Need a specs advice in buying a new WORKSTATION

[dominikmateasik]

Hello everybody,my friend is trying to post a new thread but its somehow not working for days already,so im posting this instead,hes looking for some advice on his new workstation,this is his post:

 

Hi People

, im going to let pc company to put together my new workstation,mainly used for modeling/rendering purposes .Budget is around 4350 eur .. Im aiming for silent cooling .I would like to know your opinions about this build please,potentially about some changes or aditions :)Thank you very much

So here is the list of all components :

CPU 2x Intel XEON E5-2640v3. ( 8 cores - of 2.4 ghz base and 3.6 ghz turboboost)

Cpu cooling 2x Noctua Nh-u12dx plus another 2x Noctua NF-A14 ULN to replace Fractal R2 XL case Fans

VGA ASUS STRIX-GTX970-DC2OC-4GD5 4GB/256-bit

Motherboard: ASUS Workstationboard Z10PE-D8 WS dual soc.2011-v3 C602 DDR3 ATX 2x GL

HDD Seagate Barracuda 2TB 7200RPM 64MB SATA III 6Gbit/

SSD Samsung SSD 850 EVO Series 250GB SATAIII 2.5''

RAM Kingston 32GB DDR4 2133MHZ CL14 HyperX FURY, kit 4x8GB

Case Fractal Design Define XL R2 Titanium Grey

Power supply unit: Corsair RM series RM850 850W, 80 PLUS Gold

 

thank you all very much for any kind of response

[SirKamillo]

Btw im that friend of Dominik and i will be happy to hear from you :)

[numerobis]

You need at least 8 RAM sticks to use quad channel with a dual CPU system.

Everything else looks ok to me, but i would use 140mm CPU coolers - if it is possible.

I would say that the sweet spot (GHz/€) for Xeon E5 systems is more at 10-12 cores at the moment (especially with 64GB RAM), but if this exceeds your budget, the 8-core is also quite good. But it has only 3.4Ghz single core turbo, not 3.6Ghz as far as i know (and 2.8Ghz all core turbo)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Intel_Xeon_microprocessors#Xeon_E5-26xx_v3_.28dual-processor.29

[SirKamillo]

First i want to say thank you Numerobis for replying This thing with 8 ram sticks to use quad channel with dual cpu is little bit new for me.Can you please explain me what does it mean? And how should i deal with it.Are you recommending to divide this 32 total gigs of ram into 8 sticks? Also one thing i forget to ask is OS...if it is okay with WIN 8.1_if there is no need for 8.1 pro becausei found a lot of misinformations about supporting dual CPU congiguration. Thank you very much

Edited April 12, 2015 by SirKamillo

[numerobis]

You need to populate all four RAM channels of both CPUs to be able to use quad channel.

http://www.supermicro.com/aplus/memory/aplus_memory_support.cfm?pname=H8DG6/i(-F)

But the difference between dual channel and quad channel for rendering should be negligible, maybe 1%. For other things like gaming or data compression it could be more noticable. Its hard to find comparisons concerning this topic, but here are some values

http://www.benchmark.rs/artikal/ispitujemo_dual-channel_vs_quad-channel-2893/2

 

I think i would not buy 8x 4GB, because the 4GB modules are much more expensive and you don't have the chance to upgrade to 64GB later.

I would go for 64GB, but if it is too expensive for you and you don't need it now i think it's better to take 4x8GB and run them in dual channel mode.

 

Concerning Win 8.1 vs 8.1 Pro...

- Win 8.1 (Core) is limited to one processor. For a dual setup you need Pro.

- Win 8.1 is limited to 128GB RAM while the Pro version can handle up to 512GB (i don't think this should be a problem today)

- Win 8.1 has a limited Remote Desktop for client use only (!)

- Win 8.1 can't join a Windows domain or use group policies.

- Win 8.1 can't boot from virtual HDDs

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_8_editions#Comparison_chart

Edited April 14, 2015 by numerobis

[SirKamillo]

Thank you so much Numerobis,youve been such big help for me,so im going to switch it to Windows 8.1 Pro (dont undestand why this guy from pc company told me that i can go with Win 8.1 (non-pro) version,even im afraid to give him this expensive parts to put together.Now im going to use 8x8 GB Ram according to your gamechanging advice. (dont planing to upgrade to 128 in future ) is it okay? :)And i must repeat it...thank you sooo much

[RyderSK]

Hi Kamil,

 

regarading your question in other thread (easier to read answer here):

 

I've built that Xeon node in tichepc.sk . Guy is absolute professional and maniac when it comes to details. But everything else I build myself and buy parts from alza since it's 3 minutes from my home and they were always very easy going with warranty.

