[joshmccraney]

Hi all!

Can you tell me if there is anything VERY wrong with the following computer build I propose. Will be using for OpenFOAM cfd if that matters.

Tower Case: Meshify C, No PSU, ATX, Black

Motherboard: GIGABYTE X399 AORUS PRO (AMD Ryzen Thread Ripper TR4/ATX /3X M.2/Front USB 3.1 Type C/Intel LAN/ALC1220/ Motherboard)

Processor: AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1920X (12-core/24-thread) Desktop Processor (YD192XA8AEWOF)

Graphics Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 1060 SC GAMING ACX 2.0, 1607 - 1835MHz, 6GB GDDR5

Memory: G.Skill Trident Z Neo Series 32GB (2 x 16GB) 288-Pin SDRAM PC4-28800 DDR4 3600MHz CL16-19-19-39 1.35V Desktop Memory Model F4-3600C16D-32GTZNC

Power Supply: SEASONIC SSR-750PX, 80 PLUS Platinum 750W, Fully Modular

CPU Cooler: Special NOCTUA NH-D15S, 160mm Height, 220W TDP

SSD Storage: Samsung SSD 860 EVO 1TB 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal SSD (MZ-76E1T0B/AM)

Thanks so much to anyone who lends a hand!

[Simbelmynë]

Seems ok, but you must use 4 memory modules to fully utilize the quad channel memory capability (with only 2 modules you effectively cut performance in half). I think the 1920X has an amazing value right now. However, the memory compatibility in the first generation TR was not exactly stellar. I managed to run 3200 MT/s memory (dual rank) using the XMP profile, but this seems to be somewhat lucky.


I strongly suggest that you look at the RAM Qualified Vendor List for your motherboard and try to find a 3200 MT/s kit that is dual rank (sometimes "DS" in the listings).


Also, you will never reach 3600 MT/s so you need to do some manual tuning in that case since you cannot use the XMP profile.


The Ryzen DRAM Calculator is excellent though and helps a lot.

[joshmccraney]

Originally Posted by Simbelmynë

Seems ok, but you must use 4 memory modules to fully utilize the quad channel memory capability (with only 2 modules you effectively cut performance in half). I think the 1920X has an amazing value right now. However, the memory compatibility in the first generation TR was not exactly stellar. I managed to run 3200 MT/s memory (dual rank) using the XMP profile, but this seems to be somewhat lucky.

Yea, I didn't show it but I'm actually getting four sticks of the RAM, even though I only wrote 2.

Originally Posted by Simbelmynë

I strongly suggest that you look at the RAM Qualified Vendor List for your motherboard and try to find a 3200 MT/s kit that is dual rank (sometimes "DS" in the listings).

Thanks for the response. So looking here it seems only 8GB RAM sticks work with this motherboard. Is that accurate?

[Habib-CFD]

Originally Posted by joshmccraney

Hi all!

CPU Cooler: Special NOCTUA NH-D15S, 160mm Height, 220W TDP

(MZ-76E1T0B/AM)

Thanks so much to anyone who lends a hand!

This cooler is not compatible with TR4 or SP3 socket.
Replace with:
https://noctua.at/en/nh-u14s-tr4-sp3


Think about 1950x and

better storage config: 256GB 970evoplus (65$) + 1TB 860QVO (105$)

[flotus1]

Originally Posted by joshmccraney

Thanks for the response. So looking here it seems only 8GB RAM sticks work with this motherboard. Is that accurate?

At the memory speed you seem to be aiming for (DDR4-3600), 16GB DIMMs will definitely not work with first gen Threadripper. Even single-rank 8GB DIMMs would be a challenge, and probably require a lot of tinkering.
Like Simbelmynë suggested, your chances of getting DDR4-3200 to work are better. And you save a ton of money on the memory.

What's the price point you are aiming for? In my opinion, TR1xxx is ok for budget builds, but overall, this build looks rather expensive.
And I agree with Habib-CFD, you definitely need a different CPU cooler for this socket.

[joshmccraney]

Originally Posted by Habib-CFD

This cooler is not compatible with TR4 or SP3 socket.
Replace with:
https://noctua.at/en/nh-u14s-tr4-sp3


Think about 1950x and

better storage config: 256GB 970evoplus (65$) + 1TB 860QVO (105$)

Why would you do 1950x over 1920x? Also, why two SSDs? Thanks for the reply on the cooler!

