Question 1

What is the height of this motherboard at the highest point? I was going to use it in a 1U rackmount case for a pfSense build. Will this fit?

Accepted Answer

I can't measure exactly since my board is installed in an atx-size case. The tallest things are the so-dimm memory. It appears that the entire board is no taller than the rear I/O shield. It will probably fit but with essentially zero clearance on top so active ventilation will be necessary across the card.

Question 2

Does Linux Kernel work on this motherboard?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I have booted it on Ubuntu and fedora. All others should work fine. Can render msn and Facebook quite well.

Question 3

It mentions 204-pin SO-DIMM memory. Will a memory listed as "Laptop memory" work with this motherboard. I checked and the RAM stick that I am looking at is 204-pin.
 I guess my question is will any 204-pin 1866/1600/1333MHz DDR3 ram work?

Accepted Answer

Yes, "laptop" memory is the correct physical size. Check the manufacturer's web site for exact specifications because there is DDR3 and DDR3/L which runs at a lower voltage. Some CPUs will accept either, some won't. Some of the pickier systems will only run with memory from particular manufacturers. I haven't run into that problem. This board *will not run* with 2G modules and will appear dead. Use 1G or 4G modules in those boards. I am using 2 4G modules from a dead laptop with no problems.

Question 4

Can anyone give me an idea on the power consumption of this motherboard and cpu? I have a microatx case with a 60watt power supply and i am thinking of upgrading my mobo to this.

Accepted Answer

My setup includes 120 GB SSD, a  60 watt AC-DC transformer (brick) to fanless power supply (picoPSU). The system is fanless and silent. By casual visual inspection of a "Kill A Watt" meter, I have never seen more than 15 watts used. So, yes, it will work fine for you. It is a great motherboard.

Question 5

Is it possible to add a graphics card to this instead of running on the integrated GPU?  If so, can anybody recommend some compatible GPUs?

Accepted Answer

Probably one of the biggest features of this board is the integrated GPU as it does HEVC hardware decoding.

It is unlikely that the CPU will keep up with many applications requiring a more powerful GPU - but you could install any GPU that will support the slot, architecture, and OS.

Question 6

Will this motherboard support an intel i340-t4 quad NIC? I know it will fit since the slot is x16, but it says it operates in x2 mode which has me concerned.
Thank you,

Accepted Answer

The speed will be limited by the 2 lanes. The *socket* is the *size* of a x16, but can only run at 1/8 the speed.

Question 7

I have a fresh install of Windows 10 on this board and for the life of me cannot get the front USB ports to work.  These ports are plugged in to one of the USB headers on the motherboard.  If I plug a flash drive in to it it just says "Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed)".  The rear USB ports work.  Anyone have any ideas on how to resolve this?

Accepted Answer

Its going to be driver-related(software), bad motherboard chip, or faulty header-to-port cable in the PC case. If you have another header cable and port assembly you can plug in, try that. If it works, the header cable/port is bad. My bet is that. Can also try disabling fast startup. Try disabling USB selective suspend. Failed negotiation early on is usually bad cable/plug. Try remove and reinstall drivers. Flaky power supplies can cause that as well.

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