The development of computer technology is so rapid that some do not have time to keep track of inventions and innovations. So, until now, few users are aware of the existence of a dual-processor motherboard. Those who have heard about this device believe that it is perfect for a gaming PC. We will consider the purpose of such a model and some applications.
What is who?
So, dual-processor motherboards, as you might guess from the name, have two connectors for the chip. They are designed for high performance systems. Moreover, gaming PCs to these systems have nothing to do. Despite the exactingness, they still need not so much power.
Those chips that can work together are called Intel Xeon. This series of server microprocessors. In general, such models have a larger cache size and also support multiprocessor systems. Interestingly, such chips can store up to 18 physical cores and 36 virtual ones. Given that there are two chips on the board, these figures can be multiplied by two.
Looking at such opportunities, some dreamers of a gaming PC may be eager to build such a system for themselves. Of course, no one will forbid you to use dual-processor motherboards, and the power for games will be more than enough. But then get ready for the enormous cost of such a machine. And it will be several times larger than even the most powerful gaming computer.
This is due to the fact that, firstly, the processor itself is expensive, and there are two more. Secondly, for such power you need a very strong power supply. Thirdly, we must not forget about the cooling system. If the processors overheat, and they do it easily, then the whole system will shut down. For such a board, a special RAM is also needed, which, in addition to its main responsibilities, works on troubleshooting and correcting errors.
Options
Now on the market it is easy to find dual-processor motherboards. They are represented by many well-known and not very manufacturers. Some of them became cult, others, on the contrary, went unnoticed. Each such board is distinguished by chip connectors, the presence of slots and cooling systems. In principle, what desktop versions are.
Some of the models that we will look at today have already gone out of sale due to the fact that they have become obsolete. For example, a dual-processor motherboard (775 socket) is unlikely to be installed in any of the existing PCs. The connector has long ceased to be popular. Since it appeared back in 2004, it worked with Pentium 4, Celeron, Pentium Dual-Core and Core 2 Duo.
Asus
Asus has become one of those who have worked hard to create dual-processor motherboards. The manufacturer introduced to customers a whole series of these devices. All of them are made with high quality, but still designed for server PCs.
You should start with the youngest modification - Asus Z9PE-D8 WS. This option was introduced in early 2012. The motherboard was positioned as a device for workstations. The main advantage at that time was the support of the chip from the Xeon E5 series. It was also possible to install eight RAM modules. The volume reached 256 GB.
The overclocking potential turned out to be quite good. The board showed the wide possibilities of overclocking: increasing the voltage, adjusting the processor multiplier, setting the chipset and various interfaces. After the appearance on the market, this model did not become special. But her followers were remembered more.
Jr
Asus Z10PE-D8 WS and Asus Z10PE D16 WS appeared on sale in 2014. Both models are designed for installation in servers or workstations. They support the famous Haswell-EP series of chipsets.
Motherboards are delivered in stylish packaging. They look identical. A golden graphic element flaunts on a black background. The model of the board is indicated on the front, there is a description of some special technologies. The specification is extended at the back.
The younger model supports the connection of eight RAM modules of the type RDIMM / LR-DIMM / NVDIMM DDR4-1333 /.../ 2133. The total memory capacity can reach 512 GB. You can also install several accelerators on the board, as support for 4-Way SLI technology is indicated. There are slots for connecting eight SATA HDDs, two Express and one M.2. The form factor of this model is standard for such system variants - EEB.
LGA2011-3 format sockets are powered by 8 channels. Radiators are located near the power elements, which hint that the board still needs additional cooling. "Motherboard" received a graphics adapter that supports a resolution of 1920x1200. There are two network controllers - in gigabit. There is an audio codec, various indicators and the necessary connectors.
Older
Asus Z10PE D16 WS has become an interesting model, due to the fact that the company decided to position it as "for enthusiasts." It's all the same packaging in black and gold. It shows the main specifications. Inside is the motherboard, which received a form factor standard for server models - SSI EEB.
This model is practically no different from the youngest. It runs on an Intel C612 chip. The first thing that catches your eye is the changed placement of the processor sockets. By the way, their format has not changed - LGA 2011-3. Such placement allowed adding eight more slots to eight slots. Hence the changed index in the name. As a result, there are 16 slots for memory. RAM, by the way, changed the format and began to support DDR4 RDIMM.
Expansion slots, in contrast, decreased in number. But this moment was compensated by the fact that now four connectors are of type x16 not only mechanical, but also electric. The rest of the pair works on the x8 construct.
