CPU for computation heavy tasks

[Wrymn]

We need to choose the correct CPU for our company.
The goal is to use the PC for heavy computation tasks (running calculation code billions of times).

This code is many times multi-threaded.

We are not sure whether to go with Intel i-7 CPU, 4-cores, but each core is super fast, or with Ryzen, that has many more cores (e.g. 16), but cores aren`t that strong.

more info:
- 32GB RAM
- single 500GB HDD is enough
- no GPU, integrated is enough

 

[bajgur]

in that case you might want to check this:
https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/products/processors/xeon.html

 

[Wrymn]

in that case you might want to check this:
https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/products/processors/xeon.html

Budget is around 1000Eur, since we are not that big of a company (Boss would fire me If I bough PC for 7k, hehe 😀)

Will not higher speed cores be better? I mean even with several threads, having core with 4.5GHz will computer much faster than core with 2.1GHz.

 

[coozie7]

In fully multithreaded uses Ryzen usually beats Intel Euro-for-euro, simply because Ryzen has more cores and threads available.
Is the 1,000 Euro budget for the CPU alone or the entire system ( including the OS )?

 

[Wrymn]

In fully multithreaded uses Ryzen usually beats Intel Euro-for-euro, simply because Ryzen has more cores and threads available.
Is the 1,000 Euro budget for the CPU alone or the entire system ( including the OS )?

Whole system, but it could be a bit higher than 1k.

I had my eyes on i7-6800K, which also has 15MB of cache

 

[coozie7]

That i7 is pretty 'old' by now the new Coffee Lake parts carry 6 cores while the '6800K only has 4.
What country are you in? The Eurozone is pretty big and pricing vary significantly country-to-country.

 

[ElectrO_90]

If you can spare the extra cash, Threadripper next month (version 2) 12c/24t
Ryzen will pretty much strip any same priced Intel (plus won't be out of date by next year like Intel will be, because they release anther new chipset that isn't backwards compatible.

Failing not having enough money for a Threadripper, it has to be 2700x

 

[coozie7]

French pricing and availability:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 7 1800X 3.6GHz 8-Core Processor (€287.56 @ Amazon France)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG - H7 49.0 CFM CPU Cooler (€31.24 @ Amazon France)
Motherboard: Asus - PRIME B350-PLUS ATX AM4 Motherboard (€79.30 @ Amazon France)
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory (€139.30 @ Amazon France)
Storage: Samsung - 970 Evo 250GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive (€121.00 @ Amazon France)
Storage: Seagate - Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (€60.98 @ Amazon France)
Storage: Seagate - Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (€60.98 @ Amazon France)
Video Card: Sapphire - Radeon RX 550 - 640 4GB PULSE Video Card (€134.90 @ LDLC)
Case: Fractal Design - Focus G (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case (€54.48 @ Alternate)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - S12II 520W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply (€67.46 @ Amazon France)
Total: €1037.20
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-05-15 14:38 CEST+0200

Or the same build with a2700X:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 7 2700X 3.7GHz 8-Core Processor (€324.99 @ Amazon France)
Motherboard: MSI - X470 GAMING PLUS ATX AM4 Motherboard (€141.39 @ Amazon France)
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory (€139.30 @ Amazon France)
Storage: Samsung - 970 Evo 250GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive (€121.00 @ Amazon France)
Storage: Seagate - Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (€60.98 @ Amazon France)
Storage: Seagate - Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (€60.98 @ Amazon France)
Video Card: Sapphire - Radeon RX 550 - 640 4GB PULSE Video Card (€134.90 @ LDLC)
Case: Fractal Design - Focus G (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case (€54.48 @ Alternate)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - S12II 520W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply (€67.46 @ Amazon France)
Total: €1105.48
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-05-15 14:42 CEST+0200

Note, I've used a fairly expensive X470 motherboard here, the cheaper B350 'boards will work but older ones will need their BIOS to be flashed before the 2700X will run in them, so the choice is to guarantee out-of-the-box compatibility.
Both builds use dual 2Tb HDDs along with a quick 256Gb SSD, the dual drives are for data security, if you have a solid backup procedure in place you could drop one to lower the cost a little.

 

[traxxmy]

Since you require powerful cpu and need to do heavy multithread, doesn't it is better to choose Intel XEON.

 

[Wrymn]

French pricing and availability:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 7 1800X 3.6GHz 8-Core Processor (€287.56 @ Amazon France)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG - H7 49.0 CFM CPU Cooler (€31.24 @ Amazon France)
Motherboard: Asus - PRIME B350-PLUS ATX AM4 Motherboard (€79.30 @ Amazon France)
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory (€139.30 @ Amazon France)
Storage: Samsung - 970 Evo 250GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive (€121.00 @ Amazon France)
Storage: Seagate - Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (€60.98 @ Amazon France)
Storage: Seagate - Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (€60.98 @ Amazon France)
Video Card: Sapphire - Radeon RX 550 - 640 4GB PULSE Video Card (€134.90 @ LDLC)
Case: Fractal Design - Focus G (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case (€54.48 @ Alternate)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - S12II 520W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply (€67.46 @ Amazon France)
Total: €1037.20
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-05-15 14:38 CEST+0200

