HELP building my new business Workstation

[Fluss]

Hi !

I'm actually looking to build me a good workstation to start as freelance and i would like to query your help. My old pc rig is aimed to be used as a spawner :

i7 2600k OCed to 4.3GHz
16 Go DDR3 1600 (4x4GO)
MSI GTX 770 2Go
2x 1To HDD
1x Samsung 840 128Go SSD

I don't have a hudge budget to build the workstation, so i was looking for cheaper ebay OEM processors. As far as i know, OEM processors are quite close to the retail versions so i'm pretty confident to use these on a daily basis. Here are the specs of the workstation i'm actually looking for :

2x e5-2683 v3 oem processors (tot. 630€)
8x crucial 8Go DDR4 2133 ( 64 Go non ECC, tot. 292€ )
1x Gigabyte G1 gaming 1070 6Go (499€)
1x Asus Z10 PA-D8 (400€)
1x Fractal design Arc midi R2 (100€)
2x Noctua NH-U12S (tot. 130€)
1x Corsair Cs-650M 650W 80+ Gold (90€)
1x Samsung 850 Evo 500Go (163€)
1x 1To HDD from my old rig (0€)

Total PC rig cost: 2304€ (VAT included)

I'm actually trying to build the best machine to work comfortably with the corona interactive mode at the cheapest price. To get an homogenous "farm", i'm thinking to upgrade the old Rig with 64GO of ram as well.

What do you think about this build ?

Are OEM processors a safe bet or should i invest in something else ?

 


 

[fabio81]

Hi,
I'm also trying to make a configuration with the same processors 2683 V3. The problem is I do not trust to take them from China. I would find them in Europe
In the meantime I made a dual xeon 2670 V1 configuration as that of juraj talcik (Cinebench score 2006 points!)

[Fluss]

I have to admit that i'm not really reassured with the idea of bying these from China...
It comes to the same thing as bying ES or QS processors, i'm not comfortable with the idea.
This the main blocker for me. Does anyone has ever tryed to buy one of these chinese OEM chips ?

[Juraj]

I built a workstation over the weekend for friend, with 2683v3. These were OEM, so basically a final stepping, retail production. No difference to the one you will buy in shop. He bought them from Netherlands. They didn't look "new" but...

OEM is far-cry from ES/QS :- ). And honestly, I am running a bunch of first-stepping ES without any issue at all. Ok, there are differences that would make me never choose ES for workstation ( turbo bins kinda suck compared to later steppings ), but for rendering node, no issue.

I was suprised how good they performed, 3400 Cinebench R15 score. Nice huh ? For the same amount of money you can buy ES chips that will give you 4500+ but... these are the regular steppings.

All in, all out, there is no reason to fear anything with any kind of cpus these days at all.

[fabio81]

tahnks Juraj!
you know any trusted ebayer for xeon 2683 V3?

thanks

[Juraj]

Regarding choices:

Why Fractal design Arc midi R2 ? I am not aware you can fit anything bigger than ATX, but maybe it fits. Odd choice.
Anyway, the ARC series is disaster compared to Define. I bought Arc XL because Define wasn't available and I regret it. Absolutely poor acoustics compared. Such a brutal difference...

LGA-2011-3 require ECC for dual-cpu configuration. It will not run without them. You need ECC memory. Ideally also, registered (not needed, unbuffered also works, but ES/QS, not the case here, can be bit more 'choosy' ), dual-rank.

Don't buy 650W for GPU and 2 cpus. Yes it will fit, but leave some margin.

Corsair Cs-650M is poor choice for the money, and does it even have two EPS 8-pin connectors ? Don't have time to check.
Buy one of the 760W Evga, it's like 10 euros more ( if you're lucky even the golden fully modular can be bought for +/- 110 euro )

tahnks Juraj!
you know any trusted ebayer for xeon 2683 V3?

thanks

My friend bought these from some obscure Netherlands warehouse. It's the same chips all the time though. All the difference the seller does, it helps you avoid 'problems' at customs.

[Fluss]

Thanks Juraj for the advices ! i'm not very familiar with server stuff..

I thought ECC was not absolutely required... I will have to check further for that.

