Building a Desktop Computer for Math/Physics

In summary: usually Asus or Gigabyte. I also like the Creative Labs sound card, Corsair's HDDs, and Crucial's RAM.
  • #1
RJLiberator
Gold Member
1,095
63
Hi all,

Over the summer I have been working hard to net some extra cash to acquire a desktop computer for education based purposes. Physics research, modelling, and coding is what to be expected. I am hoping to have this computer be my main setup for the end of undergraduate (2 years) and graduate school, so I am looking at around a 6-8+ time frame for relevant usage.

I want a dual-monitor set up.
I also want to use a Linux operating system on this desktop. This is to save money on any OS, but also to finally learn Linux OS as much as I know windows. I also feel better coding on Linux.

I figure my budget will be around $1000, but I can make more money if the difference in performance is worthwhile.

For now, I am trying to get ideas of what I should expect.

1) Would you plan on building your own desktop or having it already built for you?
I like the idea of building my own desktop as a learning experience. Is the price to build your own much cheaper than the alternative?

2) What would be the necessary components to a desktop computer for this particular usage? What type of RAM would you want on your desktop computer that you will want to use for the next 6-8 years. Any 'must-get's' ? etc.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
I just built my own desktop very late last year and it was, as I knew it would be, a huge effort on my part. I haven't done a build in over 25 years so had to read up on modern components.

My main advice is to go with 16gigs of ram and a Solid State Boot drive plus a 1TB hybrid drive to hold most of your non-system stuff. You likely will need only a 256Gig SSD unless you want a dual boot system in which case you should go with 512gigs.

My build was about the same price as a comparable pre-built system but there just wasn't any pre-built system that had exactly what I wanted and reconfiguring them to do exactly what I wanted made them MORE expensive than what I ended up with. I have a fabuous (by my standards at least), very fast i7 desktop with a 23" monitor and exactly the configuration I wanted and it was about $1200 plus a LOT of time researching parts and seeking out good tradeoffs between quality and price. With a dual monitor, assuming any decent size, you're likely to spend about the same amount (some of my other costs were an extra 2TB drive, a low-end graphics card and a low-end sound card. One thing about my system is that I am not a gamer. They spend huge amounts on graphics drivers but I did not.

My main program utility (of my own, to build a huge we site) used to take exactly one hour on my old lapotp. It now takes 6 minutes. Most of my standard utilities run about 5 times faster than they used to.
 
  • Like
Likes RJLiberator
  • #3
This could be a good Insight if someone wants to really break it down.
 
  • Like
Likes RJLiberator
  • #4
Greg Bernhardt said:
This could be a good Insight if someone wants to really break it down.
It would require putting in a LOT of option/variations since no two people are likely to want the same thing and you'd have to explain the pros/cons of a whole bunch of options. Nice if someone wanted to do it. I'd consider it but it would be approximately 2031 before I get to it given my current TODO list and since I figure I'll die before then, you'll need to get someone else :smile:
 
  • Like
Likes ProfuselyQuarky and RJLiberator
  • #5
Important point: if you plan on number crunching, good graphic card can be much better than the processor itself (google GPGPU).
 
  • Like
Likes RJLiberator
  • #6
RJLiberator said:
...
1) Would you plan on building your own desktop or having it already built for you?
I like the idea of building my own desktop as a learning experience. Is the price to build your own much cheaper than the alternative?
Yes, I would and the price is usually higher than that of one sold in a computer store because I would want to build one with more RAM and a different type of HD (i.e SSD) which is more expensive, for example.
2) What would be the necessary components to a desktop computer for this particular usage? What type of RAM would you want on your desktop computer that you will want to use for the next 6-8 years. Any 'must-get's' ? etc.
All things are planned based on your own requirements. Prices of related components can be considered later after you finish your planning because they vary a lot according to types and their makers.
As for a general computer, you need
a motherboard (mobo)
a power resource
a fan
a HD
one or more RAM bars
2 monitors
...