 

I still stand behind not really finding it worth to build bellow

 

As regarding Windows. ALWAYS PRO. As Numerobis wrote, processor groups and Remote Desktop are features you won't be able to make out without.

Now I wasn't particularly paying attention to the new free Windows10 update policy and which one you need, but since it's around the corner I would have a look at it.

[SirKamillo]

Hi Kamil,

 

regarading your question in other thread (easier to read answer here):

 

I've built that Xeon node in tichepc.sk . Guy is absolute professional and maniac when it comes to details. But everything else I build myself and buy parts from alza since it's 3 minutes from my home and they were always very easy going with warranty.

 

I still stand behind not really finding it worth to build bellow

 

As regarding Windows. ALWAYS PRO. As Numerobis wrote, processor groups and Remote Desktop are features you won't be able to make out without.

Now I wasn't particularly paying attention to the new free Windows10 update policy and which one you need, but since it's around the corner I would have a look at it.

 

Hi Juraj

Thank you very much for such detailed answer i know you are busy man ,so it means lot to me .Im currently comunicating with Shark Computers and they dont even told me that i need win 8.1 pro or there was also possible that they will so im afraid to let them build such expensive workstation than. im going with this E5 2640v3 because of budget ,Do you thing it is bad choice? Also im going with Ram ddr4 from kingston ecc reg,ive seen benchmar on puget systems how ecc reg ram can slowdown multithreaded performance when rendering from 5 to 7 percent...reqlly dont know if this is true,so im thinkink also abou some gamer dedicatet ram ..but it looks like on z10pe-de8ws i dont have another choice maccording ti other thread here abou supporting only ecc reg memory.So thats my story ... Thank you Juraj and have a nice day

[RyderSK]

Shark Computers

 

This is your problem :- D We made fan of these imbeciles when I was 12, how come they are still in business is beyond me. They buy parts from Agem (which I also don't understand how did they survive), you can do that just as well by yourself, everything is overpriced as well.

 

You don't have a choice regarding neither DDR4 (Because LG-2011-3, which is Haswell-E both i7 and v3 Xeons family support only that) and ECC (since current platform decided to use purely them, I could get away with non-ECC in previous 2011-2/v2 Xeons, but the prices are now more equal).

 

I would just buy 5960X, overclocked to 4.4+ Ghz, which is not particularly hard at all will give you compelling performance on edge of 2P 2640v3 at still lower price and you can buy more important things like good monitor.

Edited April 14, 2015 by RyderSK

[SirKamillo]

This is your problem :- D We made fan of these imbeciles when I was 12, how come they are still in business is beyond me. They buy parts from shitty Agem (which I also don't understand how did they survive), you can do that just as well by yourself, everything is overpriced, and...it's just bunch of idiots catering to other idiots who came to buy PC while shopping grocery.

 

You don't have a choice regarding neither DDR4 (Because LG-2011-3, which is Haswell-E both i7 and v3 Xeons family support only that) and ECC (since current platform decided to use purely them, I could get away with non-ECC in previous 2011-2/v2 Xeons, but the prices are now more equal).

 

I would just buy 5960X, overclocked to 4.4+ Ghz, which is not particularly hard at all will give you compelling performance on edge of 2P 2640v3 at still lower price and you can buy more important things like good monitor.

 

huh Really? They are so so retarded? I thought so,cause they havent helped me with no choices i asked them.Appart from this i dont want them to learn for the first time how to make dual xeon ws on my build.probably ill go with tiche pc.sk according ti this builds on their fb they look like real professionals an. Maniacs thats what i need...and this thing about parts from agem,im happy you wrote me about this things ,if it would be later , probably ill get hearth attack.i chcecked this dual xeon 2640v3 had in cinebench r15 score around 2097 points. This i7 5960x around 1350 non overclocked and overlocker was somewrehe around 1750 thats not low bad But is it possible to run overclocked i7 without any further problems like if it wont cause damage to that processor over longer period of time when running on iverclocked values Thanks Juraj

[RyderSK]

No damage if properly cooled and overly high voltages weren't run (this depends on 'luck' how good chip you will score).

[SirKamillo]

No damage if properly cooled and overly high voltages weren't run (this depends on 'luck' how good chip you will score).