Originally Posted by flotus1

At the memory speed you seem to be aiming for (DDR4-3600), 16GB DIMMs will definitely not work with first gen Threadripper. Even single-rank 8GB DIMMs would be a challenge, and probably require a lot of tinkering.
Like Simbelmynë suggested, your chances of getting DDR4-3200 to work are better. And you save a ton of money on the memory.

What's the price point you are aiming for? In my opinion, TR1xxx is ok for budget builds, but overall, this build looks rather expensive.
And I agree with Habib-CFD, you definitely need a different CPU cooler for this socket.

So you're saying even if I purchase ram at 3600 MHz it won't run at those speeds?

My budget is kind of loose, so I have a little room to work with (I wrote a grant a while ago, so this money is pulled from that). Probably could go to about 3K$ total, but I'm currently at 2K$ with the above and then monitor, monitor stand, etc.

That being said, would you recommend a different approach?

[Simbelmynë]

Originally Posted by joshmccraney

So you're saying even if I purchase ram at 3600 MHz it won't run at those speeds?

With the 1920X, then yes. Very unlikely to actually manage to POST at those speeds.

Originally Posted by joshmccraney

My budget is kind of loose, so I have a little room to work with (I wrote a grant a while ago, so this money is pulled from that). Probably could go to about 3K$ total, but I'm currently at 2K$ with the above and then monitor, monitor stand, etc.

That being said, would you recommend a different approach?

If you have 2-3000$ then you have much better options since you are not limited by any CFD license.


An AMD EPYC 7351P would be much better for instance. Not sure how the 3000 series Threadripper performs in CFD work but that might be a good choice if you are doing varied types of workloads (post- and pre-processing as well as rendering your results to be used in marketing etc)

[Habib-CFD]

Hi.
With respect the OpenFOAM and no limited cores, I suggested the 1950x, but it depends on the price of local market. In my location the brand new 2920x is available for 320$ that is awesome. If you don’t need as many cores as the 1950x offers, the 2920x will clock higher, has better memory controller, better core to core latency, etc.


Your motherboard support M.2 NVME with 3000MB/s. Why you must pay 160$ for 1TB 860evo that is limited to 500MB/s!!

256GB 970evoplus (65$) + 1TB 860QVO (105$) provide very high performance. Except for the huge file more than 8GB, QVO series are very good solution for storage and backup applications.


(2920x or 1950x or even 1920X)+ (M.B. X399) < 700$ reasonable choice


To optimize you budget, the VGA like 1650 super will be a good cheaper option. Some of the best RAM kits for your purpose in 90$ to 120$ are

1-G.Skill Trident Z RGB 16GTZRX (Optimized For AMD) DDR4-2933MHz CL14-14-14-34 16GB (2x8GB)

2-Corsair Vengeance RGB PRO 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 3000MHz C15

3-G.Skill Trident Z RGB 16GTZRX (Optimized For AMD) DDR4-3200MHz CL16-18-18-38 16GB (2x8GB)

[joshmccraney]

Originally Posted by Habib-CFD

Hi.
With respect the OpenFOAM and no limited cores, I suggested the 1950x, but it depends on the price of local market.

1920x 240$
1950x 515$
2920x 450$

Given this, does your opinion change?

Originally Posted by Habib-CFD

To optimize you budget, the VGA like 1650 super will be a good cheaper option. Some of the best RAM kits for your purpose in 90$ to 120$ are

1-G.Skill Trident Z RGB 16GTZRX (Optimized For AMD) DDR4-2933MHz CL14-14-14-34 16GB (2x8GB)

2-Corsair Vengeance RGB PRO 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 3000MHz C15

3-G.Skill Trident Z RGB 16GTZRX (Optimized For AMD) DDR4-3200MHz CL16-18-18-38 16GB (2x8GB)

So regardless of the above CPUs, you recommend not exceeding 3200 MHz? Also, how many should I purchase? 4 packs of 2 (so 8 total slots)?

[Simbelmynë]

The 1950x is memory bandwidth capped so 1920x should performe the same.

7351p is around 600$ and it is far better than any generation 1-2 threadrippers (and likely better than gen 3 TR as well).

You could even go with a dual socket motherboard and upgrade when you have funds (then you need a non P Epyc)

[joshmccraney]

Originally Posted by Simbelmynë

The 1950x is memory bandwidth capped so 1920x should performe the same.

7351p is around 600$ and it is far better than any generation 1-2 threadrippers (and likely better than gen 3 TR as well).

