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System76 Launches Threadripper Workstations

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Re: System76 Launches Threadripper Workstations

#61
post #48

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I believe I count as a power user. Not wanting to humblebrag here but I have been using Linux since 1993, coding in Z80 assembly since 1987, x86 assembly since 1993 as well. As a university student, I have, in fact, made a little money on the side by assembling PCs in the 90s for others. Last I checked the CPU / cooler installation was way way too fragile for my liking. I might be outdated on this , I last tried like…

I have done none of these things, but have assembled 3 computers now for myself and a family member. There is nothing about CPU cooler installation that is fragile, I am not sure that you could, even if you wanted, put enough pressure onto the CPU to damage it using your CPU cooler. The only really fragile thing are the pins on the CPU which you can damage if you mishandle it. Being careful with it there is really no…

It's very possible to damage the socket and motherboard, if perhaps not the CPU itself. Those heatsinks and coolers are heavy, and they do also rely on pressure for proper thermal interfacing with the CPU heat spreader.

Re: System76 Launches Threadripper Workstations

#62
post #52

I bought a System76 workstation last year. Everything about it is great except for one big thing that makes me hate using it: the air cooling is terrible and loud. My room sounds like a wind tunnel even at idle. The response at the time was to futz around with fan controller firmware and I never got anywhere. I don't understand why they don't move to liquid cooling.

In my experience it is far easier, faster, and more practical to build a silent air-cooled system than a silent water cooled one.

Water cooled systems will leak over time, as well. It's just not worth it unless you're purely doing it for the "enthusiast" points and don't mind ending up with a system that's going to take water damage at some point.

Re: System76 Launches Threadripper Workstations

#63
post #52

I bought a System76 workstation last year. Everything about it is great except for one big thing that makes me hate using it: the air cooling is terrible and loud. My room sounds like a wind tunnel even at idle. The response at the time was to futz around with fan controller firmware and I never got anywhere. I don't understand why they don't move to liquid cooling.

In my experience it is far easier, faster, and more practical to build a silent air-cooled system than a silent water cooled one.

Perhaps but we’re talking about buying pre-built systems. I have a silent liquid cooled machine from a few years ago and I have not opened the case even once. So it seems possible if a little pricier.

Re: System76 Launches Threadripper Workstations

#64

As far as ads go, this was the most convincing sell I've seen for a high end computer in a long time. Good job to whoever is doing the marketing.

I was almost convinced to follow their steps to compile he Linux kernel out of curiosity to see how my machine stacks up. ;)

Re: System76 Launches Threadripper Workstations

#65
post #16

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I just did the math on their entry level model because I didn't believe you, but you're pretty close with that estimate. NewEgg prices: Threadripper 3960X - $1400 16GB 3200 RAM - $70 256GB NVMe - $70 RX 550 - $70 = $1600 System76 price = $3700 That said, if you're looking at their higher-end models, I think you still have a fixed ~$2k markup, and so you're looking at something like $10k vs $12k, which isn't a big dea…

You're missing the motherboard, power supply, case, and cooler in that.

I don't know why people here assumed that I thought a PC was only composed of the parts I listed (no case? honestly?). I just listed out what I thought would comprise 80% or so of the cost. Maybe it's 70%? GGP's estimate is still not far off.

Re: System76 Launches Threadripper Workstations

#66
post #13

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I bought one of their laptops a few year ago. I needed a new power supply as the cable had frayed that came w/ the unit. I wanted to get the original cable, so I called and asked "what was the original manufacturer" so I could purchase a new power supply. They would not tell me and they wanted approx. $75 for a replacement from System 76. I peeled the sticker System 76 put on the bottom and found out it was a Clevo.…

A laptop with a proprietary power supply? What does that even mean? A custom weird tip?

Most of what is inside any given laptop is custom/proprietary to a degree.

Re: System76 Launches Threadripper Workstations

#67
post #26

I haven't seen what motherboard is used. The storage offered seems to be PCI gen3 only, which I find as weird given the target use and the support in the platform for gen4. They are generally very thin on spec details. Their cases are spectacular,I'll grant them that. Just tried the blur motion affect, completed on my machine in 2 minuets and 40 seconds.

what cpu are you running?

Ryzen 7 3800X

Re: System76 Launches Threadripper Workstations

#68
post #17

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Can you elaborate on the specific poop? Do they just not hold up?

I have had several S76 Laptops - and all of them, the cases are plastic and very chintzy. Several had screws fall out inside the case and rattle around, but this is all Clevo's fault... :-( Their support has been fantastic, and although I switched back to other machines - I still would buy one. The bang-for-the-buck on the guts was really good (cant comment on the value of this Threadripper box though...) As an aside…

The case for the Workstations are produced by them so I don't think we learn anything from the Laptops.

Re: System76 Launches Threadripper Workstations

#69
post #66

Earlier quoted context omitted.

A laptop with a proprietary power supply? What does that even mean? A custom weird tip?

Most of what is inside any given laptop is custom/proprietary to a degree.

A power supply isn't inside a laptop.

Re: System76 Launches Threadripper Workstations

#70
post #29

Or build it yourself and save $2000

I specced out the closest I could to my recent 3970x build. It was ~$1500 more through System76. At my current bill rate, I am barely better off financially for having built on my own. Had any hardware been defective, or if I had to troubleshoot the first boot, then I would have been better off buying. I imagine anyone who can justify a machine like this for their work will likely be in the same ballpark for bill rat…

How many hours to build a PC?

Are you turning down paid work to free up time to build a PC?

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