Deep Learning Specialized Setup
Deep Learning Specialized Setup
Hello! This is my initial entry on this platform. I'm planning to assemble a budget-friendly computer focused on refining image models or training one from scratch. At the beginning, I just need a basic setup with essential parts—CPU, RAM, and motherboard—and nothing with a GPU at first. Later, when I find a suitable GPU deal, I'll gradually add them. The main goal for this project is flexibility, particularly for supporting multiple GPUs. Here’s the plan I have in mind:
CPU i7-6700 (or the k version if I manage to get a good price) ~70-80 USD
Motherboard Z170-WS ~100 USD
[Both CPU and motherboard are from eBay listings; prices could change as I purchase them]
Memory 16gb (some unknown DDR4 RAM sticks from my previous build, but I plan to upgrade if needed)
Power Supply EVGA 700 GD, 80+ Gold 700w
Storage will come from my old build (2-1TB SSDs and a 500GB SSD)
Case will be ATX style, from my previous setup
The reason I chose this motherboard is that I couldn’t find any other options—besides server boards—that offer many PCIe slots and high bandwidth for multiple GPUs. Its specifications support up to 4 GPUs in x8 mode. This might seem excessive, but I want the flexibility to expand to four GPUs and experiment with different setups.
A few things I’m worried about:
I’m concerned about the limited selection of supported CPUs on this board that aren’t from the latest 8/9th generation. Even with the best in-slot CPU, it might still limit GPU performance due to data transfer speeds.
This could be subjective, as it really depends on the GPUs I end up getting. Ideally, I’d like two RTX 3060 (12GB) units, but realistically, if I’m lucky, I might manage 3-4 GTX 1070s at a reasonable price. I chose the GTX 1070s because they’re mid-range, reasonably fast, and affordable for 8GB VRAM, though I’m open to suggestions on GPU types.
Also, if there’s a better CPU and motherboard combo that can support four GPUs (or at least three) in x8 mode at a similar price, that would be ideal and would be found secondhand as well.
I’m not sure if the 700-watt power supply is sufficient. PC Part Picker suggests it’s around 585 watts for three GTX 1070s.
Also, I have an i7-8700 CPU, but I couldn’t find a motherboard with similar expandability.
This setup depends on PLX chips to make GPUs think they're linked to x16 slots. So you can use many GPUs, but not all will have full bandwidth. That shouldn't be a big issue.
700W isn't ideal, is it? It leaves almost no room for the rest of the system.
I'd concentrate on one bigger graphics card and skip the plan of using several 1070s. Even two 3060s would work better.
One RTX 3080 would suffice, or even less considering the performance boost. They can be bought for as low as $200 if you try some bidding.
I understand. I aim to find a solid offer on eBay for a big GPU. Do you think the CPU will suffice with two 3060s? And regarding power consumption, should I target at least 1000 watts?
Not really. A newer i3-12100 handles better than an i7-6700. Even the older i3-10100 would be preferable.
Comparisons show the i7-6700 outperforms the i3-12100, while the i3-10100 is still decent but not ideal.
New LGA1700 boards cost around $90 and are sufficient for one GPU. More advanced options with two 16GB slots are available for about $100-105.