Allenstein OctaPC(8-core) and Quadzilla(4-core) *OS Update

[Sabe]

Hello all, haven't been here in a while. Thought I would chime in on my Tyan S2877 MB (Tiger K8WE)

I am now on my third one AND IT STILL has the bootup issues getting past WinXP logo... it will always bootup completely, but why it decides to take 30 minutes one time, 5 minutes the next, 2 seconds the next, etc... is beyond me.

Tyan is not being as friendly with me as they apparently are with you folks. The last MB they sent me took 4 weeks! They would not allow me to cross ship even with a Credt Card, they said it was against comapny poilcy. In one instance during an RMA phone call the lady actually hung up on me because she said she was missing her lunch break because of me, not to mention I could barely understand her english.

I have replaced (2) 1GB ram chips and a power supply already thinking those were the issues when in the end it was the MB.

I would like to ask, can I take all my PC components (same as from the list on the first post except video card) and simply buy another MB? I would really like to go back to ASUS if at all possible. Will it work? Which ASUS MB would you recommend?

I have no more faith in Tyan what-so-ever, thier Tech Support is lame ass ( 2 for 2 now) and thier RMA phone support even worse in my opinion, and waiting 4 weeks for a replacement with no way around it at all is simply ridiculous... especially with a previous issue that is compounded.

Shane, I know you and others put alot of effort into this Tyan stuff but I just can not go further with that company.

Please recommend to me an ASUS MB that will work with the components I already have (same from first post except video card), thank you sincerely.

PS Oh, and the reason I am on MB #3 now isn't because of the bootup issue at all, in fact, it is because the MB's have went dead completely on me - and I mean dead as a door nail dead. I have no reason to believe at all that this 3rd MB will not do the very same thing eventually. ...and I have yet to recieve a MB from Tyan that the LED on the MB lights up, error messages or not. The last Tyan Tech guy told me that LED should always light up during bootup and give you a numerical readout of what the post is doing.

If my post comes off as angry I apologize, I am not angry, that stage is past months ago - I just want a PC System that boots up and stays alive for years to come - not too much to ask I think

[NJ Soul]

I DID IT! I finally ordered my monster recording pc. I chose a pc based on your recs. I'm so excited to get this thing to put it together... I guess the only thing i was confused on was the cooling for the cpu and the computer in general. Can someone look over my list and tell me if i am missing anything. Thanks much fellas.

here is everything i ordered...

1 CHENMING CMUI-601AECB-U Charcoal Black 1.0mm SECC Server Computer Case - Retail
Item #: N82E16811125436
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $59.99
1 ASUS P5K DELUXE/WIFI-AP LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Item #: N82E16813131182
Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy $219.99
1 ASUS EAX1600PRO SILENT/TD/256M Radeon X1600PRO 256MB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
Item #: N82E16814121056
Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy $66.99
2 Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3320620AS (Perpendicular Recording Technology) 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Item #: N82E16822148140
Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy $169.98
1 Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80562Q6600 - Retail
Item #: N82E16819115017
Return Policy: Processors (CPUs) Return Policy $277.99
1 Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM
Item #: N82E16835100007
Return Policy: Consumable Items Return Policy $5.99
2 GENERIC 18" 2-Head Red SATA (SERIAL ATA 150) Cable Model SERIAL ATA 18 - OEM
Item #: N82E16812104150
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $4.98
1 PC Power & Cooling Silencer 610 EPS12V EPS12V 610W Continuous @ 40°C Power Supply - Retail
Item #: N82E16817703005
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $129.99
1 LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model LH-20A1L-05 - OEM
Item #: N82E16827106073
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $35.99
1 ZALMAN CNPS9700 LED 110mm 2 Ball CPU Cooler - Retail
Item #: N82E16835118019
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $64.99
2 CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X2048-8500C5 - Retail
Item #: N82E16820145033
Return Policy: Memory (Modules, USB) Return Policy $338.00
Please be aware that Newegg does not deliver packages on Saturdays or Sundays. Delivery attempts will be made on weekdays only.
Subtotal: $1,374.88
Tax: $0.00
Shipping: $29.97
Rush Order Fee: $2.99
Total:


You guys are the best!

Your amigo,

Christian Guerrero

[bad1]

Sunburst!

Do you have the one and only smoking gun gem of a build yet? We might as well put it on the first post of this thread since it is a sticky after all. If you can narrow it down to one build, then fire it my way.

And to the many who read this thread and lurk, we'll probably build the absolute cheapest 8 core we can based off the Phenom, but in all honesty, even the current Intel Quad is WAY overkill for audio production. And given the current state of plug-ins that null out over 95% with the actual hardware and have a latency of 0 on the modern ones, we are way past the threshold for audio production.

