Core i7 vs. Xeon vs. Core X-Series

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frozen

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Hello, I know that for Deep Learning and Machine Learning, the GPU is more important than CPU. However, if I am going to build a machine, I want it to be able to do other stuffs such as running engineering applications. It looks like at present, the Core i7-7700 is the top of the line for most. Is there a point to get the Core X-Series or Xeon? I suppose that if I use the Xeon, I will need different motherboard and more expensive RAM. For GPU, I will use one 1080 Ti. Could add 1-3 more later. I will use ubuntu for deep learning and machine learning but switch to Windows for engineering applications.
 

Patrick

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How are the engineering applications licensed? Per core? Per system?
 

Patrick

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Is the Threadripper fully compatible with all the software that Intel CPU can run?
Compatible, yes.

There are a few minor exceptions. For example, if you need/ want AVX-512 support, then you need Intel at the moment. Also, if you need a supported platform for your engineering software, there is a better chance (today) that the Intel platforms are certified by vendors which makes sense.

Another thought/ idea. The LGA2011-3 platform is excellent.
 
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frozen

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Compatible, yes.

There are a few minor exceptions. For example, if you need/ want AVX-512 support, then you need Intel at the moment. Also, if you need a supported platform for your engineering software, there is a better chance (today) that the Intel platforms are certified by vendors which makes sense.

Another thought/ idea. The LGA2011-3 platform is excellent.

Thanks for the suggestion. I don't know if I will need AVX-512.

As the Threadripper will be available in a few days, let's wait and see.
 

frozen

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We know that the more cores in the GPU the better, how about the CPU? Given that most applications cannot take advantage of multi-core, is there a point to get the high multi-core CPUs such as the Threadripper? Isn't Xeon or fastest i7 better for deep learning, machine learning applications?
 

frozen

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Both Intel and AMD announced an overwhelming number of CPUs in August. Which CPU choice would be the best for ML/DL? At first, I considered the Threadripper but there is no related motherboard that supports the running of 4 GPU at x16x16x16x16 at the same time. I probably get two 1080Ti but I may need four later.
 

Patrick

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Both Intel and AMD announced an overwhelming number of CPUs in August. Which CPU choice would be the best for ML/DL? At first, I considered the Threadripper but there is no related motherboard that supports the running of 4 GPU at x16x16x16x16 at the same time. I probably get two 1080Ti but I may need four later.
If I were in the 4x GPU range (and looking for a server) - that Tyan box is pretty good Tyan Thunder HX GA88-B5631 Server Review 4x GPU in 1U

You can use a $400 4108 for the CPU as well.

I do think that EPYC will be good here once 6x GPU 1P chassis are available. We are also going to be reviewing some decent server boards for this in the next few weeks.
 
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frozen

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If I were in the 4x GPU range (and looking for a server) - that Tyan box is pretty good Tyan Thunder HX GA88-B5631 Server Review 4x GPU in 1U

You can use a $400 4108 for the CPU as well.

I do think that EPYC will be good here once 6x GPU 1P chassis are available. We are also going to be reviewing some decent server boards for this in the next few weeks.
Thanks Patrick. What do 1U, 1P and EPYC mean?

If I use a 4K monitor and do DL, will the performance be lowered if I have only one GPU?
 

voxadam

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1U refers to the form factor of the machine. More specifically, 1U is a standard 19" rack mounted server style chassis that is 44.5 millimeters (1.752 inches) in height.

1P denotes a single socket/processor system

EPYC is AMD's new server processor line
 
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frozen

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Given all the powerful CPUs released in August, is there any point in getting a dual-CPU system?
 

realtomatoes

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Given all the powerful CPUs released in August, is there any point in getting a dual-CPU system?
that would depend on your use case.
if you can utilize all or most of those cores/threads, the answer is yes.
 

frozen

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1U refers to the form factor of the machine. More specifically, 1U is a standard 19" rack mounted server style chassis that is 44.5 millimeters (1.752 inches) in height.

1P denotes a single socket/processor system

EPYC is AMD's new server processor line
What are the pros and cons of using 1U system at home?
 

Evan

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What are the pros and cons of using 1U system at home?
It's just a different form factor , so the same systems are usually available as a tower.
1U is big flat and load, 14,000rpm fans will do that :)
Unless you have a rack I would use a tower case.
 
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frozen

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I guess one advantageous of using the Xeon rather than the Intel i9 and Threadrippers released last month is that we can use dual CPU motherboards that support running 4GPU at x16x16x16x16. Am I right?
 

frozen

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Now that Threadrippers have been around for over a month, is it recommended to get the Threadripper 1900 or the i7, i9 or the Xeon W2125/2135 instead? I probably get one 1080Ti and perhaps upgrade to four Nvidia 1080 Ti running at x16x16x16x16 eventually. I may get 64-128GB RAM initially. Any point to get 256GB RAM?
 
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