Pros: -Small board but can be a very powerful server.
-The LSI sata/sas controller is nice (though it runs hot.. stop being cheap and buy a small fan for it)
-I loved the 8087 connectors and that was the reason I bought the board.

Cons: -While I haven't tested it with other OSs, it just does not work well with FreeNas. Gives random RAM errors and even encryption errors.

Other Thoughts: ASRock has been great in the server motherboard market and I love what they are doing. While this board may be great for other OSs, I bought it specifically for FreeNas. I read the other comments thinking maybe they just didn't know what they were doing and got errors. One blog I found said all his problems were caused by not seating the memory correctly. So I figured I would be fine. I still got memory errors and after encrypting my drives in FreeNas, would even get errors in the decryption process. The worst part is that they were silent errors. They came up in the CLI, but the GUI said everything was fine. Not what I want to see when I spend $2000 on a reliable NAS. If you have FreeNas in mind for this board, save your time and get the Supermicro X10SL7-F. Swapped this in the system and it has been running beautifully. No more errors. All the sata cables look uglier than two simple 8087 cables, but not worth the risk of losing data.

Pros: IPMI with dedicated port and high RAM of 32GB. I run FreeNAS on it with very good results with LACP or 2x 1GbE onboard interfaces.
One very important aspect is the support. If you open a ticket the response is immediate and troubleshooting responses come in minutes until the case is resolved.

Cons: none

Pros: - SAS Ports
- e-ITX form factor is still very small for many cases
- Great FreeNAS box

Cons: - Had to RMA first board because of SAS port issue
- SAS Ports are kind of weirdly designed; the LSI ports - one is vertical, one is angled.

Pros: Can connect 14 drives. 4 dimms. This board has been 100% solid for me running FreeNAS 9.3. I could not be happier.

Cons: No dedicated satadom ports or at least onboard dom power connectors.

Other Thoughts: I have my system pretty much maxed out. Lian-Li Q26B, E3-1231v3, 2x Crucial CT2KIT102472BD160B, 10 WD SE WD4000F9YZ, SeaSonic SSR-450RM, Intel X710DA2 10GbE, 2x 16GB Innodisk SataDOM, 5x Cougar CF-V12HPB, Noctua NF-R8 redux-1800.

Pros: - Good board layout and features for a Mini-ITX EXTENDED board - it won't fit in many "standard" mini-ITX cases, check the measurements first!
- 4x RAM slots that take regular DIMMs
- Dual onboard Intel NICs
- PCIE
- The SAS controller supports FUA!
- lots of SATA ports
- It has iKVM
- IPMI's Serial-over-LAN works perfectly
- Reasonably power efficient, E3-1220v3 + 6 WD reds @ ~80W

Cons: - Like many other reviewers, I'm having RAM problems as well. I'm using Crucial CT2KIT102472BD160B x2 for 32 GB of RAM. This RAM isn't on their QVL (I couldn't find anything at a reasonable price that was). At DDR3-1600, I've been seeing both single and multi-bit ECC errors. I've tried some other RAM as well, same issues. I'm trying it at DDR-1333 as others have suggested downclocking it may solve the problem.
- The WHEA errors logged don't adhere to the UEFI specs (wrong version in the messages), resulting normally in a "message size to small" error when running Linux
- The iKVM is great only when it works - sometimes it won't load and requires a BMC reboot or full power cycle, or lots of waiting.
- The iKVM virtual CD also sometimes doesn't work
- The BMC logs are useless - there are a bunch of "OEM Record" that only show up as ECC errors in the BIOS or with ipmitool.
- The BMC configuration for networking is confusing -- the BIOS overwrites the network settings every reboot unless you change it to "unspecified", "eth1" is the dedicated port whereas "eth0" is shared.

Other Thoughts: - I'm running this board in a Lian Li Q25 case as a NAS/VM server. It fits just perfectly with no modifications. It IS tight though, so don't expect to mount a 3.5" on the bottom back position.
- As others have mentioned when running it in a case with insufficient airflow, an additional fan over the SAS heatsink is probably a good thing. I didn't see anything else that was a thermal concern.

Pros: Its small

Cons: Ok where to begin... I bought this board a week ago to creat an esxi lab. I had 8 hard drives and I was looking at creating 2x raid 10 volumes (1 for VMs, one for esxi). THe 2308 WILL NOT recognize more than 4 drives at a time and REMAIN STABLE. NO matter what I do. I thought it was the power supply, so i upgraded to an 850 watt RM850 from corsair, still no go.

I then RMAed this board and received a new one that does EXACTLY THE SAME THING. The on board raid will not remain stable and recognize 8 measly 160GB hard drives. Its pathetic. The LSI 2308 chip on here is absolute GARBAGE.

BUYER BEWARE. WHEN YOUR UP at 1AM IN THE MORNING WITH THIS BOARD TRYING TO GET YOUR RAID TO WORK, DONT SAY YOU WERENT WARNED.

Other Thoughts: Just get an Matx supermicro and an adaptec raid controller and save yourself a Saturday.

