(cheap) renderfarm config

[eubaycassay]

Hello World !

 

Planning on building my own 6 nodes renderfarm on the budget here

 

And I have a few questions,

 

I want to go with AMD FX series for the price, but I have few questions:

 

- is it better 3.5ghz hexa (a bit cheaper) or 3.1ghz octo ?

- and is it really worth pay enough more for a 4ghz octo ?

- should I and can I overclock it ? with a microATX like the M5A78L and without changing the ventirad

 

about the RAM do I really need 16Go per node ? or 12 or 8 is ok ? and is it important DDR2 or DDR3 ?

 

and finally I plan on recycling old IDE hard drives, is it a bad thing ?

 

exept power it should be all I need right ?

 

Also I'm considering renting it to artists, 10euro for 12 hours seems legit ?

 

if you have any opinion or exeprience feedbacks I'll be pleased to read them.

 

 

cheeerios

[Dimitris Tolios]

You cannot go IDE as new mobos haven't had IDE for ages.

 

You cannot go DDR2, cause FX CPUs don't support DDR2 for ages. Has to be DDR3. Speed is not important that much, DDR1333 or 2133 won't really change much for a rendering node. 1600-1866 is preferable, but it is not the end of the world if you get 1333. You are the only one who knows how much you need.

 

Yes, the octo is a good deal. I would go for the 4GHz, but if you cannot afford it, go for the slower octo.

 

Overclocking such CPUs take a good cooler and a good mobo. If you are on a tight budget, your money will be better invested with a 4GHz CPU @ Stock, with stock cooling.

 

Renting it for €10, including risk for moving it around, having them mess things up, screw the OS/Settings or even break it, won't really make you a profit now, will it?

[eubaycassay]

Hey there thanks for the quick and full of answers reply !

 

well I will go for the 4ghz octo then, with DDR3 and no O/C,

 

about the ram how should I know how much I need ? I've red it's 2go per core or something like that but not sure ... i will mainly use it for C4D and AE

 

about hard drive well I didn't know about IDE *oldschool* what i meant was more can I get the cheap stuff or do I really need something special ? I have friends in hacklab that have enough spare parts for sure, same for powersuply, all this to cut the cost,

 

this will then be ~200€ per node so 10€(looking for the faires price though) is little but if I rent it 10 full days I have a new node or I can fixe broken stuff, the idea though is no to move it but use internet transfers !

 

cheerios !!

[joelmcwilliam]

For a cheap renderfarm buying second hand is the way to go.

 

Look at the fx 8320 and give it a overclock to get almost same performance as the fx 8350.

 

Definitely look for a good motherboard (for stable overclocks) and also for a good and stable powersupply.

 

Second hand mobo you can have a look at:

 

Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3

Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P

ASRock 970 Pro3 R2.0

ASRock 990FX Extreme3

 

If you want to overclock and render a lot replace the stock cpu cooler with a aftermarket cpu cooler.

 

You can also go the intel route: http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2294486 if you want to save on the energy bill.

 

I don't know what you have lying there so i'm not sure if any above given advise is useful for you.

 

As for the amount of ram, this is something you have to test and find out. But enough ram is very important for rendering.

[eubaycassay]

Hey joel thanks for you rinput,

 

I'm not really into used parts, and since I want to have 6 identical nodes it would be more complicated to find all the same pieces... and also I found cheaper new than used ...

 

about updating the mobo and cooling it would be kinde of an investment of 20%up the price for each node if I get a Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo and the Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3 , but would it be worth it ? to how much could I O/C "without risk" ?

 

And Intel will be too expensive for me... energy bill is "kinda" not the problem.

 

About the RAM do you think 16go for rendering is toomuch ? or 12 could do it ?

 

 

cheeerz

Edited March 1, 2015 by eubaycassay

[joelmcwilliam]

Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo and the Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3 would be fine. (Gelid Tranquillo, Scythe Ashura, Scythe Mugen are also options). You can easily overclock an fx 8320 to the levels of a fx 8350. If you have a very good chip you can even undervolt the chip and still overclock to the levels of a fx 8350. But every chip is different.

