New Threadripper Build - What to Consider?

[toktik]

I'm thinking about putting together a new system this year. My current Windows 11 desktop is based on an Intel i9-12900K, RTX 3080 TI, and 64 GB of DDR4 memory.

I'm starting to move more into video editing with DaVinci Resolve Studio, and will continue using SilkyPix Developer Pro, Rawtherapee, darktable, Affinity Photo, and Topaz Photo AI for my photo-related programs. I was able to obtain a brand new RTX 5080 Founders Edition earlier this week for a very good price (under list), and this card would be part of the new build.

If I build a new system, I will probably move the current desktop to Kubuntu, but I don't think Linux is at a point where I can comfortably use it for all my video and photo post processing.

I was looking at Intel and AMD desktop processors, and while I am sure an Intel 285K or AMD 9950X3D would handle my workflow fine, I am also considering an AMD Threadripper 9960X with a TRX50 motherboard. I have never had a workstation before, and the opportunity to have lots of PCIe lanes to handle multiple graphics cards and network cards for virtualization with QEMU on Linux or via Proxmox interests me. If I go this route, I might reduce my desktops to one physical box running Windows 11 and Kubuntu.

Do you think Threadripper is a reasonable way forward, in order to consolidate systems, or would it be better to build a new system using a desktop processor/motherboard and maintain two systems (Windows 11 for photo/video and Linux for everything else)?

I like the idea of having a single powerful computer that can run multiple operating systems at the same time, but I have heard getting passthrough for PCIe cards can be tricky and somewhat unreliable.

If you don't think virtualization is worth the effort, are there other good reasons to still consider Threadripper over a more conventional desktop build?

 

[BobKnDP]

Are you satisfied with the limited choices for TRX50 motherboards?

 

[toktik]

Are you satisfied with the limited choices for TRX50 motherboards?

I think so. Asus has a new version that has seems to offer a slight improvement over the current board. I believe the board will be available by August.

https://shop.asus.com/us/90mb1le0-m0may0-pro-ws-trx50-sage-wifi-a.html

 

[BobKnDP]

I have a Gigabyte TRX50 Aero D rev 1.0.

I went with it because I felt the board layout fit my needs better than the other choices. (It was also a mere $600.)

The first board suffered a USB port failure, fortunately within the shop's return period. (Didn't have to exercise the Gigabyte warranty.) Board #2 has been OK.

Rev 1.0 doesn't support sleep mode.

It has 4 diagnostic LEDs that light during post, but they're all red. (I also have an Asus Z690-E with red, amber, white and green LEDs.)

I find its BIOS settings to be a little flakey. I did a BIOS update yesterday, and found that the new BIOS didn't like EXPO. Had to revert. It also seems to like making Secure Boot inactive, even if it's enabled.

I think it's a pretty board, and it permits the use of third-party coolers for the M.2 drives. (I don't care for the M.2 slot locations on the Asus board. I have an RTX 4090 GPU, so the Asus M.2 heat sink is mostly under the GPU. I'd probably have wanted relatively low-power M.2 drives.)

Do I make good use of an HEDT (high end desktop) system? No. It was more a fantasy build. Probably the last one in my life.

 

[Ken Seals]

Watch this YouTube video by Tech Notice firs t. He covers all that in great detail.

 

[BobKnDP]

Watch this YouTube video by Tech Notice firs t. He covers all that in great detail.

Thanks.

For DaVinci Resolve, though:

Hardware Recommendations for DaVinci Resolve | Puget Systems

The only Intel desktop CPU included is the I9-14900k. (It does quite well in most of the benchmarks shown.)

And:

Workstations for DaVinci Resolve | Puget Systems

The high-end system includes a 7970X and an RTX 5090. Just for those, at retail, roughly $5k.

 

[toktik]

Watch this YouTube video by Tech Notice firs t. He covers all that in great detail.

Thanks.

For DaVinci Resolve, though:

Hardware Recommendations for DaVinci Resolve | Puget Systems

The only Intel desktop CPU included is the I9-14900k. (It does quite well in most of the benchmarks shown.)

And:

Workstations for DaVinci Resolve | Puget Systems

The high-end system includes a 7970X and an RTX 5090. Just for those, at retail, roughly $5k.