Manufacturer Response:

Dear Valued ASRock Customer

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you.
Please make sure all 8 HDDs are connected across the SAS connectors of LSI 0_3 ( flat position) and LSI 4_7 (up-rise position).
Another SAS connector adjacent to LSI 4_7 is controlled by Intel and can be mistaken to LSI’s.”

If you have any technical inquiry, please contact me directly at william@asrockamerica.com
I will assist you shortly.

Thank you

ASRock Rack Support
Email: http://event.asrock.com/tsd.asp?ln=en

Pros: <see previous review>

Cons: In my original review I reported unstable memory. I avoided the problem by downclocking the memory.

I had long suspected that this asrock board was the cause of my memory errors. I had previously replaced every component (same make/model) except the CPU, but the memory errors persisted.

In an effort to finally fix these memory errors I ordered a different motherboard for my server (TYAN S5533GM2NR-LE). I have been running this new Tyan board for 3 weeks and my memory errors are gone. I can now run my RAM at its rated speed (PC1600) without any errors.

I see two possible conclusions here:

1) This asrock board was causing my memory errors.

or

2) My specific RAM didn't work well with this asrock board (Kingston KVR16E11K4/32).

I never tried a different make/model of RAM, nor did I consult with asrock's list of recommend RAM. So to be fair, it still might not be asrock's fault. But for my purposes, my memory errors are fixed now that I installed my new Tyan board.

Also, in my original review I made note of the extremely hot SAS controller that is built-in to this asrock board. When I ordered my new Tyan board it didn't have a built-in SAS controller, so I ordered a LSI 9210-8i controller to go in the PCI-E slot. The 9210 still runs hot, but it's much cooler than the 2308 that is built-in to this asrock board. The difference is that I can touch the heatsink on the 9210 for as long as I want, while with the 2308 I couldn't touch it for more than a half second. And that is with the stock heatsinks. I am comfortable running the 9210 with the stock heatsink because it isn't blisteringly hot like the 2308.

Other Thoughts: In conclusion, beware possible memory errors and super hot SAS controller if you get this board. My memory errors might be the fault of this board or it might be an incompatibility. And you really should get an aftermarket cooler for the SAS controller IMO... even if the controller is rated for it, extra cooling is always a good thing.

Manufacturer Response:

Dear Valued ASRock Customer

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you.
The Kingston memory model you tried is also listed in Kingston’s own RAM QVL for this board link below.
Unless Kingston was wrong too in their validation test, otherwise, it would be more helpful if someone at least test for error for the RAM module, individually.

Link: http://www.kingston.com/us/memory/search?DeviceType=8&Mfr=ASR&Line=Server%20Board&Model=87970&Description=Kingston_ValueRam_Memory_Server_Premier_Memory_HyperX_Memory_for_ASRock_Server_Board_E3C224D4I-14S

LSI 2308 storage controller does run warmer than others. But this server board (E3) is not designed for a fanless chassis. Since there are a total of 14 ports for the storage drives, there must be at least 2-3 high CFM cooling fans installed inside the chassis. With sufficient air flow, it will also help the LSI heatsink to dissipate the heat faster. How many cooling fans are installed in your case? But yes, there is a fan header next to the LSI heatsink in case an additional fan is desired.

If you have any technical inquiry, please contact us with detail problem description at william@asrockamerica.com. I will assist you shortly.

Thank you

ASRock Rack Support
Email: http://event.asrock.com/tsd.asp?ln=en

Pros: I like the board layout. Everything seems easy to get to given the space available.
Good growth potential. Whether you want more storage or more network or even a GPU.
Seems more than stable.
I am running WIndows Server Essentials 2012R2 with storage spaces for all of my home media and general storage.
With SMB 3 and the dual nics I am able to write data to Storage Spaces shares at any where from 1.9GB/Sec to a low of 90MB/Sec in a Raid6 configuration and faster for others. Reads are well past 2GB/Sec and when I get around to putting a 4 port nic in im sure I will be able to get close to that 4GB/Sec max as well.

Cons: This isn't a con so much as a want or desire. I would have been nice to see 4 gig nics (intel 3 series) or a daughter card setup so you could change the onboard nics to 10Gb like some of ASRocks other server boards.

Pros: Small Form Factor
Supports 32GB of ECC RAM
Supports newest Xeon and Haswell Processors
Lots of HDD/SSD connectors
Your choice of SATA3 or SAS2 Drives (even includes two mini SAS 8087 fan-out cables which can be spendy)
Dual Intel Gigabit Ports supporting Teaming (requires a Switch that supports Link Aggregation Control Protocol/LACP and Jumbo Frames to utilize Teaming, otherwise use them as separate dual/redundant connections). They work a charm with ESXi 5.5 out of the box.
Digital iKVM built-in. (Comparable to Dell's but slightly more basic than SuperMicro's.)

Cons: Uses proprietary 17-pin TPM Module (instead of the std 19-pin). You have to order one by snail-mail direct from ASRock US Tech Support.

*EXTENDED* Mini-ITX means that it won't fit most mini-ITX cases. I was able to get it to fit into my Fractal Design Node-304 case but I had to drill 4 new mount-holes in the case (and thread them with tap and dies) and couldn't use the I/O Shield, otherwise it was a tight fit but worked.

