Desktop for astro image processing

[skyrunner]

Hi

I'm looking for a new desktop for astro image processing, specifically using the Pixinsight software. I need lots of RAM (128GB) and a fast processor with a decent number of threads. And for optimum speed I am planning to run the software under Linux.

First question, does this spec look sensible for my requirements? And secondly, I've not specified an OS as the only usage is to run Pixinsight software under Linux. Would it be more sensible to include Windows, if only to check everything works?

Thanks for any comments

Case
PCS 3601 CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 9 5950X 16 Core CPU (3.4GHz-4.9GHz/72MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard
GIGABYTE B550 GAMING X V2 : DDR4, USB 3.2 - ARGB Ready
Memory (RAM)
128GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3000MHz (4 x 32GB)
Graphics Card
1GB NVIDIA GEFORCE 710 - DVI, HDMI, VGA
1st M.2 SSD Drive
256GB PCS PCIe M.2 SSD (2000 MB/R, 1100 MB/W)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB INTEL® 670p M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 3500MB/sR | 2500MB/sW)
Power Supply
CORSAIR 450W CV SERIES™ CV-450 POWER SUPPLY
Power Cable
1 x 1.5 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
PCS FrostFlow 100 V3 Series High Performance CPU Cooler (AMD)
Thermal Paste
STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
Sound Card
ONBOARD 6 CHANNEL (5.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)
Network Card
10/100/1000 GIGABIT LAN PORT
Wireless Network Card
WIRELESS 802.11N 300Mbps/2.4GHz PCI-E CARD
USB/Thunderbolt Options
MIN. 2 x USB 3.0 & 2 x USB 2.0 PORTS @ BACK PANEL + MIN. 2 FRONT PORTS
Operating System
NO OPERATING SYSTEM REQUIRED
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media
NO RECOVERY MEDIA REQUIRED
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft 365® (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus
NO ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
Browser
Microsoft® Edge
Warranty
3 Year Standard Warranty (1 Month Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Delivery
STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time
Standard Build - Approximately 4 to 7 working days
Welcome Book
PCSpecialist Welcome Book - United Kingdom & Republic of Ireland
Logo Branding
PCSpecialist Logo

 

[Vergaro98]

I'll advice a threadripper for what you have to do. Anyway you need a better PSU and a better Mobo.
For Linux that's not a problem, PCspecialist test the pc even if you doesn't put an OS.
Three months ago I ordered a pc for my department and I didn't put the OS (because we need only Debian), the pc arrived with no os installed but everything works fine.

 

[skyrunner]

Thanks for your advice Vergaro98. I agree with you about the Threadripper but it's a question of keeping the budget under control!

What do you see as the problem with the PSU and the Mobo I've chosen - do you have any recommendations?

And thanks for the reassurance about Linux.

 

[SpyderTracks]

Thanks for your advice Vergaro98. I agree with you about the Threadripper but it's a question of keeping the budget under control!

What do you see as the problem with the PSU and the Mobo I've chosen - do you have any recommendations?

And thanks for the reassurance about Linux.

The cooler, motherboard, case and PSU aren't appropriate for that build.

You can't just fit any components together, they have to work as a complete build otherwise you get performance bottlenecks and overheating.

What's your max budget?

 

[skyrunner]

I'd like to keep it under £2k

 

[SpyderTracks]

This is slightly over, there's no way you can pack 128Gb RAM in if you want the 16 core processor, just not possible. You could either just settle for 4 x 16Gb of 3200MHz, or, what I'd suggest, get basic RAM and source 4 x 32Gb DIMMS 3200MHz elsewhere, as unfortunately PCS don't have those available:

Case
CORSAIR 5000D AIRFLOW TEMPERED GLASS GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 9 5950X 16 Core CPU (3.4GHz-4.9GHz/72MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard
ASUS® CROSSHAIR VIII HERO WIFI (DDR4, PCIe 4.0, CrossFireX/SLI) - RGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
4GB PCSpecialist PRO DDR4 2666MHz (1 x 4GB)
Graphics Card
2GB NVIDIA GEFORCE GT 1030 - DVI, HDMI
1st M.2 SSD Drive
512GB INTEL® 670p M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 3000MB/sR, 1600MB/sW)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB INTEL® 670p M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 3500MB/sR | 2500MB/sW)
Power Supply
CORSAIR 650W RM SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Power Cable
1 x 1.5 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
Corsair iCUE H150i ELITE CAPELLIX RGB Hydro Series High Performance CPU Cooler
Thermal Paste
STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
Sound Card
ONBOARD 6 CHANNEL (5.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)
Network Card
10/100/1000 GIGABIT LAN PORT
USB/Thunderbolt Options
MIN. 2 x USB 3.0 & 2 x USB 2.0 PORTS @ BACK PANEL + MIN. 2 FRONT PORTS
Operating System
NO OPERATING SYSTEM REQUIRED
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media
NO RECOVERY MEDIA REQUIRED
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft 365® (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus
NO ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
Browser
Microsoft® Edge
Warranty
3 Year Silver Warranty (1 Year Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Delivery
STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time
Standard Build - Approximately 4 to 7 working days
Price: £1,716.00 including VAT and Delivery

Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am4-gen3-pc/uAS9ttsMzT/

 

[SpyderTracks]

128Gb RAM is going to take you overbudget whatever you do, but with being able to source 32Gb DIMMS, you could start with 2 x 32Gb and then upgrade it once you have some more cash available.

The only other option is to lower the CPU and platform to get in 128Gb under budget.

 

[skyrunner]

Starting with 64GB and then upgrading later seems more sensible than downgrading the CPU.

 

[SpyderTracks]

Starting with 64GB and then upgrading later seems more sensible than downgrading the CPU.

I agree, but you couldn't do it with RAM from PCS as they don't offer 32Gb DIMMS unfortunately except on 3000Mhz which would impact performance slightly

But it's easy to order elsewhere, definitely buy matched pairs, I'd suggest 3200MHz for optimal compatibility with the system plus good performance.

And don't cheap out, get a reputable brand like Kingston or Crucial, Patriot, something well regarded, there's a good reason they charge more for their RAM, it's not simply because it's branded.

 

[skyrunner]

OK, I'll aim to source some quality RAM - though I believe I'll need to buy some minimum RAM from PCS for them to build and test before shipping.

What are your thoughts on the motherboard?

Apologies for all the questions but I want to make sure that the system is reasonably well-balanced before I spend a lot of my hard-earned cash.

 

[SpyderTracks]

OK, I'll aim to source some quality RAM - though I believe I'll need to buy some minimum RAM from PCS for them to build and test before shipping.

Yes, you'll see that's included in the build.

What are your thoughts on the motherboard?

In reference to what? It's the only board with VRM's suitable for that processor. You don't want any less especially for something like the image processing you're talking about which is going to strain the system for long sustained periods.

 

[skyrunner]

Sorry, I hadn't noticed that you'd suggested a complete new configuration. Thanks a lot for all your help, greatly appreciated.