 

Thank you for recommendation Juraj ill think about it i wrote to shark im going to storn it,because of their lack of professionality . so happy to be out of that shark prison thank you

[SirKamillo]

No damage if properly cooled and overly high voltages weren't run (this depends on 'luck' how good chip you will score).

 

Thank you Can i have different question? QUADRO/FIREPRO graphics cars supports 10bit per color(30bit) deep color range for editing purposes.But im looking only for gamer grade GTX 970 strix for new workstation.I have already DELL U2711 ultrasharp monitor that is capable of displaing 10 bits per color.Are you using gamer cards also for workstations?..Because according to what i found (also statement from nvidia http://nvidia.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3011/~/10-bit-per-color-support-on-nvidia-geforce-gpus ) .they are telling only QUADROS support this Color Depth.I have now older QUADRO card,so im thinking that there is possibilitiy ill loose this possibility with GTX 970.

Edited April 16, 2015 by SirKamillo
mystake

[Dimitris Tolios]

I have used Quadros, Firepros & GTXs (now I have a 970) back to back on my U2711 while editing FF D-SLR RAWs in PS & LR (more than 24bit output), and I can tell no difference tbh. I don't know if I am incapable of perceiving it, and maybe a side by side comparison would be more fair but...meh...

 

Irony: I am using a 10bit panel on a 970 @ home, and 2x 8bit IPS on a K4200 @ work.

[RyderSK]

While I never seen the difference by myself, I doubt this is something even remotely beneficial unless you're in major VFX post-production company grading footage for cinema.

 

If we take how many top-level photographers and graphic artists edit their photos on some old Macbook in 8bit/6bit+Dif and sRGB why would you even pursue such option.

I am using Dell 3014 which is 10bit/wide gamut panel as well, and I am clamping to regular sRGB to keep my workflow easy, manageable and consistent with what my clients will see on their calculators.

[Dimitris Tolios]

Lies. "MBP always had the best monitor!" /sarcasm

[SirKamillo]

I have used Quadros, Firepros & GTXs (now I have a 970) back to back on my U2711 while editing FF D-SLR RAWs in PS & LR (more than 24bit output), and I can tell no difference tbh. I don't know if I am incapable of perceiving it, and maybe a side by side comparison would be more fair but...meh...

 

Irony: I am using a 10bit panel on a 970 @ home, and 2x 8bit IPS on a K4200 @ work.

 

Mehehehehe Thnak you Dimitris ... Ok im cool now,i was on the way to start counting another big invesment to Quadro card Speaking about this Irony things ,often i see myself doing same ironyc things ?

[SirKamillo]

While I never seen the difference by myself, I doubt this is something even remotely beneficial unless you're in major VFX post-production company grading footage for cinema.

 

If we take how many top-level photographers and graphic artists edit their photos on some old Macbook in 8bit/6bit+Dif and sRGB why would you even pursue such option.

I am using Dell 3014 which is 10bit/wide gamut panel as well, and I am clamping to regular sRGB to keep my workflow easy, manageable and consistent with what my clients will see on their calculators.

 

Thank you Juraj I thought all of this photographers are working with top grade EIZO monitors It is good point of view to Just Keep it simple,...Calculators... hope better they dont know this forum,... an one another t thing speaking about Windows 8 ,there will be possibility to upgrade from win 8.1 to 10 ( according http://forums.cgarchitect.com/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=402143

Edited April 17, 2015 by SirKamillo

[Dimitris Tolios]

If you are so specific about color, getting a good hardware based colorimeter/color calibration solution to pair with your U2711 (or any monitor really) will go much further than getting a workstation card for the "increased color gamut".

 

Consistency can only be achieved on periodically properly calibrated tools, and the "capacity" to display 10bit color, doesn't mean that it is done properly, especially as the analogue portion of the chain (the monitor's panel) ages - and there is nothing you can do to stop that, other than compensate for it with re-calibration.

[SirKamillo]

If you are so specific about color, getting a good hardware based colorimeter/color calibration solution to pair with your U2711 (or any monitor really) will go much further than getting a workstation card for the "increased color gamut".

 

Consistency can only be achieved on periodically properly calibrated tools, and the "capacity" to display 10bit color, doesn't mean that it is done properly, especially as the analogue portion of the chain (the monitor's panel) ages - and there is nothing you can do to stop that, other than compensate for it with re-calibration.

