Messages

16

Hardware / Re: Advice: Upgrade current workstation to Xeon E5 2683 or buy new 1950x TR?

« on: 2018-06-27, 18:31:43 »

The only CPUs for the X99 I'd look at are V3 series. You can get a modded bios for most boards, allowing max turbo on all cores. This combined with lower price on the used/QS sample market makes them a much better buy than anything from V4.
Unless maybe it's a render node with two CPUs and you get top V4 for cheap.

As mentioned somewhere before, current top V3 models are 2683v3, 2686v3 and 2696v3. The 2696v3 on a modded board gives better speed than the top model 2699v3.

17

General CG Discussion / Re: best mouse for 3ds MAX

« on: 2018-06-27, 09:51:16 »

The only reason I'm using the Logitech G600 both at home and work, are the 3 main buttons. Remapped the mid click to the right button, and it's a dream for work!
Not really using of the side buttons, but they are nice if you prefer extra shortcuts.
Logitech do have quality issues, so be aware of that.
G502 was good too, just didn't feel well for my hand.

I've also had vertical mice from Delux (cheaper brand than Evoluent), and was using one for a long time, even with some light gaming. They do need to fit your hand well to feel good.
Also tried MS Ergonomic round shaped mouse, but the Windows side button wasn't remappable, which made it useless.
Only thing I haven't tried are trackball mice. Maybe someday :D

18

Hardware / Re: Xeons as alternatives to Threadripper

« on: 2018-06-08, 16:08:43 »

Was about to offer you my Xeon box, but re-read that you want double TR 1950X performance :D

Anyway, the E5 V3 Xeons mentioned before, and also E5-2686V3 or E5-2696V3 roughly equal a single TR 1950X. If you can get them in a pair (or just 100% same stepping). There is also modded bios for most 2011-3 socket boards, including some dual-socket boards. With that and proper cooling, you get 10-20% more out of those Xeons.
Upside will be lower space and other part requirements, especially RAM. Xeons work well with 2133MHz ddr4, both normal and server type, which are much cheaper than higher speed ram needed for AMD TR.

If you want some tests or info from a single E5-2686V3, just ask ;)

19

Hardware / Re: HELP! What is the best computer / build for our budget?

« on: 2018-05-18, 15:37:21 »

If you don't have experience building computers, it's probably safer to buy a pre-built system.
In that price, best price/performance should be a AMD Threadripper build based on 1950X

Just an example: https://au.pcpartpicker.com/list/wZzQ6s
You would need to double check ram compatibility depending on motherboard and what's available.
When buying pre-built, they should check all that for you.
Gpu can be as low as 1050Ti. Psu/case is also changeable.

20

Hardware / Re: New Workstation Help

« on: 2018-04-10, 13:45:04 »

Just out of curiosity, what is the problem witn an in case PSU?

Usually they are terrible quality units from noname brands with no efficiency rating. You should get a PSU with at least Bronze 80+ rating, and generally good reviews.
Sometimes a company like Corsair, Cooler Master, etc. might offer a bundle with a good PSU.

I think your IT guy is either specialized in something other than hardware, or just not good :|

21

Hardware / Re: New Workstation Help

« on: 2018-04-06, 13:56:37 »

Is that a case that comes with a PSU? If so, avoid those like the plague.
Ifthat Asus Prime AM4 is a X370 chipset, you can probably get by with a B350 based board. Maybe others can suggest which ATX models have enough power delivery for 8core cpu. I've only built a mAtx box with MSI B350M Mortar, and seems to work and render just fine.
So maybe less fancy board, but a good PSU. I would not trust a rendering workstation to run off a PSU bundled with a cheap case :|

22

Hardware / Re: New Workstation Help

« on: 2018-04-03, 16:55:20 »

Also would suggest Ryzen 7, specifically the Ryzen 7 1700. Only get the 1700x or 1800x if you don't overclock and have spare money after other parts. The 1700 comes with a stock cooler that is enough to cool it at stock or even slight OC.

