Thoughts/feedback on parts/cost of new custom build workstation

[Scataphagos]

Thank you for your detailed response, really appreciate it.

When you say "dual port video card" does that mean that that card can only handle 2x monitors?

I currently run 7 monitors, 4x NVS 420 2x FX 570 + 1 onboard

Yes, the video card in that example I gave runs 2 monitors.

As to your video cards... they are old and weak... meaning "low graphics capability" The 420 has a Passmark score of 80 and the FX 570 is 122. That might still be OK if your screen resolution is low and IF those cards are compatible with a newer machine running W10. (At some point, all parts go obsolete... including video cards.)

For your consideration IF you get a T5810 or HP Z440 class workstation...

Both will have 3x PCIE x16 slots. That is enough to run 3x, quad port video cards (12 monitors).

You could run 2x, quad-port cards for 8 monitors running UHD resolution (3840x2160). Any such card today is going to be fairly new and modern, so you can take your pick... minimum of 2GB of VRAM/card recommended. Personally I run Nvidia Quadro P620s (Passmark score of 3669) ... which you can buy new for ~$125 each.... maybe less if used.

You might want to look for a used computer with a quad port video card already installed, all other variables considered. Or you might have to just shelve the video card that comes with it and buy appropriate cards for your need... which is most likely.

 

[vic38]

How do Xeon processors compare to Intel's Core series? For example, I see a T5810 on ebay with the Xeon E5-1620 - which level and gen is this comparable to in the Core series? Looks like Xeon in general isn't great for single threaded apps.

Do you have to use ECC memory with Xeon processors and compatible motherboards?

 

[Scataphagos]

How do Xeon processors compare to Intel's Core series? For example, I see a T5810 on ebay with the Xeon E5-1620 - which level and gen is this comparable to in the Core series? Looks like Xeon in general isn't great for single threaded apps.

Do you have to use ECC memory with Xeon processors and compatible motherboards?

You can compare Passmark scores as well as "single thread performance". There are Xeon and Core ix equivalents at most performance levels.

In the 5810s, which come with only Xeon e5-16xx or 26xx series CPU, you can run either ECC or NECC memory, but not mix them. (The 5810 specs say " ECC" only, but that's not accurate. I've got NECC RAM in mine.) In the T5820 you can run Xeon CPU with ECC RAM or Core ix CPU with NECC RAM. If you're buying a complete computer, used or new, it will come with the correct RAM. If you want to add RAM, just as more of exactly the same as what you have.

 

[jmiles301]

Personally I run Nvidia Quadro P620s (Passmark score of 3669) ... which you can buy new for ~$125 each.... maybe less if used.

Running into a couple of hiccups with my new system apparently due to the fact that the NVS420 card does not work with the updated BIOS (although my NVS 300 does seem to work and there is only a 2-yr difference between when they came out - 2009 vs 2011 - so I'm guessing there was some sort of upgrade that happened during that span that allows the NVS 300 card to handle the newer systems that the 420 card does not support? - not sure what to look up in terms of researching it in that regard)

Also, where were you able to find new P620s for $125, eBay? I see that those came out in 2018.

 

[Scataphagos]

I bought a P620 a couple of years ago and a 2nd one about 4 months ago... both ~$120. But i see them now for more like $180.. the inflation, you know. Sorry.

 

[jmiles301]

I bought a P620 a couple of years ago and a 2nd one about 4 months ago... both ~$120. But i see them now for more like $180.. the inflation, you know. Sorry.

Oh no big deal, I was just curious if maybe you knew of a different vendor or something. I grabbed one refurbished/pre-used for $130.

 

[RedSun]

The Samsung m.2 is already a SSD hard drive. No need for more upgrade. You better get 32GB instead of the 16GB.

I think I probably running one of the old computer system here at ET. Mine is a 11 years old Intel 3rd I-7. I run 3 different web browsers, each with like 10 tabs open. I think that takes more resources than my main trading system. I do not have any problem with it.

The pricing appears decent. You sure can go to Newegg to get parts on your own. If you get the skills. Not sure if you can save a bunch of $$.

 

[Scataphagos]

Oh no big deal, I was just curious if maybe you knew of a different vendor or something. I grabbed one refurbished/pre-used for $130.

Used to be you could buy a used video card for 75% off of original price and often even lower. Today however, sellers want nearly a much for used as new. As you already know about the reliability of Nvidia workstation cards, you should be good to go for several years on your used one. Considering the "market" these days, I think you did OK on the price.

 

[turkeyneck]

In the 5810s, which come with only Xeon e5-16xx or 26xx series CPU, you can run either ECC or NECC memory, but not mix them. (The 5810 specs say " ECC" only, but that's not accurate. I've got NECC RAM in mine.) In the T5820 you can run Xeon CPU with ECC RAM or Core ix CPU with NECC RAM. If you're buying a complete computer, used or new, it will come with the correct RAM. If you want to add RAM, just as more of exactly the same as what you have.

Can I use this Dell OEM media to clean install Win 10 on a new HDD for 5810 if I bought the workstation used (barebone)? Will there be any activation issue or the OS should pick up the OEM license from the bios? Thanks.

 

[Scataphagos]

Can I use this Dell OEM media to clean install Win 10 on a new HDD for 5810 if I bought the workstation used (barebone)? Thanks.

Maybe. But for the most part Dell has done away with installing W10 this way. They now want you to download it. (When W10 first came out you could use the media disk or download. But at some time back, they changed for newer machines so that you can only get W10 via download.) You could give it a try but don't be too disappointed if it doesn't work out the way you'd like.

I suggest skipping Dell's download for W10. Just go directly to MSFT. It installs easily and includes device drivers (which you can replace with ones from the manufacturer if you want.) Once you get W10 installed, you then to to "windows update" to get brought current. I must say, it's easier to download it than to install from the disk and then have to go find the drivers and install them yourself.