workstation config

[qwertystudios]

Hi all,

I'm in amidst of much contemplation into building a system with the following specs (as suggested by PC builder shop):

2x dual core opteron 265
Tyan K8WE
2x 1ghz corsair ddr400 ram
200gig seagate SATA2 HD
3Dlabs realizm 500
silverstone 500W (ST50EF)
coolermaster stacker 810 casing

.......

Using this machine to do 3Dmax vray rendering for stills and animation, as well as for video progs like adobe after effects or discreet combustion and premiere pro...

I do need feedbacks and advise on the feasibility of spending this sum of money into 1 machine vs. setup of 2 pcs with a lower configuration....
Am i right bout having a single powerhouse machine would be less hassle and practical than investing in several computers hook on network instead...(power consumption would be mad???)

Otherwise, if there's better suggestion on individual parts, do advise too.....

So experts in hardware and software, do sort me out with your expertise...
THANKS HEAPS....
much appreciated...

 

[ND40oz]

If you don't need two PCIE x16 slots you can downgrade the motherboard to a K8SE which would save you some money. You'll need registered ecc memory with the 2xx opterons, so make sure you get the correct memory. I have no idea about the workstation video cards so I'm not going to begin to comment on them. Personally I'd go with 270s or 275s if you have the cash, as I imagine you won't be overclocking this workstation. The 265 is equivalent to 2 244s and they are getting a little long in tooth at this point in the opteron life cycle. Otherwise, I'd like to have a workstation with that config...

 

[imperfectcircle25]

Have you considered going with a MAC?? Maybe the new Quad g5 system?? Seems Mac is the most common when it comes to gaphics, video, music...etc. I work for a print shop and we use Macs and everyone loves them. We just recently started to replace our aging Dual G4 1ghz systems with G5s. And we got one of the Quad g5 systems and its an awesome machine but very pricey at almost $6000 for the setup we have(Quad 2.5ghz, 2gigs ram, Quadro fx4500 512meg, 2x250gig HD, 23in Apple display)

 

[qwertystudios]

THANKS for the prompt reply guys,

-ND40oz:
At first i was recommended a dual opteron 250, but realising that it's not dual-core, i ask for the lowest in the series, hence 265.... and budget's actually a bit tight now....i did accidentally ask for 275s too... and a jaw-dropping surprise they are selling at $2450 (singapore dollars) per pc ( approx. US$1600) way off my tops.
the doubt is maybe they are altogether a pricey setup, but i'm trying hard to convince myself that this shop is over-charging me as well (hopefully).......
ECC rams it is...

video card - my query is whether if i load in an openGL 3Dlabs Realizm 500 (256mb PCI-e) vs a dual 7800gtx (256mb each), would make a difference in 3D rendering? or the dual video cards are more for gaming? does the physical really doubled performance? which i presume it works like a dual processor? most importantly does it affect in programs like 3DMax and other video softwares?

imperfectcircle25:
Mac has been tempting all these while, as a designer myself...but the real ah heck is that Autodesk 3D max works only on PC platform, and I've yet to hear any news to be release in mac platform....and possibly is hard for me to learn another new software like lightwave....
however i would say that the mac setup at ur workplace at $6000, isn't that steep as caompared to our market here.... for that kinda specs... WOW... it would be more than double the price if i get it here.....
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cheers mate

 

[ND40oz]

You may want to check out 2cpu for a better discussion of multiprocessor systems. They have alot of good information at your choices there. Also I believe Tankguys carries 2xx series opterons at the generally going price for USD price checks compared to your shop.