New Workstation Build: Socket 2011

[s0rce]

Going to be building 2 new workstations for the lab at work.

I think I will be building around the new 8 core Xeon E5-2687W but if there is a good alternative that could work too, at the moment we have a number of dual-cpu workstations so that is fine if the cost/performance is good. Budget is about $4000/each. They will be used for 3D rendering of scientific data and data analysis. The computations are primarily done with CERN Root: http://root.cern.ch/drupal/

CPU: Xeon E5-2687W
MB: Intel BOXDX79SI -or- ASUS P9X79 -or- Supermicro X9SRA
RAM: 8x 8GB DDR3
GPU: $1750 PNY VCQ5000-PB Quadro 5000 -or- EVGA 03G-P3-1584-AR GeForce GTX 580
SSD: 256GB Samsung 830 or Crucial M4
PSU: CORSAIR Professional Series Gold AX850
CASE: Fractal Design Define R3 Black Pearl (not set in stone)

Monitor (not included in price will likely be a Dell Ultrasharp u3011

My questions are,

1. Should I go with the Supermicro motherboard and ECC/registered memory or go with the Intel/Asus motherboard and get non-ECC DDR3.

2. What is the benefit of the Quadro 5000 vs the MUCH MUCH cheaper GTX 580, do I really need the Quadro?

3. What do you think of the build? Suggestions please!

 

[Dangman]

1) Considering the use, I'd spend the extra cash for the Supermicro mobo and registered ECC RAM. The higher chance of stability and reliability is worth it for that kind of use.

2) The Quadro 5000 has drivers that boosts its professional 3D rendering performance. Since this is for a work situion, I'd recommend the Quadro. With that said, I recommend asking over in the Video Card subforum to get some confirmation as to whether you really need a Quadro.

3) That system would be fime with a good quality 650W or 750W PSU. You really don't need a 850W PSU.