High-End personal Workstation Guidance

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Once I have chatted up (felt out) these two build's storage reqs ... we may be talking (more) about internal RAIDs ... SSDs ... and REVODRIVES ...

... But first ... I need to bone-up and refresh my knowledge about graphics "reference monitors" ... AFFORDABLE ONES, if there is any such a thing. ... I am using the 32"? Apple Cinema Display, as a reference ...
... Does everyone agree that this spec is sufficient ?

... or ... does hi-rez compositing of commercial publications (posters and glossy brochures) require something beyond this ??

... What can a true pro "get by with" ??

.

 
This will be my last contribution to this thread due to obvious reasons.



I own the MDR-V600. Nearly all bass dropped out of them after the first year of heavy use. They were nice at the beginning though.



One of the musician i work with has these. Room acoustics makes a big difference no matter what studio monitors you choose. We happened to agree that my set up sounds better but our rooms are very different. Read more about this on professional audio forums like gearslutz
http://www.gearslutz.com/board/rap-hip-hop-engineering-production/462873-krk-rockit-8-yamaha-hs-80-a.html

If you have questions PM me since i will no longer contribute my professional experience and knowledge to this tread.
 




I'm currently running a GTX 460 with a dual monitor set up...one monitor (main) is 1920x1080 the other (a tv) is running at 720

no issues...

...I am running as 'Extended Desktop'

...running 266.58 WHQL drivers w/Win 7 Home Premium 64 bit
 


What are the GPU temps, one monitor vs. both monitors?
 
Well, last night (2-10-11) was the first time I actually hooked this up...

We recently cut the cable and I wanted to watch TV/movies while working so, I hooked 'er up to run Netflix

I've got an Antec 1200 case, so airflow isn't an issue...

To tell you the truth, I didn't notice the GPU fan making any more noise than usual...

I'll check tonight and report back actual temperature differences

Any particular tests you'd like to see? Or just casual useage...

Also, FYI...here's my model:

EVGA 01G-P3-1371-TR GeForce GTX 460 (Fermi) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card
 
These "real world" measurements are very helpful ...

In the last year ...

Two generations of FERMIs ... All sorts of heat, power and "mode" issues ...
Win 7 32bit and 64bit and, now, on to service packs ...
MAJOR apps (CS5, etc.), games, business ... all porting to 64bit & more than 2 cores.
Sandy Bridge ... Not only the Cougar Point bug, but what ROLE in discreet GPU rigs?
SSDs ... Now, on solid ground, after a few harrowing generations of flakey cntrlrs.
And a global explosion, in multimedia literacy (and apps usage). (H.264/AVCHD).
New Quadros ?? It's going to be awhile, before the dust settles.
... and ... that is the SHORT list ... you know ... I COULD go on and on ...

Makes it very difficult to advise the VP of some Fotune 500 company, or a starving student, to spend their wad on a completely un-tested landscape.

... Anandtech's benchrest tables and newegg's power calc config "pick lists" have even had a very hard time, staying current.

Alsways great to get accurate reports, from the field.

I could easily make recommendations on "How things SHOULD work" ...
... But I prefer to wait until I am confident that they WILL work ... BIG DIFF !!

Thanks ... I am going to browse "fancier" graphics displays ... at B&H, today.

 
Concerning graphics displays, wasn't my u2410 a good decision ? Or are you trying to fit a 2560 by 1440 Display in my budget ?
 
I missed that ... or dint get TO it ... sorry ... link ?

I have a few other folks reqs, in mind, here ... as well ...

... Here is what I am seeing as a "professional standard" ...
... (Something CLIENTS can respect, as well as PROs.).

HP / Hewlett-Packard ZR30w 30" Widescreen LCD Computer Display
Price: $1,183.21
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/715066-REG/HP_Hewlett_Packard_VM617A8_ABA_ZR30w_30_Widescreen_LCD.html

