Xeon based Rendering System Build

[killswitch-core]

I am a 3D character modeler, and I use Maya+Vray, Keyshot, and Modo which uses CPU extensively for rendering. The system will not operate 24/7 though. My budget for this build is $2000-2500 give or take. I will reuse my existing hardware from my current system so all I need within the budget are the following items:

Processors: 2x Intel Xeon 2630 V3
Cooler: 2x Corsair h80i GT
RAM: Crucial 16GB DDR4 2133MHz ECC (Not decided)
Mainboard: Asus Z10PA-D8 ATX Dual-CPU LGA 2011 V3 (Not decided)
PSU: Not decided
Casing: Not decided

Here's the PCPartPicker link: http://pcpartpicker.com/user/killswitch/saved/#view=KyBcCJ

I am having a hard time picking the right PSU, case, and the mainboard. Exactly which board from Intel or Supermicro should I be looking at. I was hoping to reuse my existing Corsair TX 650W PSU, but not sure if that is sufficient enough for this rig. I have almost always used Asus boards, and I am not familiar with Supermicro, but I hear good stuff regarding their boards.

PS: This system will not run 24/7.

 

[DSF]

Is this for work or a hobby?

 

[killswitch-core]

Is this for work or a hobby?

This is for personal work.

 

[Burpo]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/INTEL-XEON-...main_0&hash=item20fe8b2700&afsrc=1&rmvSB=true

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...g6XaT-Pvhso68e5Dkg-X0BoC7GDw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
Must use DDR4 Ram..
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...148860&cm_re=ddr4_16gb-_-20-148-860-_-Product

 

[zir_blazer]

I would use a Supermicro Workstation class Motherboard and absolutely no less than 32 GB.

 

[Xeon_Addict]

I would use a Supermicro Workstation class Motherboard and absolutely no less than 32 GB.
Yesterday 09:11 PM

What zir_Blazer said... but I warn you, if you choose Supermicro - please do your research on compatibility... (RAM, Case, Power Supply).

 

[killswitch-core]

What zir_Blazer said... but I warn you, if you choose Supermicro - please do your research on compatibility... (RAM, Case, Power Supply).

I looked at SuperMicro boards, and was overwhelmed by the variants of the same board they have. If some one can point me to a proper review of the specific SuperMicro board that is overall great that would be great. Right now, I am looking at Intel or Asus boards as well. Not many people left any reviews of server based motherboards like people usually do for the desktop ones. =/

Can anyone tell me if 650W PSU is okay for this build? Or should I be looking at 850W or more to power this bad boy?

 

[Viper GTS]

I looked at SuperMicro boards, and was overwhelmed by the variants of the same board they have. If some one can point me to a proper review of the specific SuperMicro board that is overall great that would be great. Right now, I am looking at Intel or Asus boards as well. Not many people left any reviews of server based motherboards like people usually do for the desktop ones. =/

Can anyone tell me if 650W PSU is okay for this build? Or should I be looking at 850W or more to power this bad boy?

You should be looking at what an equivalent workstation might use. HP's Z840 or similar for reference. They typically offer a couple sizes, usually an 800-850W and an ~1100W.

You aren't likely to find reviews of SuperMicro motherboards, they aren't typical enthusiast fare and frankly most people with needs like yours are buying pre-built workstations. That said, a SuperMicro board is probably where you should be. That or maybe Tyan.

Keep in mind that modern chipsets and CPUs are so heavily integrated that there is very little difference between even consumer class motherboards. On server and workstation class boards the differences are even smaller. Buy one that gives you the features you need, SuperMicro didn't get the reputation they have by making bad products that would be exposed in a review.

Also, although you did not mention it have you looked at GPU rendering? Depending on what you're doing you might get more performance/$ out of a GPU vs CPU. You'd know best what is available for your needs, but I would at least plan for the addition of GPU later - Make sure you have PCIe slots, bandwidth (not that this should be an issue with two xeons), and power available.

Viper GTS

 

[killswitch-core]

You should be looking at what an equivalent workstation might use. HP's Z840 or similar for reference. They typically offer a couple sizes, usually an 800-850W and an ~1100W.

You aren't likely to find reviews of SuperMicro motherboards, they aren't typical enthusiast fare and frankly most people with needs like yours are buying pre-built workstations. That said, a SuperMicro board is probably where you should be. That or maybe Tyan.

Keep in mind that modern chipsets and CPUs are so heavily integrated that there is very little difference between even consumer class motherboards. On server and workstation class boards the differences are even smaller. Buy one that gives you the features you need, SuperMicro didn't get the reputation they have by making bad products that would be exposed in a review.

Also, although you did not mention it have you looked at GPU rendering? Depending on what you're doing you might get more performance/$ out of a GPU vs CPU. You'd know best what is available for your needs, but I would at least plan for the addition of GPU later - Make sure you have PCIe slots, bandwidth (not that this should be an issue with two xeons), and power available.

