Silent PC Build NZ: Premium Sleeper Workstation Setup

Silent PC Build NZ: Premium Sleeper Workstation Setup

We get plenty of requests for a quiet workstation PC, powerful systems that don’t sound like jet engines. Whether you spend your days compiling code, composing music, or juggling massive multitasking loads, nobody wants screaming fans in the background.

This workstation build delivers high-end performance with modern connectivity. At its core is the ASUS ProArt X870E-Creator WiFi motherboard and AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D, paired with 96 GB of DDR5-6400 memory running at a 1:1 ratio, a feat not always possible on AMD silicon. A Samsung 9100 Pro 4 TB Gen5 SSD provides extreme storage speed, while graphics are driven by the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti PRIME OC 16 GB GPU. Cooling is handled by a Noctua NH-U12A Chromax Black CPU Cooler and six NF-A12x25 Chromax fans, working together to keep the Fractal North case cool and whisper quiet.

Connectivity is set for modern workflows: 10G and 2.5G Ethernet, WiFi 7, and USB4 Type-C. Power is supplied by a Corsair RM850x Shift Power Supply, all running on Windows 11 Pro. The result is a workstation that stays whisper-quiet under pressure while delivering stability and speed needed for demanding creative work.

The Hardware Breakdown

This isn’t your average quiet build. It’s a stealth powerhouse. Specs include:

Power meets discretion.

The Case That Blends In (and Stays Cool)

Our choice: Fractal Design North mid tower. Why?

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  • Premium Scandinavian style with wood accents, zero RGB flash
  • Engineered for quiet airflow with panels that channel fresh air to core components

This case proves that a well designed PC case with great airflow can be both elegant and effective.

How We Set Up the Airflow (Quiet, Effective)

Clean airflow is the backbone of any silent build. Here’s how we laid it out:

Intake:

  • 3 × Noctua NF A12x25 fans at the front
  • 1 × Noctua NF A12x25 at the front-most top slot

Exhaust:

  • 1 × Noctua NF A12x25 at the rear
  • 1 × Noctua NF A12x25 at the rear-most top slot

This front to back, bottom to top arrangement gives us smooth airflow. The top front intake fan delivers fresh air directly over the CPU cooler and memory, which helps sustain performance under load.

Because we’re using the Fractal North, a case known for its open mesh and airflow-friendly design, it also means fan noise can be more noticeable compared to a fully enclosed case. So we took extra care to fine-tune the fan curves to keep noise levels as low as possible without sacrificing thermal performance.

Thanks to the Noctua fans, we get high airflow without needing to crank RPMs. That means no buzzing, no whining, just efficient airflow that stays quiet under pressure.

Why We Went All In on Noctua

Noctua continues to lead the charge when it comes to silent PC fans and coolers:

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  • The NH U12A Chromax Black competes with many 240mm AIOs and even some 360 AIOs, but runs cooler, quieter, and more reliably
  • The NF A12x25 fans use tight blade clearances and ultra-strong materials to produce more airflow with less noise

This setup performs and stays whisper quiet across light and heavy loads. If you’re after a low noise, low maintenance cooling system, this is it.

Fine Tuning for Quiet Performance

Here’s how we tuned everything:

  • Applied a -10 PBO offset (Undervolt) to the CPU to reduce voltage and improve cooling efficiency. This also allows the CPU to boost a little higher as well.
  • Custom BIOS fan curves keep all six fans at roughly 50 percent until the system reaches 80°C. If temps go higher, they ramp to 70 percent, though in testing the system never crossed that threshold.
  • Under 100 percent CPU and RAM load, temps stabilize at 69°C
  • Add full GPU load and you’ll see a peak of around 75°C
  • Fans don’t ramp or whine during real world workloads

Note: Performance will vary from system to system, but these results provide a realistic guide of what’s achievable with a similar setup.

This is high performance, fine tuned and cooled in silence.

Why Skip the AIO?

AIO coolers are great for looks and peak thermals, but they’re not ideal for silent performance:

  • Pumps introduce noise and vibration
  • They carry long term risks like leaks or failure
  • You lose simplicity and add more points of failure

The Noctua air cooler gives you high performance without any of that. It’s quiet, effective, and worry free.

Real World Performance

Scenario Result
Cinebench R23 (multi) 43,909
Cinebench R23 (single) 2,287
Full CPU + RAM Load ~69°C
Full CPU + GPU Load ~75°C
Idle / Light Workload Virtually silent


It’s outperforming most Ryzen 9 setups we’ve seen, and doing it all without raising the noise floor.

Final Thoughts: Quiet, Powerful, Refined

This build is a quiet workstation PC done right. No flash. No fuss. Just a smart layout, premium components, and performance you can actually use.

Whether you’re a developer, creator, or just tired of noisy systems, this sleeper PC proves you don’t need to compromise. It’s fast, cool, and most importantly, quiet.

Need help building the perfect system? Contact us here and our experts will guide you in choosing the best system for your setup.

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