SandyBridge-E

[zombie67]

I am considering consolidating machines. Perhaps replace a couple of 8-way core2 machines with a SandyBridge-E machine (6 core/12 thread).

I guess Ivy Bridge is at least a year out. So really the only other option would be to wait for SB E5 (2P) series for 2x the density. I guess they will be out sometime in Q1'12? Not sure if I feel like waiting that long. :rolleyes:

As for which E chip Core i7-3960X ($1050) or Core i7-3930K ($600), I just can't justify the X. .1ghz and 3mb cache for $450 more?

Any thoughts? Concerns? Any mobo recommendations?

[rgathright]

I am considering consolidating machines. Perhaps replace a couple of 8-way core2 machines with a SandyBridge-E machine (6 core/12 thread).
...
Any thoughts? Concerns? Any mobo recommendations?

Did I see mention of old Socket 775 machines in the old corral?

How much to wrangle one up from you?
http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users11/disastrogirl/default/sister-horse-wrangler--large-msg-11513593282.jpg

[Fire$torm]

Hey Zombie, take a look at this Anandtech article ---> http://www.anandtech.com/show/5091/intel-core-i7-3960x-sandy-bridge-e-review-keeping-the-high-end-alive

In a nutshell, its Sandy Bridge with extra cores, 2.5Gb of L3 cache per core, uses Quad Channel memory controller (which means 4 stick mem kits), no integrated GPU, no USB 3.0 support and no SAS support. Also, its a monster of a chip, this proc is huge.

[John P. Myers]

Ivy Bridge spotted (http://www.legitreviews.com/news/11917/)

Cache & Memory Benchmark (http://forums.legitreviews.com/download/file.php?id=9918&mode=view&sid=3a8b11ddfb61d77e34eaf6dc7f2a8ffa)

Best part about it is these are meant for socket 1155, which current Sandy Bridge CPUs use

[zombie67]

Hey Zombie, take a look at this Anandtech article ---> http://www.anandtech.com/show/5091/intel-core-i7-3960x-sandy-bridge-e-review-keeping-the-high-end-alive

In a nutshell, its Sandy Bridge with extra cores, 2.5Gb of L3 cache per core, uses Quad Channel memory controller (which means 4 stick mem kits), no integrated GPU, no USB 3.0 support and no SAS support. Also, its a monster of a chip, this proc is huge.

no GPU -> don't care. This will have a crunching GPU :D
no usb 3 -> don't care, dedicated cruncher
no SAS -> don't care, dedicated cruncher

If these are the only gotchas, this is looking good. :D

Thanks for the feedback!

[zombie67]

Did I see mention of old Socket 775 machines in the old corral?

How much to wrangle one up from you?

Heh. Yep. If I go through with this, I will be getting rid of two Dell 490s, each with dual X5355, 8gb or 10gb RAM, and an ATI 4870. Feel free to make an offer for one or both!

[Duke of Buckingham]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cb/The_crab_bridge_Sandy_Haven_Pill_-_geograph.org.uk_-_171164.jpg
Sandy Bridge in The UK

[zombie67]

Thoughts on this build? I want to make sure that I am not missing out on some critical feature, and that I am not over spending stupidly. But I still am willing to spend on some things. Here are my thoughts on why I picked what I picked:

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=18899386


mobo: No idea here. I have the way-too-expensive BIG BANG-MARSHAL in my SB cruncher, and it's been flawless. So I just picked another MSI w/ 2011, with enough DIMM slots to get me to 2gb/thread without using 8gb DIMMs. For PCI-e, I plan to run a single dual-width cruncher 5xx card. But I want the option of adding another.
Chassis: I already have one, and I just love this one. It's HUGE, and plenty of space for ANYTHING. Also, no more cut hands trying to squeeze things in. It will live long through many rebuilds, I expect.
SSD: I am done with spinning media. I could probably go with a smaller version, but I want the flexibility of running several virtual machines.
heatsink: I have the CORSAIR H60 in my SB build, and it's been great, nice and quiet too. My OC goals are mild.
PSU: I want enough expandability to put in (say) dual 590s. It is doing just fine with my SB build with two 590s. Why pick something different? Is there something comparable, yet significantly cheaper?


Thoughts?