I have been looking at options, and the one that has me somewhat interested is a Micro Center bundle for $3000:

• AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7970X
• ASUS TRX50 Sage Pro Motherboard
• 128GB (4x32GB) Kingston Fury Renegade Pro DDR5-5600 ECC Memory

I would also need to get a new power supply and case. When I factor in what I just paid for the RTX 5080, the cost of parts and new Windows 11 Pro license would probably come to around $4300. That gets into the price range of a Mac Studio M3 Ultra, which is a nice solution as well, but I don't enjoy using macOS.

 

[DMKAlex]

I don't think too many in this community has the need, or willingness to spend that amount of money for a AMD Threadpiper you're talking about.

 

[Batdude]

I don't think too many in this community has the need, or willingness to spend that amount of money for a AMD Threadpiper you're talking about.

+1

To the OP, are you starting to do real pro work? Why such an expensive CPU? Isn’t there something else that costs a lot less that will be just as good, perhaps it might be five or ten seconds slower, but will still be very fast in performance?

Also will the software you will be using perform well and take full advantage of the hardware you’re looking into getting?

 

[toktik]

I don't think too many in this community has the need, or willingness to spend that amount of money for a AMD Threadpiper you're talking about.

+1

To the OP, are you starting to do real pro work? Why such an expensive CPU? Isn’t there something else that costs a lot less that will be just as good, perhaps it might be five or ten seconds slower, but will still be very fast in performance?
Also will the software you will be using perform well and take full advantage of the hardware you’re looking into getting?

Yes, there are less expensive alternatives, and that is why I am seeking advice from people here. I know some of the members have Threadripper systems, so it seems like a reasonable place to look for guidance about the pros and cons.

One opportunity with a Threadripper system, because of the PCIe lanes, is consolidating from multiple systems into one system that runs virtual machines without the resource constraints that I would get with a general desktop solution. I tend to use both Linux and Windows 11 daily, and it would be great to have one case, one power supply, etc., instead of having multiple systems. I'm not sure if a consolidated system is the best approach, but it is one I am considering.

 

[BobKnDP]

Watch this YouTube video by Tech Notice firs t. He covers all that in great detail.

Thanks.

For DaVinci Resolve, though:

Hardware Recommendations for DaVinci Resolve | Puget Systems

The only Intel desktop CPU included is the I9-14900k. (It does quite well in most of the benchmarks shown.)

And:

Workstations for DaVinci Resolve | Puget Systems

The high-end system includes a 7970X and an RTX 5090. Just for those, at retail, roughly $5k.

I have been looking at options, and the one that has me somewhat interested is a Micro Center bundle for $3000:

• AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7970X
• ASUS TRX50 Sage Pro Motherboard
• 128GB (4x32GB) Kingston Fury Renegade Pro DDR5-5600 ECC Memory

I would also need to get a new power supply and case. When I factor in what I just paid for the RTX 5080, the cost of parts and new Windows 11 Pro license would probably come to around $4300. That gets into the price range of a Mac Studio M3 Ultra, which is a nice solution as well, but I don't enjoy using macOS.

That's quite a good deal, if you can bear the thought of using a CPU that was released in late 2023. ;-)

 

[BobKnDP]

I wonder that people here won't bat an eyelash at spending thousands of USD on camera gear, but balk at buying expensive computer stuff.

I admit that a low-end PC can process an image just as well as a high-end one. It just takes longer. There is no equivalence in camera gear.

I admit that I'm more of a PC enthusiast than a photographer. My most expensive lens is an RF 100-500L.

 

[toktik]

Watch this YouTube video by Tech Notice firs t. He covers all that in great detail.

Thanks.

For DaVinci Resolve, though:

Hardware Recommendations for DaVinci Resolve | Puget Systems

The only Intel desktop CPU included is the I9-14900k. (It does quite well in most of the benchmarks shown.)

And:

Workstations for DaVinci Resolve | Puget Systems

The high-end system includes a 7970X and an RTX 5090. Just for those, at retail, roughly $5k.

