Finally switched from Mac to PC: And this is what it looks like!!

[Asif Limbada]

Never have I been so eager to see Microsoft logo on a screen. However, I do dread that there is no proper implementation of mission control, quick looks, spaces multi-touch gestures to show desktop. And will have to rely on third party apps that are build very buggy and clunky.

Nevertheless. I feel free...Full I possibilities.

[paulherrin]

[Asif Limbada]

Ok this is whats happened, apparently Supermicro shipment got blocked in Dubai, eventually when it got released received it.

You can not put 2 GTX 690 GPUs in this system especially with the SuperMicro Casing, as PCI x16 lane 01 is in the bottom and the casing just does have the room to install the GTX690 hence only one goes in x16 lane 03 that covers x08 (which is x4, actually) x16 lane 02.

Now I have a Cyclone 2707 PCI-E2.0 GPU Expander and its HBA can be inserted in Lane 01, so I was going to install the 2nd GTX690 in the expander.

This is how I populated the system with

PCI-E x16 01 - Cyclone 2707 GPU Expander -------> GTX690
PCI-E x04 02 - Got covered by GTX690 (wasted)
PCI-E x16 03 - GTX 690
PCI-E x08 04 - Qlogic FC HBA
PCI-E x16 05 - RED Rocket
PCI-E x08 06 - BMD Decklink

Everything was working fine when these were not installed.

However, after installing these, my USB keyboard stopped working, i tried all the slots, different keyboards, etc. The mouse works not the keyboard.

But after removing all of the above with just one GTX 690, at boot up the USB is not working, but as soon as windows login screen shows up it does.

Still troubleshooting, its a pain :-(, but workable pain. I still dont have to wait till end of 2013 to get my work done fast.

Here are some pictures

[Asif Limbada]

Some more pictures

[Michael Ou]

Very cool! I just got most of my parts, will also be building very soon. Bummer about lane 01 not being wide enough, I was hoping the GTX690 would fit there. Perhaps a job for my dremel and a horizontal orientation? (sorry, just thinking out loud, it'll probably compromise structural integrity, but I will check on that). Thanks for the update and pics! Hope RCX, your NLE's and Crysis will SCREAM on it! Keep us posted on any troubleshooting issues.

[Richard Tran]

Very cool! I just got most of my parts, will also be building very soon. Bummer about lane 01 not being wide enough, I was hoping the GTX690 would fit there. Perhaps a job for my dremel and a horizontal orientation? (sorry, just thinking out loud, it'll probably compromise structural integrity, but I will check on that). Thanks for the update and pics! Hope RCX, your NLE's and Crysis will SCREAM on it! Keep us posted on any troubleshooting issues.

Oh Hey Michael,

Did you mean something like this?

[Nick Ambrose]

I feel you man.

Windows 7 is stable, I will miss time machine, finder etc

But for a workstation, when doing edit on n number of screens, its the software that matters.

After they f***ed up with FCPX, people started shifting their software choices (I have both Avid Symphony 6 and Adobe CS6 MC, both of these work on windows 7) Its just made the transition easier.

My MP 09 is getting all clogged with 5K native edits and finishing. :-(

Sadly I may have to move too (for non film making reasons). I have been so happy with OS/X since 2003 now and converted all my machines over, but the Mac is just not keeping up in performance terms.
Even just running a couple of Android Emulators, everything grinds to a halt.

Now that finally Windows 7 seems to be stable, as much as I hate windows it's looking like time to switch back for all non "Email/web/personal stuff"

Sad day.

[Asif Limbada]

Very cool! I just got most of my parts, will also be building very soon. Bummer about lane 01 not being wide enough, I was hoping the GTX690 would fit there. Perhaps a job for my dremel and a horizontal orientation? (sorry, just thinking out loud, it'll probably compromise structural integrity, but I will check on that). Thanks for the update and pics! Hope RCX, your NLE's and Crysis will SCREAM on it! Keep us posted on any troubleshooting issues.

I am also looking into Coolmaster or some other casing for this. Adding a GPU Expander, is just plain stupid just because of the casing, I could use the GPU expander for my older Mac Pro.....Hmmm what to do.

[Asif Limbada]

Sadly I may have to move too (for non film making reasons). I have been so happy with OS/X since 2003 now and converted all my machines over, but the Mac is just not keeping up in performance terms.
Even just running a couple of Android Emulators, everything grinds to a halt.

Now that finally Windows 7 seems to be stable, as much as I hate windows it's looking like time to switch back for all non "Email/web/personal stuff"

Sad day.

After Apple being lazy on not including new I/O for current Mac Pro. And my issues getting power from USB ports with X9DAi. I just hate technology at this point. Sorry.

[Asif Limbada]

Update:

1. Trying to figure out how to install RED ROCKET on windows 7 as the manual only shows Windows XP and the dialog box to detect RED ROCKET has not shown yet.

2. I am working with a mouse and on-screen keyboard, apparently there is power coming through one USB port. check the BIOS settings etc, updating Windows 7 as of now.

Guys if you have any suggestion please do let me know.

Note: If you want RAID on the system for boot drive, you will need to copy the Motherboard Driver CD onto a USB on another computer and then put the Windows 7 disc for installation, as it will ask for drivers (including CD/DVD ROM as well). Just a tip.