Building a High-Performance Machine Learning Workstation (~5,000 EUR) with NVIDIA RTX 4090

In a previous article, I discussed the challenges I faced due to compatibility issues, which ultimately led me to build a desktop workstation running Windows 11 Pro. This setup was necessary for developing CUDA solutions, something I could no longer achieve with my existing hardware.

About the Motivation

My Gigabyte gaming box with an NVIDIA RTX 4090 was incompatible with my MacBook Pro M3 Max due to the lack of eGPU support on the Apple Silicon platform. Faced with the decision between purchasing a Windows laptop, an older Intel-based MacBook Pro, or building a desktop PC, I opted for the desktop solution. This choice provided the best performance and warranty options, despite it being my first desktop build in over 20 years.

Cost breakdown

• Workstation (excluding eGPU): 1,036,366 HUF (~2,629.97 EUR), including shipping, PC assembly, and BIOS update (from PCX.hu).

• eGPU: 990,000 HUF (~2,512 EUR)

• Windows 11 Pro: 9,500 HUF (~24.11 EUR)

• Synergy 3 Ultimate Upgrade: 19 USD

Note: Images of the build will be added soon.

Configuration details

• Motherboard: ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero — Chosen for its high-performance Thunderbolt ports, eliminating the need for extension cards.

• CPU: Intel Core i9–14900K — The latest Intel processor, unlocked for overclocking, with an integrated GPU suitable for 4K displays.

• CPU Cooling: ASUS TUF Gaming LC II 360 ARGB — A robust water cooling solution.

• Memory: G.SKILL Ripjaws S5 Black 2x48GB 6400MHz DDR5 — While not the fastest DDR5 RAM available, it offered a solid price-performance balance.

• SSD: Samsung SSD 990 PRO 2TB M.2 — A well-rounded SSD with a strong price-to-performance ratio, though not the fastest on the market.

• Power Supply: ASUS ROG Strix ROG-STRIX-1000G Gold Aura Edition — Reliable and efficient.

• Case: ASUS TUF Gaming GT502 — A spacious and sturdy case designed for gaming PCs.

• System Cooler: ASUS TUF Gaming TF120 ARGB 120mm — Ensuring optimal cooling.

• eGPU: GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 4090 GAMING BOX — Connected via Thunderbolt.

Performance comparison with Macbook Pro M3 Max

Performance comparisons between this workstation and the MacBook Pro M3 Max will be shared soon.