High-end machine for genetic analyses

[selas]

Hello,
I am about to assemble a machine and was looking for advice / opinion on parts.

The purpose is for memory-intensive computing for a single workstation (I cannot make a cluster at this point).
*The machine needs 64GB of RAM for genetic analyses.
*It needs a low-end GPU for several screens (2-3) and graphic intensive software and animations (but not high-end graphic design applications).
*Also, the HDs need to be in RAID for redundancy (I am thinking RAID 1+0, but might just settle for RAID 1).

In terms of budget, I was thinking of keeping it ~$1800
(already have the monitors and software).

This is what I had in mind:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/vv0o

Some parts might have become obsolete as I haven't kept up to date in the last few months.
Any input would be much appreciated!

 

[FinneousPJ]

Seems like it'd do the job. You have 5 HDDs, is that intentional? I though RAID 10 used 4 - maybe look into RAID5 and use only 3 drives.

 

[selas]

Thanks for the input!
Yes, there is one extra HD, which drops the price by $90.
Updated link:

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/vvbt

 

[ronintexas]

Make sure your operating system can address 64MB RAM - it wasn't listed in the build.

Second note - the case only supports 4 internal drives...you might want to consider a different case. This case is one of my favorites for builds:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129180

 

[ronintexas]

The WD Black drives will work great for the RAID setup - I use the same drives. Very reliable, fast and very few issues with them.

 

[selas]

Thanks for the input, I was going to use Win7 x64 and Linux OS.
As far as I know, both would be able to work with 64GB.

You are right in that the Lian-Li case might be a bit smug with the 4 HD, I have tested the ANTEC 300, and I like it for certain things, however I was looking for a more quiet, better air flow case and Lian Li's are great for this (albeit a bit more pricy!). I will keep looking for a case. Thanks for the input!

 

[getochkn]

They might have chosen 5 drives on purpose. When setting a big raid array, it's always beneficial to buy and extra drive or two, so when you need to swap, you are swapping with a similar drive as possible. If in 2 years, one of his drives fails, will he be able to buy a 1TB WD black? Probably not, and mixing drives for RAID can mess things up. Having a brand new one in the box, it's easy to switch to it and have the RAID rebuild itself.


As to the OP, what software are you planning on using? A lot of new software like that is being written to take advantage of CUDA or OpenCL processing on a graphics card, so look into the software and see if a better graphics card for processing is more beneficial to you than more cores on a CPU, etc.

 

[Soda-88]

Replace the GPU with 7750/7770 - same price, better performance. Also, I'd throw in 3930K if the software you're using is CPU intensive. LGA2011 CPUs don't come with a cooler so you'll need to get one of those too, a Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO takes the value cake.

 

[ronintexas]

Windows 7 x64 must be the Professional version or greater:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/aa366778%28v=vs.85%29.aspx#physical_memory_limits_windows_7

Home versions only recognize <= 16GB RAM.

Linux OS should be fine.

The ANTEC 300 Two I use for my main rig is whisper quiet - I purchased two extra 120MM fans, and none of the fans run at full speed - keeping the noise levels down.

If price is no object - this case has a 5-bay hot swap built in....

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163202

 

[Soda-88]

You can get Windows 8 Pro for $40 until the end of month. You'll have to download and install Consumer/Release Preview first since it's an upgrade, but it's not necessary to have a licence of previous Windows.
Either way, it saves you good $200 you can put towards 3930K instead of 3820

 

[DarkSable]

Why not get RE drives - they're enterprise drives that are designed for RAID setups.

Also, since you are doing a complicated RAID setup like this, there are two major things I would do:

1) Buy a raid card. It makes a big difference in reliability and speed.

2) Buy a 120 / 128 GB SSD to install the OS and programs off of - the users will be a lot more satisfied with it's speed, and feel like their money was much better spent.

 

[selas]

RoninTexas:
Glad to hear about the ANTEC 300's, my experience wasn't as great in the past. I will seriously consider this case then, as it does bring down the cost and has the space.

getochkn:
The OS will be the professional version, and provided by the university, no worries there. The software cannot handle CUDA yet, this field hasn't caught up yet!

Soda-88:
Thanks! Will get a CPU cooler; the previous i7 chip I had the cooler was ok (temps were kept low, as I don't overclock). There was an i5 stocked cooler that was a bit noisy, so I should reconsider as you point out. Will the 2930k make that much difference for almost double the price?

DarkSable:
I don't have experience with RE drives - any guidance there?

I will look into a RAID card, suggestions?

The SSD drive (Mushkin in the setup, although now considering a Kingston: http://www.neweggbusiness.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820239045
) is for the OS / programs.

Thanks again for the input, I really appreciate it.

 

[selas]

Replace the GPU with 7750/7770 - same price, better performance. Also, I'd throw in 3930K if the software you're using is CPU intensive. LGA2011 CPUs don't come with a cooler so you'll need to get one of those too, a Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO takes the value cake.

Is this the GPU you were thinking off? I couldn't find a 2x DVI setup with good reviews under $150.
http://www.neweggbusiness.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102993

Thanks!

 

[daship]

You can get Windows 8 Pro for $40 until the end of month. You'll have to download and install Consumer/Release Preview first since it's an upgrade, but it's not necessary to have a licence of previous Windows.
Either way, it saves you good $200 you can put towards 3930K instead of 3820

Actually you can get it for $14.99

 

[selas]

Thanks, I can get Windows for $0
My main concern now is between the 3930k CPU and a 4-core cpu that I had before, and the video card (7770 vs something else).
I am trying to keep it under $1700 as I also need to get an extra monitor and stand.
Thanks again for all the input!

 

[getochkn]

The cpu thing will come down if it's a core dependent program or a clock cycle app that you're running. Depending on how the app is written, some do better with pure speed, faster, the better and a k version of a i5 and a good cooler, you can OC at least 500mhz-1ghz over clock and that will help a lot. If it's a core dependent and will take advantage, than an i7 with the hyperthreading will give more cores, and thus work faster. Again, app will determine the cpu to go with.

 

[selas]

thanks getochkn,

I think fewer cores but faster (and perhaps OC) is better, as several Aps don't take advantage of the cores.

Perhaps then a i7- 2700k to OC?

 

[selas]

Best answer selected by selas.