I prefer Intel chip-set and CPU so I often choose a motherboard with them already installed on it. It often also includes removable monitor, sound and network cards. Monitor card is also important if you would want to use your computer to play games making use of heavy graphics or physics modelling. So you may pick a good one with more memory to handle drawing buffers ($150-$250). The main point in building your own stuff is that you need to guarantee everything is working well or compatible with each other (ram bars and purchased mobo, monitor card with mobo, etc)
A good pair of monitors (22"-27") may cost you about $250 - $500.
Intel CPU (I suggest core-i7) is pretty expensive. ($350-$500)
You will probably need 8GB-16GB of RAM for your study. Prices are varied.
An intel chipset mobo may cost you around $200-$550.
How much others cost is depending on your preference and budget then, but they are less important than the few components as said above.
 
  • Like
Likes RJLiberator
  • #7
Pepper Mint said:
The main point in building your own stuff is that you need to guarantee everything is working well or compatible with each other (ram bars and purchased mobo, monitor card with mobo, etc)
That's an excellent point that I forgot to mention in my post. Making sure everything was compatible (and this can be a non-trivial exercise) was a big part of my research into modern components.
 
  • Like
Likes RJLiberator and Pepper Mint
  • #8
Some online stores will custom build a system with parts that you order, and usually it's not that expensive. I happen to live within driving distance of one of them, so I don't have to pay for shipping. As an option, Windows 10 OEM version isn't that expensive. I don't know if you can get Windows 7 OEM anymore. As mentioned, some software can use graphics card and/or multiple cores for improved performance, including libraries for software that you write, so which software packages you plan to buy will be a factor.
 
  • Like
Likes RJLiberator
  • #9
Borek said:
Important point: if you plan on number crunching, good graphic card can be much better than the processor itself (google GPGPU).
Very true. if you are new to building computers.
get to know your scrap man. you will see a van with fridges!
I get old computers for parts for £5 to £10.
you can pay that for a fan or conneting cables.
sores like cex(second hand) and ebuyer(new)
sell good and cheap stuff! good luck.
 
  • Like
Likes RJLiberator
  • #10
Hey all,

So I keep researching away here and there. I'm currently looking for CPU's since I am completely in the dark here.

Based on this guide: http://techreport.com/review/30291/the-tech-report-system-guide-june-2016-edition/2

They say that the sweet spot is the Intel Core i5-6500 for ~$205.00.
I like this price. I'm also interested in Intel Core i5-6600K and, if necessary, the higher budget one of Intel Core i7-6800K.

My question is: Am I going to be satisfied with these? Are there any distinct problems with these? Is this old information?

Any recommendations for the CPU? What would you be looking to spend on this part in say a $1000-$1500 budget desktop build.
 
  • #11
Are you sure you don't want to also use it for gaming?
And how much physics modelling do you intend to do? Probably just a small simulation once in a while.
You could in fact get yourself a low cost PC for far less than $1000 and it will be more than sufficient. You don't even need a graphics card if you have graphics built into the CPU.
You really only need an expensive machine if you want to play the latest blockbuster games or you do some really intensive calculations on there all the time.

Anyway, here is a list of benchmarks that can help you compare different CPUs. https://www.cpubenchmark.net/
What you definitely should get is an SSD and at least 8GB of RAM.
If you decide for a processor from the K line which can be overclocked quite a bit, you may also want to get a motherboard with a Z170 chipset.
And for the type of RAM - either DDR3 or DDR4. But those two are not compatible and since DDR4 is the future and the price is similar I'd go with that.

btw. if you want to make your decision easier just go to newegg http://www.newegg.com/Components/Store and sort the products there by "best selling". Then pick an item from the top 10 or so. That way you are unlikely to make a bad choice.
And don't buy a cheap power supply. You don't want to burn your house down or have a power surge damage your computer.
 
  • Like
Likes RJLiberator
  • #12
@DrZoidberg Thank you for the tips.

I have no interest in gaming with this machine. I do want to be able to perform any simulations and processes that relate to physics research. This may just be simply calculations and beyond, but I plan on using this desktop for all my work remaining in the 2 years of undergraduate and the years of graduate school. I'm really coming around to the idea of a desktop that's less than $1000.

I will need a desktop that runs linux and 2 display monitors.
I definitely aim to get an SSD and at least 16 GB of Ram.

Any idea on what I can do with the graphics card situation or what my 'aim' should be based on this information?
 
