8 Core 16 thread HP Z820 workstation build

[Storm-Chaser]

Taken from HP's website:

Built for high-end computing and visualization. The dual-processor HP Z820 Workstation delivers outstanding performance, award-winning industrial design, and tool-free serviceability in the industry’s most expandable chassis. With next generation Intel Xeon processors, support for up to 16 processing cores, and the latest professional graphics, can tackle even the most demanding projects like never before.

The HP Z820 has 16 DIMM Slots supporting DDR3 ECC Memory.

The Z820 is a dual processor workstation with excellent liquid cooling from the factory
The first generation Z820 using the Xeon Sandy-Bridge processor supports 1333MHz memory.
The second generation Z820 using the Xeon Ivy-Bridge processor supports up to 1866MHz memory.
This machine supports octal channel memory with two CPUs installled. 

 

Since I am using the unlocked Xeon, the 1680 v2, unfortunately I can only run 4 channel because it doesnt have a second QPI link. 
 

The plan is to maximize system performance across the board. I will be running 4 SSDs in a raid 0 configuration/ Also overclocking. The best way to do that would be using throttlestop as there is no path to OC from the bios. My only compromise here is apparently throttle stop will allow you to control the multiplier but not core voltage, so I am still not sure how I am going to work my way around that as it will really limit my OC ceiling.

 

Starting next month. Will update thread with pictures later. 

 

The HP z820 is very innovative in the sense that it is completely tool less. And it has a sick cooling system. Also I have a 1125 watt PSU for this build.

 

 

 

Gen I systems:
Will have a Boot Block Date of 12/28/2011 (sandy bridge ONLY)

Gen II systems:
Will have a Boot Block Date of 03/06/2013 (Ivy bridge)

 

Beastly motherboard;

 

 

[ArchStanton]

Is there a substantial difference in the VRM for socket 0 vs socket 1?  Forgive my ignorance if this is common on multi-socket server type motherboards.

[Storm-Chaser]

No its just those components are slightly hidden in the first picture. Here is a shot from above:

 

Edited January 6, 2022 by Storm-Chaser