Advice on scientific computing build

[ndb7]

Hello all,

I am about to build a PC primarily for a scientific application (EFIT calculations) which requires large amounts of memory and is sequential / single threaded. Since I was a bit out of it hardware wise, I’d very much welcome comments if anybody sees a significant pitfall to this build.

For the specific application setting, at least 128gb of ram is required. I don’t own the source code of the application, so changing the application is no option. Even if, I doubt reducing the required memory is possible without extending the computation time considerably.

The reasonable choice for this application would probably be to rent or buy an old server with enough ECC ram, however anything halfway close to what I would be willing to spend has very poor single thread performance. A very good offer for a Corsair Vengeance 128gb 2933Mhz kit (non-ECC) kind of made the decision for me to build a PC instead of buying/renting a server, which I can use also after finishing the calculation in a few months, mainly for video transcoding and gaming (given I add a better graphics card).

So far I only own the ram kit and am planning to add the other components to the build

- Memory: Corsair Vengeance 128gb 2933Mhz http://
- CPU: Intel I7-7820X http://
- Mainboard: Asus Prime x299-A http:// (undecided)
- Drives: HDD:8tb BarraCuda HDD ST8000DM004 http:// for storage,
SSD: Crucial MX300 CT525MX300SSD1http:// for OS, calculations etc.
- Power supply: be quiet! Pure Power 600 Watts http://
- Graphics card: Old Graphics card, most inexpensive solution I can find

The reason for choosing the I7-7820x and the 2066 Platform even tough the prices are somewhat eye-watering especially compared to the new AMD Ryzens is on the one hand the better single thread performance and the fact that I have only been able to test the application on intel systems. Choosing intel over AMD for stability reasons maybe a bit ironic because the Corssair Vengeance ram kit is advertised as to be used with AMD processors, however I hope they also work with a intel processor even if at a lower speed (please correct me if I’m wrong).

 

[profoundnoah]

Funnily enough, I'm about to head to college in a year for that very study! If you want immediate confirmation on the compatibility of your RAM, check out your Mobo's QVL (Qualified Vendor List.) Should give you a list of RAM models that are confirmed to play nicely with your board. If your work is primarily single-thread bound, and parallelization isn't a possibility, then there are more gains to be had with an 8700k than any of the processors you've looked at so far...at least that's what I'd like to say.

I would recommend the 8700k, the only issue I'm seeing here is that Z370 boards don't have 128 GB capacity, so you're really in a pickle when it comes to that...

You are grounded in your decision towards the 7820X, in the long run it will do you well. However, and I'm aware this is a flawed recommendation, if you ONLY care about single-thread performance, there is more to be had with the 7740X, although it's not worth the small price gap imo. Although I can't find the EXACT SKU of the RAM on the QVL, I'm fairly sure it'll work, since Corsair advertises it as XMP ready, which is an Intel-Exclusive feature.

As for your PSU, I'd go with something a little more beefy and efficient. SeaSonic makes, in my opinion, the PINNACLE of PSUs, as far as quality is concerned. The model I substituted delivers more wattage at a FAR higher efficiency, with a lower price to boot.

Cases are really a personal preference, just ensure you have enough airflow. I am aware that the prices are sourced from the US, so please inform me if any of my recommendations are not available in your location.

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/3cLxgw

PCPartPicker part list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/3cLxgw
Price breakdown by merchant: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/3cLxgw/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel - Core i7-7820X 3.6GHz 8-Core Processor ($469.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Noctua - NH-D15 82.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($86.20 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus - PRIME X299-A ATX LGA2066 Motherboard ($278.49 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair - Vengeance LPX 128GB (8 x 16GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($1561.08 @ Amazon)
Storage: Crucial - MX500 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($109.95 @ Adorama)
Storage: Seagate - BarraCuda Pro 8TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($281.99 @ Newegg Business)
Video Card: Asus - GeForce GTX 1080 8GB ROG STRIX Video Card ($584.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design - Meshify C Dark TG ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - FOCUS Plus Platinum 750W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($109.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $3572.67
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-06-11 18:31 EDT-0400

(ALSO DO NOTE: The 1080 isn't a must for your build, Im just showing you that by adding in a higher-horsepower GPU down the line, you're getting close to your PSU's Wattage. The 1080 IS NOT REQUIRED.)

 

[ndb7]

Hello Noah,
thank you for your long answer and advice! The i7-8700k would be perfect if it could be paired with 128 gb of RAM, unfortunately also the i7-7740X only supports 64gb RAM (officially). Mainboards I’ve looked at so far don’t list this kit as verified compatible, but probably because that kit is AMD dedicated. I’ve written Corsair regarding compatibility…
I’ll check out the SeaSonic PSU!

 

[profoundnoah]

That is a very wise decision. Apologies for the oversight on the 7740X, I generally deal with consumer-grade hardware, so I'm not the most familiar with intel's HEDT/Server Lineup. Let me know if I can be of any more service. Festina Lente.