Difference between revisions of "Computer Hardware"
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[http://www.amazon.com/Intel-i7-4930K-Technology-Processors-BX80633I74930K/dp/B00EMHM622/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1400878974&sr=1-1&keywords=I7-4930K | I7-4930 on Amazon.com] | [http://www.amazon.com/Intel-i7-4930K-Technology-Processors-BX80633I74930K/dp/B00EMHM622/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1400878974&sr=1-1&keywords=I7-4930K | I7-4930 on Amazon.com] | ||
Alternatively, the LGA1150 socket Intel Quad Core I7-4790 running at 3.6 GHz for $315 from Amazon has 30% lower benchmark rating but much better performance/price ratio. | |||
[ http://www.amazon.com/Intel-Core-i7-4790-Processor-BX80646I74790/dp/B00J56YSLM/ref=dp_ob_title_ce | I7-4790 on Amazon.com ] | |||
These are supplied without a cooler which is purchased separately. We use the low cost air-cooled Intel Thermal Solution Air $21 | |||
[ http://www.amazon.com/Intel-BXRTS2011AC-Thermal-Solution-Air/dp/B006588YUE/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1400879345&sr=1-3-fkmr0&keywords=I7-4930K+lga2011+intel++cooler | Intel LGA2011 cooler] | |||
It runs quietly, and is not at risk for use at a telescope where there may be temperature extremes. | |||
Revision as of 21:31, 23 May 2014
Computer systems that run the telescopes, store data, and provide remote analysis for users are currently built in house from standard components selected for the best performance/price ratio. Starting in the spring of 2014 we will try to document the selections here. Typically useful lifetimes for hardware before failure or obsolescence is 3 to 5 years.
Server Chassis
Supermicro 822T-400LPB $424
This is a 2U rack server that accommodates an ATX motherboard with space for 6 hot-swap SATA drives and 1 full height DVD. It includes a single 400 watt power supply.
Workstation Chassis
Corsair Obsidian Series Black 550D Mid Tower Computer Case $117
| Corsair Mid Tower case on Amazon.com
A large case provides exceptional ventilation, ease of access, and quiet operation. USB3 is brought out to the front panel. The interior has many slots for SATA drives and for two full height DVD drives. If rack mounting is not required, it will work splendidly as a server enclosure especially for systems with GPU cards that require high power. The SATA drive carriers do not use screws, and while the drives are not hot swappable, it takes only minutes to replace one without tools.
CPU
The best CPU is selected at time of purchase based on Passmark ratings from this site:
| http://www.cpubenchmark.net/
As of May 2014 the preferred selection is an LGA2011 socket Intel Hex Core I7-4930K running at 3.4 GHz for $580 is available from Amazon and other suppliers as an alternative to Xeon processors that are about twice the price.
Alternatively, the LGA1150 socket Intel Quad Core I7-4790 running at 3.6 GHz for $315 from Amazon has 30% lower benchmark rating but much better performance/price ratio.
[ http://www.amazon.com/Intel-Core-i7-4790-Processor-BX80646I74790/dp/B00J56YSLM/ref=dp_ob_title_ce | I7-4790 on Amazon.com ]
These are supplied without a cooler which is purchased separately. We use the low cost air-cooled Intel Thermal Solution Air $21
[ http://www.amazon.com/Intel-BXRTS2011AC-Thermal-Solution-Air/dp/B006588YUE/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1400879345&sr=1-3-fkmr0&keywords=I7-4930K+lga2011+intel++cooler | Intel LGA2011 cooler]
It runs quietly, and is not at risk for use at a telescope where there may be temperature extremes.