Upgrading a crashing computer

[guillow]

Budget (including currency): 2000 CDN

Country: Canada

Games, programs or workloads that it will be used for: Adobe photoshop, 3D rendering in Blender, light gaming (like CS2), possible deep learning like 1111 stabilityAI etc.

Other details (existing parts lists, whether any peripherals are needed, what you're upgrading from, when you're going to buy, what resolution and refresh rate you want to play at, etc): 

 

Hi all, long time watcher, first time poster. 

I've done computer building since Linus started I believe, and in 2020 I built a deep learning computer to start to learn about all this. At the time I had used a medium article as the base, as I was quite out of the touch with computer hardware:

https://medium.com/the-mission/how-to-build-the-perfect-deep-learning-computer-and-save-thousands-of-dollars-9ec3b2eb4ce2

 

I never did find time to use the deep learning so converted it to my daily driver. The problem is, I'm not sure why by the system has random hard freezes between every 15min to multiple hours at a time. I've done memory checks, I've had open Hardware monitor running and caught a freezing event with normal temperatures. I've gone back and bought motherboard compliant memory to replace what I already had. And I can't fix this. So I'm thinking due to the random time nature, this is likely some kind of driver failure on the old threadripper platform and this won't be getting better with age. So thinking it is time to bite the bullet and change the motherboard and cpu to see if I can get some stability. 

 

What I'm hoping for is: 

1) if there are great ideas on how to salvage the build, I'll take it!

 

CPU: AMD Threadripper 1900X 3.8 GHz 8-Core Processor  ($99.99 @ Amazon) 
CPU Cooler: Fractal Design Celsius S36 87.6 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($192.63 @ Amazon) 
Motherboard: Asus PRIME X399-A EATX sTR4 Motherboard 
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z RGB 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory  ($51.99 @ Amazon) 
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z RGB 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory  ($51.99 @ Amazon) 
Storage: Samsung 970 Evo Plus 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive  ($169.99 @ Adorama) 
Video Card: PNY Blower GeForce RTX 2060 SUPER 8 GB Video Card 
Case: Lian Li O11 Vision ATX Mid Tower Case  ($144.99 @ Adorama) 
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 1000 G5 1000 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply  ($164.99 @ Amazon) 
Total: $876.57
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-01-07 00:28 EST-0500

 

 

 

otherwise was hoping to get ideas on how best to reuse the parts. I was thinking something like:

2) suggestions on my build as I try to reuse parts that I have:

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

 

NEW* CPU: *Intel Core i7-14700KF 3.4 GHz 20-Core Processor  ($384.99 @ Amazon) 
CPU Cooler: Fractal Design Celsius S36 87.6 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($192.63 @ Amazon) 
NEW* Motherboard: Asus TUF GAMING Z790-PLUS WIFI ATX LGA1700 Motherboard  ($249.99 @ Amazon) 
NEW* Memory: TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6400 CL32 Memory  ($104.99 @ Amazon) 
Storage: Samsung 970 Evo Plus 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive  ($169.99 @ Adorama) 
Video Card: PNY Blower GeForce RTX 2060 SUPER 8 GB Video Card 
Case: Lian Li O11 Vision ATX Mid Tower Case  ($144.99 @ Adorama) 
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 1000 G5 1000 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply  ($164.99 @ Amazon) 
Total: $1412.57
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-01-07 00:24 EST-0500

 

Thanks in advance for any suggestions you may have!

 

[PC HEROES]

20 hours ago, guillow said:

Budget (including currency): 2000 CDN

Country: Canada

Games, programs or workloads that it will be used for: Adobe photoshop, 3D rendering in Blender, light gaming (like CS2), possible deep learning like 1111 stabilityAI etc.

Other details (existing parts lists, whether any peripherals are needed, what you're upgrading from, when you're going to buy, what resolution and refresh rate you want to play at, etc): 

 

Hi all, long time watcher, first time poster. 

I've done computer building since Linus started I believe, and in 2020 I built a deep learning computer to start to learn about all this. At the time I had used a medium article as the base, as I was quite out of the touch with computer hardware:

https://medium.com/the-mission/how-to-build-the-perfect-deep-learning-computer-and-save-thousands-of-dollars-9ec3b2eb4ce2

 

I never did find time to use the deep learning so converted it to my daily driver. The problem is, I'm not sure why by the system has random hard freezes between every 15min to multiple hours at a time. I've done memory checks, I've had open Hardware monitor running and caught a freezing event with normal temperatures. I've gone back and bought motherboard compliant memory to replace what I already had. And I can't fix this. So I'm thinking due to the random time nature, this is likely some kind of driver failure on the old threadripper platform and this won't be getting better with age. So thinking it is time to bite the bullet and change the motherboard and cpu to see if I can get some stability. 

 

What I'm hoping for is: 

1) if there are great ideas on how to salvage the build, I'll take it!

