Look, we aren't talking about basic accounting software here—this is server-grade software.
The real question is what functions anyone would actually use on a machine like this. You need to demand a justification for why all this extra gear is even necessary. If they're just running it as a standard Windows PC or a database through some other interface, there’s zero reason to go overboard with features. But hey, maybe the company actually has an advanced use case in mind.
The real question is whether she actually needs a machine with this much horsepower—I mean, she’s just running three workstations for basic bookkeeping.
It isn't about raw power; it's about specific features. That processor itself isn't anything special.
However, this one has ECC RAM, which is why the one from $333 costs so much more. Those 4x SSDs are likely paired up in RAID1 to ensure data redundancy.
But again, does anyone actually need all that? Personally, I wouldn't rely solely on the server for backups. You should be backing up to a second location—like a different office or home—or just using the cloud. If you do that, maybe those 4x SSDs aren't necessary since there are already 2x HDDs in the server.
Also, I'd question if all that extra software is worth it. Maybe a simple Windows 10 Pro license would suffice, covering almost all standard Windows file-sharing needs.
Of course, it depends entirely on what you guys are running and if you actually need those software packages costing thousands of dollars. I know one accounting firm that doesn't use any of that junk; they just use shared folders from a main PC acting as a "server." So, it really comes down to what you specifically need and what that company is planning to implement.
Ugh, it’s hard to judge an offer when we don't even know what they're charging for the software or the APC UPS.
This server is pretty much identical to the one they're pitching you:
The only difference is the one in my link has a slightly more modern processor (not that it matters much, they're nearly identical) and it's missing two SSDs. Two SSDs will run you about $333.
So, the server they offered should realistically cost around $3.50. Check how much they're padding the bill for that UPS, the software, and everything else. See what the actual value is. If they're asking more than $3.50 just for the server itself, you know right away it's a rip-off.
Now, the real question is whether it actually makes sense to just build a PC instead of buying that server.
Based on the specs, we're looking at a Quad Core, non-hyperthreaded Xeon and 8GB of non-ECC RAM (even though Xeon supports ECC). Basically, nothing special here.
I could put together a much beefier PC for about $2000. I say "PC" on purpose, because this server is just one of those OEM mid-tower units that are essentially just standard PCs in disguise. I used to own a Dell Precision, and it was the exact same deal—just like a regular PC. It didn't have ECC RAM either (thankfully, since I was stripping it for parts).
gentlemoose19 said:crimsonstag84, this looks okay, but is it an issue that my current RAM is Corsair and the one you sent is Mushkin? Also, which is better, 2x2 or 1x8, since I'm currently running 2x2 GB? Not exactly an expert here, so just asking..
With this option, I’d actually have about $25 left over for a cooler, maybe a used Scythe Katana or a 212 evo..
Doesn't matter if they aren't the same brand. At stock speeds, this Mushkin is PC-12800 or 1600MHz, so there shouldn't be any issues.
Better to go with 2x2GB so you don't run into dual channel headaches—you don't want the motherboard splitting 8GB into dual channel and 4GB into single channel.
Besides, adding another 2x2GB gives you 4x2, totaling 8GB, which is plenty. If you buy an extra 8GB, you'll end up with 12GB, which you don't need.
Lawrence Phillips said:From what I've seen online, people used to suggest something like a GTX 660 was the sweet spot for that CPU, but honestly... I'm no expert.
But look, if a 1050ti can handle that processor, then even better. That's actually a pretty decent card.👍
Yeah, exactly.
He could also check out some older stuff like a GTX 960, R9 280, and so on.
boldpilot3 said:Locked the GPU Core Lock at 1809.5MHz. Locked the memory at 2003.4MHz. GPU load's sitting at 95%. Just great. NVIDIA usage sitting at 2945 MB.
CPU hitting 57°C. Not exactly breaking any records, but I'll take it. CPU min freq - 797MHz (if that’s the clock speed you were talking about)
Your memory is tapped out. I'd mess around with the settings a bit. Still doesn't explain everything though—an RTX 3060 usually pulls better numbers than this.
Since your GPU load is sitting at 95%, you can rule out CPU issues and stuff like that.
Install those new ones you just downloaded. While that's running, pull the ethernet cable. You need to cut the internet connection so macOS doesn't try to be "helpful" and auto-install its own driver over yours. We need to be 100% sure the drivers aren't the culprit here.
Once that's done, run those measurements I asked for. Otherwise, there's really nothing else to talk about.
Download MSI Afterburner and HWInfo and grab some readings while you're actually playing:
GPU clock GPU load NVIDIA use (memory used) Max CPU temp Min CPU frequency
My money is on the NVIDIA capacity. It’s the only thing that makes sense for an FPS drop that massive, unless you're looking at a hardware failure or some driver mess.
Call of Duty loves to gobble up NVIDIA, easily pushing past 4-5GB, and you're sitting there with only 3GB. Just because a game asks for more than what your card can handle doesn't mean you'll hit a wall immediately, but if the gap is wide enough, you always hit that breaking point where the FPS just tanks.
Google which Call of Duty settings eat through the most NVIDIA, dial those back, and see if that fixes it.
Timothy Kim60 said:The only downside to this whole story is that one-year warranty. If they actually offered the standard three years, I probably would've pulled the trigger.
Doesn't exist. One-year warranty. That's it.
Yeah, it exists, but it’s just a commercial one—it could be any length they want. Under US law, you get at least a two-year warranty on consumer goods from the retailer—so if you buy it through Best Buy, they're on the hook for that.
William Fowler13 said:Isn't it kind of ridiculous? Using Intel to build up a competitor like AMD. Intel actually has a reason to laugh. Just imagine. Pathetic. And they used to be one single company.
😵😵😵
It’s not funny. It’s just business, not some fanboy ideology.
Besides, AMD still uses the 7700K for their latest FPS testing in their drivers. Why? Probably because it gives them consistent results. No point switching to a Ryzen or an 8700K if the 7700K still delivers reliable GPU benchmarks.
We're talking about a top-tier global industry here. There's no room for ego.
A development team with thousands of people coding and designing on "their own" machines? They’re probably just running i5s or i7s, exactly like every other firm out there. An OEM PC is just a machine put together by manufacturers like HP or Lenovo. It makes zero sense. A programmer writing code doesn't need some high-end, specialized PC. So, those are the PCs every single company uses.
And now, when they tackle the heavy lifting... who knows? We’re talking high-end enterprise stuff here. Those kinds of calculations aren't happening on some guy's desktop PC; they're running on massive servers. It’s easy to assume they're rolling out new servers with Epyc processors now that it's actually feasible, but I highly doubt they were buying those archaic AMD servers just a few years back instead of sticking with something like Broadwell-E.
At the end of the day, an employee isn't the one building their own PC, nor do they have any say in which processor goes into a server that costs five figures.
You can't just build your own rig at some mid-sized firm with a few hundred employees, let alone at a massive tech giant. It’s not about picking a processor; it’s about the fact that you can't even bring your own computer into the office without security shutting things down by 3 PM. Everything is procured centrally, everything has to clear security protocols, and most likely, everything is an OEM PC. Especially in manufacturing plants where they won't even let you step foot inside with a cell phone, much less your own desktop.
That doesn't mean they aren't using the competition's gear, though. I'm pretty sure Intel processors are all over AMD's offices, mostly because finding an OEM PC loaded with AMD chips is a nightmare.