How to make my PC silent (Or at least quieter)

[Coojeekitten]

I thought the rule was you add an additional 3db for every extra fan. So two 20db fans would be 23db and so on.

That would seem fair yes, but I think for low level pink noise it could be more like 1db at 1m. Noctua S12A's run at 17.8db at 1200rpm, I don't know the noise at lower speeds. However more fans & a planned airflow can mean that you can run them slower. My fan curves have them all running at 500rpm up to 40C. As I sit here with my case under the desk about half a meter from my ear, CPU is 46C, fans are at 550rpm & I can hardly hear them. (I have 6x120mm, 2x80mm, plus the cpu cooler, gpu & psu).

I do view this air cooling lark as more of an art, so every opinion is valid & very interesting.

 

[TechMinerUK]

Just to chip in on case options. I was eye balling the Fractal Define 7 until I came across the Phanteks P400s/P600s.
I haven't yet decided on parts for my next build but I have just ordered the P600s so i would recommend taking a look at it (obviously glass panels are also available but I don't care much for the flashing lights / RGB

That's a good shout, I must admit I like both manufacturers as I've had good experiences from their line ups in the past

That would seem fair yes, but I think for low level pink noise it could be more like 1db at 1m. Noctua S12A's run at 17.8db at 1200rpm, I don't know the noise at lower speeds. However more fans & a planned airflow can mean that you can run them slower. My fan curves have them all running at 500rpm up to 40C. As I sit here with my case under the desk about half a meter from my ear, CPU is 46C, fans are at 550rpm & I can hardly hear them. (I have 6x120mm, 2x80mm, plus the cpu cooler, gpu & psu).
I do view this air cooling lark as more of an art, so every opinion is valid & very interesting.

The more I look into it air-cooling seems more complex than watercooling to get everything working optimally