New Workstation Tower | Help?

[bathroomfloortiles]

Budget (including currency): ~$2,500 US

Country: US

Games, programs or workloads that it will be used for: Unreal Engine 5, Rhino 7/8 and Vray in Rhino, C4D, ZBrush, Photoshop, Illustrator, DaVinci Resolve, Blender, Gaea, Speed Tree.

Other details Looking to buy around the holidays or the latter half of the school year. I currently work with a second 4K 60hz monitor and would also be adding a duplicate one for dual screen productivity.

 

Hey, I'm wondering if I could get some feedback on a workstation build I'm planning on building. I'm currently college for architecture and have gone down the digital path which has lead to larger and larger project files and more and more complex renderings. My current Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is just not keeping up with me anymore. I'm sure it's somewhat hard to go horribly wrong with my components, but I want to get some more opinions on the build. I also know that 13th gen intel is coming soon, like tomorrow soon, and that the Nvidia 4000 series is being rolled out, so I'll be looking to see if it makes more sense to get a 13th gen or a slightly discounted 12th gen, and the same for getting a 3080 or a 4070 or 4080. The main thing is my motherboard selection. I'm not entirely sure it's the best option for me, I just picked something I could trust that wasn't ridiculously expensive. I also decided to go with 2x32 GB sticks of ram because I want to possibility to buy another kit later and go all the way up to 128, which I think would be very helpful for large Photoshop and Illustrator files. I also made the choice to only spec one drive, that being the 2TB NVME, which limits me in terms of safety and possible drive failure, but I thought that considering SSD reliability, and that I will most likely be buying more storage pretty soon, that the 2TB was good to start. Any help would be great!

 

Current Component list is:

CPU        
Intel Core i7-12700K 3.6 GHz 12-Core Processor    $354.99    

CPU Cooler        
Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black 82.52 CFM CPU Cooler    $109.95    

Motherboard        
Asus ProArt B660-CREATOR D4 ATX LGA1700 Motherboard    $199.99    

Memory        
G.Skill FORTIS 64 GB (4 x 16 GB) DDR4-2133 CL15 Memory    $164.45    

Storage        
Samsung 980 Pro 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive    $219.99    

Video Card        
MSI GAMING Z TRIO GeForce RTX 3080 10GB LHR 10 GB Video Card    $759.99    

Case        
Fractal Design Define R5 ATX Mid Tower Case    $139.95    

Power Supply        
SeaSonic FOCUS Plus Gold 1000 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply    $192.08    

Operating System        
Microsoft Windows 10 Pro OEM - DVD 64-bit    $142.87    

 

Total is ~$2,285 right now.

[Ryuikko]

This should be way cheaper for better performance 

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/j29LY9

There's not a need for the k version since you have a b66p board, and I wouldn't reccommend switching to a z690 board. Only debate for going new gen here is the 13700k which might be a better choice here

Cooler with similar potential for cheaper

2133 ram is super slow, 3200 should be better as well as it being 2 sticks 

Cheaper 2tb storage since pcie gen 4 isn't needed 

Better gpu for its extra vram for the same price

 Nice case with airflow and a cheaper but still quality psu

[Queen Chrysalis]

Under 2k with 2x2TB NVMes with DRAM caches.

 

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i7-12700K 3.6 GHz 12-Core Processor  ($354.99 @ Newegg) 
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler  ($39.90 @ Amazon) 
Motherboard: Gigabyte B660 AORUS Master DDR4 ATX LGA1700 Motherboard  ($164.99 @ Amazon) 
Memory: Patriot Viper Steel 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory  ($174.99 @ Amazon) 
Storage: TEAMGROUP MP33 PRO 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive  ($147.99 @ Newegg) 
Storage: TEAMGROUP MP33 PRO 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive  ($147.99 @ Newegg) 
Video Card: MSI VENTUS 3X PLUS OC GeForce RTX 3080 12GB LHR 12 GB Video Card  ($739.99 @ Newegg) 
Case: Zalman i3 NEO ATX Mid Tower Case  ($69.98 @ Amazon) 
Power Supply: Phanteks AMP 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply  ($109.99 @ Newegg) 
Total: $1950.81
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2022-10-19 15:43 EDT-0400

 

This cooler has very similar performance to the D15 for less than half the price.  Noctua has a huge brand tax.

