Author Topic: Need advice on new PC  (Read 3280 times)

2019-02-07, 10:15:41

Taiwolf

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Hello guys.
I need some help to configure my new PC. I have 2 options for CPU  to choose and I am stuck at what configurations suits me best. I don't know exactly wich configuration will be the fastest.
I will use Corona(latest version) for Cinema 4d.

 So, I have these options:
1) Amd Ryzen Threadripper 2950x
           https://www.amd.com/en/products/cpu/amd-ryzen-threadripper-2950x
    + 64 gb ram guad channel


2) refurbished workstation:
        2 x Intel Octa Core Xeon, E5-2660 2.2 GHz, 20M cache, up to 3.0 GHz
        https://ark.intel.com/products/64584/Intel-Xeon-Processor-E5-2660-20M-Cache-2-20-GHz-8-00-GT-s-Intel-QPI-
    +128 gb RAM ECC

I will appreciate if you could help me. Both configuration are based on the same budget. The second one is a refurbished one, thats why it fits in the same budget.
« Last Edit: 2019-02-07, 10:19:30 by Taiwolf »

2019-02-07, 11:13:40
Reply #1

Nejc Kilar

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Howdy!

In your case I would go with the 2950x, 10 times out of 10.

The Xeons are going to be slower for the viewport (they are turboing to 3ghz, Cinema 4D is even more picky than 3ds Max about that) and rendering too (~2100 cinebech versus ~3200 for the 2950x). Plus they are used stuff which itself wouldn't be much of a problem if they were actually faster than the 2950x.

Even if those 128GB of RAM are important to you, I'd try to get the 2950x and try to buy more in the upcoming months.
Nejc Kilar | chaos-corona.com
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2019-02-07, 11:42:37
Reply #2

Taiwolf

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Thank you very much for the reply.
Please take in consideration that I will have 2 x Intel xeon from above...You still think that AMD is better in this case? Also I have heard that AMD stillhas problems with temperature control and they are not stable yet, for long rendering hours.
I am a noobie at tech. I am telling only what I have read.

2019-02-07, 19:07:11
Reply #3

Nejc Kilar

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Glad to be of help! :)

The Threadripper series will run perfectly fine as I'm sure many users here can attest to.

Speed wise, let's do some math here :) A single 8 core 2660v1  will net you a rendering time of around 03:31.88 (that is around ~1000 Cinebench points). A dual socket configuration of the 2660v1s will net you a score around 1:45.00 (~1800 cinebench points).

In contrast, a single 2950x will net you a benchmark time of ~01:15.25 (~3100 cinebench points).

I've taken these values sort of by the median from the benchmark results available on the Corona Benchmark website. Cinebench for the 2660v1 is actually my own assumption because its hard to find any benchmarks online. Seems like most runs were made by the 10 core 2660v2.

So to sum it all up, I do think the 2950x will be a faster solution. Considerably faster :)

Oh and as a full disclaimer, I am running a dual 2696v3 Xeon build - And I'm super happy with it! Don't want to come off as an evangelist or something.
Nejc Kilar | chaos-corona.com
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2019-02-09, 15:09:13
Reply #4

JViz

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nkilar, I second your opinion. Threadripper is the way to go, at least for now.
Although a purist, my work is anything but.
https://www.behance.net/ImageInnate

2019-02-10, 00:51:12
Reply #5

Sangthorn

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The price/performance of a refurbihed workstations is the best alternative for me.
And also Workstations can work 7/7 24/24 without problems.
M’y main machine is a Lenovo C30 dual Xeon E5-2680 v2, so 20 core at 2,6 Ghz and 2660 R15 cinebench and 1min 15s for the Corona benchmark. Only 1200€
I have an other HP Z800 workstation with 2 xeon 5670 (12 corse) and 96go Ram ECC for 400€ and a server with 2 xeon E5-2650 (16 core) for 260€... and they run the Corona benchmark in 2min 15 each.
Conclusion with less than 2000€ you can have a perfect workstation with a mini rendre farm for a total of 48 core CPU and 5350 cinebench score.

2019-02-11, 09:04:17
Reply #6

Nejc Kilar

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@JViz, thanks!

@Sangthorn,
Well, to each his own of course! I personally prefer rolling with more power in a single box plus Cinema 4D is quite a lot more picky when it comes to single core speeds. Based on my experience, I think there is a somewhat noticeable difference between my 2696v3s (3.8 single core) and the 4790k (4.4 single core) when working in the viewport. 3ds Max is way less sensitive about that from my experience. In that sense, I can only imagine being on a 3.0 workstation would be even weirder for everyday use.

Now with that said, I do think there is a point to be made for multi-core performance triumphing single core viewport speeds, even in C4D. That is why I kind of like to stay above 3.4 on single core turbos and get as much multi-core performance as possible.

That also goes back to the 1 CPU > 3 CPUs. Interactive rendering, which I am sure everyone uses, will be a lot faster if your rendering speed is concentrated in one box. In that sense, waiting 5 seconds less to get a usable result in the IR outweights the viewport speed decrease in my book. Unless you are running a 2ghz CPU and C4D just quits on you with a simple interior :)

So long story short, to each his own but I would go for the 2950x. Just faster workflow overall. You can buy refurbished workstations (just don't buy proprieatary ones with custom motherboards and PSUs you can't replace) later when you get more money :)
Nejc Kilar | chaos-corona.com
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2019-02-11, 13:59:26
Reply #7

Taiwolf

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Thanks a lot guys.I will take a deccision soon. But now, I am thinking more at threadripper. I will have my decission soon. thanks again.