Need multiple 'native' PCI. DFI SB600-C?
 

Hello. Due to problems using demanding PCI cards on motherboards where the PCI slots are bridged from PCIe bus, I need to replace my Z68 motherboard.

The DFI SB600-C looks like it will do the job admirably and I'll get some actual serial ports as well, but I can't seem to find any reference to anyone using the board with Linux.

It has Intel B65-PCH southbridge and I found the B65 was used in some Lenovo Thinkstations which were available with Linux pre-installed, but I'd really appreciate any advice on any possible difficulty which may arise. It's quite an expensive board and will be no use to me if lovely Linux isn't too happy on it.

There's a block diagram on DFI's website here.

Thanks for any advice on the above, but if you know of any similar board with 2 or more native PCI slots, then please let me know.

If you are having a prolem with the PCIe-> PCI bridge on z68 chipsets, the chipsets that have native support for PCI should work O.K.

The current chipsets with native PCI support are q65, q67, b65, b75, q75, q77.

I'd probably get a q77 for more SATA-III ports, better support for newer CPUs and possibly USB 3.0 ports.

Thanks for the information. With a bit more searching; I found Asus P8B75-V with 3 PCI (and B75 chip set), which will have to be enough. It's a lot cheaper than the DFI I was looking at.