  • #13
Let me ask this:

Is it possible for me to build a desktop with:

a SSD, 16 to 32 GB of Ram, Linux operating system (free), a decent graphics card capable of producing two displays and some basic modeling, amongst other necessities

all for under $800?

Keep in mind, I am a fan of buying quality goods now for longevity, so I'd prefer to spend more if it meant that it will last me longer, but if I can do this for $800 or under, I can do it very soon.
 
  • #14
$800 should be no problem.
case: $40
power supply: $60
motherboard: $100
cpu: $200
ram: $140
graphics card: $50
ssd: $150
DVD drive: $20
total: $760
 
  • Like
Likes RJLiberator
  • #15
That seems highly reasonable from what I can tell with two key issues:

1. A $50 graphics card will allow my computer to perform at a high level for calculations/basic mathematical modelling?
2. A CPU at $200 is something like the i5-6500 as presented in the link you posted above. Will this type of build keep me future-ready for the foreseeable future (~4-6 years).
 
  • #16
1. I don't know if you want to do any calculations on the graphics card. If so you need to decide how much processing power you need there.
2. Do you expect your demands for processing power to increase in the future? CPUs will not get significantly faster in the next 5 years anyway. They have been developing very slowly for the last few years.
 
  • Like
Likes RJLiberator
  • #17
Hi @DrZoidberg and Physics Forums,

Now that I have raised a reasonable amount of money, I am starting to look at a build.

Using this as a nice base:

$800 should be no problem.
case: $40
power supply: $60
motherboard: $100
cpu: $200
ram: $140
graphics card: $50
ssd: $150
DVD drive: $20
total: $760

And using the following link: http://techreport.com/review/30460/the-tech-report-system-guide-august-2016-edition

I've created the following:

CASE: $60.00
PSU: EVGA Supernova G2 550W $90.00
MOBO: MSI Z170-A PRO $115.00
CPU: Intel Core i7-6700k $360.00
RAM: G Skill ripjaws V 32 GB DDR4 $113.00
GPU: EVGA Gefore GTX 950 $130.00
SSD: Crucial MX300 525 GB $130.00
DVD Drive: ASUS DRW $20.00
CPU COOLER: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO $30.00
OS: Linux, free

TOTAL: $1050.00

Optional: Soundcard Asus Xonar OSX $54.00

Your estimations were pretty much spot on. The two big differences were in CPU and GPU. CPU, I'm looking at the i7-6700K ($360) vs. the i5-6600K ($250) and felt that i7-6700 might be the better buy for longevity. As for GPU, I am not sure how to get by on a $50 GPU. It seems like a sweet-spot of performance really occurs at around the $200 mark. While I have the EVGA Geforce GTX 950 ($130) in my build, I realize that some new GPU's hit the marker recently. Most notably, the Sapphire Radeon RX 480 4GB for $200.00 seems to be the ideal GPU for my build (although I have to do more research on it). Any helpful tips/recommendations/questions/concerns on my first put together? Obviously, I have to do a lot more work here to make sure everything works well with each other and I hope to find these items at a better price with some deal-shopping.
 
  • #18
You will find that a 550W PSU is massive overkill. I have a system quite similar to yours but with a two hard drives in addition to the SSD, two DVD drives instead of one, a sound card in addition to the GPU, a big case with 4 fans, plus the MB powers several external USB devices. All of that and the UPS says that the most power it ever uses is about 90W and normal running is 75W. Modern parts just don't need much juice, it seems.

Also, I bought a Coolmaster CPU cooler, like you, because all the online stuff said that the one that comes with the i7 is insufficient. I think that's a joke. The extra cooler turned out to be so very clearly not needed that I felt silly looking back on it. It LOOKS very impressive though. :smile:
 
  • Like
Likes RJLiberator
  • #19
Latest build:

CASE: H440 Black + Green $120.00
PSU: EVGA Supernova G2 550W $90.00
MOBO: ASUS X-99 A-II $230.00
CPU: Intel Core i7-6800k $440.00
RAM: G Skill ripjaws V 32 GB DDR4 $113.00
GPU: EVGA Gefore GTX 960 $180.00
SSD: Crucial MX300 525 GB $130.00
DVD Drive: ASUS DRW $20.00
CPU COOLER: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO $30.00
OS: Linux, free