The only thing keeping us back with these amazing computers is the LE software. A current Intel Quad will give one more DSP power than a full blown HD 7 using TDM plug-ins alone. My 18 month old Opteron 265 Quad still has alot of power that doesnt even get used. In fact, my LE mixes cant even be played back on an HD 4 rig using TDM plug-ins exclusively. We've come along way. there's nothing to prove anymore.

Enjoy the smokin' power of the Intel Quads...and for a dirt cheap price!

Shane

Right on Shane, I think I will build the 8 core with you because I have the board to do it. Please make sure that we who for the hell of it build with you have your wisdom when that day comes soon.
Just having that kind of power could prove to be a good thing if PT LE decides to upgrade the software someday. I tend to be a little too positive sometimes.

The bad1drums, Loud and proud baby!
www.bad1drums.com

[NJ Soul]

can anyone link me to some steps? please? don't wanna make any costly mistakes...

I DID IT! I finally ordered my monster recording pc. I chose a pc based on your recs. I'm so excited to get this thing to put it together... I guess the only thing i was confused on was the cooling for the cpu and the computer in general. Can someone look over my list and tell me if i am missing anything. Thanks much fellas.

here is everything i ordered...

1 CHENMING CMUI-601AECB-U Charcoal Black 1.0mm SECC Server Computer Case - Retail
Item #: N82E16811125436
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $59.99
1 ASUS P5K DELUXE/WIFI-AP LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Item #: N82E16813131182
Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy $219.99
1 ASUS EAX1600PRO SILENT/TD/256M Radeon X1600PRO 256MB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
Item #: N82E16814121056
Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy $66.99
2 Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3320620AS (Perpendicular Recording Technology) 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Item #: N82E16822148140
Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy $169.98
1 Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80562Q6600 - Retail
Item #: N82E16819115017
Return Policy: Processors (CPUs) Return Policy $277.99
1 Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM
Item #: N82E16835100007
Return Policy: Consumable Items Return Policy $5.99
2 GENERIC 18" 2-Head Red SATA (SERIAL ATA 150) Cable Model SERIAL ATA 18 - OEM
Item #: N82E16812104150
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $4.98
1 PC Power & Cooling Silencer 610 EPS12V EPS12V 610W Continuous @ 40°C Power Supply - Retail
Item #: N82E16817703005
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $129.99
1 LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model LH-20A1L-05 - OEM
Item #: N82E16827106073
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $35.99
1 ZALMAN CNPS9700 LED 110mm 2 Ball CPU Cooler - Retail
Item #: N82E16835118019
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $64.99
2 CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X2048-8500C5 - Retail
Item #: N82E16820145033
Return Policy: Memory (Modules, USB) Return Policy $338.00
Please be aware that Newegg does not deliver packages on Saturdays or Sundays. Delivery attempts will be made on weekdays only.
Subtotal: $1,374.88
Tax: $0.00
Shipping: $29.97
Rush Order Fee: $2.99
Total:


You guys are the best!

Your amigo,

Christian Guerrero

[auxsend1]

Anyone for an 8-core Xeon box from Dell for $730?

Dell server

I have no idea if it would run Pro Tools, but heck, it would make a great secondary machine for that price!

[phobia]

Hi,
felt that I also had to poke Tyan with the Barcelona support on S2927, but I guess I talked to the wrong guy here


=== UPDATE Kevin Do: 10/16/2007 ...
The S2927 currently does not support the Barcelona CPU's. I am unsure whether or not there will be a released BIOS that will allow it to support it or not, until the day it is released.
I wish I could tell you, but even I am not told this information until the day it is released.


Fellow S2927-quaders out there, please help let Tyan know we want this

Time to prepare specs for next generation here ... Intel-something, not sure about OS yet

Cheers,
- J

*** update ***

More info on the topic above can be found here (for those who may still be interested):

Official Thread: Tyan Thunder n3600B (S2927) - page 6

[marspe]

The best price/performance Quad to build is the Intel at this point. You'll have way more power than you'll ever use and for very cheap.

http://duc.digidesign.com/showflat.p...mber=1172215&p


Shane

Wow! I haven't been here for a while but I can't believe what I'm reading. Have you finally come fully to the 'Dark Side' of the Force Shan? Are you really promoting Intel at this time? I never thought I'd see the day.

Anyway, it actually will be getting even better for Intel very soon. The next generation cpu (Nehalem) features the return of a newer and improved version of "Hyper-Threading". If you recall, the earlier versions of Pro Tools didn't like HT, but with the version 7+ release that is no longer the case. HT has been missing in the 'Core' series cpu's but makes its return in a few weeks with Nehalem. That means that the QUAD Core cpu's will actually be capable of processing 8 THREADS. Octa-Core on the cheap! You wont see 'double' the cpu performance, but I believe that 30%+ is possible. Look how much better the old P4's did once HT was working properly.

It's gonna take a HUGE improvement from AMD to touch that. I'm not sure if Phenom can do that.

