[vfio-users] Recommendation for LGA2011 board

[Bronek Kozicki]

On 23/05/2016 19:20, Brian Yglesias wrote:
>
> I have another thread whereby I try and fail to get vfio/VT-d working 
> on two separate lga1366 boards.  (Asus Rampage II Gene and 
> GA-EX58-UD5; both due to broken BIOS).
>
> I was considering a rampage III, also 1366/X58, which is reported to 
> work, or an OEM system, bug given some of the issues with X58, I'm 
> starting to feel like I should just pony up for a new platform.
>
> However, since the GB board was also reported to work with Linux 
> (albeit different kernel version from ), I'm worried about pulling the 
> trigger and getting stuck with a 3rd incompatible board.
>
> As such, I was hoping someone here could recommend something that is 
> working for them right now in the 2011 size.
>
> I'd like 3 x16 ports and dual lan, but those aren't deal breakers.  
> I'd rather stay away from brand new flagship stuff, for reasons of 
> cost.  that said, my main concern is that it can be made to work, 
> without crafting glue and rubber bands. ;)
>

When buying a motherboard I recommend reading the manual, CPU and memory 
compatibility list, rather than relying on someone's opinion. Checking 
the FAQ for mentions of Linux (and in the context of this thread, VT-d) 
is also helpful. Having said that, I have SuperMicro X9DA7 which I can 
recommend, but this is dual-socket and EATX (i.e. rather large), also it 
does not support the current generation of Intel Xeons. You may want to 
look at any of those instead 
https://www.supermicro.nl/products/motherboard/Xeon3000/#2011 . Other 
trusted brands are http://www.asrockrack.com/general/products.asp#Server 
, http://b2b.gigabyte.com/products/list.aspx?cg=11&p=189&v=35&ck=101 . I 
also have good experience with Tyan, but they do not seem to have a 
motherboard which would suit you.

Asus is typical consumer brand, they do not pay attention to enterprise 
features or even compatibility.


B.