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The ASUS KCMA-D8 server motherboard is a feature-rich yet affordable choice for customers, based on cost effective dual AMD Opteron 4300/4200/4100 series processors, featuring an AMD SR5670/SP5100 chipset, dual-channel DDR3 per processor, high power efficiency, ASUS' unique Proprietary I/O Kit Expansion (PIKE) SAS2 upgrade kit, and ASMB4-iKVM module for remote management, making it an ideal foundation for versatile AMD C32 solution.
The ASUS KCMA-D8 serverboard allows users to build a cost-effective and competitive server with more choices. The serverboard follows standard ATX mounting-hole locations, so users can choose either a desktop PC ATX chassis, which is cost-effective and readily available, or server chassis, which offers a rack and tower chassis that can be fitted to a cabinet for enterprise usage. Furthermore, the 24 + 8 pin power connector supports both ATX (for desktop PC use) and SSI (for server use) power supplies, with the former reducing total cost, and the latter offering advanced server features.
The KCMA-D8 delivers 85%+ power efficiency, while CPU is under 30% - 90% working load.
The solid and long life conductive polymer capacitors (sustaining 5,000 hrs @ 105°C) in the serverboard ensure longer component life and lower power consumption — creating higher energy efficiency.
KCMA-D8 is based on the latest AMD C32 platform to support 8/6/4 core AMD Opteron™ 4300/4200/4100 series processors, which have outstanding performance-per-watt, saving up to 22% power consumption compared to previous AMD Opteron 2400 series processor (Information is from www.amd.com); while its dual HT3 links (between CPUs) with up to 6.4GTps interconnect rate per link, 6MB shared L3 cache, and eight DDR3 memory delivers better bandwidth performance. The platform is designed for power efficient and cost efficient 2-way server solutions.
For better data protection, the KCMA-D8 has built-in Promise® ROMB (RAID on Motherboard) to support RAID 0, 1, 10 and RAID 5 in both Windows and Linux operating system. The complete, fast and efficient RAID Solution benefit enterprise customers in maximizing SATA storage system performance.
ASUS optional PIKE provides slim-sized and flexible storage options. SAS RAID upgrades can be achieved directly via a unique slot - without sacrificing expansion capability. Also, KCMA-D8 supports the latest SAS2 6Gbps storage through PIKE interface, doubling transmission speed of SAS 3Gbps. ASUS PIKE 2008 supports RAID 0, 1, 10 and 1E; PIKE 2008/IMR supports RAID 0, 1, 10, 5 and 50; PIKE 2108 is a hardware RAID solution, which can support high performance RAID 0, 1, 10, 5, 6, 50 and 60.
The optional ASMB4-iKVM provides remote real-time and full control via accessing to the system based on BIOS-level keyboard, video monitor, and mouse (KVM over Ethernet) from any local computer anywhere, anytime.
Pros: For the price, this is an excellent motherboard. Dual processor capability in an ATX form factor. It has a PCIe x16 slot w/ x16 signal, so it can accommodate a gaming GPU. The built in RAID works well enough, make sure you go onto ASUS' website and download the instructions on how to make a RAID array and save yourself some hassle. Has the option to add the ASUS PIKE 2008 card, which enables the 6 Gb/s SAS ports on the motherboard for a cheap hardware RAID solution. For those that have never done so, the RAID drivers can be loaded during Windows 7 install using a USB flash drive, as this does not have an internal floppy connector. For those of you who wish to use Linux, Red Hat and CentOS are supported, and drivers are available from ASUS' website for them.
Cons: Had the old BIOS which does not support the new Opteron 4200 series processors. Limited space if using a larger CPU cooler like the one I bought. Not worth removing an egg though. Does not include the MIO sound card, nor does it have on board sound, so either use a USB headset, or buy the MIO, its $20. Beware if you plan on waiting to buy your 2nd processor. Windows Vista, 7, and Server 2008 will not accept a processor that has a different revision number or stepping, even if it is the same model and has identical specs. It will generate a BSOD on startup. Windows XP Professional x64 does not have this issue, and tolerates the difference, but you know the compatibility issues you encounter with XP x64. I found all this out after I made my purchase, and since Newegg has deactivated my particular processor, I have had to look elsewhere to buy a 2nd one to get a working pair. This is a problem with Windows, not the motherboard, but it is important to know this beforehand.
Overall Review: Current Setup: AMD Opteron 4180 Processor Noctua NH-U9D0 CPU cooler 2X 300 GB WD Velociraptor RAID 1 2X 1 TB Seagate RAID 1 NVIDIA GTX 260 850W Coolermaster PSU Windows 7 Professional x64 Even though it is big for this board, and can cause issues installing RAM, buy the Noctua cooler, you wont be disappointed. Idle temps around 23 *C, and full load under Prime95 was about 41 *C. This was the RAM I selected, it was the only one I could seem to find that was on the QVL on ASUS' website: 2X Kingston 8GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM ECC Registered DDR3 1333 Server Memory QR x8 1.35V Server Elpida C Model KVR1333D3LQ8R9S/8GEC http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820139580