*w/ exciting new poll* MrColin build thread 2018

[MrColin]

[Edit] I have created 4 candidates here, I could probably benefit from some memory advice. Here they are:
ThreadHeater Octocore
CPU: AMD - Threadripper 1900X 3.8GHz 8-Core Processor ($319.89 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock - X399 Taichi ATX TR4 Motherboard ($355.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill - Trident Z 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR4-3600 Memory ($480.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $1156.86
AM4 CatWarmer Octocore
CPU: AMD - Ryzen 7 2700X 3.7GHz 8-Core Processor ($324.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock - X470 Taichi Ultimate ATX AM4 Motherboard ($263.98 @ Newegg)
Other: Crucial Ballistix Elite 32GB DDR-3200 ($487.99)
Total: $1076.96
Meltdown Hexacore
CPU: Intel - Core i7-8700K 3.7GHz 6-Core Processor ($355.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: EVGA - Z370 Classified K ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($183.98 @ Newegg)
Wireless Network Adapter: Gigabyte - GC-WB867D-I REV 4.2 PCI-Express x1 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi Adapter ($33.88 @ OutletPC)
Other: Ripjaws DDR4-3000 32GB 4x8GB ($310.00)
Total: $883.85
SpectreReady Octocore
CPU: Intel - Core i7-7820X 3.6GHz 8-Core Processor ($469.99 @ B&H)
Motherboard: EVGA - X299 DARK EATX LGA2066 Motherboard ($399.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill - Trident Z 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($204.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill - Trident Z 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($204.98 @ Newegg)
Wireless Network Adapter: Gigabyte - GC-WB867D-I REV 4.2 PCI-Express x1 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi Adapter ($33.88 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1313.82
[EndEdit]

My Core2 Q9550 box is getting long in the tooth. We've been through some crazy times together in the last 9 years. I hope my next build will hold up this well.

I want good virtualization support (Hyper-V) and I've heard threadripper has had serious issues with it that may or may not be resolved through BIOS updates from the mobo vendors. I haven't ruled it out and I'm hoping to see some reviews of TR2 in the next few weeks. I heard the X399 mobo's may need a refresh due to higher power consumption.

I will use it for some audio/video editing, dev work, day to day computing

It looks like every CPU I've considered has an ASRock Taichi mobo with all the features I want (2x ethernet + onboard WiFi, craptons of USB ports, I will consider M2's and Optane parts in the future. I'm using SATA still for storage. I'd be quite fine with a brown or green pcb board with no RGB nonsense. If I want lights, I'll get lights. It's a computer, not a christmas tree. I know a lot of Xeon boards come like that but those are a little out of my budget. The reviews and comments I've seen suggest that GIGABYTE is not doing so well with their BIOS quality with the latest boards. For the consumer level stuff I'm looking at it seems like EVGA and ASRock have the best ratio of actual hardware to marketing bunk that I can find. I can't help but think that companies are skimping on crucial QC and support in favor of gimmicky marketing when I see gaming boards with kitschy bling. ASUS and GIGABYTE I'm looking at you...

Parts I Have:
SATA SSDs & HDDs
Radeon WX7100
32" 75Hz 2k Display
front panel multi-card reader & dual fan controllers
Black ATX/EATX case w/ fan hub
360mm x 120mm x 60mm copper radiator
EKWB D5 pwm pump, barrow compression fittings, 5/8" OD 1/2" ID black hose
no reservoir & IMHO you don't need one. I think they are sloppy and trouble prone.
Corsair RMx 850w Modular PSU

Parts I need:
Mobo/CPU/RAM
wifi/bluetooth card if not on mobo
[edit] maybe a water block too

Parts want but don't really need:
Blue Ray reader/writer
2 more VESA mountable monitors 27" and up

My Priorities:
no christmas lights that can't be turned off
Modern and built to last
Something worthy of my cooler that runs VM's like butter, games decently, can sleep/wake w/o drama
Products that are supported well by the vendor(s) (BIOS / driver updates)
Best value vs best deal.

My budget is $3000 max

I'd like to hear any advice about mobo/CPU/RAM recommendations/deals that suit my needs.
[edit] I also want to hear if anyone has observed issues running guests under hyper-v with threadripper (I heard it crashes the host due, to bugs.)

 

[whm1974]

If you want the build to last, then you should skip any water cooling or overclocking. Besides virtualization support, what else are you going to do or are planning on doing with this build?

 

[MrColin]

If you want the build to last, then you should skip any water cooling or overclocking. Besides virtualization support, what else are you going to do or are planning on doing with this build?

Solid advice but I'm already committed to the water cooling and will deal with any catastrophic failure if/when it comes up. I'm pretty sure the weak links are the O-rings or pump failure, maybe corrosion. I don't overclock much or often but I did do it pretty hard in the early days of bitcoin mining. I'll only OC if there is a tangible gain to be had but not for its own sake.
I'd like the parts to be pretty fast with stock settings and I'm aiming for forward compatible form factors and socket types etc. In other words, the opposite of an Apple product.

As far as what else it will do, it will be in my living room and pull HTPC duties, host my music collection and backups of other devices. I'll probably play the new wolfenstein on it. General purpose PC stuff with multiple simultaneous roles.

 

[whm1974]

OK I would look at AMD's Ryzen 7-2700 and Intel's i7-8700 CPUs for a start. If you are going to run a lot of VMs, then 32GB of memory may be worthwhile.