Xeon ES chips (x99)

[skymur]

Hello all,

 

I have a Xeon QEYG Engineering sample that I bought from an ebay seller a year and a half ago now. It's superb for multi threaded applications. 2.1GHz is kinda slow, I used to be able to clock up to 2.8GHz using the core multiplyer and the base clock method however the CPU for whatever reason has become unstable. I do not wish to sell the chip as I still think ES chips are mad cool as barely anyone ever has any of them. It's always nice being able to brag that you have a 10 core thread CPU, especially before threadripper came out. 2.1GHz though, is lack luster in video games and the more I learn about VFX in after effects I realise fewer faster cores are better suited to this application, I originally bought the CPU assuming I would use it for CAD and CAD renders only however it is more than likely I will go to some form of film school and study the art of editing. I want to stick with X99 and currently have an SOC champion with 24gb of ram. I'm considering certain options before taking the plunge, also considering going itx, making my own case or other options. But I'm looking at the i7 5960x, used it is £320 from CEX (used). Alternatively I could go Ryzen 7, with the build going ITX, ironically the mobo and the cpu new combined would be cheaper than a 5960x used. This would also mean that I could keep two systems, or make the old one to sell. 

[Sauron]

I'd definitely go for a ryzen over a used 5960x, especially if it's cheaper.

[RollinLower]

eventough the 5960X has te added effects of th ebragging rights that come with a Extreme-class CPU, it is terrible value now that Ryzen is out.

if you are not going to be using the extra PCIe lanes the 5960X comes with, the Ryzen system is a no-brainer.