Brigs Lab's

Appropriate title, i trying to make a guide with a picture of a desktop PC workstation entry to middle level with maximum budget is $ 1000. Optimization on processing speed is the key of a workstation, gaming machine different from the more feature DirectX rendering capabilities of GPU power alone. Before too long before i saying thanks to GX Computer Bandung for supply all the requirements of this guide.

CPU

With Intel Core I5 presence which is a derivative of the Core i7 with reduction in several features including tripple-channel memory interface and QPI (Quick path interface) is replaced with DMI (Direct Media Interface) and just using dualchannel DDR3 SDRAM. QPI are more optimized for multiple processor socket design such that 2U or 4S for mainstream Intel desktop connectivity using DMI compared to connecting directly QPI bandwidth of PCI express lane with a CPU. I5 750 Core 2.66GHz themselves with sporting 8MB L3 cache and this is why i selected as the processor for workstations. Unlike the ‘big brother’ i7 860 that using Intel hyper threading features technology and faster speed (2.8GHz).  Both of them have also equipped with Intel Turbo boost version 2 that we can switch to enable BIOS features C-State Tech and set the C – State limit on the C6. This feature is able to bring this 750 Core I5 to 3.2GHz in several applications that require power horse process.

Core i5 750, 2.66Ghz Quadcore CPU with sporting 8Mb L3 cache

Motherboard

For the motherboard i’m choosing one product from Asus is a valuable vanilla P7P55D under $ 200. The Feature fairly complete and most importantly the PWM configuration is taken pretty good with this Core I5 750 ‘fly to sky’

Asus P7P55D Vanilla with 12 phase PWM

Memory
Fast processor, great mobo useless if not paired with a memory that can react quickly and big enough to demand data from the CPU. From several choosing different vendor, i’m decide to choose one product version of Team Extreme DDR3 LV (Low Voltage) 2×2Gb PC 12800 with low latency CL7 1.65v that have been optimized for Core I5 platforms. Our source tells me that that memory still using a little cheap Elpida BBSE based IC that rated PC16000 CL9.

Team Extreme DDR3 PC12800 CL7 1.65v

Graphics Card
For a VGA workstation selection important enough to be able to optimize the performance of the primary system. In order to support the use of green computing power that is currently emerging  then we choose a Colorfull Geforce 9600GT 512M DDR3 with a 256bit interface. This chipset is quite old but was still able to consider bringing a system for workstation needs. If you choose for gaming oriented considering looking for more modern GPU with shaders and very high demand computing will be selected. And if you’re professional-level editing i will choose Quadro GPU or FireGL for meet the powerhorse the system, but in these case we can running out the budget.

The older GPU like GF 9600GT but still favorable for entry level

HDD
For the HDD is consistent with the needs and the existing budget, for that i’m choose WD Caviar Blue 320GB equipped 8m buffer cache.

WDC Caviar Blue 320Gb series with SATA 2 interface and 8Mb Buffer.

Power system
System which has quickly will not survive long without a strong PSU. For meet the requirement the system measure for a 400W FSP Saga  II for $45 and CBM AZZA LC 319 chassis series that has been equipped with a 80% efficiency with a peak power of 450W continues. For AC current stability of power plant reseource is likely to fluctuate i pickup a FSP 650W UPS that has been equipped with monitoring software system. Overbudget slightly from $ 1000 but the system is ready to work non-stop operation 24/7.

FSP Saga II 400W and CBM AZZA series for the power and chasis

CPU cooler
Rapid system with 24/7 overclocked requires a good cooling system to reduce heat generated. Apart from circulation casing that has been equipped with a 12cm fan intake and outtake of 9cm and 12cm fan then the CPU must also reduce heat due to overspeed. For the purpose i choose a product from the noctua NH-U12P series that has been equipped with 4 Heatpipe and dual 12cm silent ball bearings from the noctua high performace Fan.

Noctua U12P Special Edition will be fitted equipment for CPU Cooling

LCD Monitor
Use of LCD with enough resolution is needed once in the use of this design field. So an AOC 917VW + which already has a native resolution of 1440×900 60Hz, has a response rate of 5ms (gray to gray) and contrast ratio of 6000:1. With prices ranging around $ 140 then this product can be an option for this workstation system.

AOC 917VW+ with Dual Input Analog and DVI

System Test and Benchmark

Core i5 System
Core i5 750 ($220)
Asus P7P55D ($190)
Team Extreme LV 12800C7 2×2Gb ($132)
Colorfull GF 9600GT Green ($80)
WD 320Gb Blue Caviar ($45)
AOC 917VW+ ($140)
Noctua U12P ($65)
FSP SAGA II 400W (45)
CBM Azza ($50)
UPS FSP 650W ($60)

AMD X4 System
AMD X4 B50
MSI 790FX GD 70
OCZ AMD Platinum 2×2Gb DDR3 12800 C7
2x HD 4850 Crossfire
WD 320Gb AAKS
Thermalright 120X
PC Power n Cooling 750W

Software :
Windows 7 x64 RTM 7600 with latest patch update
Nvidia Forceware 191.07 whql
ATI Catalist 9.10
Adobe Photoshop CS4 x64 Edition
Specviewperf 8.0 (32bit)
Adobe Media Encoder x64
Cinebench R10 x64
PCMark Vantage 1.0.10 x64

Core i5 setup 24/7

With good aircooling and airflow we can managed our test Core i5 750 between 4Ghz until 4.5Ghz depend your processor and system of course. I decided for these tweak bring the core stable in 4Ghz daily using just only need 1.36V CPU core and 1.35V MCH. For The system memory for safety use i recommend using vdimm not more than 0.5v than IMC. So for daily i using only 1.72V rather with tight latency 6-7-6-18 1T at 1600Mhz. So far system has been test stable running Intel Linpack stressing more than 6 hours continues with moderate CPU load temperature in stress max at 78c in ambient room 24c.

Adobe Photoshop CS4 x64 speed test filtering

With scheme from DriverHeaven benchmark test, we can look how Intel Core i5 perform in Adobe Filtering speed test. In same speed you can look  Core i5 is fastest about 25% than AMD Phenom II X4.

Cinebench love core and speed, in the top chart you can see the real performance of multicore and operating system in 32 and 64bit mode. In OGL test a dual GPU HD 4850 in AMD Phenom II rig can’t be compare with fastest CPU.

Specviewperf 8.0 is a simulation modelling for 3D application such as 3D Max and Maya rendering. The mix between GPU and CPU power will bring the good result. In Catia and 3D Max the mixing HD 4850 and AMD Phenom II X4 running so fast here but in Maya test Intel Core i5 with oldies Geforce 9600GT bring back the trophy.

In encoding video test Intel Core i5 750 is faster about 23% faster than AMD Phenom II in same speed at 3.75Ghz.

Synthetic benchmark like PC Mark Vantage was designing to measure capability overall system to running Windows Vista and 7 with application such are multimedia content creation, gaming and daily productivity.

So this time my article, hopefully can give the user a picture for all who want to build a modern workstation system without having to break down all your savings in Bank.