New build for chess analysis

[LucasBoy]

Hi guys,

An hour ago I was given a project - to build a server-style PC for remote chess analysis using the Houdini engine. The idea - a rig to stay at home. Remote connections to it via TeamViewer (or some other VNC) will be made and the rig must analyse chess positions. Nothing else, not even FTP (which amuses me). The budget - about $1200. 

 

There is no need for GPU, giving me some options.

 

Quick research showed me that Houdini utilises as much cores as you have and as much RAM as you have. There is a limit for the software - 32GB of RAM, so that's what I'm putting in it. As tempting as it was to use some AMD 8-core, I quickly found out that the i7-4770k performed much better. 
EDIT :: Houdini is very hungry for resources, so I will be overclocking. 

 

Now - I have little to none experience with building server-grade machines, so I don't know if a Xeon wouldn't be better for that task. Probably it would be - that's why I'm asking for your help. 

 

I have a quick idea of the build - http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3Ew78. 

 

I know these are not server-grade components, but that's just a "blueprint". Another note - in my country there isn't much choice of components, but I believe I can get these, that's part of the reason I picked them. 

 

Please help me with this one. 

Edited May 5, 2014 by LucasBoy

[Paralectic]

You can basicly get a Xeon similar in specifications to the 4770k, and you don't need a K because you won't need the unlocked part of the processor.

 

You can also save alot on the cooling and motherboard because all these fancyness is just a waste of money.

[LucasBoy]

I plan on overclocking it unless there is a better solution with a Xeon. So I think I need the K and yes, all the fancyness is a waste, but I will need a stable overclocker.

[Thebman712]

a ssd?

[TheSLSAMG]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

 

CPU:  Intel Core i7-4930K 3.4GHz 6-Core Processor  ($549.99 @ Newegg) 

CPU Cooler:  Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($29.94 @ OutletPC) 

Motherboard:  ASRock X79 Extreme4 ATX LGA2011 Motherboard  ($175.92 @ Newegg) 

Memory:  Kingston HyperX 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($283.99 @ Amazon) 

Storage:  Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($56.98 @ OutletPC) 

Video Card:  Sapphire Radeon HD 5450 1GB Video Card  ($12.99 @ Newegg) 

Case:  NZXT Source 220 ATX Mid Tower Case  ($44.99 @ TigerDirect) 

Power Supply:  Corsair CX 430W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($39.99 @ Micro Center) 

Total: $1194.79

(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-05 17:26 EDT-0400)

 

This fits around the budget and is way more powerful, but it is an unconventional build.

[LucasBoy]

Just checked the prices - the cheapest 4930k here is $750. I'm a little bit shocked, but not that surprised.

[LtStaffel]

a ssd?

That, an SSD will help a lot.  Also, maybe faster ram than 1600?