This model has become the most popular if you review the Asus motherboard. Although in addition to the series described above, there was a couple more, which we will talk about later.
Forgotten
One of the long-forgotten motherboards was Asus NCT-D (E7525). In 2004, its cost was $ 450, and the model was considered very fast and expensive.
The box indicated a minimum of information about the board. It had a black glossy color, displayed the company logo and motto. There were special screws inside to screw the device to the PC case. There were some adapters, plugs and "waste paper". Interestingly, this model was made using the ATX form factor, which is now a rarity for server boards.
The batteries were protected by a radiator, although such cooling, of course, was not enough. For heat transfer, a rubber gasket was also placed. For additional power, voltage stabilizers were installed. But since they were not cooling, the question arose about the appointment of the same radiator. Maybe he just served as a decor.
The power of the board is represented by a 24 + 8 circuit connector. The power supply should have a power of at least 400 watts. RAM is represented by four connectors, the maximum amount reached 8 GB.
Branded
Then, in 2004, the Intel SE7525GP2 motherboard appeared. The manufacturer, obviously, decided to show the world a universal "motherboard", which, among other things, received an integrated ATi RageXL graphics chip. Therefore, the model could be safely used not only for the server, but also for the workstation.
The box in which the model was delivered turned out to be very bright and colorful. For 2004, it was surprising and outlandish. The board and some of its specifications were displayed on the front. It should be said right away that the graphics were outdated already at that time, although it could be used for 2D graphics. She received 8 MB of memory and, in principle, could cope with a resolution of 1600x1200.
An 8-phase connector is used for power, while there are special levers that hold the connection cable. At that time, stabilizers only decreased in size, so the fact that they became smaller in this model was a surprise. Now the reverse side of the board is free.
This Intel motherboard rejected slots for connecting four-pin fans. RAM here became the DDR400 format. It was possible to install four modules at once, thereby maximizing the RAM up to 8 GB.
Experiment
Despite the fact that earlier it was said that dual-processor motherboards are pointless to use on gaming PCs, there was an EVGA Classified SR-X model, which boldly solved this issue. As a result, buyers faced a very interesting and creative task, as well as a difficult choice: whether to make a game board from a server board or save money and give preference to gaming models.
Of course, a gaming dual-processor motherboard in its direct manifestation does not exist. But the EVGA Classified SR-X is as close as possible to this title. It was first announced in 2012. She got an interesting appearance that resembles modern gaming motherboards. The manufacturer confidently assured that this model is a revolutionary standard for enthusiasts. In addition to the fact that you can install two chipsets here, there is a possibility of installing four graphic accelerators at once. Of course, this application has attracted the attention of many gamers.
The basis for this board are the processors from the Xeon E5-2600 series , Intel C606. The socket of the socket for the LGA 2011 chip is presented in two variations. Six-phase nutrition leads to each. There are already 12 DDR3-1600 connectors for RAM, which allows the user to install 96 GB.
Interestingly, the board housed seven ports of the PCI-E 3.0 x16 format, which are controlled by proprietary technology. As a result, if you connect all four video cards, three of them will work at full capacity, and the latter will have to divide the 16x line in half with the third.
findings
Recently, the market for these boards has become much smaller. Desktop versions increase in power and become more ergonomic. It makes no sense to buy a "motherboard" of the same performance, but with a cost several times more.
Previously, Intel products stood out among all, it was much more. But the dual-processor motherboard AMD was represented by several models. For example, ASUS KGPE-D16, which ran on an AMD SR5690 processor. For 2010, this was a good option for server stations. The system could combine 24 cores, which received a bus frequency of 6.4 GT / s.
Despite the outdated formats, you can find dual-processor motherboards for Socket 1150. Supermicro X10SLE-DF is now considered such a model. This manufacturer is generally the largest in the production of systems for server stations.
Reviews
Users rarely leave reviews, as this is a rather unclaimed product. Yes, and for desktop versions it is rarely bought. But those who still decided to buy this device, immediately advised to purchase a pair of coolers, a powerful power supply and, of course, put it all in a spacious case. Despite the fact that all current games will work perfectly, you should be prepared for the noise of the PC.
In general, everyone who decided to buy a server motherboard for 30 thousand rubles or more praises performance. In this case, the board will never show braking, “FPS” drawdown and all other standard problems. Such a model has unlimited possibilities, allows you to experiment and install all kinds of peripheral devices. But it is worth remembering that the most high-quality system will turn out in the event that you will not spare funds for it. And a lot of finances will go away.