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Need suggestion for building a fast number cruncher.

1K views 12 replies 4 participants last post by  Madcatz 
#1 · (Edited)
Hi,

I have looked at the posts in this particular forum but I just couldn't decide on a build as I am not planning on a gaming rig. I mostly do c++ numerical simulations using random numbers so the performance would be measured in flops rather than fps. My major problem is choosing a cpu - should I go dual core or quad core? Also, among the workstations available online I still see the quadcore Qxxxx series being prevalent.

Thanks and apologies for my grumblings,

A

Anyway, here is the information you might need:

1. Budget: for MOBO+ Processor , preferably below $350

2. Brands: Intel processors preferable as AMD has dismal presence in my country. Single CPU machine though - obvious from the budget. Main problem; Quad cores or faster dual cores or corei5

3. Multitasking: Oh yes. But mostly writing latex documents while running c++ simulations.

4. Gaming: The most modern game I played was quake 3. Now sometimes play freeciv on the machine ( not online). But I would like get a dedicated gfx card though.

5. Calculations: That's what the machine will be used for.

6. Overclocking: No .

7. Storage: Not very important as I already have a 500G HDD. Maybe anothr 320G.

8. Legacy Support: I have a parallel port printer. But it's not that important as it also has USB connectivity.

9. Operating System: Linux . RHEL 5.4 compatible.

10. Case: Have one.

11. Accessories: No

12. Recycled Components: Nope

13. Monitor: Can't decide between widescreen or square ones.

14. Stores: No.

15. Location: Bangladesh.
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#2 ·
Are the programs you're going to be running multi-threaded? Can they take advantage of GPU computing? If you're going to be running single-threaded C++ programs your best bet would be to get a fast dual core (C2D E8500 maybe) and overclock it (even if this isn't a gaming thing, that's your best bet for performance).
 
#3 ·
It really depends on the program your using. Some programs like more cores, some don't care abuot cores and what pure clock speed.

The overall build with cores and clock speed I'd suggest is this, but its about $385 for this combo, you could get a core i5, but the i5's do not have hyper threading and its a lower clock speed, but it would take $80 off the price tag:

Inteo Core i7-860 2.86Ghz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115214

Gigabyte GA-P55M-UD2
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128405

or for clock speed, you can go this route for about $270:

Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 3.16Ghz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115036

Gigabyte GA-EP43-UD3L
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128380
 
#4 ·
Madcatz has some good options. The i5 would be another option. My preference would be to purchase a CPU with the speed you need as opposed to a purchasing a slower CPU an OC'ing.
 
#5 ·
Thanks for all the suggestion.Till now the code I have written are single threaded but I think they can be coded using multithread ( I have not done any till now). I was thinking of using MPI in the future,

How can hyperthreading help for monte carlo simulations? But that's a question for a different thread.

Thanks again,

A.
 
#7 ·
Not that I'm complaining - except for the hyperthreading how does the performance rating of i5-750 and/or old Quad cores compare with the i7-860?

I am interested in the most bang for the buck and not to mention I would want my machine to last about 3-4 years.

Thanks for all the help, guys ( and gals - can't tell!).

A.
 
#10 ·
The x4 920 will be in between the i5-750 and the Q9650.

But, new year has rolled around and so have some very nice new processors. Intel came out with new Dual core processores that have very high clock speeds, turbo boost, and hyper-threading. So you get the benefit of 4 cores at well over 3ghz clock speed.

Check them out here:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...2010340343 50001157 1050953956&name=Clarkdale
 
#13 ·
The i5 650, 660, 661, and 670 are going to be about in between the i5-750 and the Q9550 and Q9505.

It just really depends, like phaedrus said, if your using multi-threaded programs, then you won't find as good of performance from a dual core with hyper-threading as you will a full quad core.

If only single thread or dual thread, then the high clock speed i5 clarkdales will be your friend.
 
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