Quiet gaming desktop

I've been out of the desktop world for 10+ years, so forgive my ignorance.

I only play counter-strike GO and I would like to have a constant 120+fps at max settings on a desktop that doesn't output a tremendously annoying noise. Would I best off building my own (I really don't have time for that these days) or are there specific models/towers I should look for?

I'm trying to keep it under $900

 

I would go with a Fractal Design case and Noctua fans. The case is well designed and the fans are exceptionally quiet for the amount of air they move.

 

have a look here
http://www.silentpcreview.com/

if you can, i would always recommend building your own
but i you go for pre-built the whole system will come with a warranty

also id look into water cooling (means you can run fans slower = less noise)
sorry didn't see you budget ignore the water-cooling

im gona be difficalt now & ask you questions

1. what else other than CSGO? what settings? what fps?
2. what else do you intend to use the computer for?
3. are you ok with used parts?
4. do you need a copy of windows?
5. do you need a mouse/keyboard/monitor/ect is this included in budget?
6. what resolution?
   
7. do you want to overclock?

 

1. Just CSGO - 120FPS, and I'm not looking for the FPS to drop when in smoke
2. Basically, just CSGO
3. Sure
4. No
5. No, I have everything else (all peripherals)
6. Doesn't matter
7. Not necessarily, if it runs at 120FPS consistently.

 

so I assume you have a 1080p monitor?

also what country are you in? I assume the USA but not sure
any particular retailer that you would like to avoid?
do you care about having a pretty pc/ a case with a window?

 

Any desktop case with this 900$ is good, what's important is the GPU. A strong GPU will run Cs go quiet.

 

I have a 1680x1050 and a 1080p monitor.

I dont care for the look of the case.
And yes i am in the USA

 

CS:GO's graphics are pretty dated. is that game even that demanding?

go grab a used watercooled 980 Ti or something and just build your system around that.

 

CSGO isn't super demanding but for High settings at a constant 120FPS, you need some top gear.

 

980ti is more than enough.. Even a 1070 should be fine!

 

Isn't 1070 more powerful than 980Ti?

Anyway, even my 970 holds stable 120 FPS (I have it locked in console). Don't remember noticing any drops.

 

they're about the same. from reviews that i've seen, the 1070 is a little faster in a few games, but the 980 Ti is a little faster in a few more titles. new drivers should bring the 1070 back even or maybe even a little ahead. the difference will be marginal though. the 980 Ti is still a beast.

the OP wanted a quiet gaming system and sounded like he was on a certain budget. that's why i suggested a used 980 Ti Hybrid that will come watercooled. it'll overclock well, won't throttle, and can be had for around $400 right now.

 

hi sorry I've not been online for a while

without buying used parts I'd suggest this (as requested a complete build for less than $900):

http://pcpartpicker.com/list/g99skT

Total build cost $885

not a CSGO gamer myself but I would expect that @1080p this system should be sufficient based on these graphs:
https://openbenchmarking.org/showdown/pts/csgo
(i don't trust these benchmarks but only ones I could find)

if you are ok spending more I would suggest upgrading the GPU to something around 980ti level of performance

will take me a bit longer to come up with a used build as I am not familiar with pricing for the US 2nd hand market

 

I had R9 270.... Ran Cs go on fhd max setting around the 200 fps.
Rx 460 should be fine.(or RX 470 if you play other games)

 

Personally I'm a big fan of mini-ITX builds. The Define Nano S chassis is a pretty good choice. It offers a lot of wiggle room for both air and water cooling, and also has sound-dampening material on the inside.
Watercooling is typically a little higher in price, and unless you plan on some heavy overclocking, I'd just stick to air cooling. I've always found that the Thermaltake Riing series CPU coolers/fans are an excellent choice for silent operation.
As far as a GPU goes, you could easily get 120 fps with a new GTX 1060. Just look around for some reviews on aftermarket 1060s and go with whatever you think will be most silent.
As far as CPU is concerned, this one a little tricky with your desired price point. AMD FX 8350 will do fine, but runs hot and thus will make the CPU cooler run a bit harder. You could also go with an i5 Broadwell CPU from intel, which will run cooler, but costs more.

 

Are people in this thread seriously recommending top high-end GPU's for someone that only plays CSGO? For 120+ FPS @ 1080p a GTX760 would be more than enough. With a 980Ti/1070 you will probably be able to run the game at 4K at 200+ FPS.

 

Is water cooling quieter than air cooling? What about any specific cases that are quiet?

 

My son did this. He has several fans in the thing and I cannot hear it. Of course I am old and the hearing is shot so maybe not the best subjective opinion. Ha!

Sent from my overpriced Galaxy S6 Edge +

Used parts are the way to go. Complete system with i7-4770K, 16GB RAM, 1TB HDD

Just add video card and Windows. GTX 970 or 1060 can be had for around $200 and will take CSGO's lunch money. Done!

Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.com/itm/182228917963

Sent from my overpriced Galaxy S6 Edge +

 

watercooling is generally quieter and runs alot cooler than air.

there are case that come with sound deadening/insulation inside.

 

It's generally more quiet, and also more expensive. If you do not plan to overclock your PC, watercooling is really not necessary, and you can get quiet operation with good fans and sound-dampening material.
Personally I am biased for air cooling, since I am paranoid that I will end up being that one unlucky guy who's AIO liquid cooler leeks...