Two-GPU CUDA rig for machine learning computation

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akwas

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Nov 9, 2017
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Hi.
I want to assembly PC for deep learning computation. I need powerful GPUs, CPU is not that important. After reading many articles I have chosen following parts:
CPU: Intel Core™ i7 6850K, 3.6GHz, 15 MB, BOX (BX80671I76850K)
CPU Cooler: CPU Thermalright Macho Rev. B
GPU 2xEVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti FTW3 HYBRID GAMING
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX, DDR4, 4x16GB, 3000MHz, CL15
Storage: Segate BarraCuda 2TB
Storage: SSD Samsung SM961 512GB PCIe M.2
PSU: Corsair HX1200
Motherboard: Asus X99-E WS
Case: Fractal Design Define XL R2 Black Pearl
Case fans: 2x Fractal Design DYNAMIC X2 GP-14

I decided to choose 1200W PSU because I want add third GPU in the future. Does this PC manage with third card (will temperatures be ok?)? I prefer not make many changes in this specification if it isn't strongly necessary. Please comment.
 
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bjornl

I'm just saying that TDP on your CPU is 140, the measured consumption for that video card is around 300w (even the founders edition hit 295w when toms hardware measured it). Your selected PSU will get it done for 2 cards for sure.

I dropped your parts in to a pcpartspicker (which provides a rough estimate).. Without any USB or other peripherals, it said 958 with 2 cards.I think this is low since it only estimates 280 per card, which is probably sustained average not ABS max. Even so... 958 x 1.2 = 1149.6w as the minimum safe PSU size. So I think it'll...
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bjornl

bjornl

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Mar 16, 2016
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It will handle it nicely.

I would suggest a few modifications:
Get a tier 1 PSU for this. Ideally a titanium. Some HX models are, but only if they are gray label models from 2017. The higher the efficiency the less heat it dumps in to the case (or consumes in your electrical bill).
https://linustechtips.com/main/topic/631048-psu-tier-list-updated/
I would suggest the Notcua dh-15s instead for a CPU cooler. That case will be hot. Higher ambient temps means it will be more important than normal to cool the components.
Add some case fans, Noctua and Fractal both make nice efficient and quiet fans.
 
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bjornl

bjornl

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Yes I meant the NH-d15s.

Given that most machine learning that I've been exposed to means running at full-bore for very long periods, you might want to consider one of the uber efficient titanium models even though they are a bit more costly. Also you won't be quite so close to the edge when you get the 3rd card. Each 1080ti can sun down around 300watts. 300x3 + 140w tdp from the 6850 and you're at 1040w without the HDs, motherboard, ram or other peripherals... I would be more comfortable with a 1500 or there abouts (when you add the 3rd 1080ti),

Just an FYI, not a recommendation. But I've had quite bad luck with the QA on Asus motherboards including a x99. Make sure you get one with the updated BIOS and test it right away. Mine has issues with ram, SSDs and other things. just junk.
 
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akwas

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Nov 9, 2017
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I checked this configuration with 3 1080ti on online calculators and 1200W was recomended. I am limited with budget so I want install PSU with minimum power (and price)
Is SuperFlower Leadex Plus Titanium 1600W ok?
 
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bjornl

bjornl

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I'm just saying that TDP on your CPU is 140, the measured consumption for that video card is around 300w (even the founders edition hit 295w when toms hardware measured it). Your selected PSU will get it done for 2 cards for sure.

I dropped your parts in to a pcpartspicker (which provides a rough estimate).. Without any USB or other peripherals, it said 958 with 2 cards.I think this is low since it only estimates 280 per card, which is probably sustained average not ABS max. Even so... 958 x 1.2 = 1149.6w as the minimum safe PSU size. So I think it'll work with 2, but I think with 3.... not so sure as your ABS max values will likely be over the 100% capacity of your PSU. Using 295w per GPU = 1283w. Be interesting to be sure if your machine learning ever pegs it.

I haven't used the superflower, but Linus' team highly recommend it and have it as a teir 1. I'm not saying you need this. All I am saying is if it were my $3-4000 rig, I would not trust adding a 3rd GPU to the 1200w. I would with this 1600w (or a comparable one).

Maybe start with the 1200 to save money up front knowing you'll have to buy a better one when you want a 3rd card?
 
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akwas

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Nov 9, 2017
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510

It is a good idea, but I will buy this PC from university budget. I need to plan ahead, beacuse it is difficult to change parts in PC, because selling a part is almost impossible (a lot of bureaucracy ;/)
 
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bjornl

bjornl

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Ah, familiar with bureaucracy and absolute (yet still arbitrary) budgetary boundaries.
 
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