Nice price on EPYC 7742 and 7402

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Markfw

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May 16, 2002
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It's not unfortunately. I have the processors and everything else in hand but the motherboard will not be here until at least Monday. I would have paid for expedited shipping but I wasn't expecting it to sit for a couple days at Newegg before actually shipping.
My video card was late shipping, then UPS said it had a shipping delay. Its been in town for 2 days, but they won't deliver it until Monday, so I know the pain.

Dying to know if they work though.
 

Icecold

Golden Member
Nov 15, 2004
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My video card was late shipping, then UPS said it had a shipping delay. Its been in town for 2 days, but they won't deliver it until Monday, so I know the pain.

Dying to know if they work though.
I have a pretty solid chunk of money invested in the processors and other parts, so I'm also somewhat anxious to get this motherboard in and test them to confirm it's all good. I'm not ordering RAM until after I confirm it all works, though, so it probably won't be doing much crunching for at least a couple more weeks even if it does work. I'm probably going to go with 256GB of RAM.. very few projects use more than 1GB per task, and if I have to limit NFS or something like that to 128 tasks at a time or something it's probably not the end of the world vs spending several thousand dollars on RAM alone.

I'll post back once I get it tested though.
 

Markfw

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May 16, 2002
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I have a pretty solid chunk of money invested in the processors and other parts, so I'm also somewhat anxious to get this motherboard in and test them to confirm it's all good. I'm not ordering RAM until after I confirm it all works, though, so it probably won't be doing much crunching for at least a couple more weeks even if it does work. I'm probably going to go with 256GB of RAM.. very few projects use more than 1GB per task, and if I have to limit NFS or something like that to 128 tasks at a time or something it's probably not the end of the world vs spending several thousand dollars on RAM alone.

I'll post back once I get it tested though.
If you do, all my EPYC boxes use nemix ram. There are 4 variants, but below is what I would try first (if its on the qualified memory list). 16 of these is $1360. All 4 of the 3200 16 gig variants are the same price. $85 each

 

Icecold

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I appreciate the information. It looks like you actually save around $5 per RAM stick if you buy an 8x set from Nemix directly - https://nemixram.com/128gb-16x8gb-ddr4-3200-pc4-25600-rdimm-server-memory-2rx8/ Gets it down to $1270 for 2 sets. That's more than I've probably ever spent on a motherboard/cpu/ram combo so it's a somewhat tough pill to swallow, but I also don't currently own any machines with more than 64GB ram so it makes sense.
 

Markfw

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May 16, 2002
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I appreciate the information. It looks like you actually save around $5 per RAM stick if you buy an 8x set from Nemix directly - https://nemixram.com/128gb-16x8gb-ddr4-3200-pc4-25600-rdimm-server-memory-2rx8/ Gets it down to $1270 for 2 sets. That's more than I've probably ever spent on a motherboard/cpu/ram combo so it's a somewhat tough pill to swallow, but I also don't currently own any machines with more than 64GB ram so it makes sense.
Its also the most processing power in one box that you can buy (well almost, double 7H12 or Milan?)
 

Icecold

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Nov 15, 2004
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You are a very happy man today. :D

Yeah, I'm pretty stoked. I thought it would be fine, but there was definitely some concern that it would boot up to the vendor lock error. There were a few oddities I need to work through. The fan headers are too far from the CPU's for the Noctua HSF to reach it without using the low noise adapter as an extension, so I think I need to buy a fan header extension. I basically was just throwing it all together to make sure it detected the CPU's. The I/O plate for the motherboard is also the worst quality one I've ever used, and it doesn't line up correctly without bending fairly bad. I may attempt to reseat that later. Incredible on a $700+ motherboard though :p There's also an addition 8 pin CPU power connector where the fan headers are(in addition to the 2 at the top of the motherboard) but I'm assuming I don't need that unless I'm using a ton of super high RPM/high amperage fans?

It also gave an error on 2 of my RAM sticks, but they were just random sticks of RAM I pulled out of a dual socket Xeon here. I'm hoping it's not something more like me having bent one of the socket pins or something, but I'm going to order all the RAM and see what happens. I need to figure out cooling for the VRM's as well - I'm thinking just cable tie a couple 80MM fans over that area but I haven't gotten that far yet.

And a very luck one... $1000 each ? I can't find them for less than $3000 each
$1030 each. I threw in some extra to cover Paypal fees as a courtesy, which I almost always do if paying with Paypal G&S. Definitely a great deal.
 
