New Workstation Build

[Nikhil Kamkolkar]

So I have to ask if you've considered buying a system like the HP Z820? I received one here today and there's a lot about it to like. There is another thread around here, where I compared my Z820 configuration to a similar build using the SuperMicro X9DAi motherboard.

Jeff, any chance you could point me to the thread that has your Z820 config? I'm going to go down that route for editing R3D w/out RED Rocket (atleast to start off with).

Many thanks in advance!
Nikhil

[Luke Boyce]

So I'm finally pulling the trigger on this system and getting ready to order the parts. One thing I was wondering is, I'll be running dual Dell U2410's from the GTX 580, but I need another GPU for a production monitor via HDMI. Was wondering if somebody can give me some advice on a simple GPU to accomplish this task.

[Patrick O'Sullivan]

Just resurrecting an old thread here.

About to pull the trigger on an HP Z820 and wanted to know what GPUs I should be looking at.

Any suggestions Jeff?

[Jeff Kilgroe]

I know it costs more, but I strongly recommend buying your graphics card from HP for this! They use customized firmware on all their video cards that helps to smooth operations with their workstations.

For now, the Quadro 6000 is the best option for the system for best all-around performance. Some of the higher-end gaming cards can beat it in some operations, but for overall performance, it's king. That said, I wouldn't recommend buying one right now. I would save some money and do the Quadro 4000 or do a GTX580 from EVGA or PNY for the time being. The reasoning behind that is the new Kepler based Quadros are to start shipping in the next few weeks and HP should have the K5000 and K6000 approved for the Z820 within the next 30 to 60 days.

I suppose your timing on the system purchase also plays a role. Depending on how soon you buy, those cards may be available as an option right from the get-go.


Intel will be launching updated Xeon CPUs early next year -- probably end of February. It is unclear as of yet if they will be drop-in compatible with the current Z820 workstation (and most other current Romley platform Xeon systems). They will use the same socket and same chipset, but will have different (lower) power requirements. I've found in the past that upgrading CPUs, especially in a dual-Xeon box like this, is usually not very economical. Often better to sell the workstation or assign it to another task and purchase a new one. Just letting you know that the new ones are coming around the corner fast this time rather than a 26 month wait. Happening for two reasons, the last iteration was delayed nearly a year behind schedule and the new iteration uses the 22nm fab process so Intel is eager to push forward at this point as quick as they can.

[Patrick O'Sullivan]

Thanks Jeff.

I am pulling the trigger on Monday so it looks like I'll have to settle on dual E5 2690s.

I've got a gtx 470 si I'll add a 580 and that should do me for Resolve.

Thanks again for the explanations.