 

This RAM is much faster and has better timings, you also wanna use 2 dimms instead of 4 so that:

a) you have open dimms if you ever need to upgrade

b) you can OC them with less voltage

 

This motherboard has 3 M.2 ports and onboard wifi and bluetooth.

 

The case includes fans and has better airflow.

 

The power supply is a very good 850 which is plenty for a 3080 and a 12700k.  1000w PSUs incur a huge premium over 85w PSUs of the same build quality.  

 

9 minutes ago, Ryuikko said:

This should be way cheaper for better performance 

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/j29LY9

There's not a need for the k version since you have a b66p board, and I wouldn't reccommend switching to a z690 board. Only debate for going new gen here is the 13700k which might be a better choice here

Cooler with similar potential for cheaper

2133 ram is super slow, 3200 should be better as well as it being 2 sticks 

Cheaper 2tb storage since pcie gen 4 isn't needed 

Better gpu for its extra vram for same price and a cheaper but still quality psu

The WD blue is still overpriced for a DRAMless gen 3.  The MP33 Pro has a DRAM cache and costs less.

[brob]

1 hour ago, bathroomfloortiles said:

CPU        
Intel Core i7-12700K 3.6 GHz 12-Core Processor    $354.99    

 

If you stick with 12th gen, get the i7-12700(F). It's a better pairing with a B660 motherboard and with appropriate power settings comes within a few % in performance.

 

1 hour ago, bathroomfloortiles said:

CPU Cooler        
Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black 82.52 CFM CPU Cooler    $109.95    

 

Excellent cooler, but similar performance is available using less expensive coolers like the Peerless Assassin 120 SE or Deepcool AK620. The AK500 would also be suitable for the i7-12700(F).

 

1 hour ago, bathroomfloortiles said:

Memory        
G.Skill FORTIS 64 GB (4 x 16 GB) DDR4-2133 CL15 Memory    $164.45

 

You may want to edit the OP to reflect the decision to use a 2x32GB kit as mentioned in the post. The kit should be 2x32GB DDR4-3200 CL16.

 

1 hour ago, bathroomfloortiles said:

Video Card        
MSI GAMING Z TRIO GeForce RTX 3080 10GB LHR 10 GB Video Card    $759.99    

 

12GB versions of RTX 3080 are not much more expensive. The additional VRAM may prove useful dealing with more complex scenes.

 

1 hour ago, bathroomfloortiles said:

Case        
Fractal Design Define R5 ATX Mid Tower Case    $139.95    

 

There are better cases. Mesh front cases provide significantly better airflow that allows fans to run at lower RPM resulting in quieter operation. Consider the Corsair 4000D Airflow, Fractal Design Meshify 2, and many others.

 

1 hour ago, bathroomfloortiles said:

Power Supply        
SeaSonic FOCUS Plus Gold 1000 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply    $192.08    

 

Focus Plus had some issues. I believe Seasonic GX, Phanteks AMP, Nzxt C resolves those problems.

 

1 hour ago, bathroomfloortiles said:

Operating System        
Microsoft Windows 10 Pro OEM - DVD 64-bit    $142.87    

 

Alder Lake CPU with efficiency cores are better managed using Windows 11.

 

[bathroomfloortiles]

Thanks for the help!

 

I made a few alterations to accommodate some of your guys suggestions. You all noticed the poor memory, and that was actually an old build, but I included a much faster 3200 kit here. I saw the coolers you guys recommended, but personally I'm okay paying a little more for something a bit nicer, even if the performance isn't a whole ton better. I know, vain, but I prefer the quietness and and function of a Noctua. I also switched to a more expensive case than what you guys recommended. I like Fractal Design and the aesthetic of their cases, and I'm okay that it's ~$40-50 more for that aesthetic and the glass panel because I'll keep the case for longer. If I bought something else I'd probably replace it. Also, what do you guys suggest to do about windows? I know you can get keys for pennies on the dollar off of Kinguin and stuff like that, and that you don't really even have to pay for a license to technically use windows, but do you think I should do that or just pay the price for a traditional windows key? Additionally, I want to stick with the PRO version for a little more peace of mind and the ability for remote access, which is something that would be really nice to have if I'm not at my desk and need to start a render, see if something crashed, or email myself something I forgot to grab before leaving. 

