Hello out there,

I am about to build a new dual opteron based server (to replace a P4 server with a defective motherboard), and want to have some input on suitable motherboards. Currently I have one such server based on a Tyan S2882-D, and my first idea was to use the same board for the next as well. But I've also seen that there have come some new boards with PCI-express and USB 2.0, which might be interesting. So what do you think? Any input is welcome; the more views, the better decision.

The requirements are support for two dual-core opterons, at least 8 GB RAM (4 x 2 GB), and at least 2 pcs 66 MHz PCI-X slots (or one 133 MHz, depending on which server I put it in) for my 3ware RAID-controllers. USB 2.0 would be good, but an add-in card for USB 2.0 isn't that expensive. I also think the integrated graphic on S2882-D could be better, anything higher than 1024x768 is unsharp on my current MB (please flame me if you like, but I do like to run X even locally on the server ).

Best regards

/Staffan

This is what I'm using. I've had no trouble installing SuSe, Knoppix, Kanotix, or running other distros as live CD.

http://usa.asus.com/products.aspx?l1...56&modelmenu=2

I suggest Tyan Thunder K8SE (S2892). If you are thinking of using USB for data backups, forget it. IEEE-1394 (aka Firewire or i.Link) is a lot better.

I strongly recommend that you do not buy server motherboards that uses fans on the chipset.

Thank you for your suggestions, I will have a look at them.

Does server motherboards with fans on the chipset exist?

I don't use USB for backups, that is done with bacula over gigabit network, but I regularly archive backups on external discs for off-site storage.

(Update)
After taking a look at the Asus motherboard, it goes off the list due to the lack of PCI-X slots. The memory slot layout looks weird as well, but I can't judge on that, not having read the manual.

The Tyan S2892 looks interesting, actually it was this board that got me starting to think about not just order another 2882.

/Staffan