Server Intel Boards

As long as you understand that you can't install a video card that requires a PCIe x16 slot (not an issue for a server), then it's a fine motherboard. If you need a fast video card, then you should consider a motherboard like the ASUS Z8PE-D12X http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131374, the TYAN S7010AGM2NRF http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813151190 or any other server motherboard that's appropriate for a workstation.

From what I have seen so far, a single Core i7 system with 12GB of ram and a good hard drive setup would be the best.

The best HD setup is to have the Windows swap file and Photoshop scratch files on different HDs, rather than setting them up in RAID 0.

Rather than a server board you should be looking at a high end workstation board, they are designed for the type of application you want.

Here is a list of what I have just to give you a better idea.

Dell Precision Workstation 690
2 x Intel Xeon's 5150 at 2.66GHz (Woodcrest)
10GB's FB-RAM 240-Pin DDR2 (For best performance Dell recommends populating all slots with same memory) I only have, 2 x 4GB and 2 x 1GB, so i know my system is not performing to the fullest there...
OEM - 160GB 16MB cache drive, no RAID
Vista Business 64bit

My system can handle 64GB's of memory with optional memory riser, without it, 32 GB's max.

-Alen

Yes, I went ahead and got some new faster drives VelociRaptor from new egg today, I'm hoping to improve the performance and if I need to move to new build, I can reuse the drive. I also got some memory to be able to use the quad channel support.

As for the CPU I'm maxed out on that, my mobo doesn't support anything faster (according to Dell), well the next step up would be 3.0Ghz but i doubt it would make significant difference.

Thanks to everyone who contributed.

-Alen

that would be very nice build

Great read about the Nehalem.

I've had Kingston memory before and it has failed on me many times, since I've been using Super Talent Memory: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820609453

My system has 8 slots each can take up to 4Gb's of Fully Buffered Memory for total of 32GB's. Dell also offers memory risers which basically adds 8 more slots for total of 64GB's.

-Alen

and if you want hd's that aren't going to slow you down much think about ssd's

I think you're right to consider upgrades to your existing system--especially those that can be reused if you decide on a new build later. Both disk and GPU come to mind:

- Adobe CS-4 can use the GPU to accelerate some functions; you might investigate whether that can beneficit your type of work.

- Disk vs. SSD... I assume the 2x RAID-0 Velociraptors (600GB total) would be for temporary/work-in-progress data only? You might get by with a smaller SSD at an equivalent price. That said, I'd question whether an SSD would get you much (if anything); e.g., see:
http://download.intel.com/design/f [...] arison.pdf
While that's not remotely comparable to what you're considering, the performance improvement using SSDs was much less than I'd expect and of dubious benefit, especially given their added cost.

You also might consider a server (dual-socket mobo) as you originally suggested, except:

- A PCI-E x16 slot to allow for a GPU. Even if it doesn't benefit you greatly today, I expect Asobe will be making more use of GPU capabilities as time goes on.

- At least 12 memory slots (6 for each CPU socket)...

Then populate only one of the CPU sockets and associated memory slots. A single E5520 should give you a significant boost vs. the 2x 5150 you have now (if you can afford the E5530, by all means, but it carries a hefty premium). Also, 4GB DDR3 is still a bit rare and carries a premium, thus more memory slots is better if you're stuck using 2GB sticks (at least for the time being).

Obviously there's a premium for having that potential and not using it immediately (I'd guess ~$300-400), but it might provide an incremental upgrade path that doesn't break the bank today.


NOTE: Obviously, don't forget you're going to need a case that can accept SSI/EEB or EATX for most mobo's that fit the description above.

I'd be very careful putting anything other than temporary/work-in-progress on a RAID-0 array, unless you have a good backup system.

As far as a case, sorry but I haven't shopped for a big case for quite a while (still using a couple ancient Chenbro/Intel server cases . If I was buying today, it would probably be a Lian-li (e.g, PC-A77) or Supermicro, but that's because I want lots of externally accessible drive bays/racks; unless you're building a file server, there are probably better choices.

It buys the OP nothing since his Dell Precision 690 Workstation already has those processors and it probably is more stable than the SkullTrail.