You could even go with a dual socket motherboard and upgrade when you have funds (then you need a non P Epyc)

My price is 740$. Is it worth it? How does it perform so much better? Also, I'd have to wait 6 weeks for it to arrive: not sure I can wait this long. Is it actually worth it?

Also, do I even need a graphics card or does the CPU already have it? I notice some of the TR say "discrete graphics unit required" where the 1920x does not.

EDIT: I can't wait 6 weeks sadly. But how about the 7281?

[flotus1]

Threadripper CPUs do not have integrated graphics, and neither do the motherboards for it. So you will need a graphics card, no matter which CPU you buy. And even if there was integrated graphics, you would want something more powerful.
You can have a look at the pinned thread here to see how TR CPUs fare against their Epyc counterparts. Not too well thanks to 4 vs. 8 memory channels.
If you can afford it, I would definitely recommend Epyc. Single-socket CPUs from the first generation are ridiculously cheap these days: https://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-AMD-EPYC...F/283744208025
And there are already deals for second gen: https://www.ebay.com/itm/100-0000000...r/233351393565

[Habib-CFD]

I am using a commercial CFD software (1M cell) in the Cent OS 7.7 environment that unlike the OpenFoam, not optimized for AMD CPUs.
My 7302P server desktop almost 15 percent faster than 2920x that I have already use at the same job in full CPU load and with many Bios customization's.
If you are still interested to 1st or 2nd generation of Threadripper, you can populate the RAM in 4X8GB or 4X16GB configuration depends on your job.

My super micro boeard (EPYC) included the onboard graphic chip (not CPU integrated) with VGA port.

[joshmccraney]

Originally Posted by flotus1

Threadripper CPUs do not have integrated graphics, and neither do the motherboards for it. So you will need a graphics card, no matter which CPU you buy. And even if there was integrated graphics, you would want something more powerful.
You can have a look at the pinned thread here to see how TR CPUs fare against their Epyc counterparts. Not too well thanks to 4 vs. 8 memory channels.
If you can afford it, I would definitely recommend Epyc. Single-socket CPUs from the first generation are ridiculously cheap these days: https://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-AMD-EPYC...F/283744208025
And there are already deals for second gen: https://www.ebay.com/itm/100-0000000...r/233351393565

Okay, you've convinced me. That being said, how does this setup look (I cannot buy used since I have to purchase on Amazon)

CPU: AMD EPYC 7281 Hexadeca-core (16 Core) 2.10 GHz Processor Retail Pack

Motherboard: Supermicro MBD-H11SSL-I-O Socket SP3/ System on Chip/ DDR4/ SATA3&USB3.0/ V&2GbE/ ATX Motherboard

HDD: Seagate 1TB Enterprise Capacity HDD 2.5-Inch Internal Hard Drive (ST1000NX0423)

Cooler: Dynatron A31 AMD EPYC, Socket SP3, Copper Heatsink with Vapor Chamber Base and Stacked Fin, 8013 Aluminum PWM Blower for Heat Exhausting, for 1U Server up to CPU Power 180 Watts

RAM: Supermicro MEM-DR416L-CL07-ER26 16GB DDR4 2666 RDIMM Server Memory RAM (8 of these)

Powwr: Seasonic FOCUS Plus 850 Gold SSR-850FX 850W 80+ Gold ATX12V & EPS12V Full Modular 120mm FDB Fan 10 Year Warranty Compact 140 mm Size Power Supply

Case: Fractal Design Meshify C - Compact Computer Case - High Performance Airflow/Cooling - 2X Fans Included - PSU Shroud - Modular Interior - Water-Cooling Ready - USB3.0 - Tempered Glass Light - Blackout

Do I need a graphics card for this? I'm a little confused if this is the cheapest way given performance (and restricting myself to amazon)

[flotus1]

Of all the places that sell computer hardware, does it really have to be amazon?
Which country is it?

[joshmccraney]

Originally Posted by flotus1

Of all the places that sell computer hardware, does it really have to be amazon?
Which country is it?

I'm in the US, but I have to use an approved vendor. Can also use NewEgg, but the prices seem to be the same.

Why, what site do you recommend? I could talk to my advisor perhaps about purchasing elsewhere. It seems like if I purchased the chip you recommend, would the other equipment I list [BELOW] work? Seems like it would.

