3990X is better for OS compilation.
3990X is better for OS compilation.
I aim to explore research-oriented operating systems and other alternative OS options such as Fuchsia OS, Redox OS, Plan 9, seL4, etc., and work on them to gain deeper insights. For this purpose, I’m evaluating whether a VM workhorse, Kubernetes server, or compile server would suit the project best. Should I go with the vanilla Threadripper 3990X or the upgraded Threadripper Pro 3995WX? I’m not interested in gaming; I already have a more suitable setup for that. What matters most is performance during software compilation—faster memory, quicker per-core speeds, improved turbo, and a fast SSD. I plan to use an Intel Optane 905p SSD, which I already possess and expect to handle random reads well. The OS will run on a dedicated NVME drive, while VMs and containers will use another. Importantly, I prefer air cooling over water cooling, as it aligns with my budget and practicality. I’m not concerned about overclocking unless it’s essential for cost-effectiveness. Which processor among the two offers the best performance-to-cost ratio?
Do you require more than 256GB of memory? Probably not. That means skipping the 3995WX is unnecessary, and based on what you said, you won’t need over 64GB either. A standard 16-core Ryzen should handle these workloads easily. For a quick reference, check this link: https://openbenchmarking.org/test/pts/bu...nux-kernel
It's also going to handle Goma and other distant compile servers, plus some virtual machines. I thought it wise to purchase a bigger rig so it could comfortably run multiple VMs alongside its main tasks. Also, appreciated the recommendation to that website.
The 3995wx may compile a bit quicker, but the improvement is almost insignificant. In reality, either version would be more than sufficient. For a sense of scale, check the Phoronix benchmark data on Linux Kernel compilation times—unfortunately, the 3995wx isn’t included there. https://openbenchmarking.org/test/pts/bu...nel-1.10.0
Now it depends on whether you require more than 256GB of RAM or the bandwidth that an 8-channel setup provides.