At this point.. New system?

So my crusade toward a silent PC has brought me to the point of almost replacing every part in my system. 

This is what I currently have;

  • Intel Core i7 3770 @ 3.4 GHz
  • 8gb Corsair Vegence @ 1600 MHz
  • Nvidia GeForce GTX 670 FTW Edition
  • MSI Z77A-GD65 Gaming
  • Corsair Obsidian 650d
  • Corsair Neutron GTX 120gb + 2TB 7200 RPM
  • Two 140mm Noctuas w/U.L.A.
  • Corsair Hydro H50
  • Corsair TX650

I plan on replacing;

  • The case with a Fractal R5
  • The GPU with a R9 290X 8GB
  • The PSU with an EVGA Supernova G2 750W

Now, I plan on changing out my Corsair H50 with a Noctua NH-D14 but I ran into a problem. I currently have Corsair Vengeance RAM. Which sticks out too far. So I could either try to remove the part on the RAM or buy all new RAM and move up to 16 gigs instead. If I was to change out my RAM I figure why not get a new CPU/Mobo as well. 

The reasons why I think I should get a new CPU/Mobo;

  • I have a non-wireless mobo so I have to use a shitty USB adapter
  • I'm running out of USB ports
  • Get an overclockable CPU
  • DDR4?

Am I crazy? Or would this be a reasonable thing to do?

Personally, I think those upgrades are a waste of money. Considering the fact I usually have my headset glued to my head, noise doesn't exactly bother me. So this is one of those situations where personal preference supersedes reason.

The only reasonable upgrade I see in that list is the GPU. The GTX 670 is definitely showing its age in newer titles. I don't think it would necessarily be wise to pay extra for the 8GB variant of the R9 290X, but I would definitely consider upgrading your GPU. Perhaps wait for the R9 3XX series to be released?

Also, to help resolve the lack of USB ports, have you thought about using a PCI based wireless adapter or possibly an Ethernet cable?

As for the RAM, I would remove the heat-spreaders. Beyond aesthetics, they're useless. I don't think it's worth it to buy an entirely different kit solely for the Noctua NH-D15. Depending on how much RAM you utilize, it may be worth it to add another 8GB of RAM (just remove those heat-spreaders for a cost-effective solution).

I really want my PC quiet, when doing HW or studying I want the room dead silent. So in my opinion the upgrades are worth it but like you said, it's a matter of perspective.

The GPU I would rather not wait on, who knows how long of a wait that will be, they aren't even officially announced yet. And I like to wait a bit on them anyway to be sure that there are no bugs (looking at you 970) or driver issues. I want the VaporX 8gb because of the better overclocking.

Ethernet cable is not an option, too far from router and I'm not running a cable through the roof, and a PCI adapter could work I guess. But that would only free 1 usb. 

Well, if you have the cash to spare, have at it.

In your situation, this is what I would likely do: upgrade the case and the CPU cooler. This is where you will notice most of the noise reduction. As for the GPU, that's your call. IIRC, the Sapphire Tri-X is just as good as the VaporX in the OCing, noise, and temp departments. Of course, you'll be sacrificing 4GB of VRAM, but if you're not playing at 4K or on a multi-monitor setup, that isn't exactly an issue. Plus, you'll be saving yourself a Benjamin or two.

I might look deeper into the Tri-X, the issue with the RAM is my biggest headache. I'm thinking of getting some faster RAM and 16 gigs with the money left over from not getting the 8gb 290X. 

I feel that if I'm going to get different RAM I might as well get something better than what I have. 

i would definitely get the case. i have the R4 and even with the stock CPU cooler on my Fx6300, at idle and the fan switch to low the case is near silent. my computer is in my 12 x 12 bedroom and i cant hear it when i go to sleep.

Yeah, part of me is thinking that I'm going overboard, but I really hate how much noise I have now. It is very irritating. 

More RAM never hurt anyone. You could also sell your current kit to help mitigate the cost of the new kit. I would push the idea of removing the heat-spreader, but it just came to my attention that would void your warranty.

Judging by the italics, I presume you know that higher MHz RAM isn't going to increase performance by any significant margin?

[Edit]

One more thing...since you don't have an overclockable CPU, have you thought about getting one of these:

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/be-quiet-cpu-cooler-bk010

Or maybe even a Hyper 212 with a Noctua fan?

i would just purchase the case alone and see if that is to your liking, and go from there.

So I took a break from looking at all these parts and really thought about things. I think I'll get the case, maybe the PSU, and a 980? That will give me more silence, better cable management, and more horse power.

I know I've changed my mind a thousand times but that's what it's all about right?

It's kind of a waste unless you jump to a 5820k. The 3770 should be good for another 3-4 years.

Can you hold out until the 390? It'll be worth it. Especially since the 980 only has a 256 bit bus!

Sounds like a plan. I would definitely get the case if you're serious about acoustics. I wish I would have went with the Define R4 when I first built my rig. I really dislike my HAF 912. Oh well, maybe I'll snag the Define R5 in the near future. :)

I know I've changed my mind a thousand times but that's what it's all about right?

You better believe it. I planned my build for over a year before finally pulling the trigger. Not sure who said it first, but I try to live by the "buy once, cry once" philosophy.

Yeah, I think I'm gonna go with the EVGA 980/ EVGA Supernova/ and Define R5.