Or the same build with a2700X:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 7 2700X 3.7GHz 8-Core Processor (€324.99 @ Amazon France)
Motherboard: MSI - X470 GAMING PLUS ATX AM4 Motherboard (€141.39 @ Amazon France)
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory (€139.30 @ Amazon France)
Storage: Samsung - 970 Evo 250GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive (€121.00 @ Amazon France)
Storage: Seagate - Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (€60.98 @ Amazon France)
Storage: Seagate - Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (€60.98 @ Amazon France)
Video Card: Sapphire - Radeon RX 550 - 640 4GB PULSE Video Card (€134.90 @ LDLC)
Case: Fractal Design - Focus G (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case (€54.48 @ Alternate)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - S12II 520W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply (€67.46 @ Amazon France)
Total: €1105.48
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-05-15 14:42 CEST+0200

Note, I've used a fairly expensive X470 motherboard here, the cheaper B350 'boards will work but older ones will need their BIOS to be flashed before the 2700X will run in them, so the choice is to guarantee out-of-the-box compatibility.
Both builds use dual 2Tb HDDs along with a quick 256Gb SSD, the dual drives are for data security, if you have a solid backup procedure in place you could drop one to lower the cost a little.

Some more info so we can get the optimal build, I am sorry I have not mentioned this before.

- memory should be 32GB
- no video card, the integrated inside CPU should be more than enough. PC won`t even have monitor, it will act as "remote server", so any programmer can access it.
- single 500GB or 1TB HDD storage should be more than enough

- now question is CPU (which you have already suggested)
- probably some 400W PSU should be enough
- i`ve heard AMD CPUs need strong coolers
- the big cooler should fit into case 😀

also, you can cut 20% from final price, since VAT is not included. We are from Slovakia, some prices are even better here than in France

 

[TerryLaze]

Will not higher speed cores be better? I mean even with several threads, having core with 4.5GHz will computer much faster than core with 2.1GHz.

You are the only one that can answer this question.
You say that a lot of people will access this CPU so if you are not talking about one single software that uses lots of threads then you will have to test any heavy software your company is running to see where it would run better.

 

[coozie7]

That much memory is going to be expensive and will dramatically limit the CPU choice if we're going to stay close to 1,000 Euro.

Downside of the Ryzen CPU is it has no built in GPU, so I've been forced to add one, but virtually any cheap part will do the job, feel free to substitute something cheaper and available locally.

OK, we can easily trim the storage.

Don't go cheap on the power supply, for this type of use a high quality part is essential!

Current Ryzen parts don't need big, heavy coolers, and the 2700X comes with a excellent boxed cooler, the R9 1800X does not, so, like the graphics card I was forced to include one.

Yes, you can go the XEON route but finding one, plus motherboard and ECC RAM is going to be prohibitively expensive, which is why I'm sticking the an AMD build.
Feel free to post your requirements on other Forums, there are plenty to choose from!

Updated R9 1800X build:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 7 2700X 3.7GHz 8-Core Processor (€324.99 @ Amazon France)
Motherboard: MSI - X470 GAMING PLUS ATX AM4 Motherboard (€141.39 @ Amazon France)
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory (€139.30 @ Amazon France)
Storage: Samsung - 970 Evo 250GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive (€121.00 @ Amazon France)
Storage: Seagate - Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (€60.98 @ Amazon France)
Storage: Seagate - Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (€60.98 @ Amazon France)
Video Card: Sapphire - Radeon RX 550 - 640 4GB PULSE Video Card (€134.90 @ LDLC)
Case: Fractal Design - Focus G (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case (€54.48 @ Alternate)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - S12II 520W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply (€67.46 @ Amazon France)
Total: €1105.48
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-05-15 14:42 CEST+0200

 

[traxxmy]

Yes, you can go the XEON route but finding one, plus motherboard and ECC RAM is going to be prohibitively expensive, which is why I'm sticking the an AMD build.
Feel free to post your requirements on other Forums, there are plenty to choose from!

I missed out the budget part. Thought the poster have unlimited budget :lol: .

 

[coozie7]

^ Yep, with a larger budget I'd be looking at a XEON, or Threadripper. 😉

 

[traxxmy]

The i suggest just buy used part. If you can live that it has been "used" before. Used doesn't meaan it will spoilt. probably the previous just want to upgrade. Since you in business,it should be easier for you to ask your contact for those want to dispose their workstation.

 

[traxxmy]

https://www.sysnapse.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=34627&gclid=CjwKCAjwiurXBRAnEiwAk2GFZq1ckQxAshO7umai0eEd1pgMArN-s9ayREh1fmhb0RLRuasCF19g-RoCPxwQAvD_Bw. Should be enough horsepower with 12cores and hyper threading.

 

[coozie7]

They could go used but it can be a real risk, it's bad enough for an individual to find they've been ripped off, but for a company that will rely on the system its not, in my opinion, worth the risk.

