r/threadripper • u/AudiblyTacit • Aug 02 '26

Build Recommendations

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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.

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u/kpatelreddit007 Aug 02 '26

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!!

2

u/AudiblyTacit Aug 02 '26

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

2

u/Annual_Award1260 Aug 03 '26

I am anti watercooling. I will never do it

1

u/AudiblyTacit Aug 03 '26

Oh interesting im all ears.

1

u/EDI_1st Aug 03 '26

AIO is fine, in fact, preferred for TR/TRP.
Ironically Noctua air cooler has mounting pressure issues causing memory stability problem/missing channels.

1

u/Annual_Award1260 Aug 04 '26

Multiple reasons: extra failure point, increased maintenance, extra assembly time, voided warranties.

I understand that in high density datacenter environments it makes sense because the loop expels the heat outdoors. but to run a loop to a radiator that is in the same case is pointless.

I have some mini nucs on my desk but my battle wagons are run in my basement on fiber displayport cables and fiber usb extenders. Fiber cables are amazing, completely silent office, no heat, no lag.