[Fire$torm]

First, Guru3D's detailed review of Sandy Bridge-E that includes the MSI board on your list ---> http://www.guru3d.com/article/core-i7-3960x-processor--msi-x79agd65-review

Second, On Newegg there are 3 user reviews for that MSI board. Two of them report an issue using SSDs. To be fair 3 reviews is not a good sampling but an indicator for early adopters.

Overall, your list is well rounded. So if MSI has ironed out the SSD bug (Which they should have by now), I'd say your all set. Maybe a call to MSI or Newegg will help to quell any concerns.

F$

[John P. Myers]

Thoughts on this build? I want to make sure that I am not missing out on some critical feature, and that I am not over spending stupidly. But I still am willing to spend on some things. Here are my thoughts on why I picked what I picked:

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=18899386


mobo: No idea here. I have the way-too-expensive BIG BANG-MARSHAL in my SB cruncher, and it's been flawless. So I just picked another MSI w/ 2011, with enough DIMM slots to get me to 2gb/thread without using 8gb DIMMs. For PCI-e, I plan to run a single dual-width cruncher 5xx card. But I want the option of adding another.
Chassis: I already have one, and I just love this one. It's HUGE, and plenty of space for ANYTHING. Also, no more cut hands trying to squeeze things in. It will live long through many rebuilds, I expect.
SSD: I am done with spinning media. I could probably go with a smaller version, but I want the flexibility of running several virtual machines.
heatsink: I have the CORSAIR H60 in my SB build, and it's been great, nice and quiet too. My OC goals are mild.
PSU: I want enough expandability to put in (say) dual 590s. It is doing just fine with my SB build with two 590s. Why pick something different? Is there something comparable, yet significantly cheaper?


Thoughts?
That build looks really good. Can't argue with anything. The BIOS for this board has been updated twice since it's release so the bugs F$ mentioned should be fixed. It's a great system. Have fun with it.

The only thing i could mention is your choice of liquid cooling. Dunno if the GPUs you may get someday will be liquid cooled or not. If so, you'll need a cooling system that offers expandability, instead of being locked into a CPU-only setup. If not, you're good to go.

[DrPop]

Ahhhhh...such a tough decision. I have been reading all the reviews and drooling, this CPU is a beast. Truly awesome high-end for a desktop CPU. However, you are paying 2x the price of a S.B. i7 2600 for LESS than 2x the performance. Significantly less than 2x the performance, actually.

There are a couple ways to think about this, and I'm sure it's exactly what's going on in your head . . . you could get a "regular" S.B. i7 2600 CPU for half the cost and hope that Ivy Bridge, which will be compatible with the mobo is enough better to be worth it. I'd say there's a pretty good chance that a high end Ivy Bridge CPU will perform pretty close to the S.B.-E CPU you are looking at now.

The other thought is, if you get the big S.B.-E CPU now, they are going to do an Ivy Bridge-E CPU months after the "regular" Ivy Bridge comes out, and it *should* be compatible with the S.B.-E socket you are thinking about. However, I have no idea if the cost of that CPU will be worth the upgrade to you or not at that point.

Third option - if you are really wanting to consolidate into less rigs, and use less energy: one of those 16 core AMD Interlogos Opteron 6272 server CPUs. Less watts than the S.B.-E CPU, and 16 cores. Now, even if Intel's cores were worth 2 of the AMD cores, you're still coming out 4 cores ahead with the AMD, and using less juice. Not only that...you could add another 16 core CPU any time you wanted, and not have to make another rig. Also, (supposedly) they are going to have a 20 core CPU for that socket within months. The mobo is not that much more than the one you're looking at for the S.B.-E, and this CPU is actually cheaper...and you could run 2 hog GPUs off that ASUS G34 mobo - the 8x slot on the bottom has an open end, so a 16x GPU will fit just fine. :)

Fourth option - if there is $ for it - an Intel XEON setup. You will pay dearly for it, of course, but it would beat the AMD system above. However, bang for the buck it is not. Simply for max power in one box...but I'd not be recommending it unless there was a somewhat endless supply of green stuff around! ;) :o

[zombie67]

Thanks for all the feedback!