TOTAL: $1353.00

Optional: Soundcard Asus Xonar OSX $54.00Some notes:
1. Big question on the GPU. Do I go with the new Radeon Rx 480 (supposed to be at price of $200.00) or a Nvidia GTX 960 for ~$180.00? Well, the Radeon RX 480 seems to perform better, but it is almost impossible to find online for the price of $200.00. It's going upwards of $300.00 which is not suitable for my needs. GTX 960 so far is the winner as it is easily accessible at the price I want for my GPU.

2. The Processor is the big money difference. I am debating between i7-6700k ($360.00) vs. i7-5820k ($390.00) vs. i7-6800k ($440.00). The i7-5820k seems to lose simply because the 6800k is a superior CPU for only $50 more. The notable thing here is that the i7-6700k uses a Z1ZO mobo while the i7-6800k and i7-5820k uses a x99 motherboard. I am highly interested in the future-proofing of the 6800k with x99, which is why my latest build chooses this. However, this is a major $$$ difference in $200.00+. The likely fact is that either computer will suit my needs. Needless to say, I would love the x99+6800k tho.

3. I can save some minimal money from the case as well. Currently the NZXT one is just a placeholder. I like the NZXT cases and for $120.00 I would happily buy a great case. I'd be interested in seeing some cases for around $40.00 tho, but I'm going to research this further later when I know what parts I want to fill it. Any opinions on my build and my 3 main comments? Any other suggestions?

Thank you.
 
  • #20
I've built over a dozen computers within the last 5 years (mostly gaming oriented).

Don't skip on Windows if you're just now learning Linux.

You're not at CERN crunching data, yet, so you can get away with something quite moderate to carry you through your undergrad/grad school.

I've used my custom computer for all of my physics labs/programming assignments thus far and have had 0 issues. Let me give you some advice for your latest list:

CASE: H440 Black + Green $120.00 // Find a mid-tower for around 50-100 bucks on Newegg/Amazon
PSU: EVGA Supernova G2 550W $90.00 // Great power supply; no recommendations.
MOBO: ASUS X-99 A-II $230.00 // You can save quite a bit by getting something in the 110-130 dollar range; Asus/Gigabyte are great.
CPU: Intel Core i7-6800k $440.00 // You definitely don't need an i7, but they are awesome. Find a much less expensive i-5.
RAM: G Skill ripjaws V 32 GB DDR4 $113.00 // 32 GBs is overkill. 16 GBs will be more than sufficient.
GPU: EVGA Gefore GTX 960 $180.00 // Solid card; no recommendations.
SSD: Crucial MX300 525 GB $130.00 // SSD is the biggest QOL upgrade you can make and this one is great.
DVD Drive: ASUS DRW $20.00 // Good
CPU COOLER: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO $30.00 // Stock cool is more than enough; don't over clock and you'll be fine.
OS: Linux, free // Drop the $100 for Windows until you get comfortable with Linux.

TOTAL: $1353.00

Optional: Soundcard Asus Xonar OSX $54.00 // You can skip on the sound card.

If you like, I can build you a sold computer for less than $1000 shipped.
 
  • Like
Likes RJLiberator
  • #21
@Fancypen I appreciate the comments very much.

Find a mid-tower for around 50-100 bucks on Newegg/Amazon

I agree. Nailing down a good case has been hard for me so far simply because there seem to be so many and I don't know where to look. I think one of the Corsair carbides might work, eventually.

You definitely don't need an i7, but they are awesome. Find a much less expensive i-5.

The way I see it is that the i7-6800k vs. i5 or even i7-6700k ($330.00) is the biggest question I have. I can save around ~$300.00 if I go from an i7-6800k to an i7-6700k as if I did this I would not need an x99 motherboard.

Of course, the ego (or whatever you want to call it) in me wants me to pay the extra $300.00 to get the i7-6800k + mobo. I realize that the i7-6700k+Z170 mobo is likely very much sufficient for all my needs.