[sunburst79]

Nehalem is not due out till next fall, Penryn which will release around November 11th is some improvements and a die shrink. its going to be interesting if PT sees any big gain from the improvement. Its incremental upgrade but they are making some good additions.

Nehalem should be good. I have high hopes for the PhenomFX stuff if they can get the clocks up.

AMD or Intel At this point its all good and we can pretty much let price be our guide.

[Shan]

...Wow! I haven't been here for a while but I can't believe what I'm reading. Have you finally come fully to the 'Dark Side' of the Force Shan? Are you really promoting Intel at this time? I never thought I'd see the day.

Wow! I still cant believe you're saying the same stuff that you said 18 months ago. I really really wish you would get off of that whole thing when I have explained to you in a dozen other posts. You know this isnt true at all. I own 3 Intel rigs and 1 AMD rig. That has to tell you something right there. At the time when we built the Quad 18 months ago, Intel had NOTHING that could even come close as far as price/performance goes. The Xeons werent happining. And I'll explain to you once again, the very first Quad spec was an Intel Xeon, and we even looked at the Intel Mac running Windows XP when it was first announced. I think you need to re-evaluate the time line again. My computer purchase will be based on the best price/performance at THAT time period. And as I have told you COUNTLESS times before, I dont give a crap if it's Intel, AMD, Motorrolla, or even something else running Linux. My full time day job, 12 to 14+ hours a day, 7 days a week, is Producer/Engineer, and reliability is what I need, not future speculated "in theory" fanboy brand names.

If I was to build something today, it would be an Intel Q6600 Quad for the very reason I just stated. If I was to build a Quad 18 months ago(Intel had NOTHING back then that could compete), it would be the AMD Opteron rig, and again, for the very reason I just stated. When I jump into building an 8-core rig, the same will apply. As far as 8-cores go, the Phenom will more than likely p*ss all over anything Intel can do 8-core wise as far as price/performance at that point in time. A few months after that, Intel will do the same. Myself and Sunburst are sorting out the Intel spec to post on the top of this very thread...and a few months after that, it will probably be an AMD spec. It's called progress Marspe. I base my purchase on what is out there TODAY unlike your continued Intel fanboy future speculation.

Anyway, it actually will be getting even better for Intel very soon. The next generation cpu (Nehalem) features the return of a newer and improved version of "Hyper-Threading". If you recall, the earlier versions of Pro Tools didn't like HT...

And that's your main problem. You said exactly that 18 months ago. "Very soon" and "next generation" does not exist today and wont help anybody who wants to build a reliable rig today.

...Octa-Core on the cheap! You wont see 'double' the cpu performance, but I believe that 30%+ is possible. Look how much better the old P4's did once HT was working properly.

And again, like I have said to you in countless posts, you wont even utilize all the power of a Quad never mind an 8-core. You wont even utilize all the power of an old and dated Opteron 290 based Quad. And once again, you said this 18 months ago.

It's gonna take a HUGE improvement from AMD to touch that. I'm not sure if Phenom can do that.

Pure future speculation from you once again that you chanted 18 months ago. That doesnt help anyone here who wants to build a Quad today.

We have so much native power and CPU headroom for audio now that choosing between what is the "fastest" no longer matters anymore. I can assure you, even on my old and dated Quad Opteron using PT LE, I can have a 60+ track session with 8-10 aux returns and tons of parallel processing running and I'm able to mix this no problem. These same sessions can NOT be mixed or even played back on an HD 5 rig using TDM plug-ins alone. The current Intel Quads have triple the power! Make your purchase based on the best price/performance today and dont worry about it being AMD or Intel and what they're gonna bring us 6 months to a year down the road. It no longer matters and the future speed of these things no longer matter. The computing power is well past the point of what is needed for audio production just like it is well past the point of what is needed to run a text program. Audio production can all be done natively now. There's nothing to prove anymore.

So, have you built yours yet, or are you still waiting for next months future Intel release?

Shane

[marspe]

Shan,

Touchy are we? You did notice the 'smiley' face I put in my previous posts didn't you?

First of all, as far as being a 'fan boy' I find that EXTREMELY funny coming from you considering when I first brought up the Core2 '18 months ago' you were the BIGGEST AMD Fan boy on the planet! I also mentioned back then that I had an AMD rig, but had tested the Core cpu's and was VERY impressed with it's performance. Fan boy? Not really, but that's neither here nor there.

Anyway, I hadn't been on the 'duc' in a while and was simply surprised at your 'change of tune'. You were so pro AMD back then I didn't think your 'bias' would allow you to see the incredible performance just waiting to be tapped with the new Intels.

And yes, I did build a QUAD Core Intel quite some time back. I didn't get it for the ridiculous price that they are now, but I don't regret building it when I did.

See Ya!