Xeon W-3200 processor in C622 motherboard?

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blinkenlights

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May 24, 2019
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My current home server is a couple of years old, built on an early Xeon Scalable (FCLGA3647) in a C622 based motherboard. I have seen some decent prices on Xeon W-3200 processors (also FCLGA3647) with the same core count but 1GHz+ higher base clock speeds. The W-3200 processors are intended for workstation motherboards designed around the C621 chipset. Except for lame vendor white/blacklisting, though, I don't see why a W-3200 processor could not work in a C622 server motherboard.

Has anyone already tried that combination?
 

Rand__

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Mar 6, 2014
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I dont think I tried but when I asked Supermicro about that a year back or so they said it wouldnt work...
O/c sometimes they just quote the manuals (if they havent tried themselves and never got the info from customers)...

So please report back if it works. And then report which cheapish W's you find;)
 
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RolloZ170

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i have run a Xeon W-3245 QS (205W) on a supermicro X11SPM (max. 165W support)
the only issue is that the VRMs limits at about 200 watts and the all core turbo(x39) is not reached at all cores.
 
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RolloZ170

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I dont think I tried but when I asked Supermicro about that a year back or so they said it wouldnt work...
do you asked for support of Xeon W-3200 on supermicro X11 or exspecialy for support on C622 ?
supermicro will allways say NO to support of Xeon W-3xxx if the board don't use the extra 16 PCIe lanes.
and the W-3245 should not run on a X11SPM because its high TDP.
 

Rand__

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do you asked for support of Xeon W-3200 on supermicro X11 or exspecialy for support on C622 ?
supermicro will allways say NO to support of Xeon W-3xxx if the board don't use the extra 16 PCIe lanes.
and the W-3245 should not run on a X11SPM because its high TDP.
I asked for a X11SPH-nCTPF (as a blueprint) assuming it would just be a drop in replacement with less PCIe-lanes.

it is mited to the SPM
the X11SPM-T(P)F is C622
Ah, that explains a lot. Thanks for clearing that up :)
 

Rand__

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Lo, you got me confused again -
So -
which SM boards (not made specifically for /certified for W-3xxx ) can run W-3xxx (based on your knowledge)?
 

RolloZ170

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which SM boards (not made specifically for /certified for W-3xxx ) can run W-3xxx (based on your knowledge)?
all single socket:
but if your Xeon-W is TDP 205W is does NOT work(or not properly)) on a board with only 165W support.
 
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Rand__

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Can never find those for cheap enough prices :/ - stuck with Asus, they seem to come up cheap every now and then. Probably b/c they don't support much at the first place (except the official Intel ones o/c).
Will give it a try, thanks :)
 

RolloZ170

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Probably b/c they don't support much at the first place (except the official Intel ones o/c).
both support up to 255W CPU.
ASRock Rack EPC621 is easy to modd. for ES
Gigabyte MU71/MD71 can not modded(only flash with programmer)
but supports SKL B1 with stock BIOS, i.e. the Plat. P-8124/P-8136
 

Rand__

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both support up to 255W CPU.
Was talking about my Asus boards not supporting much, not your GA/Asrock;)
been trying to find a cheapish board that supports 8124 for ages (since i got one lying around that i picked up for cheap as defective, but can't test it;))
 

blinkenlights

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Thanks for the replies and discussion. @RolloZ170 picked up on my exact plan: upgrade the 5218 to a W-3245M. For a single-processor application, it looks like a perfect match - same core count, increase the base/turbo clock speeds by 1GHz+, and they are now available for $500-$600 on eBay.

I spoke with a Supermicro tech yesterday, whose help I appreciate but I'll keep his identity anonymous just in case ;) He said their lab had the same thought and tested the W-3245M in an early revision X11SPi-TF (205W TDP) with an early BIOS release. It passed all stress and performance tests with flying colors.

That said.. it's not on the official "supported" list from Intel, so later board and BIOS revisions could fail to POST with the processor. I am willing to take the risk of having to buy a new motherboard for the performance increase.