What do I need for number crunching?

[yellowputty]

I suppose a quick look over benchmark results of SuperPi would answer this question, but if I'm wanting to run intense numerical code, what sort of processor should I be looking at?

I know nothing about Intel, so for example, is it better to go for lower clock and 8 core such as the AMD FX-8 8120 3.1Ghz, or faster 4 core AMD FX-4 4170 4.2GHz.

Also, I really would like to know, does a lot of RAM help in running code? Would a SSD be useful or is this not important for this case?

Thanks for looking

 

[yellowputty]

Hmmm, well I'm fairly sure they're both well out of my price bracket! I should have been a bit clearer. When I say intense numerical code, I mean C based mavity codes which model billions of particles over thousands/millions of years. This is normally done on a super computer, but I want to maybe have it running for shorter timescales on my own PC, to check that any modifications to my code are making an immediate effect.

I'm looking at standard hardware, although when I have some deeper pockets, I do want to look into CUDA, because I hear good things of this.

So my original questions include high clock speed vs cores, amount of ram, and SSD use?

Thank you

 

[yellowputty]

Thank you everyone, but especially AllBodies - I'll remember the variables info for the RAM. Will look at the 6 cores and the 3770k.

Thanks again

 

[yellowputty]

Ghøst, thank you for the history lesson and also the useful benchmarks page. The code definitely utilises multiple cores!

Didn't know quite how expensive these chips are.

 

[yellowputty]

Had no idea that was possible Clav. The only thing is, it would be nice just to have a standalone powerful pc than I can use for my own means.