Fourth option - if there is $ for it - an Intel XEON setup. You will pay dearly for it, of course, but it would beat the AMD system above. However, bang for the buck it is not. Simply for max power in one box...but I'd not be recommending it unless there was a somewhat endless supply of green stuff around! ;) :o

Yeah, that was what I was talking about:


So really the only other option would be to wait for SB E5 (2P) series for 2x the density. I guess they will be out sometime in Q1'12? Not sure if I feel like waiting that long.

[DrPop]

@ Z - that PSU you want is awesome - and it's on sale right now with their Black Friday stuff. Looks like $179 after rebate! :)
Just saw round II of their sales - both the HAF-X case and the CPU cooler you like are on sale too. Not trying to imply you should get them, more like surprised everything you picked is on the black friday list at the Egg!

So after mulling it all over, what does your gut tell you with the CPU choices? I know it would be a hard choice for me if I had the funds. Some good options these days.

[zombie67]

@ Z - that PSU you want is awesome - and it's on sale right now with their Black Friday stuff. Looks like $179 after rebate! :)
Just saw round II of their sales - both the HAF-X case and the CPU cooler you like are on sale too. Not trying to imply you should get them, more like surprised everything you picked is on the black friday list at the Egg!

So after mulling it all over, what does your gut tell you with the CPU choices? I know it would be a hard choice for me if I had the funds. Some good options these days.

I think I will go with the SB-E, what is on the build list. And add a GTX 560Tix2. Wishlist updated:

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=18899386

Yeah, 5 of the 8 items on that list are now on sale. I will wait until tomorrow to pull the trigger, just make sure there aren't even more. ;)

[Fire$torm]

I think I will go with the SB-E, what is on the build list. And add a GTX 560Tix2. Wishlist updated:

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=18899386

Yeah, 5 of the 8 items on that list are now on sale. I will wait until tomorrow to pull the trigger, just make sure there aren't even more. ;)

Hey Z,

I missed this the first time around. That H70 does not come with any fans. I would suggest the following...

Akasa 120mm x 25mm Apache Black Super Silent PWM Fan - $15.99 (x2) (Link (http://www.frozencpu.com/products/10345/fan-675/Akasa_120mm_x_25mm_Apache_Black_Super_Silent_PWM_F an_w_Hydro_Dynamic_Bearings_-_Black.html))
Max airflow: 57.53 CFM (97.74 m3/h)
Max static air pressure: 2.64 mm H2O
Noise level: 6.9 -16.05 dB(A)

Plus
FrozenCPU PWM Y Splitter Cable - $5.99 (Link (http://www.frozencpu.com/products/8418/cab-150/FrozenCPU_PWM_Y_Splitter_Cable.html)) Or Gelid Solutions PWM Y Splitter Cable - $4.99 (LInk (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812718002&Tpk=CA-PWM-01))

Now for something really COOL!!! (Pun Intended) If you would like to match front/Rear case fan speeds (in terms of PWM %) to CPU fan speeds then....

Akasa Flexa FP5 PWM 5-Way Splitter - Smart Fan Cable - $9.99 (Link (http://www.frozencpu.com/products/13548/cab-464/Akasa_Flexa_FP5_PWM_5-Way_Splitter_-_Smart_Fan_Cable_AK-CBFA03-45.html))

Personally I believe you need to match fans (same manufacture) for the above splitter as different manufactures will not all use the same circuit design to fulfill Intel's specifications for PWM control. The good news is that Akasa makes a big brother to the Apache 120, the Apache 140. Akasa also makes a big cousin called the Viper 140.

Akasa 140mm x 25mm Apache Black Super Silent PWM Fan - $15.95 (Link (http://www.frozencpu.com/products/13925/fan-905/Akasa_140mm_x_25mm_Apache_Black_Super_Silent_PWM_F an_w_Hydro_Dynamic_Bearings_-_Black_AK-FN062.html))
Max airflow: 89.55 CFM (151.79 m3/h)
Max static air pressure: 2.76 mm H2O
Noise level: 12.5-22.19 dB(A)

Akasa 140mm x 25mm Viper PWM Fan - $14.95 (Link (http://www.frozencpu.com/products/13819/fan-901/Akasa_140mm_x_25mm_Viper_PWM_Fan_w_Hydro_Dynamic_B earings_AK-FN063.html))
Max airflow: 110.61 CFM (141.75 m3/h)
Max static air pressure: 3.12 mm H2O
Noise level: 12.5-26.01 dB(A)


Edit: I also like that your picks will total $90.00 in rebates.... Sweet!