 

I wouldn't try to overclock to much (not more than 4.0-4.2 ghz) because overclocking will eat electricity and the returns in reduced rendering times isn't great, i find.

 

As for ram, I don't know what you have lying there but I would go for a minimum of 16 GB (2x8). But that's just me.

 

What power supply unit (psu) do you have/want?

 

Maybe the intel won't be too expensive. For example:an i5 4460 with a cheap h81 or b85 motherboard will be quite close in performance compared to a fx 83xx. I did put some links in a previous post, maybe they are of some use to you: http://forums.cgarchitect.com/77746-need-advice-making-rendering-pc.html

[eubaycassay]

thanks agains for your answer Joel !

 

about Intel I've wondered a lot and made my decision a while back, but thanks for the input.

 

About the O/C, so it would be 20% more money on parts for arround 10% more power in Ghz and big electric bill and quicker use of the parts because of stress ? doesn't seem like a good deal but maybe I get it wrong ?

 

Also, if no O/C, is the stock ventirad ok for rendering ?

 

PSU should be what I find in spare parts in the hacklab of my friends, like for the hard drives.

 

feeling more confident about my choices and your options, thanks!!

[TomasEsperanza]

Hi guys,

 

I've been contemplating putting together a render node (or more) I haven't built one before and am hoping to keep it fairly simple. I currently have a Workstation Specialists RSD rendernode which is great, but was costly. So for future expansion I'm wondering what would be a good value config that I could build more of as and when the funds are available. I want to avoid excessive form factor although I would expect to use a desktop chassis (for cost and convenience), but presume that dual socket will be the way to go anyway. The node needs to be snappy as it's primary use is to speed up test renders with DR. The considerations here would be:

 

Speed - quick to pick up and put down the job for DR; "snappy" without being extravagant in it's spec.

Cost - not necessarily cheap, but best value for the quantity of threads and GHz.

Space - one case with dual socket and plenty of threads seems seems logical, (or perhaps several small cases but that seems inefficient with components?)

Noise/Heat - The RSD is noisy as hell, I guess that comes with the territory with powerful render nodes, but perhaps in the new node better cooling and a full size chassis will help reduce this.

 

My initial ideas are for an ASUS or Gigabyte mobo, a couple of midrange xeons, an SSD, minimum 32GB ram and a very pragmatic approach to the other components, but regarding specific parts choices, your recommendations would be most welcome. Specifically what mobo and cpu, but suggestions on other parts will also be valuable. Hope you can advise, thanks in advance

[marcinwuu]

Hey guys,

 

I am interested in the same topic. Any progress on these builds? I came up with something like this:

 

http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/p/C3Mfqs

 

It is based on fx8350.

 

What do you think about that?

 

Thanks

Edited January 9, 2016 by marcinwuu

[joelmcwilliam]

@Marcin Wuu

 

Amd is now pretty outdated. I would go for intel. I would only go for an Amd build if you have spare parts, like the processor, lying around or you can get your hands on it very cheap.

 

If you have to build a new pc, go for a intel build.

 

@Thomas Hope: have you build your rendernode already?

[TomasEsperanza]

 

@Thomas Hope: have you build your rendernode already?

 

Hey Joel, yes this was nine months ago now, and since then I have stayed with my V-Ray using CPU based set up. Recently I have been considering the options for upgrading the workstation GPUs to use VRay RT more (for feedback), rather than lots of of DR test renders. I would prob still use CPUs for final renders. I figure a couple of 980ti or Titan X would be cheaper than another dual xeon CPU node, plus RT feedback with GPUs is likely to be more responsive than RT feedback with CPUs. (I just want a pleasant working experience, no buggy glitches and pauses etc, but can't seem to bite the bullet and purchase anything).

[joelmcwilliam]

Hi Thomas,

 

what kind of system do you have?

 

If you know you want to testrender with the gpu, why don't you just buy one and see how it works out for you. If you don't like it, just send it back.

[TomasEsperanza]

Hi Thomas,

 

what kind of system do you have?

 

If you know you want to testrender with the gpu, why don't you just buy one and see how it works out for you. If you don't like it, just send it back.