This will likely have to be a personal decision as I've realized all facts on both sides. The smart decision: buy an i7-6700k+mobo. The dream decision: buy an i7-6800k+x99 mobo.

Drop the $100 for Windows until you get comfortable with Linux.

Is there any reason you feel strongly about this? On my other desktop I have windows, but I really wanted to explore linux on this desktop. I *love* the way linux runs and what it stands for.

Stock cool is more than enough; don't over clock and you'll be fine.

I would think this depends on my final decision for i7 processor, correct? I've been getting somewhat mixed remarks about the cooler situation. A few have said that I need an upgrade. Most have said the $30 Hyper 212 is fine. The two posters here are saying I might not even need the cooler.
I figure for a mere sub $30.00 I can get it and feel satisfied.

Solid card; no recommendations.

This is where I have the second biggest question mark in my build. Originally I wanted the Radeon rx 480, but that is no longer going to happen (out of stock, overpricing).

I'm debating between:
GTX 960 for $180.00
GTX 950 for $130.00
Radeon Rx 460 for $110.00
GTX 750 Ti for ~$80.00
Radeon Rx 470 $200.00

Seems like the 470 is the best possible card beating GTX 960 by "40% in video games" based on a YouTube video. Additionally, I do not like that Nvidia doesn't seem to support their old cards. I think I prefer the Radeon RX 460 or 470, but if I choose to be budgetm inded, might go for a 750 Ti just to get me going.

Any comments on these GPU's?
I greatly appreciate your help mate! Especially considering your background and what you do.
 
Last edited:
  • #22
Borek said:
Important point: if you plan on number crunching, good graphic card can be much better than the processor itself (google GPGPU).

I'm going to disagree here. It is true that you can get great calculational performance on GPUs, However, you need to be using code that is specifically written for GPUs. If you aren't writing the code yourself, or using a program specifically written for running on GPUs, it's not likely you will get better performance. You're better off saving your money or spending it elsewhere.

Likewise, a stock CPU cooler is sufficient unless you're doing something exceptional: like running the machine 24/7.
 
  • Like
Likes mheslep
  • #23
Hey all,

I want to note that this post is not about budget cutting or purpose of the build, but rather that compatibility of parts and any suggestions for possibly better parts for around the same $$$. If you have suggestions, feel free to comment! Most importantly, if you see something that is incompatible or perhaps I am not taking advantage of something, please let me know.

Build:
CPU :: Intel i7-6800k $410.00 [link](http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=)
MOBO :: ASUS x99 A-II $235.00 [link](http://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php?name=MB-X99-A2&c=CJ)

PSU :: EVGA SuperNova G2 550 W $80.00 [link](http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...chReport&cm_mmc=OTC-TechReport-_-NA-_-NA-_-NA)
COOLER :: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo $30.00 [link](http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...103099&cm_re=Hyper_212-_-35-103-099-_-Product)

CASE :: Fractal Design Define S with window $80.00 [link](http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16811352055)

MEMORY :: 2 x G Skill Ripjaws (2x8GB) DDR4-2400 $136.00 [link](http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=)

GPU :: EVGA GeForce GTX 750 Ti Superclocks 2GB $80.00 [link](http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...cm_re=gtx_750_ti-_-14-487-024-_-Product#close)

OPTICAL DRIVE :: ASUS DRW 24B1ST $20.00 [link](http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...1stblkbas_dvdcd_writer-_-27-135-204-_-Product)

SYSTEM DRIVE :: Crucial MX300 525 GB SSD $130.00 [link](http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...51&cm_re=crucial_mx300-_-20-156-151-_-Product)

MONITOR :: 2 x HP Pavilion 21.5 inch $200.00 [link](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015WCV70W/?tag=pfamazon01-20)_______________________________________________________

So this is my complete build for my 'realistic dream scenario'.

The only thing I skimped out on was the GPU as I chose a 750 Ti instead of an upper graphics card (or newer one). I choose this as I did not need the desktop to be super ready for extreme games, but simply to achieve greatness in everyday video editing and other applications.

What does everyone think about Crucial Mx300 vs. Crucial Mx200 SSD's? I've heard mixed reviews.

Will the dual monitor set up work with my chosen GPU? I believe it does.