OK, here's an Intel i7 8700K build:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Core i7-8700K 3.7GHz 6-Core Processor (€331.51 @ Amazon France)
CPU Cooler: Scythe - Mugen MAX 97.2 CFM CPU Cooler (€49.48 @ Amazon France)
Motherboard: MSI - Z370-A PRO ATX LGA1151 Motherboard (€114.47 @ Amazon France)
Memory: ADATA - 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR4-3000 Memory (€351.23 @ Amazon France)
Storage: Western Digital - Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (€42.23 @ Amazon France)
Case: Phanteks - Enthoo Pro M ATX Mid Tower Case (€89.90 @ Amazon France)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - 520W 80+ Bronze Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply (€68.61 @ Amazon France)
Total: €1047.43
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-05-15 17:16 CEST+0200

Please bear in mind, not all these parts may be available in Slovakia and you may incur extra taxes or tariffs if you purchase from out of the country.

Yep, it's a full on i7 8700K 6 cores and 12 threads, maybe a little slower than a Ryzen 2700X but the out-of-the-box stability and reliability are excellent, also, unlike Ryzen builds it will not be as fussy about the memory you use, making it very unlikely you'll have any compatibility issues.

That big Sythe cooler isn't an absolute 'must have' but if you're going to run the system under heavy load for extended periods I'll recommend this one or something similar.

Cheap, serviceable motherboard, I don't think you'll want to risk any stability issues by overclocking so this will be just fine with a stock CPU .

Yep, 32Gb of fast DDR4 3000 RAM!

Changed the case to something a little larger.

Good, solid power supply but it's nothing special.

Forgot to add a couple of extra 140mm fans! The Phanteks only comes with one rear fan installed, a pair in the front will keep things nice and cool.

 

[ElectrO_90]

Still better to go AMD because the motherboard will last until 2020, with intel you can't upgrade the cpu anymore. The chipset will be finished by Q1 2019 with their new chip and new chipset. Just remember their last 7 series CPU lasted about 7 months before they scrapped it.

With AMD it will be faster, more cores/threads and upgradeable for another 2+ years when the new Zen2 7nm cpus come out.

Only buy Intel if you don't want your computer updated anymore

 

[Wrymn]

They could go used but it can be a real risk, it's bad enough for an individual to find they've been ripped off, but for a company that will rely on the system its not, in my opinion, worth the risk.

OK, here's an Intel i7 8700K build:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Core i7-8700K 3.7GHz 6-Core Processor (€331.51 @ Amazon France)
CPU Cooler: Scythe - Mugen MAX 97.2 CFM CPU Cooler (€49.48 @ Amazon France)
Motherboard: MSI - Z370-A PRO ATX LGA1151 Motherboard (€114.47 @ Amazon France)
Memory: ADATA - 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR4-3000 Memory (€351.23 @ Amazon France)
Storage: Western Digital - Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (€42.23 @ Amazon France)
Case: Phanteks - Enthoo Pro M ATX Mid Tower Case (€89.90 @ Amazon France)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - 520W 80+ Bronze Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply (€68.61 @ Amazon France)
Total: €1047.43
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-05-15 17:16 CEST+0200

Please bear in mind, not all these parts may be available in Slovakia and you may incur extra taxes or tariffs if you purchase from out of the country.

Yep, it's a full on i7 8700K 6 cores and 12 threads, maybe a little slower than a Ryzen 2700X but the out-of-the-box stability and reliability are excellent, also, unlike Ryzen builds it will not be as fussy about the memory you use, making it very unlikely you'll have any compatibility issues.

That big Sythe cooler isn't an absolute 'must have' but if you're going to run the system under heavy load for extended periods I'll recommend this one or something similar.

Cheap, serviceable motherboard, I don't think you'll want to risk any stability issues by overclocking so this will be just fine with a stock CPU .

Yep, 32Gb of fast DDR4 3000 RAM!

Changed the case to something a little larger.

Good, solid power supply but it's nothing special.

Forgot to add a couple of extra 140mm fans! The Phanteks only comes with one rear fan installed, a pair in the front will keep things nice and cool.

Thank you @coozie7 for your time in picking the parts.

We will probably go with Ryzen 2700x you mentioned, since our calculation tasks are done in as many threads as we need, so it could be optimized for that.

My last question is, will CL15 HyperX FURY 2x16GB run with ASUS TUF X470-PLUS GAMING soc.AM4 X470? It says it supports DDR4 up to 64GB, but just checking.

These are on stock from market our company buys from.

 

[ElectrO_90]

The memory you want to run with 2700x should be 3200Mhz for maximum performance.
2x16 will be fine as it will take 4x16 as well as be future proof for the next Zen2 in about 12 months.

 

[coozie7]

Late reply, the memory should be fine, but as ElectrO_90 mentions, Ryzen is sensitive to memory speed, far more so than an Intel i7 so aim for DDR4 3000 or DDR4 3200 to get the best out of the system.
Also note. the faster memory will need to be configured in BIOS, otherwise it will run at its default speed ( probably DDR4 2133 ).
Final point: No Ryzen CPU has any built in graphics but for a basic display any PCI-E card with the correct outputs to drive the display/s you have in mind will do the job, the RX550 I linked is really more powerful ( and expensive ) than you need.