 

Hi Joel,

 

My specs are currently:

 

Workstation - "Workstation Specialists WSX6.1" (ATX)

CPU: i7-3930K Six-Core @ 4.20GHz

MOBO: Asus P9X79 WS

RAM: 32GB Ram

GPU: Quadro 6000

PSU: 750W 80Plus Gold

OS: Win 7 Pro on SSD

 

Render Node - "Workstation Specialists RS-D2600" (Stackable)

CPUs: DUAL Intel Xeon X5650 Six Core 2.66GHz (Intel® Turbo Boost @ up to 3.06GHz)

RAM: 48GB Ram

PSU: 500W 92%+

OS: Win 7 Pro on SSD

 

The Quadro 6000 is pretty dated now (Cuda 448, plus I'm running two large monitors), hence adding GPU/s seems appealing. But I can't afford to be frivolous so... ?

Maybe a 980ti (Cuda 2816) for RT, and just use the Quadro for displays? (they're both 6GB).

 

Can you recommend a course of action?

 

I'm not likely to purchase and return, that is too much hassle (for me).

Edited January 12, 2016 by TomasEsperanza

[Nikolaos M]

Maybe a 980ti (Cuda 2816) for RT, and just use the Quadro for displays? (they're both 6GB).

 

I'd suggest 980Ti for both . You don't need anything more. Just get a good version of it and focus on silent operation. That's what I would do if I had the budget for a 980Ti.

[TomasEsperanza]

For heat/performance/noise, I guess I need to be savvy, but with so many cards on the market it's a bit confusing. These hybrid cards look like they might be appropriate:

 

EVGA NVIDIA GTX 980Ti HYBRID

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00Z6VMWFO?keywords=980ti&qid=1452630348&ref_=sr_1_11&sr=8-11

 

MSI NVIDIA GTX 980TI Sea Hawk

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0160WNXE6?keywords=980ti&qid=1452630435&ref_=sr_1_20&sr=8-20

 

Gigabyte GTX 980 Ti XTREME GAMING WATERFORCE

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B019XFNMYS?keywords=980ti&qid=1452630510&ref_=sr_1_38&sr=8-38

 

...but maybe this would be fine?:

 

EVGA GeForce GTX 980 Ti Superclocked ACX 2.0+

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00ZUXCGXG?keywords=980ti&qid=1452630610&ref_=sr_1_6&sr=8-6

 

Would you pick any one above the others?

Edited January 12, 2016 by TomasEsperanza

[Nikolaos M]

I don't think you need a hybrid version. This is too much for CG.

There is a card, though, that's oriented towards custom cooling but can operate as is (it has a very good air cooler on it) with a very silent operation and very low temps. This is the one I'm referring to: http://www.amazon.co.uk/GeForce-Poseidon-Platinum-Graphics-Express/dp/B014PKFHZS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452631607&sr=8-1&keywords=980ti+poseidon

If I'm not mistaking, it's the coolest and quietest 980Ti in the market, but I can't double check right now. Due to its pre-installed water block, back-plate and the rigid heat-sink, it's one of the few cards of this size that doesn't bend or lean under it's weight.

You can do a little research about it. I think it's a very good solution in general.

Another good version of the 980Ti is also the Asus Strix. http://www.amazon.co.uk/GeForce-Graphics-Express-Display-384-Bit/dp/B014ZC2F2E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452632372&sr=8-1&keywords=980ti+strix

It's cheaper too and is said to also have very silent operation.

MSI is also a good brand for cool and silent gpus. This is a top version of 980Ti too http://www.amazon.co.uk/MSI-NVIDIA-Gaming-Golden-Graphics/dp/B0160WVSZW/ref=sr_1_3?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1452632451&sr=1-3&keywords=980ti+msi

[TomasEsperanza]

Thanks a lot, that's really helpful. I'll have a read of these, and hopefully take the plunge!

 

Btw, do you foresee cooling, power supply or fitting considerations when installing one of these GPUs into this space?:

 

 

The front fans are pulling cool air into the case. I can't really tell what the Antec h2o is doing tbh (but I suspect it's what it was supposed to as it was configured by the manufacturer). Maybe I should fit a few 60mm exhaust fans too? (although it looks like they'd make changing stuff in the PCI-E slots fiddly).

