[SOLVED] Workstation Build for own research

[enduserCC]

Hi,
I’m considering buying my first workstation. My planned budget is around 3000$. The use case would be various software development tasks for my own projects. E.g. data science (Deep Learning), databases, also SE for embedded systems.

I planned going with 2x Xeon E5 2690 v3, so my build would be:

Part	Qt.	Type
CPU	2	Intel Xeon E5-2690v3
MOTHERBOARD	1	ASUS Z10PE-D16 WS
GPU	1	RTX 2070
PSU	1	Corsair RMi Series RM1000i
RAM	4	Samsung 16GB 2Rx4 PC4-2133P PC4-17000 DDR4 2133MHz 1.2V ECC REG RDIMM
SSD 512GB	1	Samsung 970 PRO
SSD 250GB	1	Samsung EVO Plus 970

+ cooling (does it worth going with watercooling?), etc.

I also have 1x Intel Xeon E5-2643v3 from one of my friends, so I don't know that I'd better just buy another one of it and put a stronger GPU (can't find any in this price range) in it.

Or would it be better going with an AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX (https://www.cpu-monkey.com/en/compa...0_v3-505-vs-amd_ryzen_threadripper_2970wx-887 )?

I'm open for every recommendation.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Hellfire13]

Why go with a 6yr old CPU, ranked 116th, when you can go with a current gen better chip...
https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu_lookup.php?cpu=AMD+Ryzen+Threadripper+3960X&id=3617

PCPartPicker Part List

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
CPU | AMD Threadripper 3960X 3.8 GHz 24-Core Processor | $1399.00 @ Best Buy
CPU Cooler | be quiet! Dark Rock Pro TR4 59.5 CFM CPU Cooler | $89.90 @ Amazon
Motherboard | MSI TRX40 PRO WIFI ATX sTRX4 Motherboard | $399.99 @ Amazon
Memory | G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 64 GB (4 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory | $274.99 @ Newegg
Storage | HP EX950 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive | $147.79 @ Amazon
Video Card | Asus GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER 8 GB DUAL EVO OC Video Card | $499.99 @ Newegg
Case | Corsair 275R Airflow ATX Mid Tower Case | $89.99 @ Amazon
Power Supply | SeaSonic FOCUS 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply | $134.99 @ B&H
| Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts |
| Total | $3036.64
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-04-09 05:43 EDT-0400 |

 

[enduserCC]

Why go with a 6yr old CPU, ranked 116th, when you can go with a current gen better chip...
https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu_lookup.php?cpu=AMD+Ryzen+Threadripper+3960X&id=3617

PCPartPicker Part List

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
CPU | AMD Threadripper 3960X 3.8 GHz 24-Core Processor | $1399.00 @ Best Buy
CPU Cooler | be quiet! Dark Rock Pro TR4 59.5 CFM CPU Cooler | $89.90 @ Amazon
Motherboard | MSI TRX40 PRO WIFI ATX sTRX4 Motherboard | $399.99 @ Amazon
Memory | G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 64 GB (4 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory | $274.99 @ Newegg
Storage | HP EX950 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive | $147.79 @ Amazon
Video Card | Asus GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER 8 GB DUAL EVO OC Video Card | $499.99 @ Newegg
Case | Corsair 275R Airflow ATX Mid Tower Case | $89.99 @ Amazon
Power Supply | SeaSonic FOCUS 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply | $134.99 @ B&H
| Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts |
| Total | $3036.64
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-04-09 05:43 EDT-0400 |

I'm kind of afraid going AMD. I've been using Intel CPUs for decades. I can't really understand that huge price gap between Intel and AMD (gaining market share?)? I also don't know much about the reliability of Threadripper's? Could it run 24/7 (not necessarily 365 days per year, but if I deploy a project for testing)? Or should I go with a server grade AMD like 7302P/7402P, despite the lower specs, or something of your recommendation?

 

[Hellfire13]

I'm kind of afraid going AMD. I've been using Intel CPUs for decades. I can't really understand that huge price gap between Intel and AMD (gaining market share?)? I also don't know much about the reliability of Threadripper's? Could it run 24/7 (not necessarily 365 days per year, but if I deploy a project for testing)? Or should I go with a server grade AMD like 7302P/7402P, despite the lower specs, or something of your recommendation?

The PassMark link I have shared with you is a world renowned benchmark suite which is authentic in every way and relied upon by industry experts.
It starts with "This chart comparing CPU benchmarks is made using thousands of PerformanceTest Benchmark results and is updated daily." One of these benchmark is reliability test which is done with full load 24x7 operation. So, there is nothing to be afraid of. AMD is no longer the brand that it used to be till 4-5 yrs. ago and is as proficient now as Intel has always been. The Thread Ripper chips are fine piece of hardware.
Intel makes good chips, but they are kinda nasty when it comes to pricing. AMD also makes good chips (atleast these days) but they are less nasty with price and brings more value to the table.
But if you still wanna get Intel, then get something more recent...
http://www.cpu-world.com/info/Intel/Intel_Xeon.html (Just click on "Launch Date" and it will give you the CPU release dates in descending/ascending order)