Computer Power User Article - Mobo Q&A

The Tyan Thunder i7520 and i7250R models provide a robust multiprocessor solution. Tyan recently unveiled four Intel-based server-class platforms for the mid-to high-end mobo market. The Tyan Thunder i7520 and i7250R models provide a robust multiprocessor solution. With the Intel E7520 Lindenhurst enterprise server chipset, the i7520 and i7520R both support dual-Intel Xeon Nocona processors with EM64T (Extended Memory 64 Technology), multibus PCI-X expansion slots, two Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, and up to 32/16GB of registered DDR266/333 memory. Both support Tyan's proprietary TARO SO-DIMM storage expansion module, which puts SATA or SCSI RAID capability on the board. The Thunder i7520 also features a PCI Express x8 slot, multiple PCI-X slots, and legacy PCI support, all for tower/pedestal configurations. The Thunder i7520R is the rackmount model with optimized air flow design. MSI's newest server-class E7210 chipset, Master-FARM and the MasterX FA6R, offers the next generation of mobo technology. The MasterX-FA6R uses the Intel NetBurst microarchitecture and supports single/dual Xeon with 512KB L2 cache, and the Master-FARM supports a single Intel P4 processor with 533/800MHz FSB. ASUS server-class mobos include the NCCH-DL and NCT-D for the Intel 875P chipset. Both support dual- Xeon (including the next-generation Nocona) architecture. The NCCH-DL delivers 800MHz FSB and 1MB L2 cache, as well as dual-channel DDR 400 support. The NCT-D boasts being the world's smallest dual-Nocona PCI-E mobo. Longtime mobo manufacturer Super-Micro has highlighted its two products, the X6DH8-XG2 and the X6DA8-XG2. Both boards offer dual-Intel Xeon EM64T support up to 3.6GHz, up to 16GB DDRII-400 SDRAM, Intel 82546GB dual-port Gigabit Ethernet controllers, Adaptec AIC-7902 Dual Channel Ultra320 SCSI, two SATA ports via ICH5R SATA controller, and 0 channel RAID. The X6DH8-XG2 supports the Intel E7520 (Lindenhurst) chipset, while the X6DA8-XG2 is for the Intel E7525 (Tumwater) chipset. With more than 40 new models to choose from,