Building an AUDIOPHILE friendly PC from scratch so what is a must to consider in 2020?


First thing-I realize there are computer audio web sites out there, but I would really like to know what the wise members of AGON have done or would do when looking at ensuring a QUIET PC can coexist when playing music in a mixed use office/listening room. Current Windows 7 desktop serves as my central ROON location. It directs audio sources( mostly streamed via TIDAL and RADIO PARADISE) to my system. I switch between an ALLO USbridge that runs USB to an MHDT Orchid DAC ("NOS tube days") or a CARY DMS-500 streamer/DAC ("DSD, Over-sample days"). Despite the problems it can add, I even on occasion use TIDAL's own PC based player. Regardless, the PC is always on doing something!
SO.... when seeking to maintain signal integrity AND limiting PC generated noise in my room ......are there some absolutes to consider when building from scratch? ( type of hard drive/SSD, power supply, pc case, cooling fan, network switch or specific style or brand to use of any?) KEEP IN MIND- I am not only looking to limit the corruption of any audio involving my PC but I also am really looking to LIMIT the NOISE the actual PC makes when I am trying to just listen to music while working !  Has anyone out there had any luck?
(***I realize Ipad, Iphone, can control everything via WiFi but my situation requires a desk top PC)  Thanks!
azthu

Showing 1 response by auxinput

SSD hard drives. 

I actually use a fanless video card.  The Palit Geforce GTX 10050Ti.  I wanted my PC as silent as possible as well.  The Palit video card works great for all 2D stuff (web browser, video, youtube, Word, Excel, etc., etc.).  It works well for mild 3D gaming also.  However, if you are running some of the more aggressive 3D games, you absolutely need a fan or multiple fans on the video card.  This card just gets too hot on aggressive 3D gaming.

Teradak used to sell computer linear power supplies in separate cases on ebay, but it looks like they have stopped.  You still want some sort of fan that will circulate air within the computer case itself.