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Markfw

Moderator Emeritus, Elite Member
May 16, 2002
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Yeah, I'm pretty stoked. I thought it would be fine, but there was definitely some concern that it would boot up to the vendor lock error. There were a few oddities I need to work through. The fan headers are too far from the CPU's for the Noctua HSF to reach it without using the low noise adapter as an extension, so I think I need to buy a fan header extension. I basically was just throwing it all together to make sure it detected the CPU's. The I/O plate for the motherboard is also the worst quality one I've ever used, and it doesn't line up correctly without bending fairly bad. I may attempt to reseat that later. Incredible on a $700+ motherboard though :p There's also an addition 8 pin CPU power connector where the fan headers are(in addition to the 2 at the top of the motherboard) but I'm assuming I don't need that unless I'm using a ton of super high RPM/high amperage fans?

It also gave an error on 2 of my RAM sticks, but they were just random sticks of RAM I pulled out of a dual socket Xeon here. I'm hoping it's not something more like me having bent one of the socket pins or something, but I'm going to order all the RAM and see what happens. I need to figure out cooling for the VRM's as well - I'm thinking just cable tie a couple 80MM fans over that area but I haven't gotten that far yet.
First, you need both of the 8 pin CPU headers. Also, I had no problem using the factory fan headers. Maybe turn the fans 90 degrees or something ?? Also put them below the heatsinks with the air blowing up. You can see in my picture my fan headers and cpu plugs.

Edit: fan headers are different than mine, yes you might need extensions.
 

Icecold

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There are actually 3 8 pin CPU connectors. 2 at the top where the ATX connector is(which are the actual 8 pin CPU connectors) , and then there's an extra one where the fan headers are. It said something along the lines of 'ATX 12 volt for fans'.

The fan headers are in the very bottom right of the board(there's one on the top right as well), which is just slightly too far for the left CPU fan to reach. I do have the fans below the heatsinks blowing up. I think I'm using a larger board than the one in your picture.
 

Markfw

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May 16, 2002
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There are actually 3 8 pin CPU connectors. 2 at the top where the ATX connector is(which are the actual 8 pin CPU connectors) , and then there's an extra one where the fan headers are. It said something along the lines of 'ATX 12 volt for fans'.

The fan headers are in the very bottom right of the board(there's one on the top right as well), which is just slightly too far for the left CPU fan to reach. I do have the fans below the heatsinks blowing up. I think I'm using a larger board than the one in your picture.
I see now....And thanks for the memory clue, about to order one of those kits. My 7742's can use those(the 3200). Right now all my boxes are using 2666, as the 3200 was too expensive before. Now they are good.
 

Icecold

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RAM ordered. I managed to score a decent deal on some SK Hynix ECC DDR4 3200 through eBay using the 'make an offer' option. $75 per 16GB stick of RAM shipped. Hopefully it works well in that motherboard, the QVL list was just a few models of RAM so I had to go outside that.
 

StefanR5R

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Timings of server RAM aren't as tight and varied as with consumer PC RAM. IMO it is safe to ignore the QVL list and just go by the CPU maker's basic specs when you purchase RAM.
 

Icecold

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The RAM came in today. I ran into an issue where no matter what combination of RAM I used slot B1 would error. I cleaned the CPU contacts and reseated it, and now all 16 sticks are detected and seem to be functioning without issue. Everything seems to be working as of right now. I posted this to the FB thread as well-

epyc2.PNG
 

Markfw

Moderator Emeritus, Elite Member
May 16, 2002
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The RAM came in today. I ran into an issue where no matter what combination of RAM I used slot B1 would error. I cleaned the CPU contacts and reseated it, and now all 16 sticks are detected and seem to be functioning without issue. Everything seems to be working as of right now. I posted this to the FB thread as well-

View attachment 51130
I would love to have that system.... But I have too many already. Over 1100 cores/threads.
 

Icecold

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I would love to have that system.... But I have too many already. Over 1100 cores/threads.
Yeah this one was just perfect circumstances for me to get it, it seems like. I would love to have a few more of them, it would negate the need for most of my other PC's. I have something like 500 cores/threads in addition to this machine, but it's in machines all over my house :confused: I don't have much high density stuff.
 

cellarnoise

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Mar 22, 2017
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Well I am "trying" to catch up? I'm working on 6 more cores / threads running at maybe 2 ghz on Arm. So watch your back :)!!!

NOT.... Sad face emooogy...

