[DrnSln]

As you are mentioning that you custom built the system and the intel s2600cp motherboard comes in the EE-ATX ( Enhanced Extended ATX ) format, can you please specify the computer case you are using ? The official ones ( Supermicro, etc ) are expensive if bought new, same for used ones on ebay as they are large and heavy, thus the shipping fee is killing the deal.

[oso2k]

My HP z820 uses almost 300w at load and some fan noise with dual E5-2660s, 128GB RAM, and an nVidia Quadro K2000. I've heard that some people that do audio/video with similar rigs replaced the factory CPU coolers and fans with thermaltake products for quieter rigs. It noticeable but not what I would call annoying. It is louder than the 2010 Mac mini it replaces when at normal load but way quieter than when the mini blows at full speed during swapping or intensive going usage.