650W would fit quite well IMHO. I tend to use properly sized PSU as:

_PSU efficiency is better near 100% 50 % load
_Futur upgrade will probably need less power than actual components (don't need multiple GPUs for now)

I like Corsair, Seasonic for the    reliability. Don't know about EVGA, i will have a look. Two 4-pins = 8-pins total ? Or do i really need 2x 8-pins EPS ?

For the case, you must be right, I was trying to lower the price, but there is not that much difference. Z10PA-D8 seems to have a fairly small form factor ( https://www.asus.com/Commercial-Servers-Workstations/Z10PAD8 ), I thought it would fit.

That one seems to be quite low-end motherboard. What do you think about it ? Should i better go with Z10PE-D8 WS ?

Edit:
Found these RAM modules :
https://www.amazon.fr/Kingston-KVR21R15D4K4-64-2133MHz-288-pin/dp/B00NLZANJO

[Juraj]

You are correct in some remarks, I have proper reading issue :- ).

You write Asus Z10 PA-D8, I just assumed you meant WS version. You're right, this one is regular ATX, will fit anywhere.

I suggested EVGA because they make the cheapest dual cpu compatible PSUs. Seasonic, and Seasonic-made Corsairs are bit more expensive. But yes, of course preferable.

Still, the Arc vs Define stands. I have 8 Define cases at home and they are utterly silent. I built the Arc with identical components and the difference is far too big. (there are even after-market silencing kits for Arc, go figure ). The only time Arc is bearable is running at <500 rpm for intake fans. Or 5V for the default Fractal 1000rpm fans the case comes with. The Define, on other hand, is still silent at 800 +/- rpm, or 7V for the default fans.

ECC wasn't really needed for previous generation, non-ECC work great on my LGA 2011-1 workstations ( 2670v1; 2680v2 ), in both single and dual-cpu configuration.
For LGA 2011-3, non-ECC only works with single-cpu configuration. Not only is this stated on the website, but, I tested it :- ).

[Fluss]

I've seen not really appealing reviews on the Z10PA-D8, i will have to check it out... Are you owning one of those ?

Some EVGA PSUs are manufactured by super flower (g2 series). Looks like they produce some good stuff. So i choose that one (10 years warranty):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817438017

I trust you for the case, i'll go with the Define.

These ECC RAM modules are the cheapest i've found:
https://www.amazon.fr/Kingston-KVR21R15D4K4-64-2133MHz-288-pin/dp/B00NLZANJO.

I'm not decided yet for the CPUs as I'm not very confident to buy those from Hong Kong (ebay). I'm gonna wait a bit to see if there are other opportunities in europe.

Again, thanks a lot for the help, i would have made a couple of mistakes without your advices !

[Juraj]

I own Z10PA-D16 WS, I never buy server boards, only their workstation counterparts.

[SaY]

Or you can pick up one of these and upgrade the videocard:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/122131846330?ul_noapp=true
http://www.ebay.com/itm/-/122131857419?

[Fluss]

Or you can pick up one of these and upgrade the videocard:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/122131846330?ul_noapp=true
http://www.ebay.com/itm/-/122131857419?

that's what i planned ATM :

2x e5-2683 v3 oem processors (tot. 630€)
4x kingston 16Go DDR4 2133 ( 64 Go ECC reg, tot. 405€ )
1x Gigabyte G1 gaming 1070 6Go (499€)
1x Asus Z10PE-D16 WS (520€)
1x Fractal Design Define XL R2 Titanium Grey (150€)
2x Noctua NH-U12S (tot. 130€)
1x EVGA SuperNOVA 750 G2 80+ Gold (130€)
1x Samsung 850 Evo 500Go (163€)
1x 1To HDD from my old rig (0€)

Total PC rig cost: 2627€ (VAT included)

I think i'd better build it myself as it will be pretty cheaper with pristine and better quality stuff

[fabio81]

Hi Fluss,

2x e5-2683 v3 oem processors (tot. 630€), where to buy? ebay from china??

[Fluss]

Yep, 2683 v3 from Hong Kong, 315€ on ebay

[fabio81]

good luck! I do not I trusted a lot, even for customs and I preferred to buy in europe two xeon 2670V1 for 130 €
2000 point to cinebench score

[Fluss]

i'm not really confident too. I have not decided yet..