I chose a fractal design case for ~$80.00 as it fits the in between from supergamer to boring/bland. Seems like a well made case.

Are my choices of items compatible? Are my choices of items 'good'?

**This is by no means a final 'buy now list' but rather more research on what I *could* be getting for the price.

Thank you for any opinions.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • Like
Likes Greg Bernhardt
  • #24
Just a FYI on the OPTICAL DRIVE. Within the past year or so, the drive manufacturers have downgraded the write speed on the drives. They still advertise write speeds of 40X or so but that is only valid for about the first 30 seconds of recording. After that they fall back to a much slower speed, around 8 or 12X.

I suspect the folks in Hollywood got to them to cut down on pirating.

If you expect to do much optical disc writing, search for a drive that is 'copy rated', 'duplication grade', or a similar term. Some blog sites insist there is no difference in the drives except a little higher price. On my last buy, I returned five drives from three labels as defective due to the slow speed. I finally caught on and found a 'duplication grade' drive. That was around late 2015 and they were scarce, I haven't checked recent availability.
 
  • Like
Likes RJLiberator
  • #25
Thanks for the comment Tom G.

one known issue* : Fractal design define S case does not allow for optical drive. I will either not purchase an optical drive or find a similar case that does support it.

If I decide to look into an optical drive (not sure I need it, leaning towards not even getting one for this computer since I have an old computer that does have a disc drive) I will remember that.
 
  • #26
Latest build after some minor updates!

CPU: Intel Core i7-6800K 3.4GHz 6-Core Processor ($409.99 @ Newegg)

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($24.88 @ OutletPC)

Motherboard: Asus X99-A II ATX LGA2011-3 Motherboard ($225.99 @ SuperBiiz)

Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($67.99 @ Newegg)

Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($67.99 @ Newegg)

Storage: Crucial MX300 525GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($128.99 @ SuperBiiz)

Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 950 2GB Superclocked+ ACX 2.0 Video Card ($129.99 @ Newegg)

Case: Fractal Design Define S w/Window ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Newegg)

Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA G2 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.49 @ SuperBiiz)

Total: $1215.30
 
  • #27
What! No Printer?

And don't forget:
Mouse
Keyboard
Display
Chair (Comfortable!)
Bookcase (?)
Extension Cord(s)
Networking (?)
and depending on the power reliability, a battery backup.

(Oh. and remember to clean out the dust bunnies every month or three; and do a backup every now-and-then.)
 
  • Like
Likes RJLiberator
  • #28
Yes, no printer! Will have plenty of places to print at (Uni and work).

Mouse + keyboard for $50.

I have picked out two display monitors ($200.00) here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015WCV70W/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Chair will be the difficult one as I want a nice one that doesn't break the bank.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #30
CPU: Intel Core i7-6800K 3.4GHz 6-Core Processor ($409.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: CRYBOIRG H5 ULTIMATE ($50)
Motherboard: Asus X99-A II ATX LGA2011-3 Motherboard ($225.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($124.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 Pro Series 512GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($220.70 @ NCIX US)
Case: Fractal Design Define S w/Window ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA G2 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.49 @ SuperBiiz)
GPU: GeForce GTX 1060 ($290)

This is looking like my final bid. I found a place to get the new GTX 1060 for a decent price.
 
  • #31
So you decided on an expensive high performance build afterall. In that case why not put an M2 SSD in there. Those are 4 to 5 times faster than SATA SSDs. So maybe a 512mb M2 SSD for the system drive plus a 1TB SATA SSD for data storage.
Of course it's total overkill but it's fun to have.
 
  • Like
Likes RJLiberator
  • #32
'Twas just getting to be too much. Needed to stop somewhere. Room for improvements down the line :D.
 
  • #33
RJLiberator said:
Hi all,

Over the summer I have been working hard to net some extra cash to acquire a desktop computer for education based purposes. Physics research, modelling, and coding is what to be expected. I am hoping to have this computer be my main setup for the end of undergraduate (2 years) and graduate school, so I am looking at around a 6-8+ time frame for relevant usage.