I have been looking at options, and the one that has me somewhat interested is a Micro Center bundle for $3000:

• AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7970X
• ASUS TRX50 Sage Pro Motherboard
• 128GB (4x32GB) Kingston Fury Renegade Pro DDR5-5600 ECC Memory

I would also need to get a new power supply and case. When I factor in what I just paid for the RTX 5080, the cost of parts and new Windows 11 Pro license would probably come to around $4300. That gets into the price range of a Mac Studio M3 Ultra, which is a nice solution as well, but I don't enjoy using macOS.

That's quite a good deal, if you can bear the thought of using a CPU that was released in late 2023. ;-)

That CPU is much younger than me!

 

[DMKAlex]

I don't think too many in this community has the need, or willingness to spend that amount of money for a AMD Threadpiper you're talking about.

+1

To the OP, are you starting to do real pro work? Why such an expensive CPU? Isn’t there something else that costs a lot less that will be just as good, perhaps it might be five or ten seconds slower, but will still be very fast in performance?
Also will the software you will be using perform well and take full advantage of the hardware you’re looking into getting?

I am not a pro using OPM (other people's money). I can see how a seasoned, successful pro can take full advantage of an ultra high end system, and, write it off as business expense.

We are dealing with computers which are subjected to the Moore's law which dictates the obsolescence of what you buy today. An average amateur user would keep their computer for 3-5 years, or even longer. The vast amount spent up front can be spread and spent in a few years and get a much better system (upgrades). Well, different stroke. But I stand by my observation that not too many here have a $6,000+ tower home.

I spent $1,200 for an i9-13500HX/RTX 4060 laptop 18 months ago. I have just replaced it with a Lenovo Legion 5i with Ultra 9 275HX/RTX 5060 for $1,500. The newer computer has better CPU, GPU and monitor. It is also a lot cooler and quieter. If I were to resell the G15, I would probably get $1,000, making my upgrade for only $500. Well, Moore's law at work.

I ran across the following system in Costco. I was wondering how many of this Costco would sell. There have to be a few well heeled gamers, or videographers out there to justify the showing . . . It is still a lot cheaper than what OP was aiming for.

 

[BobKnDP]

I don't think too many in this community has the need, or willingness to spend that amount of money for a AMD Threadpiper you're talking about.

+1

To the OP, are you starting to do real pro work? Why such an expensive CPU? Isn’t there something else that costs a lot less that will be just as good, perhaps it might be five or ten seconds slower, but will still be very fast in performance?
Also will the software you will be using perform well and take full advantage of the hardware you’re looking into getting?

I am not a pro using OPM (other people's money). I can see how a seasoned, successful pro can take full advantage of an ultra high end system, and, write it off as business expense.

We are dealing with computers which are subjected to the Moore's law which dictates the obsolescence of what you buy today. An average amateur user would keep their computer for 3-5 years, or even longer. The vast amount spent up front can be spread and spent in a few years and get a much better system (upgrades). Well, different stroke. But I stand by my observation that not too many here have a $6,000+ tower home.

I spent $1,200 for an i9-13500HX/RTX 4060 laptop 18 months ago. I have just replaced it with a Lenovo Legion 5i with Ultra 9 275HX/RTX 5060 for $1,500. The newer computer has better CPU, GPU and monitor. It is also a lot cooler and quieter. If I were to resell the G15, I would probably get $1,000, making my upgrade for only $500. Well, Moore's law at work.

I ran across the following system in Costco. I was wondering how many of this Costco would sell. There have to be a few well heeled gamers, or videographers out there to justify the showing . . . It is still a lot cheaper than what OP was aiming for.

I think you may underestimate what gamers are prepared to pay.

 

[DMKAlex]

I don't think too many in this community has the need, or willingness to spend that amount of money for a AMD Threadpiper you're talking about.

+1

To the OP, are you starting to do real pro work? Why such an expensive CPU? Isn’t there something else that costs a lot less that will be just as good, perhaps it might be five or ten seconds slower, but will still be very fast in performance?
Also will the software you will be using perform well and take full advantage of the hardware you’re looking into getting?

I am not a pro using OPM (other people's money). I can see how a seasoned, successful pro can take full advantage of an ultra high end system, and, write it off as business expense.