[Fluss]

Update SOON !

[mugambi]

I built similar kind of rig.

i purchased Xeon 2683v3 OEM  from ebay from the icomputer_parts in Japan at USD 351 + USD 16 (EMS Shipping - Registered mail)
http://www.ebay.com/usr/icomputer_parts_original?_trksid=p2047675.l2559

the chips on sale are linked below. He sells in batches and re-lists a new batch again.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Intel-Xeon-E5-2683-v3-OEM-Retail-SR1XH-LGA2011-3-Compatible-X99-i7-5960X/232192146480

his chips are Legit, and are OEM not ES. I did a corona benchmark and got 55 seconds (BCLK 104.0 overclocked) and 58 seconds normal.
Basically they have been pulled out servers currently, only visible small scuffs on the Chips, Shipping was 1 week with tracking available. They come in an envelope package and are padded.

For customs he basically marks them as Gift "Computer Processors for Testing Purposes" and costs them at USD 22.
I paid only USD 10 for customs in my home country :)

[Fluss]

I juste received my xeons this week (from the same seller). I'm waiting other parts of my rig to test those. But they look quite good so far.
This is what i fanally purchased :

2x e5-2683 v3 oem processors
4x Kingston 16Go DDR4 2133 ECC REG CL15 (64GO)
1x Zotac Amp! Extreme 1070 8Go
1x Asus Z10PE-D16 WS
1x Fractal design DEFINE R2 XL
2x Noctua NH-U12DX i4
1x Corsair RM1000X
1x Samsung 850 Evo 500Go
2x Intel X540-T1 10GBe adapter
1x Netgear XS708E-100NES 10GBe Switch

[Leonardo Restrepo]

Hello guys , i just want to ask you if still been a good option buy this core,

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Intel-Xeon-E5-2683-v3-OEM-Retail-SR1XH-LGA2011-3-Compatible-X99-i7-5960X-/232192146480?hash=item360fbafc30:g:S0wAAOSwFGNWTefD
this is a good seller?

i am 60% sure to buy , i just want to hear some opinion and make the final step.

cheers.

[mugambi]

Got no problems.

I built similar kind of rig.

i purchased Xeon 2683v3 OEM  from ebay from the icomputer_parts in Japan at USD 351 + USD 16 (EMS Shipping - Registered mail)
http://www.ebay.com/usr/icomputer_parts_original?_trksid=p2047675.l2559

the chips on sale are linked below. He sells in batches and re-lists a new batch again.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Intel-Xeon-E5-2683-v3-OEM-Retail-SR1XH-LGA2011-3-Compatible-X99-i7-5960X/232192146480

his chips are Legit, and are OEM not ES. I did a corona benchmark and got 55 seconds (BCLK 104.0 overclocked) and 58 seconds normal.
Basically they have been pulled out servers currently, only visible small scuffs on the Chips, Shipping was 1 week with tracking available. They come in an envelope package and are padded.

For customs he basically marks them as Gift "Computer Processors for Testing Purposes" and costs them at USD 22.
I paid only USD 10 for customs in my home country :)

[bulyfabi]

Hello guys , i just want to ask you if still been a good option buy this core,

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Intel-Xeon-E5-2683-v3-OEM-Retail-SR1XH-LGA2011-3-Compatible-X99-i7-5960X-/232192146480?hash=item360fbafc30:g:S0wAAOSwFGNWTefD
this is a good seller?

i am 60% sure to buy , i just want to hear some opinion and make the final step.

cheers.

I've just purchased 2 of those last friday and today its already in Hungary by the tracking. Guess it's arriving very soon. Good seller I think

[Jann]

I bought my 2686V3 from iComputer_Parts_International, which at least looks like they are the same seller network. My deal went totally fine.

[Fluss]

Hello guys , i just want to ask you if still been a good option buy this core,

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Intel-Xeon-E5-2683-v3-OEM-Retail-SR1XH-LGA2011-3-Compatible-X99-i7-5960X-/232192146480?hash=item360fbafc30:g:S0wAAOSwFGNWTefD
this is a good seller?

i am 60% sure to buy , i just want to hear some opinion and make the final step.

cheers.

They run flawlessly.

