Reviving a Computer Beast: Dual-CPU Build with Used Server Parts

Reviving a Computer Beast: Dual-CPU Build with Used Server Parts

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. The Journey Begins: Restoring the Project Computer
3. The Components: Dual Socket Xeon and EVGA SRX Dark Motherboard
4. The Build Process: Overcoming Challenges
5. CPU Test Bench: Performance Analysis
6. Blender Benchmarks: testing Rendering Capabilities
7. GCC Code Compilation: Assessing Processing Speed
8. Chaos Group V-Ray: Evaluating Rendering Performance
9. Adobe Premiere: Testing Video Editing Capabilities
10. Photoshop CC 2019: Analyzing Image Processing
11. 7-Zip Compression: Measuring File Compression Speed
12. Gaming Performance: Shadow of the Tomb Raider, GTA 5, Civilization 6, Total War: Warhammer 2, and more
13. Handbrake: Video Transcoding Efficiency
14. Future Plans: Custom Modifications and Liquid Cooling

🔍 Introduction

In this article, we embark on a journey to restore a project computer. This computer, resembling a hot rod restoration project, features a dual socket Xeon from the x79 era. With a case from a now-defunct company and an EVGA SRX Dark motherboard, this computer has taken us on an adventure of discovery and tinkering.

🔧 The Journey Begins: Restoring the Project Computer

For several months, we have dedicated our time to restoring and getting our dual Xeon system up and running. Despite its less-than-desirable appearance, the computer is now fully functional. With the CPU test bench as our stage, we are ready to put this system with its 48 Threads to the test.

💻 The Components: Dual Socket Xeon and EVGA SRX Dark Motherboard

Let's delve into the components that make up this project computer. The dual socket Xeon, specifically the 26.97 v2, is capable of handling our daily video compression tasks with its impressive 48 threads. Coupled with the EVGA SRX Dark motherboard, this system was initially meant for overclocking, but fate had other plans.

🔨 The Build Process: Overcoming Challenges

During the build process, we encountered numerous challenges. From troubleshooting booting issues with both sockets filled to dealing with compatibility problems, our journey was not without setbacks. However, through perseverance and resourcefulness, we managed to find solutions that brought our project computer to life.

⚙️ CPU Test Bench: Performance Analysis

We conducted comprehensive CPU tests on our dual Xeon system. Although the data is from previous benchmarks, it provides valuable insights into the performance of this unique configuration. From Blender rendering to GCC code compilation, our project computer proved its worth in various workloads.

🖌️ Blender Benchmarks: Testing Rendering Capabilities

With our in-house made Monkeyhead render, we set out to test the rendering capabilities of our project computer. The dual Xeon system impressively completed the render in a competitive time. However, it struggled with highly complex scenes that highlighted the limitations of its architecture.

⚡ GCC Code Compilation: Assessing Processing Speed

We utilized Cygwin to benchmark GCC code compilation on our system. This test provides insights into the system's processing speed and efficiency. The 26.97 v2 system demonstrated commendable results, approaching the performance of the AMD Threadripper 2990WX.

🎨 Chaos Group V-Ray: Evaluating Rendering Performance

In our Chaos Group V-Ray benchmark, the dual Xeon system fell short compared to more modern processors. However, it still held its own for its time, showcasing its respectable rendering capabilities. The system's performance in this workload was predictable, as its frequency limitations affected its performance.

📽️ Adobe Premiere: Testing Video Editing Capabilities

We put our project computer to the test in Adobe Premiere, evaluating its video editing capabilities. The system performed admirably, considering its age and specifications. While it surpassed the performance of some modern processors, it struggled to keep up with others in high-frequency-dependent workloads.

🎨 Photoshop CC 2019: Analyzing Image Processing

Photoshop CC 2019 favored high-frequency processors, as evidenced by our benchmark results. Unfortunately, the dual Xeon system fell behind even the slowest processors on the Chart. This limitation can be attributed to its outdated architecture and lower frequencies.

📦 7-Zip Compression: Measuring File Compression Speed

To test the system's file compression capabilities, we utilized 7-Zip. The dual Xeon system excelled in this workload, showcasing exceptional compression speed. It outperformed some contemporary CPUs, making it a viable option for data compression tasks.

🎮 Gaming Performance: Shadow of the Tomb Raider, GTA 5, Civilization 6, Total War: Warhammer 2, and more

Gaming is not the primary purpose of our project computer, but we tested its gaming performance nonetheless. The dual Xeon system struggled in modern games due to its lower frequencies and architecture. It fell behind even lower-end processors, emphasizing the limitations of its gaming capabilities.

🎞️ Handbrake: Video Transcoding Efficiency

Our project computer found its strength in video transcoding tasks using Handbrake. With its 48 threads, it excelled at compressing video files efficiently. Although newer processors offer better performance at a similar price point, our system proved its worth for video compression and archiving purposes.

🔮 Future Plans: Custom Modifications and Liquid Cooling

With the project computer up and running, we look toward the future. We have exciting plans for custom modifications to the enclosure and possibly incorporating liquid cooling. Stay tuned as we continue to explore the potential of this unique system.

Thank you for joining us on this restoration journey. If you find this type of content interesting, let us know. Subscribe for more updates and visit patreon.com/scishowsexist or scishowsexist.net to support us directly.