We are dealing with computers which are subjected to the Moore's law which dictates the obsolescence of what you buy today. An average amateur user would keep their computer for 3-5 years, or even longer. The vast amount spent up front can be spread and spent in a few years and get a much better system (upgrades). Well, different stroke. But I stand by my observation that not too many here have a $6,000+ tower home.

I spent $1,200 for an i9-13500HX/RTX 4060 laptop 18 months ago. I have just replaced it with a Lenovo Legion 5i with Ultra 9 275HX/RTX 5060 for $1,500. The newer computer has better CPU, GPU and monitor. It is also a lot cooler and quieter. If I were to resell the G15, I would probably get $1,000, making my upgrade for only $500. Well, Moore's law at work.

I ran across the following system in Costco. I was wondering how many of this Costco would sell. There have to be a few well heeled gamers, or videographers out there to justify the showing . . . It is still a lot cheaper than what OP was aiming for.

I think you may underestimate what gamers are prepared to pay.

I think you're right!

 

[kelpdiver]

We are dealing with computers which are subjected to the Moore's law which dictates the obsolescence of what you buy today.

Moore's law isn't a law - nothing is subject to it - and it died as we once knew it at least a decade ago. CPU performance is growing at a much smaller pace per generation, and we instead shifted to stacking as many cores on a chip as possible, which causes its own limitations with contention for resources, and requires software to utiliize it well. At the same, the GPU has replaced it entirely for massively paralizable work. And for fun, throw in Intel's most recent crisis with heat management as they fight to keep up with AMD, similar to the Athlon 64 era.

But shifting back to the OP's quandary. The Threadrippers are massively successful sellers for people who commercially need the fastest system possible, cost be damned. This isn't practical for the casual crowd, unless money is no object.

Your workloads do appear to be ones that would mesh with the high core counts, at least some of it. Will you peg the system at 100% for 8 hours a day? Or just a few hours here and there?

I think the worst value equations comes from the 24 core model ($1499 cpu), esp if only to be coupled with a single 5080. The 16 core 9950X is about $500, and available now. The TR was just announced. The motherboard will cost more, the RDIMMs could be really steep. And likely a noisy beast. So if you were to go that route, I think it should be a choice of the 16 core AMD, or the latest "24" core Intel (or one of each!) vs the 32 core TR with mutliple GPUs.

 

[BobKnDP]

(snip)

I think the worst value equations comes from the 24 core model ($1499 cpu), esp if only to be coupled with a single 5080. The 16 core 9950X is about $500, and available now. The TR was just announced. The motherboard will cost more, the RDIMMs could be really steep. And likely a noisy beast. So if you were to go that route, I think it should be a choice of the 16 core AMD, or the latest "24" core Intel (or one of each!) vs the 32 core TR with mutliple GPUs.

The challenge with cooling a Threadripper is coming up with a cooler that's good for 350W (stock), especially if you want one with a cold plate that covers the large Threadripper heat spreader.

It prettu much has to be a water cooler.

 

[kelpdiver]

The challenge with cooling a Threadripper is coming up with a cooler that's good for 350W (stock), especially if you want one with a cold plate that covers the large Threadripper heat spreader.

It prettu much has to be a water cooler.

plus the GPUs.

And let's not forget that the intel folks need that same cooler anyhow.

 

[Batdude]

1. BobKnDP wrote:

I wonder that people here won't bat an eyelash at spending thousands of USD on camera gear, but balk at buying expensive computer stuff.

That is true, but it also depends. My wife and I are running a photography business, so we have write offs. But still, I personally don’t go around buying just whatever looks shiny and expensive. I just purchased a canon R3, but that’s because I need a high quality dependeble system, and I did get the camera at a REALLY good deal I just couldn’t refuse. And my house and all my camera gear burnt in the Eaton fire in January.

I admit that a low-end PC can process an image just as well as a high-end one. It just takes longer. There is no equivalence in camera gear.

I didn’t say a low end pc, I just know you can get a hell of a fast system without having to pay an arm by getting the newest fastest pc that wins only by a few more seconds faster. I hardly ever buy something new and expensive that just came out. I normally buy stuff that’s a few years old.

I admit that I'm more of a PC enthusiast than a photographer. My most expensive lens is an RF 100-500L.

That’s cool