 

CPU        
Intel Core i7-12700F 2.1 GHz 12-Core Processor    $312.99    

CPU Cooler        
Noctua NH-U12S chromax.black 55 CFM CPU Cooler    $79.95  

 
Motherboard        
Gigabyte B660 AORUS Master DDR4 ATX LGA1700 Motherboard    $164.99    

Memory      
OLOy MD4U323216DJDA 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory    $167.99    

Storage        
TEAMGROUP MP33 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive    $129.99  

 
Storage        
TEAMGROUP MP33 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive    $129.99    

Video Card        
MSI VENTUS 3X PLUS OC GeForce RTX 3080 12GB LHR 12 GB Video Card    $769.99  

 
Case        
Fractal Design Meshify C ATX Mid Tower Case    $113.98    

Power Supply        
SeaSonic FOCUS GX 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply    $159.99    

Operating System        
Microsoft Windows 11 Pro OEM - DVD 64-bit    $139.98    

Total:    $2169.84

[brob]

49 minutes ago, bathroomfloortiles said:

Case        
Fractal Design Meshify C ATX Mid Tower Case    $113.98    

 

The Meshify 2 (Compact) or Torrent would be better. The C does not have a front panel USB-C port.

[Kinda Bottlenecked]

PCPartPicker Part List: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/7DwJPX

CPU: Intel Core i5-12400F 2.5 GHz 6-Core Processor  ($169.99 @ Newegg) 
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler  ($41.30 @ Amazon) 
Motherboard: ASRock B660M Pro RS Micro ATX LGA1700 Motherboard  ($99.99 @ Newegg) 
Memory: OLOy MD4U323216DJDA 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory  ($167.99 @ Newegg) 
Storage: TEAMGROUP MP33 PRO 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive  ($147.99 @ Newegg) 
Storage: TEAMGROUP MP33 PRO 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive  ($147.99 @ Newegg) 
Video Card: NVIDIA Founders Edition GeForce RTX 3090 Ti 24 GB Video Card  ($1099.99 @ Best Buy) 
Case: Phanteks Eclipse P300A Mesh ATX Mid Tower Case  ($69.99 @ Newegg) 
Power Supply: Super Flower Leadex VI Platinum PRO 850 W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply  ($119.99 @ Newegg Sellers) 
Total: $2065.22
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2022-10-19 21:20 EDT-0400

 

If I were to rebuild my workstation, this is what I would choose. The reason for downgrading the cpu for the RTX 3090 with 24gb of vram is that I find myself hitting the vram limit quite often. Most of the 3d apps aren't taking advantage of more cores. Even baking physics is still a heavily single threaded task.

 

Have a look at your current workflow and consider what your current pain points are. Whether you have to spend unnecessary amounts of time on optimizing your scene etc. And go with which ever build posted here that's the most compatible with your current workflow.

 

However, I highly encourage you to to wait for the newer line of RTX 4000 cards if rendering speed is your current problem because the 4090 has 2x the rendering performance in path tracing renderers as compared to the 3090 which is quite substantial. 

 

 

[Queen Chrysalis]

21 hours ago, bathroomfloortiles said:

Thanks for the help!

 

I made a few alterations to accommodate some of your guys suggestions. You all noticed the poor memory, and that was actually an old build, but I included a much faster 3200 kit here. I saw the coolers you guys recommended, but personally I'm okay paying a little more for something a bit nicer, even if the performance isn't a whole ton better. I know, vain, but I prefer the quietness and and function of a Noctua. I also switched to a more expensive case than what you guys recommended. I like Fractal Design and the aesthetic of their cases, and I'm okay that it's ~$40-50 more for that aesthetic and the glass panel because I'll keep the case for longer. If I bought something else I'd probably replace it. Also, what do you guys suggest to do about windows? I know you can get keys for pennies on the dollar off of Kinguin and stuff like that, and that you don't really even have to pay for a license to technically use windows, but do you think I should do that or just pay the price for a traditional windows key? Additionally, I want to stick with the PRO version for a little more peace of mind and the ability for remote access, which is something that would be really nice to have if I'm not at my desk and need to start a render, see if something crashed, or email myself something I forgot to grab before leaving. 