EDIT: After seeing your post here I've slightly changed my proposed setup:

CPU: AMD EPYC 7281 Hexadeca-core (16 Core) 2.10 GHz Processor Retail Pack

RAM: Supermicro MEM-DR416L-CL07-ER26 16GB DDR4 2666 RDIMM Server Memory RAM (8 of these)

Cooler: Dynatron A31 AMD EPYC, Socket SP3, Copper Heatsink with Vapor Chamber Base and Stacked Fin, 8013 Aluminum PWM Blower for Heat Exhausting, for 1U Server up to CPU Power 180 Watts

Graphics Card: MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1650 128-Bit HDMI/DP 4GB GDRR5 HDCP Support DirectX 12 Dual Fan VR Ready OC Graphics Card (GTX 1650 Gaming X 4G)

SSD: Intel Corp SSDSC1NB800G401 DC S3500 Series 800GB SSD FD

Motherboard: Supermicro MBD-H11SSL-I-O Socket SP3/ System on Chip/ DDR4/ SATA3&USB3.0/ V&2GbE/ ATX Motherboard

PSU: Seasonic FOCUS Plus 850 Gold SSR-850FX 850W 80+ Gold ATX12V & EPS12V Full Modular 120mm FDB Fan 10 Year Warranty Compact 140 mm Size Power Supply

Case: Fractal Design Meshify C - Compact Computer Case - High Performance Airflow/Cooling - 2X Fans Included - PSU Shroud - Modular Interior - Water-Cooling Ready - USB3.0 - Tempered Glass Light - Blackout

TOTAL: 2,000$

[flotus1]

I don't have a specific vendor in mind, It's just that where I live, Amazon is not exactly the best source for enterprise-grade hardware. And I personally have a hard time finding what I came looking for.

If your budget allows it, try to get a second-gen Epyc CPU. Search for those with a P suffix, they are cheaper than their dual-socket capable counterparts. Newegg for example offers bundles with CPUs already installed into a motherboard. As you can see, I find it hard to justify first gen Epyc CPUs at their original MSRP.
Ideally, you would pair that with faster memory, DDR4-2933 or 3200.
Since this is more of a workstation, use a different CPU cooler. These Dynatron coolers are for servers, and incredibly noisy. Both Noctua and Bequiet have better alternatives for socket SP3.
For the graphics card, maybe consider an RX 570 8GB instead. It should be cheaper than a GTX 1650, and more capable for your requirements.
And you can use a lower-wattage power supply, I only prefer the 850W seasonic because it has a second EPS connector for dual socket.
The Intel SSD sounds expensive. There is nothing wrong with using consumer SSDs like Samsung 860 Evo.

[joshmccraney]

Originally Posted by flotus1

If your budget allows it, try to get a second-gen Epyc CPU. Search for those with a P suffix, they are cheaper than their dual-socket capable counterparts. Newegg for example offers bundles with CPUs already installed into a motherboard. As you can see, I find it hard to justify first gen Epyc CPUs at their original MSRP.

At my price point I have I think only 2 options for CPU:

AMD EPYC 7281 Hexadeca-core (16 Core) 2.10 GHz
AMD TR

What do you recommend? I just checked and the RAM for the 7002 series is out of my price point sadly. Also, if I had a few hundred more dollars to spend, should I add RAM to either option above or upgrade to the AMD EPYC™ 7401P 24 core without upgrading RAM?

Also, I really appreciate your interest and time!

[Habib-CFD]

To use the memory bandwidth you need to have adequate strong cores. In my opinion, the only reasonable options for 1 gen EPYC are second hand 24 and 32 cores version as flotus1 recommend from eBay (Not possible for your condition). Try to buy low latency RAM (posted above) and enjoy from your workstation. For graphic card select RX570 or 1650 super version. The normal version of 1650 is useless.
The best configuration of storage also recommended previously.
Keep in mind, building a server case is a little bit different from the normal workstation and you need more experience.

[Simbelmynë]

Originally Posted by Habib-CFD

To use the memory bandwidth you need to have adequate strong cores. In my opinion, the only reasonable options for 1 gen EPYC are second hand 24 and 32 cores version as flotus1 recommend from eBay (Not possible for your condition). Try to buy low latency RAM (posted above) and enjoy from your workstation.

I disagree, looking at the benchmark thread we can see that a dual 7601 finishes the benchmark in 35 seconds @ 64 cores. A dual 7301 finishes the benchmark in 37 seconds @ 32 cores.


Low latency memory is nice, but for server motherboards you might not have many options if you go for compatible memory.