board when considering a new system, which I plan to see running before I buy.Another query, FANS!.. are the modern powerful PC's quite noisy or is it just my bad choice of hardware :(?Cheershttp://forums.avsim.net/user_files/57366.jpg

>Hi all,>I'm planning this time to go for an "already built" PC, as>over the many years I've constructed them myself, but I've>managed to create in my opinion a "factory" - a quite noisy>PC.A lot of big name PCs (Dell, I'm looking in your direction) achieve their low noise by allowing the the processor to run at what many would consider very hot temps. Not so good for long term reliablility.>If you can throw a few recommendations at me, I can take them>on board when considering a new system, which I plan to see>running before I buy.>>Another query, FANS!.. are the modern powerful PC's quite>noisy or is it just my bad choice of hardware :(?Some really can be like buzzsaws.. my heatsink originally came with some 7000 RPM 60mm Delta fan. Cooled great, sounded like a dustbuster. Replaced it with a larger but lower rpm 90mm fan and an adaptor (plastic funnel shaped gizmo), got the same CFM a LOT quieter. There are some decent off-the-shelf coolers, Zalman is a good name to look for. Some people think watercooling is the way to go, but it's a big pain in the rear, with a lot of stuff to go wrong, and you still need fans to cool the radiator.But if you REALLY want to spend some cash, you can go completely fanless. The only moving part left is the harddrive.http://www.tomshardware.com/howto/20040115/index.htmlDan

Hiya Will...I have just upgraded my computer. I have always bought off the shelf computers, the last one being a Dell, but this time, egged on by other people, I decided to build my own. My Dell was very noisy so when I started shopping around for new bits I was interested to find these guys:http://www.quietpc.com/uk/I now have a Quiet PC and I sometimes I have to check if its switched on, its so quiet! I don't think I will ever buy another pre-built PC as its far cheaper and much more satisfying to build your own.

Hi Will,I recently purchased a custom system from http://www.progresssystemsinc.com. I spec'd out what I wanted on their forum and received a quote within in a day or two (inclusing shipping). The quality, price and personal attention to detail I've found to be second to none.The PC is incredibily quiet, sharp looking and extremely fast.I was kept abreast of the build progress, forwarded 3dLab scores and pics. Cheryl (owner of the company) answered all of my questions in a pleasant and timely manner.I highly recommend you obtain a quote.Regards,Bob Lyddy

Cheers guys for the help.I'm still keeping the "home built PC" as an option. I don't tend to go into much depth concerning specifications, but just the general for what one needs to know, and because of that I've slipped up upon the noise aspect of a working computer.I'll check out the sites, a custom built PC is something I've been considering. Sure buying parts separately from individal suppliers at the best deals can sure save money.I plan to visit a few places and find out about what hardware certain shops are using which manages to keep their computers so damn quiet, while being fast and effective.http://forums.avsim.net/user_files/57366.jpg

>A lot of big name PCs (Dell, I'm looking in your direction)>achieve their low noise by allowing the the processor to run>at what many would consider very hot temps. Not so good for>long term reliablility.I'm a home-build guy myself, and many years ago I worried about temps, with my ears paying the price for my paranoia because of cooling fan overkill. Now I just make sure my PCs have at least one case fan to keep things moving and I run STOCK cooling for the CPU, even overclocked. I have been running four computers this way for three years now and there is no sign of premature death. Yeah, OK my P4 regularly runs at 55C full throttle and I have even seen it up to 57C, which would scare the pants off most hardcore overclockers, but the chip isn't even approaching its design limit of 90C.Case in point is a Pentium MMX that I still run. Speced at 166MHz, 2.8V core, it ran at 250MHz, 3.3V core, stock cooling, for the two years of gaming life that I had it for. For the last five years I have run it at 200MHz, 3.3V core, large heatsink but NO FAN, without it missing a beat! Too hot to touch when it is running, but it doesn't seem to care.I'm not saying don't worry about cooling, I'm just saying don't go overboard with it. I'm sure even the likes of Dell have done their thermal margin calculations and don't expect you to be calling them anytime soon with heat-related failures.Gary