Which chipset for 3d modelling?

[pincorrect]

I'm getting ready to build a new desktop pc/workstation. A primary use will be 3d modelling and rendering. I'd like to get good performance for that. Before even choosing a motherboard and processor, I wanted to narrow down which chipset and maybe cpu socket to get. That will make it easier to pick the MB. The last one I built was an X99, I think, so I am not familiar with the pros and cons of the newer ones, e.g. X299 or Z370.

A few notes that might affect the choice:

• I'll probably stick to Intel.
• Probably a Core i7 but I'd consider a uniprocessor Xeon (cause I can't afford 2!)
• I'd like to get 2 Nvidia GeForce GPU's and use SLI.
• If possible, I'd like to have enough PCIE lanes to give each GPU 16 (x16 + x16 rather than x16 + x8 or x8 + x8). (And I understand I'll also have to choose a CPU which provides 44 lanes.)
• I'd like support for 2 M.2 SSD's (one for the OS and one for user data)

I'd appreciate your advice. Thanks. (And I'd also welcome your CPU and MB recommendations, too. I just thought it would be best to start by deciding on the chipset.)

 

[RLGL]

What programs will you be using, as most use a single core for processing. Answer the question of how many cores each program uses and that should be your guide. Most of what is happening is on the GPU. I use a Z170 chipset with an I5 processor and a 1050TI GPU.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

If you want to run 2x16x PCIe and 2m.2 SSD better get the x299. Your usage scenario is the market for it. Get at least the skylake 7900x to get the 44 lanes and make sure you pick the right mobo to support it.

"Some motherboards achieve greater drive bandwidth by using CPU rather than chipset lanes for M.2 slots, and combining the wrong processor with the wrong motherboard layout can result in some of your required interfaces being disabled." - TH

 

[monkeydelmagico]

The last one I built was an X99, I think, so I am not familiar with the pros and cons of the newer ones, e.g. X299 or Z370.

Just out of curiosity why dump the x99? It also has 2x16x GPU support. You wanting that PCIe storage bad eh?

P.S. don't lock yourself in on Intel only. The newest batch of AMD pro-sumer CPU's are good.

 

[fastamdman]

Hard to help without a budget in mind

 

[pincorrect]

Thanks for your responses! I'll try to answer your questions in turn, all once.

• I use Daz3D. (Well "use" may be an optimistic word as first I am learning it and second I'm doing that on my laptop, which is suboptimal, until I build the PC.) It will use GPU's and I think multiple CPU cores help.
• I'll look at the x299. I don't know if running 2 GPU's at x16 instead of x8 is critical, but it seems like it would help. I understand for starters I need a CPU that provides 44 instead of 28 lanes, but I have to find a MB that can give 32 of those to the GPUs. It's easy enough to see if a MB has enough physical x16 slots, but it seems harder to figure out whether it can run 2 of them at x16 + x16.
• I figured x99 was kind of old now. I had not kept up with chipsets, and saw quite a few have come out since. I wasn't sure which of the newer ones were geared towards graphics enthusiasts. Although I've built all my PC's for years (can't remember the last time I set foot in a Best Buy), they have all been Intel-based. That said, maybe I should look at AMD and the x399 chipset. 64 PCIe lanes sounds nice.
• I had not firmly set a budget. I figured it would be better to first figure out which general direction to go. Rather than trying to compare MB "X" with chipset "A" to MB "Y" with chipset "B", I should first figuring out whether chipset "A" or "B" is the right way to go. But I'll probably try to keep it under $4k, included 2 GPU's, if I can.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

$4k should get you into a decent render box. AMD Threadripper is a good bit cheaper. Build list

If you need to stay under $4k then delete one of the M.2 SSD's and replace it with a smaller SATA SSD for just the OS. Downsize the HDD as well.

Honestly if you are doing this as a hobby and are new it seems like overkill. There are plenty of off lease workstations that you could put a single 1080ti into and have a decent graphics box for less than half of your budget.

 

[pincorrect]

Thanks for this list. I've been leaning toward the Threadripper, even though I've always done Intel builds. AMD is looking even better with this new Meltdown vulnerability. Do you have experience with the Asus x399 MB? I've mostly bought Asus MB's except for a couple Supermicro's, like for my FreeNAS server.