 

CPU        
Intel Core i7-12700F 2.1 GHz 12-Core Processor    $312.99    

CPU Cooler        
Noctua NH-U12S chromax.black 55 CFM CPU Cooler    $79.95  

 
Motherboard        
Gigabyte B660 AORUS Master DDR4 ATX LGA1700 Motherboard    $164.99    

Memory      
OLOy MD4U323216DJDA 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory    $167.99    

Storage        
TEAMGROUP MP33 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive    $129.99  

 
Storage        
TEAMGROUP MP33 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive    $129.99    

Video Card        
MSI VENTUS 3X PLUS OC GeForce RTX 3080 12GB LHR 12 GB Video Card    $769.99  

 
Case        
Fractal Design Meshify C ATX Mid Tower Case    $113.98    

Power Supply        
SeaSonic FOCUS GX 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply    $159.99    

Operating System        
Microsoft Windows 11 Pro OEM - DVD 64-bit    $139.98    

Total:    $2169.84

The 12700k over the 12700f may be worth it for:

a) PS and illustrator still leveraging the IGPU

b)troubleshooting potential gpu issues down the line

 

Also, the MP33 is a good value for a DRAMless gen 3, but the MP33 Pro may be worth it for large imports.

 

Also, focus GX is WAY overpriced at $160.  A Phanteks AMP is about half the price and is a great PSU.

 

The NH12 ($80) is also outperformed by the AK620 ($55), FUMA 2 ($60) and Peerless Assassin 120 ($40).

Any of those would effectively cool a 12700k or f, whereas the nh12 may struggle a bit.

 

[bathroomfloortiles]

Thanks again for the advice, here is the list now. Also, do you guys think that the Samsung 980 Pro is overkill and useless in most real world applications, or is there a very noticeable difference? I also switched to the i5-13600k because it seems to have slightly better performance than the i7-12700k I was looking at getting, but for about $40 less. I'm also comfortable trying overclocking it a little bit to get the extra performance out of the K skew, so I paired it with a Z690 board, does the board seem like a fine pairing, or is there something better I should look to get? Also, I'm fine waiting a bit till early next year for the 4070 to come out because I believe it's supposed to have performance similar to a 3090 or even ti variant, for less money, but would my i5-13600k pairing still stand up, or would the i5 be a bad of a bottleneck in that case? Any help would be great!

 

PCPartPicker Part List: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/hNxpRv

CPU: Intel Core i5-13600K 3.5 GHz 14-Core Processor  ($329.99 @ B&H) 
CPU Cooler: Deepcool AK620 68.99 CFM CPU Cooler  ($64.98 @ Amazon) 
Motherboard: MSI PRO Z690-A DDR4 ATX LGA1700 Motherboard  ($189.99 @ Amazon) 
Memory: OLOy MD4U323216DJDA 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory  ($167.99 @ Newegg) 
Storage: TEAMGROUP MP33 PRO 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive  ($162.99 @ Amazon) 
Storage: TEAMGROUP MP33 PRO 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive  ($162.99 @ Amazon) 
Video Card: MSI VENTUS 3X PLUS OC GeForce RTX 3080 12GB LHR 12 GB Video Card  ($769.99 @ Adorama) 
Case: Fractal Design Meshify 2 Compact TG Dark Tint ATX Mid Tower Case  ($143.98 @ Newegg) 
Power Supply: Phanteks AMP 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply  ($129.99 @ Newegg) 
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 11 Pro OEM - DVD 64-bit  ($139.98 @ Newegg) 
Total: $2262.87
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2022-10-22 00:50 EDT-0400

[brob]

The build looks okay. If you are waiting for the RTX 4070, you will want to reevaluate the build at that time.