Panel/Display
Type S-IPS (H2-IPS) Active Matrix TFT
Viewable Size 30"
Brightness 370cd/m²
Contrast Ratio 1000:1 (3000:1 dynamic)
Viewing Angle 178° horizontal, 178° vertical
Pixel Dot Pitch Not Specified by Manufacturer
Response Time 7ms (Gray-to-Gray); 12ms (On/Off)
Panel Life Not Specified by Manufacturer
Colors Supported 1.07 billion
Signal
Internal Interface Digital
Frequency 60Hz
Sync Type Not Specified by Manufacturer
Resolution 2560 x 1600
Input/Output Connectors
Analog None
Digital 1x DVI-D (HDCP)
1x DisplayPort (HDCP)
Audio Input None
Headphone Jack None
Hub Ports 4x USB 2.0
Speakers None
Mount Desktop
Controls
Buttons Not Specified by Manufacturer
On-Screen Display Yes
Auto Configuration Yes
Touch Screen None
Tilt/Swivel Range Tilt: -5-30°
Swivel: -45-45°
Height: 3.9" (10cm)
Pivot: None
Security Kensington Lock Slot
Compliant Standards ISO 13406-2 VDT Guidelines Approval, CISPR Requirements, VCCI Approvals, MIC (Korean) Requirements, CSA, Australian ACA Approval, "GS" Mark, TUV Approvals, CE Marking, FCC Approval, Microsoft Windows Certification (Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows XP, Windows Vista Premium, and Windows 7).
System Requirements Computer with Dual-Link DVI-D or DisplayPort output
Power Requirements AC: 100-240VAC
Consumption: 185W (Maximum), 130W (Typical), < 2W (Sleep), < 1W (Off)
Environmental Requirements Operating
Temperature: 41-95°F (5-35°C)
Humidity: 10-80%
Dimensions (WxHxD) With Stand: 27.3 x 19.3-23.3 x 10.9" (69.4 x 48.9-58.9 x 27.6cm)
Without Stand: 27.3 x 17.9 x 3.4" (69.4 x 45.4 x 8.7cm)
Weight 28.6 lb (13kg)

**************************

The ZR30w 30" Widescreen LCD Computer Display from Hewlett-Packard is a high-performance LCD display, perfect for use in color-critical environments. The display uses an S-IPS panel, which can reproduce an amazing 1.07 billion colors. An integrated 4-port USB 2.0 hub allows for easy device connectivity.

The display features an impressive industrial design, intended to complement the HP Z series of desktop workstations. Its stand features rotation, swivel, and height adjustment. The display features a 2560 x 1600 native resolution, 16:10 aspect ratio, 1000:1 contrast ratio, 370cd/m² brightness, 7ms response time, and 178°/178° viewing angle.

Bigger and Better
At first glance, the HP ZR30w may look like the previous 30-inch diagonal Performance Series monitor, but its new and improved features make this model a Generation 'wow' monitor. For starters, it has a new aluminum-clad chassis that uses a minimum of 25% post-consumer recycled resin for more responsible resource utilization. Next, it houses a lower power panel, making it more efficient than previous 30" models. And finally, it comes with an 85% efficient power supply. Once you take a closer look at the HP ZR30w, you'll find that HP has gone to extreme measures to make their biggest monitor better
Visions of Grandeur
The HP ZR30w enables maximum comfort and best visual positioning with a 6-way adjustable stand that provides tilt, swivel, and height adaptability in the column, helping you improve productivity throughout the day. With the ZR30w, integrated cable management has also been simplified with the new, easy to use, snap-on cable cover
Over a Billion Colors
The HP ZR30w helps achieve maximum accuracy with outstanding visual performance technologies. This display's S-IPS panel provides brilliant visual performance and extremely wide viewing angles. And with a whopping 30-bits per pixel color resolution, 1.07 billion displayable colors, a resolution of 2560 x 1600 in a 16:10 aspect ratio, and a 3000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, you'll clearly see what you've been missing in the past. Of course, the ZR30w also includes DisplayPort and DVI-D inputs, an integrated 4-port USB hub and an HP Quick Release for simple out of the box set up
HP Design
Like the HP ZR30w, HP Z Workstations also feature complementary industrial design and high-efficiency power supplies. They are also tested with all HP Performance displays, so when you put these tools together, you'll experience a workstation solution that has been designed with both you and the environment in mind
 
Yes, "FURST", I love it ...
... So ... decisions ... Would *I* prefer ONE of the HPs, or TWO of these DELLs ?
(the cost would be roughly, the same).