[zombie67]

Thanks for the info. FYI, $200 in rebates! :D

[Fire$torm]

Thanks for the info. FYI, $200 in rebates! :D

Really! what did I miss.....?

[zombie67]

Really! what did I miss.....?

Second column from the right, all the green numbers. Or are you talking about rebates on top of the instant rebates?

[Fire$torm]

Second column from the right, all the green numbers. Or are you talking about rebates on top of the instant rebates?

Yeah, your right. First brain fart of the day.... :P I was only looking at MIRs. But $200 is far better than $90.00 \m/

[bmwr606]

did you look at the Asus x79 MBs? i am a big fan of Asus MBs

they have a couple of nice features.....

i am looking at the ASUS P9X79 DELUXE LGA 2011 Intel X79 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard with UEFI BIOS

includes bluetooth and wifi

1 button automatic SSD cacheing

[DrPop]

@ Z - I am so happy for you, what a build! I think many of us will follow suit in 2012 on some good ones...so stoked about the 560Tix2 GPU! Please keep me updated on the performance of that because you have both 580 and 590 to compare. :)

Couple last thoughts - do you really need an SSD that big? ;) And also do you really like the MSI mobo or is there a Gigabyte or ASUS/ASRock one that you would consider?

[zombie67]

Couple last thoughts - do you really need an SSD that big? ;) And also do you really like the MSI mobo or is there a Gigabyte or ASUS/ASRock one that you would consider?

I guess I could get by with a 120gb. But I really want to be sure I have enough room for several VMs.

I would be willing to look at other mobos, if there was a significant reason. Something like cost or features. Is there one in particular you had in mind? Like I said, I have a BBM in my SB build, and I a happy. So I picked another MSI, with enough DIMM slots to allow 2gb/thread using 4gb DIMMs.

Edit: Your question about the SSD got me to think more about it. I changed it to the 120gb after all. Now just waiting until midnight eastern, to see if there are any more of the items going on sale.

[coronicus]

WOW thats one heck of a setup....

I actually dream built something like that on newegg but once the wife saw the price tag i got smacked in the back of the head... :)

so realitly set in for me and had to give up the ubber stuff but its nice to see you will be living my dream machine hehe...

[Fire$torm]

Edit: Your question about the SSD got me to think more about it. I changed it to the 120gb after all. Now just waiting until midnight eastern, to see if there are any more of the items going on sale.

There will be. In my e-blast from the Egg it stated to watch out for tomorrows special announcement! I hope your an e-blast subscriber ---> http://promotions.newegg.com/neemail/latest/index-landing.aspx?cm_sp=emailsub-_-homepage-_-promo

[zombie67]

I seem to get some sort of email from newegg almost every day. Yeah, I am on their list. I wonder if that is midnight EST or PST?

[Duke of Buckingham]

http://tylermortimer.weebly.com/uploads/6/9/7/0/6970966/9229183_orig.jpg

They are emailing all zombies on the block.b-(

Duke

[Fire$torm]

I seem to get some sort of email from newegg almost every day. Yeah, I am on their list. I wonder if that is midnight EST or PST?

For them it is Pacific time. I usually get their eblast shortly after 3:00am Eastern.

[zombie67]

For them it is Pacific time. I usually get their eblast shortly after 3:00am Eastern.

Dang. Well, the order will have to wait until tomorrow then.

[DrPop]

I think that's a good call to save $ on the SSD because the larger ones will certainly get cheaper and faster by the time you really need another one. ;)

I'm sure that MSI's higher end boards like this one are just fine, and probably awesome in fact. After looking at your options for boards with 8 RAM slots, this one is probably a good fit.

Last but not least - the H100 water cooling unit is twice as powerful as the H70 due to larger radiator and you could get it for $69 on their sale after rebate. Just a thought, although I know you're not that into O/Cing. ;)
Sounds like such a killer rig!

