Looking to get started with GPU processing

Zalster
Zalster
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Hi John, I thought that 4

Hi John,

I thought that 4 core was a desktop. The 750Ti won't work in a laptop.

Tbret brings up a lot of good ideas.

Make a list of things you want, make sure you are happy with the final product otherwise you will be continually upgrading.

As they have said, we are always around to give advice

John Reed
John Reed
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tbret, Wow, so much great

tbret,

Wow, so much great advice in one post.

I like your idea of monitoring the top hosts and coming up with a plan to build that instead of constant upgrades and half-hearted builds from leftovers.

I took a trip to Fry's today just to see and touch things with my hands, I haven't thought about this type of thing in years. The gamer cases were jaw-dropping. Had no idea that's what the world was doing. My favorite was an Aerocool: http://www.amazon.com/AeroCool-Frame-Design-Cases-StrikeX-Air/dp/B009RRIP86

Not a case, more like a frame with easy access to all the parts. I don't know if I'll get that one, but I sure liked it.

Let's start with those type of components before I decide on the more complex(GPU/CPU/AMD/Intel) stuff.

Regarding motherboards, there were several form factors. I'm assuming, I want the largest size to keep things spaced out?

Regarding PSU's, sounds like I should just go for the highest capacity I can afford at the start. Is 1000W enough? Are there any other factors to consider?

I have a lot of soul searching to do, and studying of the top hosts. But you guys are making this a real joy, I can't thank you enough. The advice I'm getting in this thread is GOLD.

AgentB
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I thought i'd have to tap

I thought i'd have to tap into my font of wisdom, but actually i'm trying to think of something to add to the thread! there is some 5 star advice below.

OK here goes. Like tbret i don't like building incrementally, once the case is closed i don't want to open it for several years. But, you may like to. I also want my builds to last for at least 5 years, but that pushes a little to the component expense a little. I use the i5+HD7990 as my main machine at home, with a couple of monitors, this post is written on it while eats BRP6 tasks 6 at a time. So its not just a cruncher...

I also don't want a franken-cruncher with fans and pipes and cables hanging out, so ++ on tbret's case comments. 500W is a *lot* of heat to move, and that is at the serious end, some folks will say that's close to water-cooling. I'm a little old school and say get good coolers, fans and case.

You haven't mentioned if you want to build only one in that heat budget. The LIGO tasks may be CPU based so that too may influence you. I can only run two for a number of reasons, and so there is always something working in event of a problem.

I use an SSD, for a small power (aka heat, aka running cost) saving and Ubuntu boots in 3 seconds, not that that happens more than 12 times a year. These are getting cheaper and you could easily run a cruncher on 20GB of space.

Overspend on psu, cooling and case(i buy second hand cases).

Space... Be very careful about case size, the top end graphics cards are large. Large CPU coolers can be a tight fit, and tight fit can means restricted airflow.

Many GPUs need there own power supply (not off the mobo) so you start getting into PSUs with modular cables, and getting lengths correct and not restricting airflow.

Best advice ... Magnetic screwdrivers - buy them now.

Zalster
Zalster
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Usually I don't like to

Usually I don't like to comment on cases, as that personal preference.

But, for a pure cruncher, you are going to want to look at cases where you can mount radiators and/or fans to keep the GPUs and CPU cool. Unless you want to go the water cooling route.

So the more mounting points you have, the more diversity in setting up your system.

Heat build up is a major concern with any pure cruncher, how to get it out of the case and how to keep your machine cool.

AgentB
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RE: tbret, Wow, so much

Quote:

tbret,

Wow, so much great advice in one post.

I like your idea of monitoring the top hosts and coming up with a plan to build that instead of constant upgrades and half-hearted builds from leftovers.

Your first major decision point is what GPUs, after the screwdrivers. This will determine mobo psu and even case size.

Quote:


My favorite was an Aerocool: http://www.amazon.com/AeroCool-Frame-Design-Cases-StrikeX-Air/dp/B009RRIP86

Not a case, more like a frame with easy access to all the parts. I don't know if I'll get that one, but I sure liked it.

I think on the minus side noisier, risk of fod, dust, and temptation to fettle! I also think plus side easy to clean and perhaps cooler.

Quote:


Regarding PSU's, sounds like I should just go for the highest capacity I can afford at the start. Is 1000W enough? Are there any other factors to consider?


I am known to rant a bit about efficiency, but determine what power the system needs and then spend on platinum or better quality. You find efficiency 93-94% around the 50-75% output mark for the high grade PSUs. That means only 6-7% extra heat. Work out what the system needs, then size the PSU.

Quote:

have a lot of soul searching to do, and studying of the top hosts.

This is a good path.

John Reed
John Reed
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RE: Your first major

Quote:

Your first major decision point is what GPUs, after the screwdrivers. This will determine mobo psu and even case size.

Ok, looking at the top hosts Linux users, I see a lot of 7870/7950/7970/R9 280X, and that's comforting

The 280x's seem like an ok price point for new: [url] http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150678[/url]

So, if there's no driver issues with that particular model, it seems good to me.

Any other issues I'm missing? If not, then what mobo/psu/case would we be thinking for two 280x's?

John Reed
John Reed
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The 750Ti seem like a

The 750Ti seem like a complete bargain at $120: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IB9P1KG/ref=psdc_284822_t1_B015E9VDC0

Is there a reason not to use those?

Zalster
Zalster
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There are many different

There are many different variations on the 750Ti.

The one you are looking at requires a 6 pin power cord from the Power supply unit to give it extra power not supplied by the PCIe slot of the mother board.

The other issue is the design of the 2 fans. The way those are fashioned is half of the heat generated by the GPU will exit the back of the card and out of the case.

The other half will be pushed back into your computer case and raise the heat level inside of the case.

Not a problem when there is only 1 GPU in your case, but if you have 2 or more then it's hard to get cooler air to the GPU's fans due to the GPUs being so close to one another.

They also tend to be a bit louder than the standard 1 fan configuration.

The 750Ti is a good basic GPU card. I've owned many but over time I ended up getting bigger and better.

I'd make a list of cards and see what the requirements are for each to compare against each other.

tbret
tbret
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RE: The 750Ti seem like a

Quote:

The 750Ti seem like a complete bargain at $120: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IB9P1KG/ref=psdc_284822_t1_B015E9VDC0

Is there a reason not to use those?

Those are good "add-in" cards where you have space or heat or power limitations.

They are amazing for what they are.

They aren't really contenders.

EDIT:-> That case? Might work, maybe. But my suspicion (and it is nothing more than a hunch) is that you will have to put a free-standing fan in front of it blowing directly at it if you get GPUs that generate a lot of heat.

Be aware; at 500w of power consumption you WILL heat a room. That is the ONLY good thing about several smaller systems; being able to spread them around and put the heat into multiple rooms.

Daniels_Parents
Daniels_Parents
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RE: I'd make a list of

Quote:
I'd make a list of cards and see what the requirements are for each to compare against each other.


Perhaps a help ...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Nvidia_graphics_processing_units
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_AMD_graphics_processing_units
Arthur

I know I am a part of a story that starts long before I can remember and continues long beyond when anyone will remember me [Danny Hillis, Long Now]

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