[JohnNinos]

Hi guys,
   I am also interested on buying a same WS as you said my only consideration is that i want them for a main workstation and not for a render node, would you think that ill have viewport/ single core problems with interactive maybe? or ill be just fine? ( due to their single core slow speed) Cheers!

[pas2bruit]

i guys,
   I am also interested on buying a same WS as you said my only consideration is that i want them for a main workstation and not for a render node, would you think that ill have viewport/ single core problems with interactive maybe? or ill be just fine? ( due to their single core slow speed) Cheers!

I ask myself exactly the same question.

[SaY]

Hello guys , i just want to ask you if still been a good option buy this core,

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Intel-Xeon-E5-2683-v3-OEM-Retail-SR1XH-LGA2011-3-Compatible-X99-i7-5960X-/232192146480?hash=item360fbafc30:g:S0wAAOSwFGNWTefD
this is a good seller?

i am 60% sure to buy , i just want to hear some opinion and make the final step.

cheers.

These are great for render nodes, but not for the main workstation, max turbo is way too low. If you can stretch your budget go for 2696v3

[Juraj]

On the oem version, the turbo is not 'terrible' per se, and it would run applications just fine. Just not amazing.

[Bronxes Studio]

On the oem version, the turbo is not 'terrible' per se, and it would run applications just fine. Just not amazing.

2696 v3 OEM costs near 900e and the retail one costs 1500e, since i wanted for main workstation which one is it worth it?

[bulyfabi]

On the oem version, the turbo is not 'terrible' per se, and it would run applications just fine. Just not amazing.

I'm also building a similar PC what OP choose and this whole thread started as a goal for aiming a good workstation and fast working in interactive mode but now you're saying it will be just fine (because it can only use a single core)? whaaat? I also bought two e5-2683 v3 OEMs and I tought it kicks in fast and uses both CPUs also during the working process (interactive shading) not only when it comes to final rendering. No offense to anyone btw I'm just worried now that I made the wrong choice :S

[Nejc Kilar]

Don't worry. For anything rendering related that CPU will be quite good!

Viewport, certain Photoshop tasks, simulating and stuff like that which predominantly scales with multiples CPU cores badly (i.e only uses 1-2... cores) will however be slower. In fact, they could be significantly slower but that might not mean much to you because even if a PS filter is being applied 50% slower, your render times are going to be like 3/4 faster. So if your filter takes 2 minutes to apply instead of 1 minute you might be fine with it if your render renders for 2 hours instead of 10 :)

So its a bit of a trade-off. Generally people stick to higher clocked CPUs for workstation and put it high core - low clock Xeons in the role of render nodes.

That said, if you buy something like a 2690 you are going to have a high core count and also higher than your usual Xeon single core clocks. The 4790k, 6700k and 7700k (and Xeons versions E1xxx) are pretty much the fastest 1-4 core CPUs you can get - simply awesome for single threaded stuff.

Like I said though, are you going to notice it that badly? Probably not. Depending on your work and what you do you might be just fine (and rendering including IR is going to be WAY faster) :)

Hope it helps!

[bulyfabi]

Don't worry. For anything rendering related that CPU will be quite good!

Viewport, certain Photoshop tasks, simulating and stuff like that which predominantly scales with multiples CPU cores badly (i.e only uses 1-2... cores) will however be slower. In fact, they could be significantly slower but that might not mean much to you because even if a PS filter is being applied 50% slower, your render times are going to be like 3/4 faster. So if your filter takes 2 minutes to apply instead of 1 minute you might be fine with it if your render renders for 2 hours instead of 10 :)

So its a bit of a trade-off. Generally people stick to higher clocked CPUs for workstation and put it high core - low clock Xeons in the role of render nodes.

That said, if you buy something like a 2690 you are going to have a high core count and also higher than your usual Xeon single core clocks. The 4790k, 6700k and 7700k (and Xeons versions E1xxx) are pretty much the fastest 1-4 core CPUs you can get - simply awesome for single threaded stuff.

Like I said though, are you going to notice it that badly? Probably not. Depending on your work and what you do you might be just fine (and rendering including IR is going to be WAY faster) :)

Hope it helps!

Thanks man! It does helped a lot to understand the relations! :)