How To Build A Modern Desktop Workstation

Transcription

1 High-End Workstation Project Proposal Introduction The modern day desktop workstation can provide computational power equivalent to the most powerful super computers 25 years ago. Current models provide the absolute widest range of development options for the modern day programmer, ranging from high throughput data processing to deep-learning neural networks to game development. These machines also serve as platforms for learning, allowing a young developer to test their skills. There are many considerations to building a modern desktop including quality components and ease of assembly. When building a powerful workstation it is important to strike a balance between part quality and cost, optimizing the power-for-dollar performance achieved. The following is a proposal detailing the parts needed and necessary costs to build one of these machines. Part 1: Components Quality components are a necessity in order to build and easy to assemble, long-lasting machine. Every desktop computer needs a processor, motherboard, GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), Storage, Power supply, cooling unit, and case. Significant research is needed to make sure that all of these parts will function together, maximizing performance. Processor: Intel Core i7-5820k Architecture: Haswell-E Cores: 6 Clock Speed: 3.3GHz (3.6GHz Turbo)

2 Socket: LGA 2011-v3 Summary: The processor is the central component in any system; it is the raw computational power. The Core i7-5820k does not compromise for power. It is a 3.3 Gigahertz, hexacore processor that delivers high end parallel performance for almost any application. The only processors that are more powerful come from the Xeon family and are primarily designed for use in servers, making them excessive for personal use. Motherboard: EVGA X99 Classified Chipset: Intel x99 Socket Type: LGA 2011-v3 Memory: 8x288pin slots, DDR4, Up to 128GB Expansion Slots: 5 x PCI Express 3.0x16, 1 x PCI Express x4 Storage: 10 x SATA 6Gb/s Summary: The motherboard ties all of the components together and therefore must be compatible with each of the other components. This motherboard has the appropriate chipset and socket type for the CPU as well as the correct type of RAM (DDR4). With memory expandable up to 128GB and 10 SATA ports, this motherboard offers incredible levels of expandability beyond current needs. Most graphics cards (including the following) use the standard PCIe expansion slots on this motherboard.

3 Graphics Card: GIGABYTE GeForce GTX 980 Ti RAM: 6GB Core Clock Speed: 1.19GHz Cores: 2816 CUDA Cores Summary: The GPU provides graphical processing to run screens and even virtual reality devices. It can also act as a powerful unit for training neural networks one of the cutting edge artificial intelligence techniques. The only higher end unit is the TITAN X, a $1000 beast, only boasting slightly better specs than this model. Power Supply: EVGA 80 PLUS GOLD 750W Wattage: 750W Summary: This power supply comes with necessary connecters and cables. The most important factor is that it supplies 750 watts, a full 200 watts more than PC part picker say is necessary for this PC. This means there will be plenty of power to go around.

4 RAM: CORSAIR Vengeance LPX 16GB Size: 16GB Type: DDR4 Summary: Volatile memory is vital to CPU performance. The amount of RAM is akin to the amount of space running programs have to store their data and operations. The beautiful thing about RAM is that it is relatively cheap and easily expandable with the right motherboard. Storage: Western Digital 2TB x2 HDDs, Samsung 850 EVO 250GB SSD HDD (Hard Disk Drive) Storage Capacity: 4TB SSD (Solid State Drive) Storage Capacity: 250GB

5 Summary: Storage is used to store programs and files while the system isn t powered. Adequate storage is crucial to a healthy system. The 250GB SSD will be used to quickly boot the OS while the HDDs will be used for storage. The HDDs will be RAID 1 (data mirroring) for reliability. Cooling: CORSAIR Hydro Series H80i Type: Water cooled Socket Compatibility: LGA 2011-v3 Summary: Cooling is crucial for a healthy CPU. Water cooling is state of the art and will provide stable CPU temps even at high loads. Case: Corsair Obsidian Series 450D Black ATX Mid Tower

6 Motherboard Compatibility: ATX Max Video Card Size: 430mm Drive Bays: 5.25 x3, 3.5 /2.5 Combo x3, 2.5 x2 Summary: The case stores all of the major components. It is crucial that the case is large enough for the motherboard, GPU, and cooling systems. Also the case provides storage slots for hard drives. OS: Windows 10/ Ubuntu/Kali Summary: Multiple OS s for multiple uses Part 2: Assembly and Part Compatibility To ensure ease of assembly it is important to double check that all of the parts are compatible and mountable.

7 Component Compatibility: Motherboard with Processor: Both have a LGA 2011-v3 socket and the motherboard has an x99 chipset, the chipset required for the Core i7-5820k. Motherboard with RAM: Both are DDR4, meaning that they are compatible type. Also, they are both 288pin, meaning the RAM will easily snap on to the motherboard. Motherboard with Graphics Card: Both are PCIe slotted, meaning that they will fit together. Motherboard with Storage: All storage options are SATA III, meaning that they are compatible with the motherboard. Motherboard with Power Supply: Both have a 24-pin layout. Case with Motherboard: Both are built to the ATX specification, a specification set by Intel to make sure that motherboards are compatible with cases. Case with Power Supply: Both are built to the same ATX specification as the motherboard. Case with Graphics Card: Graphics card is 280mm long, and the case can support graphics cards up to 430mm. Mounting is standard for graphics cards. Power Supply with Graphics Card: The graphics card requires 2x 8pin connecters which the power supply has. Cooling with Processor: Water cooler is made to be compatible with multiple socket types including the LGA 2011-v3. Component placement:

8 Part 3: Applications While expensive, applications of this type of technology for a young developer are nearly limitless. Initial applications include training neural networks, network and systems security, and application development. Having a blazing fast desktop machine aids in the efficiency of development, making it helpful to a young developer complete tasks requiring vast amounts of computational power to complete projects. One of the first projects will be an initial neural net designed to learn how to trade bitcoin, hopefully generating revenue, even in a bad market, once trained. Other applications include network security and hash cracking, allowing an exploration

9 of various offensive and defensive security techniques. This machine could also be used for serving low traffic websites. It is important to consider the invaluable gains made by continually learning about hardware when studying computer science for a young developer, making a high quality system like this one an ideal system for learning. Conclusion By building a high-quality computer system I would build on my knowledge of computer systems and components, bringing that knowledge into the real world. Although these systems are costly, they provide an unparalleled platform for learning which is invaluable at my stage of development. Please consider my proposal. I look forward to hearing from you soon.