Unique Computer Case Question For First Desktop Build (geared towards budget Deep Learning/Applied Math)

[Chaztikov]

Hiya!

True to the title, I am attempting to build my first desktop computer for deep learning and applied math applications. Here's the list of parts I've chosen:

https://pcpartpicker.com/user/chaztikov/saved/#view=Xvh8dC

I've already bought the GPU, and I'm itching to get the rest, but have concerns over the motherboard and the case. The motherboard: I want something that offers expansion capability for up to 128 Gb of newish RAM. I might want the option to dual-SLI if I buy another GPU at some point later on (but right now, this is breaking the bank). I've read, unfortunately, that dual-SLI-ing with this motherboard can pose issues. I've looked at alternatives, but in general am a bit confused why there's such a significant increase in cost for, say, the ASUS Deluxe II ($400) over the ASUS ROG STRIXX ($300)

The case: I'm concerned that the components chosen won't fit into this thing. I was hoping to buy something that is, to some extent, portable without the inherent awkwardness of non-cube box. I don't mind heavy-lifting, but I can't deal with something that doesn't fit into my arms without sliding.

As an alternative to this case, should I consider getting a desktop carrying case?

Thanks in advance for all of your insight! I'd like to get to work ASAP, so I'm hoping to buy this within 2 days (today, if I muster the confidence).

 

[kanewolf]

Don't buy two sets of 2-sticks of RAM. Buy a single 4-stick matched set of RAM. You don't need a 1000W power supply, 750W should be fine. An M.2 SSD will be the best storage you can get.

 

[WiiUMasterGman]

PCPartPicker part list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/2H8cPs
Price breakdown by merchant: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/2H8cPs/by_merchant/

CPU: AMD RYZEN 7 1700X 3.4GHz 8-Core Processor ($388.49 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($65.95 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus PRIME X370-PRO ATX AM4 Motherboard ($159.99 @ B&H)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 64GB (4 x 16GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($384.97 @ Jet)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($177.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1080 Ti 11GB Founders Edition Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($698.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1080 Ti 11GB Founders Edition Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($698.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Cooler Master HAF XB EVO ATX Desktop Case ($90.82 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair CXM 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($18.88 @ OutletPC)
Total: $2764.96
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-04-02 14:00 EDT-0400

You could take out 1 1080ti to make it cheaper. This build is just as good as your build. The 1700X was meant to compete with the 6800K

 

[Chaztikov]

PCPartPicker part list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/2H8cPs
Price breakdown by merchant: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/2H8cPs/by_merchant/

CPU: AMD RYZEN 7 1700X 3.4GHz 8-Core Processor ($388.49 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($65.95 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus PRIME X370-PRO ATX AM4 Motherboard ($159.99 @ B&H)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 64GB (4 x 16GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($384.97 @ Jet)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($177.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1080 Ti 11GB Founders Edition Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($698.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1080 Ti 11GB Founders Edition Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($698.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Cooler Master HAF XB EVO ATX Desktop Case ($90.82 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair CXM 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($18.88 @ OutletPC)
Total: $2764.96
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-04-02 14:00 EDT-0400

You could take out 1 1080ti to make it cheaper. This build is just as good as your build. The 1700X was meant to compete with the 6800K

Thanks for the thoughtful answer! Hmm this gives me more to consider.
Did you switch the memory to DDR-2400 because of the processor?
Did you remove the liquid cooling to reduce the amount of space I'll be using?
I don't know much about AMD (or much else, for that matter), are those 4 fewer PCIe lanes (in the 1700X compared to the 6800K) going to kill me?

Update 1:
I found this, with some interesting comparisons between higher-end intel processors that were out of my price range, and Ryzen 1700X and 1800X:

https://thetechaltar.com/ryzen-1800x-raises-bar/3/

Now I am beginning to strongly consider the 1800X. It seems unfortunate that this is more limited when it comes to RAM, but I'm starting to seriously wonder if 128 GB would really be necessary...

 

[Chaztikov]

Don't buy two sets of 2-sticks of RAM. Buy a single 4-stick matched set of RAM. You don't need a 1000W power supply, 750W should be fine. An M.2 SSD will be the best storage you can get.

Good points, now convinced that I should go with the M.2 SSD!

Actually, I am a bit confused: is there any drawback (aside from price) to getting a more powerful power supply? Costs of electricity and environmental damage?