The Dell UltraSharp U2410 Monitor $499 USD
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?sku=320-8277&cs=19&c=us&l=en&dgc=SS&cid=27530&lid=627063

DISPLAY
Panel Size:
24-inch (60.96 cm) viewable area
Aspect Ratio
Widescreen (16:10)
Panel Type, Surface:
IPS (In-Plane Switching), anti glare with hard coat 3H
Optimal Resolution:
1920 x 1200 at 60 Hz
Contrast Ratio:
1000 to 1 (typical)
Dynamic Contrast Ratio:
80,000:1 (Max)
Brightness:
400 cd/m2 (typical)
Response Time:
6ms (gray to gray) Typical
Max Viewing Angle (vertical/horizontal)
178º vertical / 178º horizontal
Color Support:
1.07 billion colors
Color Gamut
110% (CIE 1976)
Pixel Pitch:
0.27 mm
Internal Processing
12 bits
Pixel Per Inch
94
Support and Compatible with Industry Color Space
AdobeRGB (96% Coverage)
sRGB emulates 72% of NTSC Color (100% Coverage)
xvYCC Compatibility
Device Type
Widescreen Flat Panel Display CONNECTIVITY
Video Graphics Array (VGA)
Digital Visual Interface - Digital (DVI-D) with HDCP
DisplayPort(DP)
Component
Composite
High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)
Built-in Devices
Media Card Reader and USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Hub (with 1 USB upstream port and 4 USB downstream ports)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STAND
Adjustability
Height-Adjustable stand,tilt, swivel, pivot and built in cable-management
Flat Panel Mount Interface
VESA Mount

*******************

CONNECTIVITY
Video Graphics Array (VGA)
Digital Visual Interface - Digital (DVI-D) with HDCP
DisplayPort(DP)
Component
Composite
High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)
Built-in Devices
Media Card Reader and USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Hub (with 1 USB upstream port and 4 USB downstream ports)

***********************

The Beauty of PremierColor Technology

PremierColor technology enables the Dell UltraSharp U2410 monitor to deliver vibrant, consistent, true-to-life colors - and minimizes the need for further calibration. It provides a simple and outstanding Out-of-Box experience.


Factory Calibrated: Be enthralled by the first Dell monitor that is color-calibrated at the factory for accurate, consistent and precise colors.



Compatible with Industry Color Standards: Compatibility with industry color spaces such as Adobe RGB (96% coverage) and sRGB (100% coverage) enables the U2410 Monitor to meet the needs of professional users involved in color-centric work such as graphic design, CAD/CAM, gaming and media creation.



Customizable Color Adjustment: With its 6-axis Color Control, Custom Color Mode is designed for advanced users who appreciate the ability to customize and adjust parameters for saturation, hue, gain and offset.



Amazing Color Gamut and Color Depth: A higher color gamut of 1.07 billion colors allows for an astonishing range of colors to be displayed. The high data accuracy of 12-bit internal processing helps to distinguish very low grayscale tones, allowing for a greater level of detail in dark areas.


Uncompromising Screen Performance

Designed to handle graphics-intensive applications with ease, this high-performance 24" monitor delivers stunning detail, depth and responsiveness.

24" Display and 1920x1200 (max) WUXGA Resolution: Experience stunning high-definition detail and the ability to view more onscreen content.
16:10 Wide Aspect Ratio: View wide documents with ease and work in multiple windows with less scrolling and toggling between applications.
6-Millisecond Response Time2 (Typical): Discover responsive, lifelike video playback with minimal ghosting and streaking.
80,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio: Enjoy blacker blacks, razor-sharp graphics and text, brilliant color and near-microscopic detail.



 


WoW ! ... nVidia (+partners) have REALLY filled out the FERMI lines ! ... Hard to keep up !

Look at this, Illy ... In the context of your (quoted) statement ...

EVGA 02G-P3-1386-KR GeForce GTX 460 (Fermi) 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card
@ $230 USD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130611&cm_re=fermi-_-14-130-611-_-Product


I have just compared the specs and pricing on the following THREE GPU cards ...

1) GTX 460 2GB @$230
2) GTX 465 1GB @$190
3) GTX 560ti 1G @$250

It seems a tight race, to look at the specs ...
... I am trying to figure out why the 465 has slower clocks, yet MORE CORES ?
... I hope/wish I can find comparative benches on all three ... interesting.

