SUPERMICRO MBD-PDSBM-LN2+-O LGA 775 Intel 946GZ Micro ATX Intel Xeon 3000/Core2 Duo/Pentium D/Pentium 4/Celeron D Server Motherboard

Pros: We have over twenty of these in production, running 24x7 and haven't had any stability issues. The console redirect works flawlessly, and the Linux support for 2.6.8+ is great. It supports the new E1200s, X3210s, and everything inbetween. Runs very fast and cool... Has a watchdog timer and dual gigabit ethernet.

Cons: Two memory slots, but 2GB sticks are cheap and it runs fine with 4GB, and it's a budget board. Can't complain.

Pros: I bought this as a test bed for building out a grid. I am using this only for linux (Gentoo of course) server. So far I haven't noticed any problems and have bought few more of this (including the 1u case) for end of year purchases. Real cheap way to build a grid. BTW, I have Q6600, 1u supermicro case, 4G RAM, 1 TB drive. All total to roughly 500 bucks.

Cons: Could be even cheaper.

Overall Review: Love this deflation for as long as Fed is tame.

Pros: Great, cheap server-class Intel board.

Cons: None yet.

Overall Review: Be careful when you buy the CPU, as it won't support a FSB over 1066. I had purchased a Conroe 2.33 @ 1333 and the machine wouldn't post. Not Supermicro's fault.

Pros: This board is made specifically for Supermicro's 1U rackmount case and, as such, fits it perfectly. BIOS supports console redirection to the serial port, which is incredibly useful for headless installations.

Cons: The USB ports are next to the COM port; if a cable is plugged into the serial port, it interferes with all but the thinnest USB plugs going in correctly.

Pros: * Compact size makes for easy deployment * Onboard Intel® RAID system nice for basic use * Dual gigabit network adapters capable of teaming * Hookups on-board for 5 controlled fans

Cons: * Processor support is slim to pathetic for a "server" board * Only 2 DIMM slots and low GB max for RAM * Mediocre front side bus capabilities * Poor placement of capacitors in line next to processor mount could cause major heat issues / board failure

Overall Review: OK board for simple use, but not what I would consider a real "server" board as most of the processors it supports are desktop models. Good luck getting a Xeon to work on it. Even though it lists Xeon 3000 series compatibility, my Xeon will not even POST. Flashed BIOS to the most current version, still nothing... After several phone calls and emails, was determined that the board is actually a *LEGACY* board and on their discontinued list. Most of the Xeons it is compatible with are from the last quarter of 2006/early 2007. If you still have an old processor from that realm, this may just be the board for you. If you are looking to use a modern server architecture... look elsewhere. Just to verify the board works, I through a Celeron E1600 in there from another build and it works just fine.. but who wants to use a Celeron in a server application, no matter how light it is? As always, NewEgg rocks!!

Pros: A great server board when you find a compatible processor for it. Just don't expect to find an accurate list of compatible hardware directly from the manufacturer.

Cons: I purchased an e6000 series Intel processor for it after seeing it on the compatibility list for the board at Supermicro's website. It didn't work. The board would not post with that processor. Swapped it into another system and it worked fine. I had to use an e2000 series Intel processor otherwise it would sit there at the BIOS POST screen forever. Didn't find this out until I RMA'ed the board once thinking that was the problem. I would have updated the BIOS first had there been a more recent BIOS release. Unfortunately the only one posted appears to be the original release.