 

I guess I would place the card in PCIEX16_3 (the grey slot above the blue) (Wise?)

 

Thanks again for the advice

Edited January 12, 2016 by TomasEsperanza

[Nikolaos M]

I don't think you'll be needing the old Quadro 6000 after installing this beast of a gpu inside your system. It will be a drawback in any scenario.

A clean installation of the 980Ti in the first x16 slot is all you need.

 

The Antec Khuler is doing what it is supposed to do in a system, it keeps the cpu cool. And it pushes warm air outside the case (that's a secondary role but it must be taken into account).

As for the chassis, it seams airy and spacious, alright, but there are much better choices today, of course, with minimal cost (ex. placing the psu right above the motherboard, like in your system, is not currently considered as a good configuration in terms of thermal burden). But as long as your temps are OK (cpu mostly), you wont have a problem.

[TomasEsperanza]

Food for thought!

 

I'm reluctant to muck around with the system too much, because it works at the moment. But a simple GPU upgrade should pose no problems, I hope. That should give me the confidence to invest in another GPU later.

 

So would the Quadro would be totally useless then? Shame... oh well, it is old I suppose.

[Nikolaos M]

There's no way you can make use of two descrete gpus at the same time, except if you are thinking about gpu rendering. In just modeling tasks, only one can drive your viewports. So, there is no need to think about keeping the old Quadro.

[TomasEsperanza]

There's no way you can make use of two descrete gpus at the same time, except if you are thinking about gpu rendering. In just modeling tasks, only one can drive your viewports. So, there is no need to think about keeping the old Quadro.

 

This is the issue. I imagined one could use V-Ray RT in GPU mode, while having a second GPU for the displays would free up the first GPU to work on RT only. In this scenario wouldn't the lesser GPU still make itself useful? (Obviously a second 980ti would be great in due course, but until that time...)

 

I've ordered the Strix btw, Ta

Edited January 13, 2016 by TomasEsperanza

[Nikolaos M]

In this case, yes. Are you sure you're happy with the 6000's viewport performance? If it still functions decently and if you are planning to spend time with Vray RT, then keep it for viewports.

 

The Strix is a fine card. I think you'll be pleased with it.

[TomasEsperanza]

happy with the 6000's viewport performance?

 

I'm not sure what to expect, so when I get the new one I can compare! If the difference is massive then I guess I'll start saving for another!

[joelmcwilliam]

How big are your models?

 

What kind of monitor(s) do you have?

 

What is that power supply. FSP? And how old is it?

 

Good advise from Nikolaos.

 

And a hybrid gpu like you suggested before, like the evga hybrid, is also a good choice, because it will throw the heat right out of your case (Inno 3d has also some nice hybrid gpu's). But I would recommend buying a bigger and modern case for that.

[Nikolaos M]

Thanks Joel.

 

Hybrid gpus are oriented towards high oc for benchmarking and gaming mainly. Not that they aren't good for use exactly as they come out of the box (stock clocks and voltages), I just though they were too much for an average CG use and their price premium is notable too. And since Thomas has already got a 120-140mm AIO installed at the rear case opening (which would be the ideal place to put a hybrid gpu's radiator) and he isn't so willing to change the chassis right now, I thought that a decent air-cooled 980Ti would do the job well without burdening the case with too much extra heat (of course, Vray RT gpu would push the 980Ti far more to its limits compared to a usual viewport use).

 

I noticed that the psu is a 750W golden rated one, so it must be adequate for the new gpu. Of course, if something seems wrong with its function, i.e. weird noises like coil whine or high temps that lead to fan noise etc, it would be the first thing I would change in a system like this.

 

If the 6000 isn't up to the job Thomas needs it to be with the viewports, then a second gpu for just viewports doesn't have to be a 980Ti of course. A 970 would be just fine and for a fraction of 980Ti's cost. 970's start from ~240£. It all depends on how big and complex are Thomas's models, as Joel said.

 

One last thing I had in mind and forgot to mention. The case needs a good dusting... (sorry Thomas )