Question 1

Can you use this board and get ECC support with an i3 processor?

Accepted Answer

Personally I use a Xeon processor with this board, but I would assume that you can use ECC memory and an i3 processor with this board.

The board only supports unbuffered ECC DDR3 SDRAM so it wouldn't make sense for them to advertise the support of 2nd and 3rd generation i3 processors if they didn't support ECC ram with them.

That being said, I haven't tried it myself so purchase at your own risk.

Question 2

My motherboard did not come with a driver disk. it was missing from the box. I did not buy a refurbished item but there is no disk. Now what?????

Accepted Answer

It is easy.  Go to SuperMicro website and type in X9SCl -F in the search box in the top RHS of the page.  In the list of returned results, click on X9SCl -F in the second or third entry.  On the X9SCL -F page near the top on the RHS will be a list entitled "Links and Resources."  Click on "Download the Latest Drivers and Utilities" to access the updates and on "Download Driver CD" for all the utilities.  There is also a link there to download a BIOS update and instructions on how to install it.  I can't recommend doing that unless SuperMicro Tech Support tells you to.  I have two of these mobos and have never upgraded the BIOS; they run fine.

Question 3

I am trying to find exactly what memory to buy for this motherboard. I will be running an intel core i3 2120 processor so I need 1333mhz ECC memory. Anyone know what exact udimm to purchase? I do not see many on Newegg at 1333mhz. I will be looking for 16 to 32gbs in four sticks.

Accepted Answer

I am almost positive that the Core I3 2120 does not support ECC memory, and if the CPU does not support it, the system will not run with ECC installed.  The Intel specs for the Core 2120  do not mention ECC memory, and usullaly they do if the cpu supports it.  In general, Core XX processors do not support ECC memory.  For ECC memory Kingston ValueRAM haw worked great for me, and Kingston Tech Support was gracious and forthcoming when one module failed.  For non-ECC memory, I have always used G. Skill, and am totally in love with the brand, in every way, from price to performance to longevity to helpfulness of Tech Support.  Also, the Core 2120 does not support the new AES instructions, which will slow you down if you use a lot of cryptology.

Question 4

Specs say the CPU type is "Intel Xeon E3 Series, 2nd Generation Core i3".  I am trying to verify is this processesor comes pre-installed in the MoBo?

I understand the socket type, and have build a few computers over the years, just not sure what exactly is being sold.

Matt

Accepted Answer

No. There is no processor pre-installed on the motherboard. It must be purchased separately.

Question 5

Specially, what CPU do I use?  I cannot find what is recommend on Newegg's site - LGA-1155, Intel Xeon E3 2nd Generation, Core i3

Accepted Answer

I installed the Intel Xeon E3-1230v2 3.3GHz. Don't purchase any Intel E3-12x5 series processors, which have integrated graphics support and their are not recommended.

You can use the following processors:

E3-1220v2
E3-1230v2
E3-1240v2
E3-1270v2
E3-1280v2
E3-1290v2

Also, BIOS rev. 2.0 or above is needed to support the new E3-1200v2 processors. My board had the BIOS to support it. I purchased it eight months ago.

Question 6

I have an old i5 processor that would fit this socket.  Will that work?  Why would it only accept Xeon and the i3?

Accepted Answer

V4 vs v3

Questions & Answers