 

CPU: AMD Threadripper 1900X 3.8 GHz 8-Core Processor  ($99.99 @ Amazon) 
CPU Cooler: Fractal Design Celsius S36 87.6 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($192.63 @ Amazon) 
Motherboard: Asus PRIME X399-A EATX sTR4 Motherboard 
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z RGB 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory  ($51.99 @ Amazon) 
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z RGB 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory  ($51.99 @ Amazon) 
Storage: Samsung 970 Evo Plus 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive  ($169.99 @ Adorama) 
Video Card: PNY Blower GeForce RTX 2060 SUPER 8 GB Video Card 
Case: Lian Li O11 Vision ATX Mid Tower Case  ($144.99 @ Adorama) 
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 1000 G5 1000 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply  ($164.99 @ Amazon) 
Total: $876.57
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-01-07 00:28 EST-0500

 

 

 

otherwise was hoping to get ideas on how best to reuse the parts. I was thinking something like:

2) suggestions on my build as I try to reuse parts that I have:

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

 

NEW* CPU: *Intel Core i7-14700KF 3.4 GHz 20-Core Processor  ($384.99 @ Amazon) 
CPU Cooler: Fractal Design Celsius S36 87.6 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($192.63 @ Amazon) 
NEW* Motherboard: Asus TUF GAMING Z790-PLUS WIFI ATX LGA1700 Motherboard  ($249.99 @ Amazon) 
NEW* Memory: TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6400 CL32 Memory  ($104.99 @ Amazon) 
Storage: Samsung 970 Evo Plus 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive  ($169.99 @ Adorama) 
Video Card: PNY Blower GeForce RTX 2060 SUPER 8 GB Video Card 
Case: Lian Li O11 Vision ATX Mid Tower Case  ($144.99 @ Adorama) 
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 1000 G5 1000 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply  ($164.99 @ Amazon) 
Total: $1412.57
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-01-07 00:24 EST-0500

 

Thanks in advance for any suggestions you may have!

 

Hello.. I was reading everything that you posted and the Threadripper 1900X is really outdated. That being said you can get a AMD 5000 Series CPU or Intel 13th Gen CPU and have it be at least 35% Faster so I went with the Ryzen 7 5800X3D.

 

Within your budget I was able to put together a Build List for you and I think you are really going to like it. I was even able to get you a new 12GB GPU that will play any game including in 1440p or 2K if you wanted.

 

The Lian Li 011 Dynamic is a very "OVER-HYPED" PC Case. For what you get it is not worth the money that you pay for it. There are several other options that are much better and cost less. The Case that I picked does cost more but you also get much more out of it. The NZXT H6 Flow RGB Edition comes w/ 3 ARGB Fans and I also added 6 more including and Fan Hub to Maximize that Airflow in the Case.

 

Let me know what you think and if you have any questions...

 

I have been building PCs for over 30 years so if you have any questions please ask. For future communication I use Discord for much faster response times as I have it open 24/7. Here is my Discord: Wizardsnapper#2772 I am also available if you need help before, during, or after the Build process on Discord through Voice or Video Chat. I can be with you while you build your new PC if you need me to be.

 

https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/JHj4Jy

 

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D 3.4 GHz 8-Core Processor  ($468.73 @ Amazon Canada)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler  ($48.90 @ Amazon Canada)
Motherboard: MSI PRO B550-VC ATX AM4 Motherboard  ($176.47 @ Amazon Canada)
Memory: TEAMGROUP T-Force Delta RGB 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory  ($102.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Storage: TEAMGROUP Cardea Zero Z440 Graphene 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive  ($134.49 @ Amazon Canada)
Video Card: Sapphire PULSE Radeon RX 7700 XT 12 GB Video Card  ($599.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Case: NZXT H6 Flow RGB ATX Mid Tower Case  ($214.08 @ Amazon Canada)
Power Supply: MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply  ($199.00 @ Amazon Canada)
Custom: Thermalright TL-C12C-S X3 CPU Fan 120mm ARGB Case Cooler Fan, 4pin PWM Silent Computer Fan with S-FDB Bearing Included, up to 1550RPM Cooling Fan（3 Quantities）  ($19.89 @ Amazon Canada)
Custom: Thermalright TL-C12C-S X3 CPU Fan 120mm ARGB Case Cooler Fan, 4pin PWM Silent Computer Fan with S-FDB Bearing Included, up to 1550RPM Cooling Fan（3 Quantities）  ($19.89 @ Amazon Canada)
Custom: Thermalright ARGB Fan HUB Controller Support 8 Groups of Fans, 8-Port 4 Pin PC Fan Controller, 5V-3Pin ARGB Fan Hub, Strong Paste+Magnetic Suction (12V 4-pin RGB is not Supported)  ($28.37 @ Amazon Canada)
Total: $2012.80

[filpo]

On 1/7/2024 at 5:31 AM, guillow said:

Video Card: PNY Blower GeForce RTX 2060 SUPER 8 GB Video Card 

I'd say replace this but keep everything else apart from the cpu, mobo and ram

And try this 

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X 4.5 GHz 16-Core Processor  ($899.98 @ Amazon Canada) 
Motherboard: ASRock X670E Pro RS ATX AM5 Motherboard  ($265.74 @ Vuugo) 
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws S5 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-5600 CL28 Memory  ($134.99 @ Newegg Canada) 
Video Card: Zotac Twin Edge OC GeForce RTX 4070 12 GB Video Card  ($738.98 @ Best Buy Canada) 
Total: $2039.69
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-01-08 10:38 EST-0500

[brob]

On 1/7/2024 at 12:31 AM, guillow said:

Memory: G.Skill Trident Z RGB 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory  ($51.99 @ Amazon) 
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z RGB 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory  ($51.99 @ Amazon) 

 

Why 2x2x8GB kits instead of 4x8GB? Have you verified that the memory is operating quad channel?

