Quietest PC Cases, for Music Production PC Build?

[QuestionAsker]

Looking to build the most silent PC [at idle / normal operation] possible.

I know Macs are great, but I need to go PC to run various Windows programs for work, etc.

If gaming or video editing or doing very taxing tasks, I don't mind fan noise - just want to keep it as silent as possible for everyday work use, and recording music with microphones.

So far I've narrowed the cases down to:

- Fractal Define 7
- be quiet! Silent Base 802
- Antec Flux Pro

Any insights on which one might be best? Or other cases I should consider?

[FranklyFlawless]

You can compare against this database from Cybenetics Labs:

• Cybenetics Labs – PSU Efficiency & Noise Level Certifications - Chassis

[npdc]

Look at their weight, a capable silent one sure is heavy (more than 10 kg / 22 pounds).

[Serhii Kot]

be quiet! Silent Base 802 for sure. I had 801, and 802 - best cases for build quality/silence.
Now I have Fractal Define 7 Compact, it is not bad, but build quality and noise is worse than be quiet.
I will definitely return to Silent Base 802, when space in my studio will not be an issue.

[Pictus]

be quiet! Silent Base 802 for sure. I had 801, and 802 - best cases for build quality/silence.
Now I have Fractal Define 7 Compact, it is not bad, but build quality and noise is worse than be quiet.
I will definitely return to Silent Base 802, when space in my studio will not be an issue.

Replace the case fans to a more efficient/silent models.
https://hwbusters.com/best_picks/best-c ... e-busters/
https://www.hecka.tech/p/the-best-120mm ... erformance

[Serhii Kot]

be quiet! Silent Base 802 for sure. I had 801, and 802 - best cases for build quality/silence.
Now I have Fractal Define 7 Compact, it is not bad, but build quality and noise is worse than be quiet.
I will definitely return to Silent Base 802, when space in my studio will not be an issue.

Replace the case fans to a more efficient/silent models.
https://hwbusters.com/best_picks/best-c ... e-busters/
https://www.hecka.tech/p/the-best-120mm ... erformance

This was first thing I did. Thanks for the suggestion.

[metamorphosis]

Quiet components are more important than a 'quiet case'. Cases can only dull so much HF or rumble. Corrugated cardboard on the case sides can help.

[jamcat]

Be sure to get a Seasonic 80+ Platinum fanless or hybrid PSU. Also get the best video card you can with only a heatsink.

I built many quiet PC DAWs over the years. But I gave up because you’ll never build one as silent as an Apple Silicon MacBook Pro.

[vitocorleone123]

be quiet! Silent Base 802 for sure. I had 801, and 802 - best cases for build quality/silence.
Now I have Fractal Define 7 Compact, it is not bad, but build quality and noise is worse than be quiet.
I will definitely return to Silent Base 802, when space in my studio will not be an issue.

The 901 is better - but it's a beast in size and weight. Super-easy to work in, though!

I have the 901 with the top be quiet psu and top be quiet aio for the 9950x. I also added one additional silent wings 4 on the top back of the case but may end up removing it as i'm not sure it's making enough of a difference to warrant any additional noise.

The aio fans are definitely loud when they spin up. It's very quiet overall - but definitely not silent - when idling/doing basic tasks. Mine is on the floor just to the left of my feet. Amusingly, the glass and all the LEDs (everything set to white) face the wall about 6" away.

[vitocorleone123]

Be sure to get a Seasonic 80+ Platinum fanless or hybrid PSU. Also get the best video card you can with only a heatsink.

I built many quiet PC DAWs over the years. But I gave up because you’ll never build one as silent as an Apple Silicon MacBook Pro.

Except those MBPs sound funny and awful when the fans finally do spin up. Much more annoying than my PC. But they stay silent a lot longer as the load climbs.

[jamcat]

I’ve never heard the fan in my Apple Silicon MBP. I don’t think it’s ever come on. It did on my Intel MBP, though.