 

[WiiUMasterGman]

The frequency of the RAM doesn't really matter. It may improve FPS by 2-3 frames. A lot of the time a liquid cooler will be worse then a air cooler and the air cooler tends to be a lot cheaper. Most of the time applications don't support more then 2 graphics cards. So I don't ever recommend 3 or 4 way SLI setups. With your setup You won't need more then 750w of power so the 1000w PSU is useless. Hope this helps

From a 13yr old

 

[Chaztikov]

The frequency of the RAM doesn't really matter. It may improve FPS by 2-3 frames. A lot of the time a liquid cooler will be worse then a air cooler and the air cooler tends to be a lot cheaper. Most of the time applications don't support more then 2 graphics cards. So I don't ever recommend 3 or 4 way SLI setups. With your setup You won't need more then 750w of power so the 1000w PSU is useless. Hope this helps

From a 13yr old

"From a 13yr old"
Envy, ha.

I'm mostly looking to code and use machine learning tools (tensorflow, theano, etc), so I'm still investigating how Ryzen 1700/1800/x compare with their intel equivalents on these fronts. As far as I know, AMD doesn't have a good answer to the Intel MKL, hmm..

 

[kanewolf]

The Intel math kernal library (MKL) is definitely a useful tool. The "13yr old" doesn't know a thing about HPC type computing. Any discussion about FPS in this thread is completely missing the point.

Have you investigated spending some of this $$$ on time on AWS? You can buy quite a lot (if you are careful) time with CPU and GPU hosts on AWS for 1/2 your $2500 budget. You could still get a nice PC for use as your terminal and your data reduction host.

 

[Chaztikov]

Have you investigated spending some of this $$$ on time on AWS? You can buy quite a lot (if you are careful) time with CPU and GPU hosts on AWS for 1/2 your $2500 budget. You could still get a nice PC for use as your terminal and your data reduction host.

I think this might be the way to go, I'm mainly growing weary of my old machine. I don't need to buy myself anything magnificent, just a system to quickly prototype on.
Given that, what do you think of a machine consisting of my original components (with your proposed modifications) with the exception of:
ASRock X99 Taichi
Noctua NH-D15 82.5 CFM CPU Cooler

Would you recommend anything anything above or below the 6800K?

The Intel math kernal library (MKL) is definitely a useful tool. The "13yr old" doesn't know a thing about HPC type computing. Any discussion about FPS in this thread is completely missing the point.

Hey, you never know! I went to HS with a guy who was working with neural networks before they became all the rage (again). But it's true, I'm not really concerned about FPS at the moment =)

 

[WiiUMasterGman]

The Intel math kernal library (MKL) is definitely a useful tool. The "13yr old" doesn't know a thing about HPC type computing. Any discussion about FPS in this thread is completely missing the point.

Have you investigated spending some of this $$$ on time on AWS? You can buy quite a lot (if you are careful) time with CPU and GPU hosts on AWS for 1/2 your $2500 budget. You could still get a nice PC for use as your terminal and your data reduction host.

A little bit harsh don't you say? I do see where you are coming from though. But why do you have to be so harsh to a 13yr old. Instead of blatantly saying I don't know anything isn't the right way to go. Maybe give me bit constructive criticism and help me learn more. Disagree with me all you want. Atleast don't go out of your way just to say that. Really all I am saying is just re-word it. It would help me learn more, this is what I want to do in life. Putting someone down on their dreams don't help.

 

[kanewolf]

The Intel math kernal library (MKL) is definitely a useful tool. The "13yr old" doesn't know a thing about HPC type computing. Any discussion about FPS in this thread is completely missing the point.

Have you investigated spending some of this $$$ on time on AWS? You can buy quite a lot (if you are careful) time with CPU and GPU hosts on AWS for 1/2 your $2500 budget. You could still get a nice PC for use as your terminal and your data reduction host.

A little bit harsh don't you say? I do see where you are coming from though. But why do you have to be so harsh to a 13yr old. Instead of blatantly saying I don't know anything isn't the right way to go. Maybe give me bit constructive criticism and help me learn more. Disagree with me all you want. Atleast don't go out of your way just to say that. Really all I am saying is just re-word it. It would help me learn more, this is what I want to do in life. Putting someone down on their dreams don't help.

Harsh, perhaps. But a discussion of research computing was in progress and your gaming experiences weren't relevant. Knowing when NOT to contribute is as important as contributing. I don't game and I know better than to get involved with threads asking about FPS drops or ping spikes.