Ensure the initial setup aligns with future requirements, confirming seamless integration over the next fifteen years.
Ensure the initial setup aligns with future requirements, confirming seamless integration over the next fifteen years.
Approximate Purchase Timing:
No need for anything special. It would be fine soon at most. I'm prepared to place the order right away.
Budget Range:
Around 1500 USD should suffice.
System Priority from Highest to Lowest:
1. Data Science/Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning. My main focus is convolutional neural networks (image processing), though I'm open to other ML tasks as well.
2. Occasional solo gaming. Titles like Talos Principle and Euro Truck Simulator are on the list.
3. Connecting it to a TV for movie viewing (I already have an extra HDMI cable so the TV can act as a large screen).
Are you purchasing a monitor?
No
Upgrade Items:
Beginning fresh. A significant amount has evolved over the past fifteen years since my last build.
Do you need an operating system?
No. Windows 11 feels too heavy with unnecessary software and built-in monitoring features. I’m leaning toward Linux, perhaps Ubuntu. I’m still learning about the differences.
Preferred Online Retailers:
I’m flexible. Discounts are available if I shop around. Amazon, Newegg, and manufacturer sites are all viable options.
Location:
Rochester, NY. A local store would be ideal if possible.
Parts Preferences:
I prefer AMD for the processor. GeForce for the graphics card. In general, these are better choices than Intel and Radeon for my needs. Once I’m satisfied, I won’t mind the brand of other components as long as they’re decent.
Overclocking:
Not a priority.
SLI or Crossfire:
Possibly. If my motherboard supports multiple GPUs and I can afford it later.
Monitor Resolution:
TV size is 43 inches at 1920x1080. I might upgrade to a 22-inch model with the same resolution.
Additional Notes:
A quiet environment would be nice but isn’t essential.
I’m open to extra case fans if needed.
I need a case with fan ports on the bottom, top, front, and back—especially since the bottom is usually hard to source.
I don’t want water cooling solutions.
I’m not keen on overclocking.
RGB lighting isn’t important to me.
I aim to reduce plastic usage (acrylic, ABS, etc.) as much as possible; removing everything would be ideal, though it’s not realistic.
I’m uncertain about ensuring all components will work together with the case.
Extending the build’s expandability is a secondary goal. Possible additions include more RAM, another GPU, or an SSD when budget allows.
Most importantly, why am I upgrading?
My laptop failed earlier this year, and my interest in ML/AI is strong now. I currently have a TV and monitor that aren’t performing well—ideal for DVD playback or streaming—and I’d like to watch TV and play games occasionally.
Potential Component List:
==========
PCPartPicker Part List:
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/s8TQ28
Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 7900 3.6 GHz 12-Core ($399.00 @ Amazon)
Cooler: Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE 66.17 CFM ($17.89 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B650 EAGLE AX ATX AM5 ($179.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 96 GB (2 x 48 GB) DDR5-5600 CL40 ($279.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Black SN770 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME ($138.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT H6 Flow ATX Mid Tower ($93.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1109.85
Prices include shipping, taxes, and available discounts
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-04-13 14:49 EDT-0400
Still haven't decided on anything specific. I'm hoping to purchase a new PSU, possibly refurbished, along with the rest of the equipment. I'm considering a semi-modular option because it's cheaper than a fully modular one. As I've mentioned before, I also have another objective here.
I’m trying to steer clear of completely disrupting the discussion, but I think it would be better if you clarified why your argument works better when considering
why adding RAM later would be an issue and what steps I should take moving forward.
Also, please note that I’m already facing challenges with my budget, as mentioned in the original post.
The decision to mix RAM is risky. Purchasing two sets at once and then adding another set a year later usually doesn’t succeed. Even if you buy identical units, they might come from different factories. This issue is frequently raised here, and the answer remains consistent.
It could be that it functions, but there’s no certainty. The only sure way to ensure compatibility is to buy RAM packaged together. That batch has been verified to operate correctly in the factory.
I’ve experienced firsthand that RAM from the same brand and model can still fail.
There seems to be a problem with the selected Vengeance RAM. It isn't included in the Gigabyte QVL for that Eagle motherboard. You'd need to opt for this $400 kit if you're aiming for 2x48 units:
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/xb...dr...8gx2-tz5rk
Alternatively, these two motherboards could offer better value:
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/Lw...fi...ahawk-wifi
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/KrWJ7P/...lite-ax-v2
MSi provides superior audio and improved VRM. Gigabyte supports faster RAM both with and without overclocking. Overall, they are quite similar in other aspects.
I chose MSi for this build:
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU:
AMD Ryzen 9 7900 3.6 GHz 12-Core Processor
($399.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler:
Scythe Mugen 6 Dual Fan 60.29 CFM CPU Cooler
($54.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard:
MSI MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard
($199.00 @ MSI)
Memory:
Crucial CT2K32G52C42U5 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-5200 CL42 Memory
($193.99 @ Amazon)
Memory:
Crucial CT2K32G52C42U5 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-5200 CL42 Memory
($193.99 @ Amazon)
Alternative Memory:
G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB 96 GB (2 x 48 GB) DDR5-5600 CL40 Memory
($299.99 @ Amazon)
Storage:
Western Digital Blue SN580 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME SSD
($119.00 @ iBUYPOWER)
Case:
NZXT H6 Flow ATX Mid Tower Case
($93.99 @ Amazon)
Total:
$1253.96 ($1165.97 with 96Gb RAM)
Prices cover shipping, taxes, and available discounts
Generated by
PCPartPicker
2024-04-14 17:36 EDT-0400
Choosing this option adds $150 but provides a more robust motherboard, quieter cooler, and 128GB of RAM. Both MSI and Crucial confirm compatibility for these configurations.
MSi's QVL states the CT32G52C42U5.M16G1 is compatible in 1/2/4 slots, so if it doesn't fit, you'd need to consider a 2x48 kit or explore other RAM options.
If that fails, you'd have to exchange them and settle for a 2x32 kit or try different RAM choices. Your RAM capacity is capped at 128GB by the CPU, leaving you with two main possibilities: 2x48 96GB or x32 128GB.
Just a minor point—switched the SSD to Blue instead of Black. What made you pick Black?
I prefer the plain Blue or even a Crucial P3 PCIe 3.0 NVMe, but that's your decision. Ultimately, it's your investment and your machine.
It seems there are two options available.
===
USB 2.0 Headers
3
USB 2.0 Headers (Single Port)
0
USB 3.2 Gen 1 Headers
1
USB 3.2 Gen 2 Headers
1
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Headers
0
===
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin i suggested matches the same price, operates more quietly, and circulates more air compared to the Scythe Mugen 6 you mentioned. Why would I choose yours over the one I originally considered?
It appears it's included in the list for the other GB MB you proposed.
https://www.gigabyte.com/us/Motherboard/...ort-memsup
I’m only slightly interested in audio or video beyond occasional movie, news, or YouTube viewing. As I mentioned earlier, my main focus is on training AI/ML models with image datasets. I also appreciate that the GIGABYTE board offers 2580/25110 slots for future larger SSDs.
Someone has told me the processor was built before 48GB DIMMS existed, suggesting AMD might have capped its "max RAM" spec to 128GB at that time. How likely is this claim?
No particular reason here. It was just what appeared. I wanted a 2 TB SSD connected via M.2 with an NVMe interface.