Custom Liquid-Cooled Workstations: Power, Performance, and Value for AI, HPC and Rendering

As the demands for HPC, AI, and rendering continue to escalate, so does the need for workstations that can keep up. Custom liquid-cooled systems are emerging as the ultimate solution, delivering exceptional performance while maintaining cost efficiency — a combination that’s particularly appealing in an industry where every ounce of power counts.

The Power of Multiple RTX 4090 GPUs

NVIDIA’s RTX 4090 GPUs are redefining what’s possible in a workstation. When configured in a liquid-cooled setup with four of these GPUs, the result is a powerhouse that can handle the most demanding AI models, intricate rendering tasks, and massive datasets. What’s even more impressive is that this setup often outperforms systems using 3 or 4 of the more expensive RTX 6000 Ada GPUs, at a lower cost. However, The RTX 6000 Ada has 48 GB of VRAM, compared to 24 GB in the 4090.

This balance of power and affordability makes the 4x RTX 4090 configuration a sweet spot for professionals who need top-tier performance without the hefty price tag. 1 or 2 air-cooled RTX 4090 is an even more budget-oriented solution. 7x RTX 4090s are possible in a system, but this would require an external radiator complicating deployments.

The Irony of Custom Liquid Cooling Costing less

In most consumer and even many professional use cases, custom liquid cooling is seen as a luxury—a way to push hardware to its limits, reduce noise, and manage heat, but at a significant additional cost. Traditionally, this has been the domain of enthusiasts willing to pay a premium for those extra degrees of cooling and the aesthetic appeal of a sleek, liquid-cooled setup.

However, in the context of high-performance workstations for AI, HPC, and rendering, the irony is that custom liquid cooling can actually drive costs down, by going for GeForce GPUs instead of much more expensive workstation or data center GPUs. For reference the RTX 6000 Ada costs 5 times more than an RTX 4090 while offering similar rendering performance.

Custom liquid cooling systems from providers like AlphaCool and EK Fluid Works allow these components to perform at their best without throttling or thermal issues.

No Export Restrictions, Global Flexibility

Another compelling reason to consider the RTX 4090 in a custom liquid-cooled setup is the lack of export restrictions that apply to the RTX 6000 Ada.

Export restrictions also apply to cutting-edge GPUs like the NVIDIA H100 and A100, which are specifically designed for advanced AI, deep learning, and HPC workloads. These models are considered dual-use technology due to their potential applications in military, surveillance, and other critical sectors, making them subject to strict export controls. These controls may include licensing requirements or outright bans on exporting to certain countries. Similar to the RTX 6000 Ada, the H100 and A100 are restricted to prevent their use in sensitive or adversarial environments. In contrast, consumer GPUs like the RTX 4090 are not subject to these restrictions, allowing for broader global availability.

The Ideal Workstation Solution

For professionals in AI, HPC, and rendering, a custom liquid-cooled workstation featuring 4x RTX 4090 GPUs is more than just a powerful tool—it’s a strategic investment. It offers the performance needed to tackle the most complex tasks, without the exorbitant cost or the export restrictions with higher-end GPUs like the RTX 6000 Ada. Coupled with advanced liquid cooling from industry leaders like AlphaCool and EK Fluid Works, this setup provides the best in performance, stability, and longevity.

Ready to Upgrade? Get Your Custom Liquid-Cooled Workstation Today!

If you’re looking to harness the power of custom liquid cooling and RTX 4090 GPUs for your AI, HPC, or rendering tasks, now is the time to act. As a leading system integrator, MBUZZ Labs specializes in building bespoke workstations tailored to your exact needs. Our team of experts will work with you to design and build the perfect system, combining top-tier components with cutting-edge cooling solutions.

Don’t settle for less—experience the future of high-performance computing today. Contact us now to get started on your custom liquid-cooled workstation and elevate your productivity to new heights.