As long as it is for the team!!!!
 
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Icecold

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This thing is insane. I half expected to have it lock up overnight or something, but no, 256 threads just crunching along. I have no idea what the performance is like since I very rarely run Yoyo@home so I don't have much to compare to. It's just humming along, temps seem decent, and it's not even very loud. I'm looking forward to seeing how it does in the WCG Birthday Challenge

@cellarnoise I've been following the stuff you've posted about the Odroids. I had an idea to setup a bunch of low power X86 SBC's at one point and even bought an X86 RockPiX. From my research though(if going X86 instead of ARM which was what I was aiming for) buying low cost thin clients could be a better solution. If you find an ARM board though that is a processor on a newer process or something definitely let us know. I have 3 Pi 4's here I need to move to a consolidated case. Endgame124 had warned me the tiny fans in my tiny cases would fail quickly.. which I was skeptical about.. he was right :p
 
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Icecold

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@Icecold, time to post pictures of your new monster rig. BTW, I remember someone build a dual 7742 with four RTX 3080 in serverthehome forum
It's about as generic as they come. Cheapest Coolermaster case that supported EEB motherboards. No video card. Superflower 850w power supply. Noctua Heatsink/fans. Cheap SK Hynix NVMe 1TB SSD. Crappy cheap 120mm fans propped up wherever to keep the VRM's with air flowing over them. That's the last step is get better fans and secure them somehow near the VRM's.
 

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Endgame124

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Feb 11, 2008
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This thing is insane. I half expected to have it lock up overnight or something, but no, 256 threads just crunching along. I have no idea what the performance is like since I very rarely run Yoyo@home so I don't have much to compare to. It's just humming along, temps seem decent, and it's not even very loud. I'm looking forward to seeing how it does in the WCG Birthday Challenge

@cellarnoise I've been following the stuff you've posted about the Odroids. I had an idea to setup a bunch of low power X86 SBC's at one point and even bought an X86 RockPiX. From my research though(if going X86 instead of ARM which was what I was aiming for) buying low cost thin clients could be a better solution. If you find an ARM board though that is a processor on a newer process or something definitely let us know. I have 3 Pi 4's here I need to move to a consolidated case. Endgame124 had warned me the tiny fans in my tiny cases would fail quickly.. which I was skeptical about.. he was right :p
I can’t tell you how many GeForce 2 MX video cards I have RMA’d in my life that had little 40mm fans on them. Got a baby monitor that used a 40mm fan and I was like - this puppy is a goner in 6 months. I was wrong, it made it 8 months.
 

Icecold

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I can’t tell you how many GeForce 2 MX video cards I have RMA’d in my life that had little 40mm fans on them. Got a baby monitor that used a 40mm fan and I was like - this puppy is a goner in 6 months. I was wrong, it made it 8 months.
When you mentioned it I was thinking something along the lines "it seems like a reputable brand, they wouldn't sell this Raspberry Pi case with a fan that would fail that quickly". Well, all 3 had issues within a week or so of each other around the 6 month mark and all I could think was "Endgame told me this exact thing would happen" LMAO :p

I'm thinking this case - https://www.amazon.com/GeeekPi-Raspberry-Cluster-Stackable-4-Layers/dp/B083FDHPBH/ and a cheap 5 port switch and a phone charger 1x5 USB type thing to power it, if you have any suggestions LMK. I did find some 100 megabit switches that are USB powered which could make cabling easier.
 
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Markfw

Moderator Emeritus, Elite Member
May 16, 2002
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This thing is insane. I half expected to have it lock up overnight or something, but no, 256 threads just crunching along. I have no idea what the performance is like since I very rarely run Yoyo@home so I don't have much to compare to. It's just humming along, temps seem decent, and it's not even very loud. I'm looking forward to seeing how it does in the WCG Birthday Challenge

@cellarnoise I've been following the stuff you've posted about the Odroids. I had an idea to setup a bunch of low power X86 SBC's at one point and even bought an X86 RockPiX. From my research though(if going X86 instead of ARM which was what I was aiming for) buying low cost thin clients could be a better solution. If you find an ARM board though that is a processor on a newer process or something definitely let us know. I have 3 Pi 4's here I need to move to a consolidated case. Endgame124 had warned me the tiny fans in my tiny cases would fail quickly.. which I was skeptical about.. he was right :p
All of my EPYC systems are just like thast. Rocksolid. They run at 100% for months before something makes them reboot, like loss of power in the house.