This is somewhat of a two part question...

 

I am looking to build an unRAID server using a PCI-X motherboard since I have two Supermicro (PCI/PCI-X) AOC-SAT2-MV8 cards that are now running on the PCI slots.

 

I have looked at the TYAN S5211G2NR Toledo i3210W and wanted to know if its capable of running unRAID efficiently or at all. I searched and only found one thread and the TYAN was not listed in the Hardware list.

 

Any other PCI-X motherboards that are a good fit for a unRAID server? I will use it with a Norco 4020 so I will eventually fill it up with 20 drives.

 

Any help would be so appreciated.

 

Thanks

The PCI-X motherboards have never been very popular here.  They are (or were) pretty expensive, and newer technology seems to be moving toward PCIe cards and away from PCI-X.  I can't remember anyone testing this particular motherboard, although I seem to remember someone buying (or considering buying) a different brand.  You might be able to do some research into the chipsets used and see if supported motherboards are using them as well.  That would give you some information.  Otherwise, you're likely on your own.  Just make sure it is returnable!

I've considered the TYAN board myself. It had almost everything I wanted.

2PCIe, 2PCI-X, 2PCI, Embedded Video SATA & PATA.

 

I believe others are using the SUPERMICRO MBD-X7SBE

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813182142

 

See Thread.

http://lime-technology.com/forum/index.php?topic=2697.msg22152#msg22152

 

The supermicro has

OCI Express x8  1

PCI Express x4 1

PCI-X Slots (64-bit 133MHz) 2

PCI-X Slots (64-bit 100MHz) 2

 

But no P-ATA.

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813151172

The Tyan has

PCI Express x16  Two (2) PCIe x 16 slots (w/ x8 bus)

PCI-X Slots (64-bit 133MHz) 2

PCI Slots 2

 

 

I was considering The Supermicro board myself, but have held off on any upgrades for a while.

Reasons.  Remote accessibility.

 

With the Supermicro server boards the bios can be redirected through a serial port.

So with a NULL modem cable, you can access the bios if you have another machine nearby.

With the Supermicro you can purchase an IPMI card which will give you remote access to the console over the lam.

Sort of like KVM over IP. This would negate the need for keyboard & monitor on the machine.

 

The Supermicro boards are usually rock solid.

I've had Tyan server boards that were rock solid too.

 

 

See Thread.

http://lime-technology.com/forum/index.php?topic=2697.msg22152#msg22152

 

 

I am hoping that since that mobo works, that the other should work the same. I don't need 4 PCI-X  so the other board saves me a few $$$.

 

I guess I will need to pull the trigger and just buy it and do the build.

There was a difference in the block configurations. Check out manual first.

 

http://www.supermicro.com/manuals/motherboard/3210/MNL-0970.pdf

 

http://www.tyan.com/manuals/m_s5211_140.pdf

I guess the MBD-X7SBE is a better fit. It even supports the E4300 that I currently have on my JBOD server. Even the same RAM. This could be a very easy swap.

the X7SBE is a great mobo; i too am using one; no issues at all with unraid.

 

highly recommended