agree only time it makes sound is when encoding. typically 42 degrees and silentUnless i'm encoding video my i7 is silent. I do run a plex server with multiple simultaneous streams. Doesn't affect fan speed. At least not that I can hear.
OWC is overpriced for ram. You can get cheaper on amazon. I went with 32gb and install myself.
For a monitor I use a single dell ultrawide 34" 3440x1440. Plenty big enough.