You may want to consider parallel processing using the GPU. Check out https://developer.nvidia.com/cuda-gpus and also this story about scientists using the GPU instead of a supercomputer. http://spectrum.ieee.org/tech-talk/computing/hardware/use-a-gpu-to-turn-a-pc-into-a-supercomputer.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #34
Let me repeat waht I said:

It is true that you can get great calculational performance on GPUs, However, you need to be using code that is specifically written for GPUs. If you aren't writing the code yourself, or using a program specifically written for running on GPUs, it's not likely you will get better performance. You're better off saving your money or spending it elsewhere.
 
  • Like
Likes QuantumQuest
  • #35
Hello!

Here is a site where I put together computer parts and the site calculates the best deals and any compatibility issues: http://pcpartpicker.com/list/mjRdxY

This is actually my first build, and it is based on the "Moderate Gaming Build" tutorial found on the same site referenced. However, I feel comfortable with this since I am not doing any hard core gaming; I am doing more software testing/development.

If wanted, I can follow up with my experience for this what I find to be reasonably-priced build!
 
<h2>1. What are the essential components needed to build a desktop computer for math/physics?</h2><p>The essential components needed to build a desktop computer for math/physics are a motherboard, CPU, RAM, storage drive, graphics card, power supply, and a case. These components work together to provide the necessary processing power and storage for running complex mathematical and physics calculations.</p><h2>2. How much RAM is needed for a desktop computer used for math/physics?</h2><p>The amount of RAM needed for a desktop computer used for math/physics depends on the specific software and calculations being performed. However, as a general rule, it is recommended to have at least 16GB of RAM to ensure smooth and efficient operation.</p><h2>3. Is a dedicated graphics card necessary for a desktop computer used for math/physics?</h2><p>While a dedicated graphics card is not essential for basic math/physics calculations, it can greatly improve the performance and speed of more complex calculations. Therefore, it is recommended to have a dedicated graphics card for a desktop computer used for math/physics.</p><h2>4. What is the best processor for a desktop computer used for math/physics?</h2><p>The best processor for a desktop computer used for math/physics would be a high-performance CPU with multiple cores and a high clock speed. Some recommended options include Intel Core i7 or i9 processors or AMD Ryzen 7 or 9 processors.</p><h2>5. Can I use a pre-built desktop computer for math/physics or do I need to build my own?</h2><p>While it is possible to find pre-built desktop computers that are suitable for math/physics, building your own computer allows for more customization and control over the components used. This can result in better performance and cost-effectiveness in the long run.</p>

1. What are the essential components needed to build a desktop computer for math/physics?

The essential components needed to build a desktop computer for math/physics are a motherboard, CPU, RAM, storage drive, graphics card, power supply, and a case. These components work together to provide the necessary processing power and storage for running complex mathematical and physics calculations.

2. How much RAM is needed for a desktop computer used for math/physics?

The amount of RAM needed for a desktop computer used for math/physics depends on the specific software and calculations being performed. However, as a general rule, it is recommended to have at least 16GB of RAM to ensure smooth and efficient operation.

3. Is a dedicated graphics card necessary for a desktop computer used for math/physics?

While a dedicated graphics card is not essential for basic math/physics calculations, it can greatly improve the performance and speed of more complex calculations. Therefore, it is recommended to have a dedicated graphics card for a desktop computer used for math/physics.

4. What is the best processor for a desktop computer used for math/physics?

The best processor for a desktop computer used for math/physics would be a high-performance CPU with multiple cores and a high clock speed. Some recommended options include Intel Core i7 or i9 processors or AMD Ryzen 7 or 9 processors.

5. Can I use a pre-built desktop computer for math/physics or do I need to build my own?

While it is possible to find pre-built desktop computers that are suitable for math/physics, building your own computer allows for more customization and control over the components used. This can result in better performance and cost-effectiveness in the long run.

Similar threads

  • DIY Projects
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • DIY Projects
Replies
23
Views
3K
  • Computing and Technology
Replies
14
Views
1K
  • Computing and Technology
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • DIY Projects
2
Replies
62
Views
7K
  • DIY Projects
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Computing and Technology
Replies
18
Views
4K
  • DIY Projects
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Computing and Technology
Replies
10
Views
8K
  • Poll
  • Computing and Technology
Replies
8
Views
2K
Back
Top