I am thinking using a LT1083 7.5A linear regulator to either regulate the stock 12v switching supply down to 10v, or just build a 10v linear power supply. Would either the (i) lowered voltage (10v) or (ii) linear regulation cause any performance decreases to an IPC2 with i7?

I use the IPC2 for music purposes, and need to get rid of as much power supply noise as possible. I am also hoping that a 10v supply would lower the internal temperature a bit.

IPC2 can work perfectly fine from 10V. Make sure your supply can provide 3A without voltage drop.
Unfortunately it would not help with temperature.

Hi, thank you, this is very helpful. Does the 3A requirement take into account power draw from USB devices. All of my USB devices currently have their own power supply, so they do not draw any meaningful current. But I want to prepared if some day I have a USB device that draws significant current (let's say 1A).

Power requirements with modern PCs are not clear cut because CPU consumption is hectic (can be 3W to nearly 30W, rated for 17W). On the other hand IPC2 is tolerant with respect to input voltage. I expect 30W to be fine in an audiophile PC scenario. If you connect say 5W USB load then you are closer to the power envelope, but I can't say for sure if IPC2 will stay stable or not.

Thank you. This is very informative.