Threadripper PRO vs EPYC for new Windows 11 workstation

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1

I’m debating the following:

  • Option 1: Supermicro M12SWA-TF + Threadripper PRO 5955WX
  • Option 2: Supermicro H12SSL-NT + EPYC 7343

Advantages for Option 1:

  • Higher clock speeds / overall performance
  • Less likely to have issues with Windows 11 and cards/devices since it’s not a server board
  • Onboard NVMe RAID for boot drive
  • Audio built-in (don’t have to add a board or USB dongle to get it)

Disadvantages for Option 1:

  • Noisy PCH fan
  • Idle power consumption is higher
  • More heat
  • Possibly lower memory bandwidth (5955WX has only 2 CCDs)

Which option would you pick? Any other advantages/disadvantages I should be aware of?

2

Well Windows 11 refuses to install on my EPYC Milan, so there’s that. Something about the minimum requirements not being met.

3

What is your build being used for? Could high end AM5 work for you? It is a lot friendlier to windows compared to either of those builds.

4

I see a bunch of Milan procs on the Windows 11 “supported processors” list, so I’m guessing maybe it has to do with your motherboard? Or maybe it’s a TPM 2.0 thing?

5

Ah, sorry I forgot to mention that. This system would be for general purpose software development plus some Photoshop and maybe running some VMs in VMware Workstation. I’d have tons of windows open simultaneously but no real hardcore software like simulations, video rendering, etc.

As for AM5, I’d strongly prefer to stick with workstation / server class boards (ECC RAM, etc).

6

Yeah - I can only guess, because Windows doesn’t do proper error messages.

7

i would be temtped by the ROMED8-2T board for your EPYC build. it has a better NIC and is otherwise similar to the supermicro board.

theres a REDDIT post with windows 11 working on it. windows 10 enterprise should be fine as well.

8

Have you tried the workarounds?: How to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware - Pureinfotech

9

I was a super fan of the Supermicro M12SWA-TF motherboard. I almost swapped out my board for the Supermicro M12SWA-TF. The major draw back to this board. The board does not have onboard wifi or Bluetooth. I have the Asus WRX PRo 80 motherboard, and I have no issues. I was only going to swap because I was a fan of the Supermicro brand. But when I looked them both over left and right you start to see where the Supermicro M12SWA-TF falls short. Does not mean the board is now powerful and good and what it does. Its made by supermicro, and they are the best in what they offer. But that board does not have some of those onboard connections you MIGHT want.

I respectfully make the suggestion - check out the Asus WRX PRo 80 - Threadripper Pro motherboard. They retail at 1000, and right now, if you don’t mind buying open box and etc you can find the board for about $600.

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Thanks! But (a) I don’t need Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, (b) I prefer to buy new, (c) the Supermicro board is ~$720 new and (d) I’ve already got a bunch of other SM boards so I’m familiar with how they do things. So while the ASUS board certainly looks awesome, I can’t justify the extra $300 for it.

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11

Definitely a good board but I’m definitely leaning towards TR right now over EPYC.

FWIW, I’ve seen one poster on another forum who got H12SSL with a TPM module working with Win 11.

12

No I lost interest when I found that Windows 11 still doesn’t allow booting from Dynamic Disk, so I can’t use my 8 NVMe SSDs to the full potential. Windows 10 in a VM works better than on native hardware for me :slight_smile:

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