Other Thoughts: Other than Rackmount Cases and the Mercury S3 Case I don't think there is any other case that this motherboard will fit in without modifications. There were many people making claims it would fit in their favorite Mini-ITX case on various forums but "Pics or it didn't happen" proved that the only way most got it to fit was using zip-ties to mount the board and making a makeshift I/O Shield out of cardboard rather than an actual fit. The Fractal Design Node-304 took minimal modifications but it still required metal drilling with a special bit and a drill powerful enough to punch through 1/4" steel.

Still, I love this board and would buy again to throw into another Node-304. Have it running 16 VMs (8 of those running under a nested Hyper-V install within a VM on ESXi) 24/7 for the past several months and it doesn't get hot, use much power, or make much of a sound.

Not a single problem with it. It's a set it and forget type of board perfect for a home workbench or SMB Server.

Pros: 1) LSI 2308 SAS controller onboard. Perfect for a file server.

2) 4 RAM slots instead of the usual 2 for a mini-itx.

3) Basic onboard video (again, perfect for a file server).

4) Tech support is amazing. I have contacted Asrock support a few times and they are always extremely helpful. For example, I asked them for a power profile of the motherboard so I could try to spec the maximum 5V consumption of my server. They responded a couple days later with detailed power measurements at the ATX connector under synthetic load with several hard drives connected (to try to simulate my file server). That's crazy they went out of their way to setup a benchmark to answer my question.

Cons: 1) Non-standard form factor. This board is 1.7 inches taller than a standard mini-itx. I am using this case ( iStarUSA S-917 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811165597&cm_re=s-917-_-11-165-597-_-Product ) and it barely hits the standard ATX PSU so I had to use this SFX PSU ( SILVERSTONE SFX Series SX600-G 600W - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256109 ).

2) The SAS controller (blue heatsink) runs VERY hot. I could barely touch the heatsink for more than a second. So I replaced the stock heatsink with this one ( ZALMAN ZM-NB47J - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118214&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&PageSize=10&SelectedRating=-1&VideoOnlyMark=False&IsFeedbackTab=true#scrollFullInfo ). I have read that many SAS controllers (including the LSI 2308 used by this board) run very hot, so this is normal. So just keep in mind that you should probably replace the stock heatsink.

3) (continued from #2) In replacing the heatsink on the SAS controller I had trouble finding one that would fit. The Zalman heatsink I linked above works because the mounting brackets are fully customizable. Other heatsinks I tried with fixed mounting holes didn't work. This is not a problem with the board itself, but it is a consideration if you replace the stock heatsink (which I recommend). Also, the SAS controller has no heatspreader (exposed die), so I recommend using a thermal pad. I am using a Fujipoly pad from FrozenCPU (Fujipoly / ModRight Ultra Extreme System Builder Thermal Pad Blister Pack - Mosfet Block - 100 x 15 x 0.5 - Thermal Conductivity 17.0 W/mK). It's a $15 pad but it has twice the thermal conductivity of Arctic Silver. It's perfect for the hot SAS controller. I used acetone followed by alcohol to clean the stock paste from the chip.

4) I was encountering memory errors and random reboots at first. I replaced the board and RAM (same make/model for both) but the problem persisted. I was able to fix the problem by downclocking my RAM to 1066. Either my RAM is unstable at 1600 or the board is. I suppose it could also be the CPU (where the memory controller is), but I consider this unlikely. I don't need memory bandwidth for my home file server so I am content to run it at 1066.

Other Thoughts: I am using two of these cages ( Cooler Master 4-in-3 Device Module Cage - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817993002 ) with these hard drives ( Western Digital RE WD4001FYYG 4TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SAS 6Gb/s 3.5" Enterprise Internal Hard Drive - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822236353&cm_re=western_digital_re_4tb-_-22-236-353-_-Product ) and two of these breakout cables for the SAS connectors ( Adaptec 2232000-R mini SAS x4 (SFF-8087) to (4) x1 (SFF-8482) SAS fan-out Cable - 1M - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16816103192&cm_re=2232000-R-_-16-103-192-_-Product ).

It's a good storage setup.

Manufacturer Response:

Dear ASRock Customer

Thank you for sharing your mod with another heatsink!
The LSI 2308 storage chipset is known to run somewhat hotter than Intel and Marvell.
Though, the LSI 2308 is also designed to be able to sustain a higher operating temperature.
However, since this extended mini-ITX board is equipped with 14 storage drives connectivity, chances are greater that there should be at least two case cooling fans that form the airflow from at least a micro-ATX chassis which can also accommodate a maximum of 14 hard drives.
Setup references to our server barebone 1U12L2SW-14S http://www.asrockrack.com/general/productdetail.asp?Model=1U12L2SW-14S .”

If you have any technical inquiry in the future, please contact us with detail problem description at william@asrockamerica.com. We will assist you shortly.

Thank you

ASRock SUPPORT
Tech Support Email: http://event.asrock.com/tsd.asp?ln=en