As for memory, I'd suggest at least 2400MHz, since Ryzen benefits from faster ram more than intel does. Decide on a motherboard, and then check it's ram compatibility charts for the ram. Buying random, it might not run full speed etc.
And get those 32Gb in two 16Gb sticks, so you can expand to 64Gb later ;)

You were right on m.2 ssd, a normal sata drive is enough.
For gpu anything from 1050Ti and up should do fine.

I also don't like that monitor, as for 1080p a 23 or 24 inch is optimal. On a 27inch 1440p works best. But that is my personal preference.

All else depends on availability of parts, but don't hesitate to ask if deciding on something ;)

23

Hardware / Re: Threadripper workstation

« on: 2018-03-20, 16:37:10 »

1. looks good.
2. nice price on the cpu, almost 150euro less than my local shops :D

24

[Max] General Discussion / Re: Know Your Devs - Ondra Karlik

« on: 2018-03-19, 16:36:04 »

I'll keep it simple - favorite type of coffee? (beans, prep method, or anything related)

25

Hardware / Re: Threadripper workstation

« on: 2018-03-15, 09:36:24 »

I've only built Ryzen 7 systems so far, but they share the memory benefits, so get the fastest memory you can without overpaying.
At the very minimum 2400MHz, but better 2666MHz and up.
I'd suggest 16Gb sticks, so at least 32Gb total for starters.
Memory is so expensive right now, that you'll probably go over budget with anything too fancy or if you need 64Gb :(

For PSU, a good Seasonic, Corsair or EVGA unit with 700w or more with at least Gold rating.

You also missed a cpu cooler, which specific for TR4 socket. I'm always for good air, so Noctua NH-U14S TR4-SP3 would be my pick. But that depends on your local availability.

Do wait for other opinions, I'm sure many have built Threadripper systems recently ;)

26

Hardware / Re: recommendation for XL case

« on: 2018-01-26, 16:33:43 »

I've personally used two XL cases:
Xigmatek Elysium - not exactly convenient hdd tray, bad filtering, but great airflow.
Fractal Define XL R2 - a bit worse airflow, good filtering and very convenient hdd mounts etc.

I don't like the company (often ripping off other designs almost 1 to 1), but I see many dual CPU and multi gpu builds in Thermaltake X series cases. Seems like they offer good value for XL options.

27

Hardware / Re: Workstation advice

« on: 2017-11-23, 16:49:32 »

hello
iam newbie to corona and would like some suggestion for workstation. I am switching from i7 to workstation for first time so wana try my hand  on a used workstation,and if all goes fine i will switch to new one later.Below is my choice from ebay within my budget, i use 3dsmax ,corona render for architectural visualisation and photoshop usually

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HP-Z800-Workstation-PC-DUAL-Xeon-CPU-8-Core-48GB-RAM-SSD-HDD-Windows-10-Pro-WiFi/172636483634?_trkparms=aid%3D555017%26algo%3DPL.CASSINI%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20151016114640%26meid%3Da6cc64134e594840ba17d332eb5f61f4%26pid%3D100507%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26&_trksid=p2045573.c100507.m3226#rwid

Thanks

Please don't buy that. They are very old Xeons, with less rendering power than a single AMD Ryzen R5 1600 6core.
I'd say better to part out a Ryzen R5 1600 and upgrade to R7 1700 or better later on. Could try to fit the same budget, but would be faster, with proper warranty and future expansion.

28

Hardware / Re: corona renderfarm

« on: 2017-11-13, 13:21:54 »

You farm idea falls short in that it only supports 32Gb ram. Even 64Gb is too low for many, so it's not a future proof solution in any way. And software + DR management troubles.
Dual 18core V3 Xeons with unlocked bios should get you over 5k cinebench, and depending on the board you get, you can get very high ram amounts, or at least have that option for future.

If you want some sort of backup, just build 2 systems with a single V3 Xeon each, so you always have one while the other is rendering or out of order. This might get over that budget though.

29

Hardware / Re: Please Help Me Build a Workstation!

« on: 2017-11-10, 09:44:10 »

It's good that you mentioned some requirements you want, but do tell us your budget limits ;)

30

Off-Topic / Re: crypto mining

« on: 2017-10-17, 09:36:34 »

Try it for a month and see what the electricity bill increase vs profit is. Don't expect much though.