New motherboard for Norco 4224 storage/ESXi build

[SteveJR]

Hi All,

 

First post here but already ready thru a number of posts as background reading!

 

I am planning to build a new server using the 4224 case but am struggling a little on the mobo/cpu combo. I live in the the UK and can't find anyone with the X8SIL-f or X9SCM-f in stock!

 

Can anyone recommend an alternative or a newer SuperMicro board that has at least the same features as one of the above boards?

 

The main use of the server will be for storage but I may wish to have an ESXi solution later so don't want to limit myself now by not buying the right parts.

 

Many thanks in advance,

 

Steve

[Johnm]

I would take a look at some of the Tyan c202/c204 motherboards then. They seem like a solid board and people have reported they work quite well in both ESXi and unRAID.

 

Any genuine Intel brand board that supports VT-d should work right out of the box. If you are not sure, check the Intel webpage specs.

 

You do however have to be careful with  most other brands "desktop boards". Many Desktop boards that list VT-d as a feature might not work. A lot of manufacturers seem to list it as an option because the chipset can support it. Then they don't add the option to the bios to support it.

[SteveJR]

Thanks John.

 

Looks like the Tyan boards are abit difficult to find aswell.

 

I think I will just have to do a list of what is available from the retailers and look at the specs for each board.

[Johnm]

If you see something, post the model here and maybe someone might know.

 

Also check on http://www.vm-help.com/forum/ .. or on [H]ardforum...  they might point you in the right direction also.

[SteveJR]

Thanks John.

 

Is the X9SCA-F a good alternative? Seems to be the same except for being a full ATX form size and has 1 less PCI slot (1x16 instead of 2x8)?

 

Steve

[Optimist]

Hi All,

 

First post here but already ready thru a number of posts as background reading!

 

I am planning to build a new server using the 4224 case but am struggling a little on the mobo/cpu combo. I live in the the UK and can't find anyone with the X8SIL-f or X9SCM-f in stock!

 

Can anyone recommend an alternative or a newer SuperMicro board that has at least the same features as one of the above boards?

 

The main use of the server will be for storage but I may wish to have an ESXi solution later so don't want to limit myself now by not buying the right parts.

 

Many thanks in advance,

 

Steve

 

Hi

 

Busy looking into this as well. Contacted Scan and they can source a Tyan S5510GM3NR within 48 hours for around £160 exc VAT. Only thing that worries me having done some research is it seems picky with power supplies. Try emailing Scan as the SCM is listed as pre-order so perhaps it also a case of the part being shipped to order only. Good luck.

 

[SteveJR]

Thanks for the above. Will get onto Scan and see what they say.

 

I think the SCA seems a good alternative.

 

Steve

[Johnm]

the SCA is good. however, you loose 1 PCIe 4X slot and the SATAIII ports. that's it.

 

As far as the power supply compatibility issue, both boards have that same requirement, an EPS power supply.

[SteveJR]

Thanks John.

 

The SuperMicro website says it has 4x Sata2 and 2x Sata3 - even with no Sata3 does it make any difference as the current SASLP-MV8 cards are 3gbs?

 

Will losing a PCIe x4 be a big deal - it means I am limited to 22 drives or can the SAS card go in a x16 slot?

 

Stvev

 

[Johnm]

Oh, my bad.. You said (and said it back) SCF!.

 

I was thinking of the SCL-F.

 

I apologize. I was speed reading the forums and didnt look at what i was reading..

 

The SCF looks a bit "weak". It looks like a board is meant to replace a board for someone that has needs for legacy cards.

 

Unless you "need" PCI slots. i would stick to boards with PCIe.