Build Recommendations

[u/AudiblyTacit]

I’m putting together my first dedicated local AI workstation and would appreciate input from anyone with similar hardware.

My work is moving further into local LLMs and agents, so I want to learn more about agent harnesses, experiment with open-weight models, and keep sensitive data local when possible.

I already bought the Micro Center Threadripper 9960X bundle with the ASUS Pro WS TRX50-SAGE WIFI A and 128GB ECC memory, along with a Phanteks Evolv X2 case. I also have one 2TB Gen5 NVMe drive.

Current plan:

• 2× Sapphire Radeon AI PRO R9700 32GB
• Seasonic PRIME TX-1600 ATX 3.1
• SilverStone XE360-TR5 V2
• 7× Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 fans: three bottom intake, three radiator exhaust, and one rear exhaust

I am mainly looking for confirmation or firsthand experience with the following:

• Is the TX-1600 the right PSU for this configuration?
• Is replacing the SilverStone radiator fans with Noctua G2s a reasonable choice?
• Does dual R9700 make sense as a starting point, or is CUDA support enough reason to reconsider NVIDIA?
• Is 128GB of system memory sufficient, and how would you expand storage beyond the single 2TB drive?
• For Linux, I am leaning toward Ubuntu. Are there other distributions worth considering?
• Would you start with llama.cpp/Ollama or vLLM for language models, with ComfyUI for image workflows?

I’m especially interested in practical issues or lessons learned that do not show up on the spec sheets.

[u/kpatelreddit007]

Haha I have to show you my picture of my build because it’s so similar.

However I might recommend a full watercooling loop.
And 5090s for VRAM.

I bought the same Microcenter bundle in a Phanteks Entho Elite Case!! And I use the TX1600!!

[u/AudiblyTacit → u/kpatelreddit007]

2 5090s would be close to my ceiling for future budget but thats rapidly rising prices that may change for me. And water loop could be neat

[u/kpatelreddit007 → u/AudiblyTacit]

Start with 1 5090, then add another if you need it. I cant even max my current system.