Create PC Build Guidance
Create PC Build Guidance
Hello
Here are some ideas regarding the components you're considering.
The main purpose of this PC will be to run FEA software such as COMSOL and ABAQUS, along with other applications like MATLAB, and occasionally for gaming.
The budget should be approximately 1500 USD.
The parts I require are: CPU, MOBO, RAM, PSU, CPU cooler, NVMe SSD.
Some concerns to address:
GPU: Because I'm targeting the RTX 50 series, I'll temporarily use a GTX 1070 and plan to upgrade to a 5070 or 5060Ti later. This is likely due to the higher VRAM capacity compared to the 5070. I’m avoiding AMD because of CUDA Core compatibility issues.
CPU: The situation is a bit tricky. A Ryzen 9 9900X should suffice, but Intel 285k/265k might offer better performance in COMSOL than the Ryzen 9900X. However, Intel CPUs don’t appear stable enough, so this isn’t ideal.
RAM: 128 GB is sufficient for FEA tasks, but I’m not immediately opting for that. I prefer a 64 GB (two 32 GB modules) setup now, with the possibility of upgrading to 128 GB once the GPU arrives. For a 128 GB configuration, a 32*4 kit would be ideal, though stability at 5400-5600 MHz is uncertain.
MOBO: There are many options with X870/870E chipsets; it doesn’t matter which one you choose. A model like MSI MAG X870 TOMAHAWK WIFI seems suitable, but I’d like more alternatives.
PSU: The Cooler Master MWE Gold 850 V3 850W is a decent choice, but I’m curious about other options.
Case: I already own a Cooler Master MasterCase 5 Pro in good condition, so that’s the one I’ll use.
NVMe SSD: A 1 TB NVMe SSD should suffice, though I already have some storage, so I don’t need more.
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/q9D7wY
Let me know if you’d like further adjustments.
CPU situation: It's a bit tricky. A Ryzen 9 9900x might work, but Intel 285k/265k seem to offer better performance in COMSOL compared to the Ryzen 9900x and even the 9950x. However, since Intel CPUs appear less stable, it doesn't seem like the best CPU choice.
Explanation: This is what you mentioned earlier.
If you need stability under load or not at all, consider AMD's processor options.
Ram advice: You should buy a single RAM module instead of splitting the cost. Avoid Corsair memory because they source ICs from various suppliers and their RAM sticks have PCB revision numbers. Some users reported instability when using two different PCB RAM kits, even though they looked identical.
Motherboard considerations: Besides having a strong VRM for your processor, what else are you seeking in your motherboard purchase?
Cooler recommendation: A powerful air cooler like the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE is acceptable.
Dual Towers – Thermalright
www.thermalright.com
360mm cooling solution is also a viable option.
PSU inquiry: What other options do you have available? This makes me wonder about your location and preferred purchasing site.
I'm not certain about the 70/80°C numbers you mentioned. The 9900X/9950X could reach up to 95°C when under heavy loads. I've seen my 7950X operating in the low nineties Celsius for extended periods at high temperatures using a Noctua NH-D15 cooler. If you're hesitant to spend on a Noctua cooler, the Thermaltake Phantom Spirit 120 features seven heatpipes, while the Peerless Assassin 120 has six. I've used several rigs with Thermaltake air coolers and they've performed well. I'm not sure about a 240mm AIO, but the test indicates a 9900X can dissipate 215W under Handbrake with PBO enabled, yet only 158W without it. The decision depends on your priorities. Adding PBO increases heat output slightly but may improve speed or reduce render times at lower power settings. Unless you're cutting corners with case height, I simply elevate the front fan on dual-tower coolers slightly to ensure airflow through the RAM area. You might need to run 128GB (four 32GB modules) at 4800MT/s or slower. Look through many reviews and forum discussions about RAM/mobo compatibility before purchasing a full 128GB unit. You'll likely encounter unstable systems with such configurations on this forum. I have an older Xeon quad channel CPU with eight DIMM slots on the motherboard. It supports UDIMM, RDIMM, and LRDIMM. Stability tends to be easier to achieve with large amounts of RAM in Xeon, Threadripper, or EPYC systems, though at a much higher cost. If you anticipate needing more than 128GB at any time, this method could be worth considering.
For this project I aimed for a 9900X configuration, which led me to search for x870/E motherboards. However, Intel 265K/285K chips are superior to Ryzen 9 99XX in COMSOL applications. Regarding stable RAM speeds for a 128 GB system, I believe it's unlikely to exceed 5600 MHz. I plan to test this. There isn't a specific feature mentioned, just the need for Q Code Display and space for storage expansion. In my search, I'm prioritizing stability paired with a fast 128 GB RAM. I might also adjust the CPU clock speed depending on thermal performance and results. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE appears to be a solid option at this price point if paired with an air cooler. These numbers are based on a 360mm build but should reach around 95°C. I doubt PBO will provide enough benefit when considering thermal and power demands during intensive FEA tasks. For most models, 128 GB is ideal, though for very large projects we opt for Threadripper. I've noticed stability issues with Ryzen 99XX models using 128 GB, and after several tests they proved unreliable. That's why I was focused on finding the best possible configuration for 128 GB RAM/board for a Ryzen 9 9900X.
I looked into the tough aspects of this rig. There weren’t many resources about Ryzen 7000 and Ryzen 9000 compatibility with 128 GB RAM, especially regarding suitable motherboards and RAM. It’s possible to hit 5600/5400 MT/s with a MOBO like ROG Crosshair X870E Hero after some adjustments and testing, though it still depends on various factors. A stable option around 4800 MT/s with 128 GB seems feasible, but it might not be reliable long-term. Concerns remain about whether combinations like 5600/5400/5200 could stress the memory controller or harm the MOBO over time.