 



Yesterday (or the day before) Puff came running up, with the sabertooth, in hand ... Well ... I have learned not to just blow Puff off, out of hand, because he is an ARDENT SCOUT !

... I lined the Sabertooth up, right next to the UD3R, and I liked what I saw, very much !
... But I would take either, in a pinch ... They are both great.

The ASUS is $20 cheaper, has 2 more USB ports and a "Power eSATA port ...
... I also like that the topography is flatter and the layout "seems" less cluttered.

The UD3R is just a great board ... over-built and lots of copper. ...
... Prolly better built, than the Sabertooth ... Has two more SATA ports, than the Saber.

... I just compared the specs ... side by side ... item for item ... I am confident, in both .

... Yes ... I would have recommended the Sabertooth, to you, if I had known (realized) this, back then.

... I owe you a cheap lunch ($20) ... The Sabertooth appears to be "cost reduced" ...
... The UDR3, prolly is just a WAY better board ... better build ... heavier PCB ... a bit cluttered ...
... I am guessing the Sabertooth slot layout will allow more clearance, near the NB sinks, etc.

You have NOTHING to cry about ... Your mobo is (quite arguably) superior ... you got your money's worth.

If the Saber goes up in price ... If the UD3 goes down in price ... if the saber goes out of stock ???

... I'll be right back to Hawking the UD3R.

If you consider the $20 Diff to be negligible, then, ...

... FLIP A COIN !

(The UD3R is way better, for large, internal RAID ... but ... For EXTERNAL storage/RAID? ... Saber).



 


I'm confused. I thought Taylor went with an AMD rig?

 
@ Alvin

I already have 1 u2410 which I bought a month ago. So I guess going with a 27'-30' would make more sense...

How about the Apple Display ? Same price as the HP right ? and what about the 30' Dell Monitor ? Anyway, just sharing my thoughts...you see.
 



No ... YOU were not confused ... *I* am just going SENILE !!

Just finished reading all the reviews and benches, on the GPUs
... 560ti is "Slam-Dunk" ... *THE* way to go ... Forget 460 and I am not surprised the 465 never made it onto my RADAR (P.O.C.! ... Like the 5830).

So ... WHICH 560ti ... Apparently, there may be quite a bit of latitude, in both price AND performance, depending on the model/implementation ...

... I'll go looking for the promised "roundup" article, later tonite ... maybe.

 
I have been looking at displays ... all day ... and boning up on GTX bench comparisons.

... I REALLY like the DELL monitors ... *I* want that 30" mon, flanked by two SAMSUNG 24" (normal) mons, in vertical orientation ... would be SO radical ...
... Hang a 52" HDTV above the whole mess ... oh, yeahhhh ! ...

I need to let my brain gel ... it is cramping up ... specs ... benches ... 3 builds !

.
 


Yea, get some rest. Just stay off that under-extracted espresso so you can sleep!

F1, You did good with your U2410, don't sweat it. Anything above that is going to be pricey, as you well know.
 
quick update on the GTX 460 with dual displays with different resolutions...

Just got home from dinner...computer on, both monitors off...turned both monitors on...GPU temp was about 36 C

turned on both monitors ...GPU is coming in at 47 C now...about 10 minutes later....
 
Thought you guys would find this link interesting. Its news about "new workstations which feature advanced bootable PCI-E solid state storage. These systems are the most cost effective way to take advantage the latest technology available to 3D animation professionals."

http://blog.renderstream.com/?p=1028
 


***************************************
I POSTED THIS ON THE 11TH ... Two Days Ago
***************************************

Once I have chatted up (felt out) these two build's storage reqs ... we may be talking (more) about internal RAIDs ... SSDs ... and REVODRIVES ...

**********************************************

Yeah ... PCIe Slot Drives are totally worth it ...

I have read several reviews (with benches) ...

... The 1st generation 120GB RevoDrive is actually the best deal (by far).

We will be discussing storage options ... NEXT ... Stay tuned.

**************************************************




 
Thanks for the benches, Ryv ...
... Yeah ... a little small, but I can read them.

I think you can see that spending more money wouldn't get you much more performance. Diminishing Returns ... Beyond THIS sweet spot. ... Thanks, again.

 


At idle ? ...

Illy? ... What does he need to do to stress it properly ?
(to recreate "Big Trouble" ... Like your daughter's issue ? )