Hello everyone,
I’m currently in the process of selecting a motherboard for an Intel server build and would greatly appreciate some guidance from those with experience in this area. Specifically, I’m looking for recommendations on Intel server motherboards that offer robust performance, reliability, and compatibility with current-generation processors. Any insights into which models to consider or factors to prioritize would be incredibly helpful.
Thank you in advance for your expertise!
What is your use case, budget etc.
Does it need to be new, or will you also consider used ?
Formfactor ? (Tower, Rackmount, small)
Does it need to be quiet or not ?
Do you need lots of PCI lanes (NVME, multiple GPUs) ?
Current generation of Intel Scalable CPUs can be 1000nds for the CPU only.
Hi I’m in the same boat, not to hijack this post, but looks like the author hasn’t checked in for a while 
Mem: 2 ct Samsung 32GB DDR5 4800Mhz PC5-38400 ECC RDIMM (used 74.09 each)
CPU: i5 core 13500 ecc supported w/quick sync (new 243.97)
MoBo: Pro WS W680-ACE Intel W680 LGA 1700 ATX workstation motherboard,2xPCIe 5.0x16 slot,DDR5,ECC memory,2x2.5 Gb LAN,3X M.2 slots,USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 front panel,SlimSAS,BMC header,THUNDERBOLT 4Header,ACCE. (new 329.99)
Storage: SAMSUNG 980 PRO SSD 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe Gen 4 Gaming M.2 Internal Solid State Drive Memory Card , Maximum Speed, Thermal Control MZ-V8P1T0B/AM (new 89.99) |
Seagate IronWolf 10Tb NAS Internal Hard Drive HDD – 3.5 Inch SATA 6GB/S 7200 RPM 256MB Cache (new 189.99)
Psu: Corsair HX1000i Fully Modular Ultra-Low Noise ATX Power Supply - ATX 3.0 & PCIe 5.0 Compliant - Fluid Dynamic Bearing Fan - CORSAIR iCUE Software Compatible - 80 Plus Platinum Efficiency - Black (used 165.91)
Case: Fractal Design Define R5 - Mid Tower (new 101.99)
All in for(so far) : $1,374.78
The idea is to have a NAS for the home to keep important docs/photos/videos that can also be used as a Plex media server. QuickSync is desired but I’m open for suggestions as I’ve heard that the new AMD processors can brute through transcoding. ECC is essential (is it?) I’m a bit confused as to whether it needs to be Registered/buffered vs. unbuffered. The current board is suppose to only take ddr5, which adds cost ugh. Basically what I was going for was Synology 923+ but with the ability to keep up with the times (upgradable) without breaking the bank. I’ve heard of plenty of people going the DIY route in order to get more bang for their buck, so I thought I’d try my hand… I also don’t like the fact that Synology is slowing locking it’s users into their hardware ecosystem. Obviously I need to add more storage to my system, but I’m taking a knee and checking with the community to see if I need to course correct before moving forward.
It’s just been a mess the past few days with researching as this would be my first PC build. I’m technologically inclined but this is not my area of expertise, so it’s been a challenge only because the configurations are practically limitless…
Thanks!
Is this the hardware you already have, or just planning to buy ?
Things have been shipped but It’s not to late to correct
some of the items are (I think) a good price, so if I can use them that works.
But I’m by no means opposed to reconfigurations, stuff can be returned and I’d rather do it right, or mostly right, the first time lol.
I would research some more.
Read for example this:
Important to know: whatever pool/vdev layout you choose in the beginning, more or less you will be stuck with it.
Starting with a single drive, you can only go mirror.
You cant switch from a single drive or mirror to a RAIDx layout.
So you are stuck with adding mirrors to your pool.
ah, ok that’s super helpful – I’ll read up on it, thanks!
Any suggestions for the hardware, Mobo ok?
I would go supermicro or asrock rack.
Depending on form factor, cpu and number of sata ports you need.
You dont need the latest and gratest.
Lots of us here use refurbished server gear from a few cpu generations back.
Ebay is a great source. Also for bundles of cpu+mobo+ram.
@zigmon you should avoid 13th and 14th gen Intel due to manufacturing defects and instability issues.
@Davvo that means the core line right? I thought that was just for the unlocked ones yes?
Totally not only the unlocked ones.
Btw, hijacking user created his own thread; closing this one.