 

yeah you are right man...btw you have written you have also dell u2711 like me ,...dont you think this antiglare coating is weird?? My eyes are getting really quickly tired of constantly trying to ingore this miniature-pearl coating and focus on content

Edited April 17, 2015 by SirKamillo

[RyderSK]

Thank you Juraj I thought all of this photographers are working with top grade EIZO monitors

 

I think that's a myth. Every industry is equally made of people who gravitate towards techno-obsession and those will always use latest gear from camera to most precise monitor and complete techno-agnostics who just get by using what they've "heard is good". The latter types are on iMacs, who they still believe is somehow, superior. Nothing wrong with it though.

 

It's good to identify which features are worth pursuing. What Dimitris writes about periodically checking-on display calibration is much more important than having increased color depth, none of which will ever transfer to usable output by your clients. Not only there is minimal chance they have deep color on their end, the printing won't be done at level where it's important either.

 

Deep color makes sense for cinema color grading where iMax will output the precision and depth created in grading, or photographer printing his own prints in his home lab using fully calibrated pipeline. But when your output is going to be displayed on consumer-grade displays, and printed in mass print outfits, then the effort is not worth it.

[Dimitris Tolios]

The satin antiglare I don't really mind, the ghosting when gaming I don't really mind, and I would not trade it for a 1080p nommater what. I just love the space. Not that I wouldn't love to replace it with a 34" 1440p, but apparently I am not that particular!

 

Newer Dell (and other) IPS monitors are better in most fields, but i cannot justify the expense at this point. It is a fine 3.5yo monitor =)

[RyderSK]

I didn't have 2711 myself, but 2410 which had the same rough coating. Not particularly nice...but not as bad as on my laptop where whites literally feel dirty/noisy.

 

The newer I have on 3014 and 2713, are much nicer in this regard. Big difference. But also reflect more light of windows :- )

 

 

"34" 1440p" Would you consider it for work ? Or just for gaming. It sure looks nice and impressive in that width. The LG even looks decent in design.

I am asking about work, because even with cinema based width and size, I still need 2 monitors whatnot. Just to place something there (references, folders,etc..) and see on it constantly. Having 34" and something next to it, could feel awkard to use...

[Dimitris Tolios]

Believe it or not, I think it would help multitasking more than gaming.

 

Maybe I am wrong, but I have the impression that with the 21:9 I might be able to do without the 2nd monitor, or at least not rely on it as much.

 

Right now I have a 27 16:9 and a 24 16:9, and with the 27 directly in front of me, the outside edge of the 24 is clearly outside my FoV.

At work I am using 2x 16:10 24s, and although the width is more manageable, I miss the real estate of the 1440p.

 

The 34" 1440p feels like would accommodate notably more information vs. the 27 1440p, but also make spliting the screen between two programs or two viewports more logical. Right now if it is not for webpages or text documents read @ portrait mode, I just don't like the resulting ratio of the 16:9 screes split @ half for anything but reading. At the end you might need a 2nd monitor regardless, but I feel it would be of tertiary importance. Even now I believe a used 19 or even 17" 4:3 @ portrait orientation would probably work better @ the working distance I enjoy along side my 27.

 

Gaming can be a mixed bag but I would not be worried whether I would like it - I would!

it remains a 60Hz panel in any occasion, although existing G-Sync models (and perhaps free-sync in the future for those with AMD cards) promise to at least cover-up some of the shortfalls - again, I would totally dig the more immersive experience, but am pretty tolerant with the sIPS weaknesses that some find too hard to swallow. But shelling that kind of money just for gaming, is not ontop of my priority list when I do have a "2/3s there" panel right now.

[SirKamillo]

I didn't have 2711 myself, but 2410 which had the same rough coating. Not particularly nice...but not as bad as on my laptop where whites literally feel dirty/noisy.

 

The newer I have on 3014 and 2713, are much nicer in this regard. Big difference. But also reflect more light of windows :- )

 

 

"34" 1440p" Would you consider it for work ? Or just for gaming. It sure looks nice and impressive in that width. The LG even looks decent in design.

I am asking about work, because even with cinema based width and size, I still need 2 monitors whatnot. Just to place something there (references, folders,etc..) and see on it constantly. Having 34" and something next to it, could feel awkard to use...

 

There is software possibility that comes with this LG curved 34" that enagles you to divide your screen verticaly in to two or whatever count you want monitor)but on the other side if someoine needs 30 Inches just for 3Ds max Interface it wont be enough