 

[guillow]

Thanks all for the replies.

 

The issue is I have the existing system with the old threadripper + quad channel memory. but something keeps the system crashing. Like a hard crash that freezes the screen. I WISH i had a BSOD so I could get an error code but never happens. So at this point I've given up and am planning on replacing parts slowly, and try to save as much as possible.

 

Thinking about this a bit more:

#1 requirement is stability in day to day.

#2 requirement is Photoshop/Lightroom optimization.

Nice to haves:

Blender optimization speed,

something that doesn't suck at deep learning with something like 1111...
 

 

@PC Heroes

- I actually already have the Lian LI O11 AIR. So was hoping to reuse the case. (couldn't find the AIR on PC part picker...). Related to this... what would you do if you could reuse the cooler, power supply, m.2, case, case fans?

- based on that, would you still recommend AMD for CPU and an AMD GPU? I'd think that CUDA support helps with deep learning, and is AMD stable nowadays? Guess i'm one bitten twice shy about my threadripper experience

 

@filpo

- similar question on your recommendation. Do you think the Ryzen 9 is more stable and suited for deep learning?

 

@brob

- I got 4x8Gb currently because I went all the way down to the Mobo recommended memory to try and solve my crashing situation. So I found old original memory that was tested and validate. I do believe the mobo with the threadripper is able to handle quad channel. but that's an afterthought. Just wanted to get stable memory as my #1 goal.

Guess my question is, in 2024.

1) Is AMD just as stable for a day to day driver as Intel for CPU?

2) is AMD GPU just as stable as Nvidia?

3) will a new GPU help further accelerate my Photoshop/Lightroom work?

 

[brob]

14 hours ago, guillow said:

@brob

- I got 4x8Gb currently because I went all the way down to the Mobo recommended memory to try and solve my crashing situation. So I found old original memory that was tested and validate. I do believe the mobo with the threadripper is able to handle quad channel. but that's an afterthought. Just wanted to get stable memory as my #1 goal.

 

I'm confused. The OP pcpartpicker list shows two 2x8GB kits not a single 4x8GB kit. Is that just an entry error?

 

BTW if you want to properly quote posters type @ and the first few letters of the username then wait for a user list to pop so you can select the username. When done properly it will display in a bubble like @guillow not @guillow.

[filpo]

On 1/8/2024 at 10:33 PM, guillow said:

- similar question on your recommendation. Do you think the Ryzen 9 is more stable and suited for deep learning?

yes

 

On 1/8/2024 at 10:33 PM, guillow said:

1) Is AMD just as stable for a day to day driver as Intel for CPU?

yes

 

On 1/8/2024 at 10:33 PM, guillow said:

2) is AMD GPU just as stable as Nvidia?

with all the recent driver updates yes, but if your work requires or prefers nvidia then go for nvidia. That only really goes for photoshop and video editing though

 

On 1/8/2024 at 10:33 PM, guillow said:

3) will a new GPU help further accelerate my Photoshop/Lightroom work?

yes, but photoshop isn't too picky about AMD vs Nvidia 

[igormp]

10 hours ago, filpo said:

with all the recent driver updates yes, but if your work requires or prefers nvidia then go for nvidia

 

AMD is pretty shitty for any deep learning stuff that OP mentioned, so I'd say it's not a good advice.

 

[Why_Me]

The 120mm fan goes inside the back of that case for an exhaust fan.

 

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: *Intel Core i7-13700F 2.1 GHz 16-Core Processor  ($479.00 @ Canada Computers) 
CPU Cooler: *Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler  ($41.90 @ Amazon Canada) 
Motherboard: *MSI B760 GAMING PLUS WIFI ATX LGA1700 Motherboard  ($236.50 @ Vuugo) 
Memory: *ADATA XPG Lancer Blade 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory  ($114.88 @ Canada Computers) 
Storage: *Western Digital Black SN850X 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive  ($179.97 @ Newegg Canada) 
Case: *Fractal Design Focus 2 ATX Mid Tower Case  ($99.99 @ Canada Computers) 
Power Supply: *MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply  ($149.99 @ Best Buy Canada) 
Case Fan: *ARCTIC P12 56.3 CFM 120 mm Fan  ($14.99 @ Canada Computers) 
Total: $1317.22
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-01-10 01:21 EST-0500

[filpo]

5 hours ago, igormp said:

AMD is pretty shitty for any deep learning stuff that OP mentioned, so I'd say it's not a good advice.

 

I was talking about stability in general, they're defo not better for this but I didn't say that