[DrPop]

@Z - if you jump on these before they're gone, it'll save you $60 on the RAM you want. Just get 4 sets of this for $120 total.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231416&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL112511&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL112511-_-EMC-112511-Index-_-DesktopMemory-_-20231416-L0F
Edit:
If you prefer Ripjaws, same price: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231314

[coronicus]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?SID=u1594618t0f0fp63483dd0c0 s701&AID=10440897&PID=1225267&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-cables-_-na-_-na&ItemList=Combo.757245

If you want more storage on the SSD intel got some killer rebates at newegg... not sure on performance but i hear they are more reliable then other SSD companies..

oh and BF3 bundled with it if you like gaming and if not can sell the BF3 code...

[zombie67]

Chassis today, guts tomorrow.

608

[Fire$torm]

Chassis today, guts tomorrow.

608

Yipeeeeeeeee

[Mike029]

Chassis today, guts tomorrow.

608

That's a great deal!! I free case with the purchase of a She-Hulk action figure. WTG NewEgg!!!

[zombie67]

Action figure? How rude! That a statue. :cool:

[Mike029]

Action figure? How rude! That a statue. :cool:

Duh!! Umm, ahh, that's what I meant.. Really. @-) *insert Duke Pic here* =))

Now tell us what other statues of Marvel superheroes or Villains you have? :-w

[Duke of Buckingham]

http://img.izismile.com/img/img3/20100412/640/funny_computer_geniuses_640_07.jpg
I am working on it.

Duke:-o

[zombie67]

Now tell us what other statues of Marvel superheroes or Villains you have? :-w

Hah! Too many to list! I just sold a grand piano that many of them were set on. So they are now lumped in various places temporarily. I have a bunch more, but they are spread all over on bookshelves and such. :o

http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g461/zombie__67/1.jpg
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g461/zombie__67/2.jpg

[Duke of Buckingham]

610

[Mike029]

Hah! Too many to list! I just sold a grand piano that many of them were set on. So they are now lumped in various places temporarily. I have a bunch more, but they are spread all over on bookshelves and such. :o

http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g461/zombie__67/1.jpg
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g461/zombie__67/2.jpg

Wow!! Very nice. The Surfer is very impressive. I know you have a Thor & Wolverine. I'm going out on a limb here but where is Spawn and Lady Death? :-o

[zombie67]

Wow!! Very nice. The Surfer is very impressive. I know you have a Thor & Wolverine. I'm going out on a limb here but where is Spawn and Lady Death? :-o

That was a crappy picture of SS. SS is one of the best statues. I am a horrible photographer.

Not so much of the super hero Image stuff. Unless you count Brandy (yellow dress) from Liberty Meadows (Frank "Monkey Boy" Cho) (http://www.libertymeadows.com/index.html).

[Mike029]

That was a crappy picture of SS. SS is one of the best statues. I am a horrible photographer.

Not so much of the super hero Image stuff. Unless you count Brandy (yellow dress) from Liberty Meadows (Frank "Monkey Boy" Cho) (http://www.libertymeadows.com/index.html).


Take a look at this on ebay. I think it's the same as yours a Bowen. http://www.ebay.com/itm/BOWEN-SILVER-SURFER-CHROME-STATUE-CHROME-BASE-1-1-SIGNED-ONLY-1-/400259257315?pt=US_Comics_Figurines&hash=item5d314f93e3

[zombie67]

Take a look at this on ebay. I think it's the same as yours a Bowen. http://www.ebay.com/itm/BOWEN-SILVER-SURFER-CHROME-STATUE-CHROME-BASE-1-1-SIGNED-ONLY-1-/400259257315?pt=US_Comics_Figurines&hash=item5d314f93e3

Yeah, I have the chrome version. But that one on on EBAY is a custom job with the base chromed too. 1 of 1. $8500!?

This is what I have: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Silver-Surfer-Chrome-F-S-Statue-2438-2500-NEW-Bowen-/250933758850?pt=US_Comics_Figurines&hash=item3a6cd14b82

[Mike029]

Yeah, I have the chrome version. But that one on on EBAY is a custom job with the base chromed too. 1 of 1. $8500!?

This is what I have: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Silver-Surfer-Chrome-F-S-Statue-2438-2500-NEW-Bowen-/250933758850?pt=US_Comics_Figurines&hash=item3a6cd14b82

Very nice. :-bd