Dear friends with experience in high(er) performance computing,
My lab is planning to purchase a computer specifically for GPU-based rendering (fancy picture / video generation based on CAD-type files). Currently mainly using Blender software.
We have spec’d out a machine (below). Could you give me some feedback on any improvements you think would make it better? We are working with a budget of about $7-10k.
REALLY appreciate your help/advice!
CPU:
Intel - Xeon E5-2697 V4 2.3Ghz 18 Core ~ $2495.99
https://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php?name=E52697V4BX&c=CJ
CPU Cooler:
Corsair - H115i 104.7 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ~ $129.99
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019955RNQ/?tag=pcpapi-20
Motherboard:
Asus-X99-E-10G WS SSI CEB LGA2011-3 ~ $639.99
https://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php?name=MB-X99E10W&c=CJ
Memory:
Corsair - Vengeance LPX 64GB (8x8GB) DDR4-2400 ~ $449.99
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233734&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-PCPartPicker,%20LLC-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=
Storage:
• Samsung 850 EVO 1TB 2.5" SATA III Internal SSD (MZ-75E1T0B/AM) ~ $356.99 w/mount
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OBRFFAS/?tag=pcpapi-20
2. Toshiba 5TB X300 7200 rpm SATA III 3.5" Internal HDD ~ $146.84
Video Card:
2x - NVIDIA - Titan Xp 12GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ~ $1432.15 each ~ $2864.30
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y5C27Y3/?tag=pcpapi-20
Power Supply:
Corsair - AX1500i 1500W 80+ Titanium Certified Fully-Modular ATX ~ $409.99
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019955RNQ/?tag=pcpapi-20
Computer Tower:
Thermaltake ATX Full Tower Cases CA-1H1-00F6WN-00 ~ $249.99
https://www.amazon.com/Thermaltake-Full-Tower-Cases-CA-1H1-00F6WN-00/dp/B01MTOVX8D/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1495746075&sr=8-1&keywords=thermaltake+tower+900
Total cost for core computer parts ~ $7744.07
You may consider getting the I7 processor series over the Xeons. Often the I7s actually perform better for computer graphics applications over the Xeons. We have similar systems both Xeons and I7s and the I7 performs better. You should make sure that Blender can use multiple processors. Also, more processors and more cores does not always scale linearly...i.e., blender might actually run faster on a higher-clock speed I7 CPU with 8 to 12 cores than a Xeon with 18 cores... the reason is that more cores accessing RAM simultaneously can actually slow things down quite a bit.
Also, forgot to comment on the rest of the components. Those are fine. The Samsung EVO drive is great. There are some SSD drives that have the M2 interface and that is significantly faster. You may consider adding a cheaper 7200 rpm but large additional drive for data storage...keep the OS on the SSD drive as any data that needs to be accessed quickly.
I just imagine that your stuff is beside me. Very Good Performance
Thanks a lot for your input! Really appreciate it! Will let you know what we end up with...
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