Viper GTS

Thanks Viper, how can I understand which board has enough bandwidth on its PCIe lanes for the CPUs I am going to use? I did think about the GPU rendering option. But as I listed in my original post all the applications I use (Maya+Vray, Keyshot, Modo) are CPU intensive. I am not sure if Vray can do batch rendering using GPU, if it can then I can definitely look into the GPU solution. But as it stands Vray's batch render uses CPU while the realtime can use both CPU or GPU. I need to double check though if it is possible to do batch renders using GPU.

Also, thanks for the input regarding the PSU.

 

[DigDog]

why do you need liquid cooling ?

also, doesn't asus have a - much cheaper - workstation board?
oh .. never mind. forgot to actually read.

 

[Xeon_Addict]

looked at SuperMicro boards, and was overwhelmed by the variants of the same board they have. If some one can point me to a proper review of the specific SuperMicro board that is overall great that would be great. Right now, I am looking at Intel or Asus boards as well. Not many people left any reviews of server based motherboards like people usually do for the desktop ones. =/

killswitch-core Here you go:
http://www.servethehome.com/supermicro-x10dax-review-hyperspeed-motherboard/

http://www.servethehome.com/supermicro-x10dac-workstation-motherboard-sas3-review/

Looking at the X10DAX for my next build as it supports 3-way SLI.

 

[killswitch-core]

killswitch-core Here you go:
http://www.servethehome.com/supermicro-x10dax-review-hyperspeed-motherboard/

http://www.servethehome.com/supermicro-x10dac-workstation-motherboard-sas3-review/

Looking at the X10DAX for my next build as it supports 3-way SLI.

Thanks Xeon_Addict, I am getting the X10DAX. I am currently looking at a SuperMicro barebone system that comes with this board, 900W PSU, and CPU coolers. Here's the system: http://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php?name=SY-7038AI&show=p

Most dual CPU boards have 16 memory slots, for quad channel do I need to populate all 16 slots of equal sized memory sticks? Or just populating 4 slots for each CPU, i.e 4x4GB =16GB for CPU 1, 4x4GB=16GB for CPU 2 will work as quads channels for each CPU on the board? With this configuration I still have 8 slots empty, should that present any issue? The other way to populate all 16 slots is to go for 64GB (with 8x4GB no of sticks). I am trying to wrap my head around how to do this. =/

 

[killswitch-core]

why do you need liquid cooling ?

also, doesn't asus have a - much cheaper - workstation board?
oh .. never mind. forgot to actually read.

The Corsair H80i GT, H100i (which I am using now on my desktop) are designed pretty well so that you do not have clutter inside the case and I like to keep room inside the case. I could go for a pair of Noctua, but they are pretty darn huge, albeit awesome performer. But if I get the SuperMicro barebone station I will use the CPU cooler it comes with.

 

[Viper GTS]

Thanks Xeon_Addict, I am getting the X10DAX. I am currently looking at a SuperMicro barebone system that comes with this board, 900W PSU, and CPU coolers. Here's the system: http://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php?name=SY-7038AI&show=p

Most dual CPU boards have 16 memory slots, for quad channel do I need to populate all 16 slots of equal sized memory sticks? Or just populating 4 slots for each CPU, i.e 4x4GB =16GB for CPU 1, 4x4GB=16GB for CPU 2 will work as quads channels for each CPU on the board? With this configuration I still have 8 slots empty, should that present any issue? The other way to populate all 16 slots is to go for 64GB (with 8x4GB no of sticks). I am trying to wrap my head around how to do this. =/

You don't need to populate all 16 slots. To maximize memory bandwidth you need to populate one DIMM per channel (four per CPU, eight total). I would be looking at 8x8GB or 8x16GB depending on how much RAM you want to have. You can then add a second DIMM per channel in the future as an upgrade path.

For reference:

http://www.kingston.com/us/business/server_solutions/best_practices/maximizing_performance/

Viper GTS

 

[Xeon_Addict]

Thanks Xeon_Addict, I am getting the X10DAX. I am currently looking at a SuperMicro barebone system that comes with this board, 900W PSU, and CPU coolers. Here's the system: http://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php?...-7038AI&show=p

Most dual CPU boards have 16 memory slots, for quad channel do I need to populate all 16 slots of equal sized memory sticks? Or just populating 4 slots for each CPU, i.e 4x4GB =16GB for CPU 1, 4x4GB=16GB for CPU 2 will work as quads channels for each CPU on the board? With this configuration I still have 8 slots empty, should that present any issue? The other way to populate all 16 slots is to go for 64GB (with 8x4GB no of sticks). I am trying to wrap my head around how to do this. =/

killswitch-core,

Very nice!

FYI - That particular system shows the motherboard as "X10DAi" and not "X10DAX". Only real difference is the X10DAi does not support NVidia SLI or Hyper-Speed.

Also, make sure you use the recommended RAM by Supermicro (can't stress this enough!)

You can find all the details here:
http://www.supermicro.com/products/motherboard/Xeon/C600/X10DAX.cfm