SFF Build for Xenserver

[nitrobass24]

Looking to build a SFF box for some VMs.

Ideally would like to have a Mini-ITX board that has VT support, ECC memory support, and IPMI.

Anyone know of such a board?

I have seen this Intel board, but I cannot confirm if it supports VT...which is the main feature. http://click.project-kb.com/?url=ht...-motherboards/server-board-s1200kp.html?&id=1

It is C206 Based, so I would assume with the right processor, that Virtualization would be supported, but it would be nice to know ahead of time.

IPMI on SM boards is really convienent, can you add this to other boards with a used Dell DRAC or HP iLo card? Other Options?

Also soliciting feedback on ITX cases.

 

[MiniKnight]

C206 why not use vPro and a e3-12x5 v2?

ITX case depends on how many drives you want.

 

[nitrobass24]

C206 why not use vPro and a e3-12x5 v2?

ITX case depends on how many drives you want.

Are you saying all C206 board support vPro? Also I wont be using any local storage.

 

[PigLover]

Take a look at this board: http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/motherboards/desktop-motherboards/desktop-board-dq77kb.html

Guarantee it supports vPRO/AMT (I'm running it). Its Q77 based, so no ECC, but otherwise should be perfect for you. Only supports up to 65W parts, but the 3770s or E3-1265S v2 should work perfect. I'm running it with a I3-3470T fanless in an Akasa Euler case.

 

[xnoodle]

According to a Newegg review (dated after the last BIOS release from Intel), no. No VT-d

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813121553

 

[nitrobass24]

Ahhh...stupid Intel!

Really wanted to use ECC memory...I already have 4x 8gb modules i can use.

 

[RimBlock]

The intel S1200KP is a very nice board but sdoes not support VT-d. I have jsut written a lengthy email to Intel at the request of my account manager highlighting why they are morons for disabling this feature and basically locking themselves out of the full featured mITX ESXi mini-virtualisation server market when they could have been the only serious players. The S1200KPR (latest revision) supports Ivy Bridge E3s (E-12XX v2) out of the box whilst the older boards need flashing with a sSandy Bridge CPU before they will work with the Ivy Bridge units. Ivy Bridge cpus enable PCIe 3.0 on the PCIe slot.

The Intel Q67EP is also a nice board and has VT-d but no ECC. It also has a full PCIe 2.0 x16 slot where the Q77 only has a PCIe x4.

Note, VT-x (Virtualisation extentions) are supported (or not) by the CPU and VT-d (Virtual directed IO for passing a supported controller chipset control directly to a VM) requires CPU & motherboard support.

I have been writing an article on this very subject for Patrick for, err, sometime. I am just waiting for something to fall in to place before passing it for publication. Hopefully it will be fairly soon.

RB

 

[nitrobass24]

Just wanted to post an update on what I have figured out and where I am headed with this project.

Looking to pull the trigger on two of the Intel S1200KPR. Supports VT-x, ECC, and has vPro...which is almost as good as IPMI2.0. I already have the 4x8GB ECC modules that are going to go in them.

Still trying to decide on Cases though. Are there any ITX cases that do no use a power brick? I already have too many of those and would prefer a standard PC Power cord to the back of the case.

 

[Spotswood]

Fractal Design Node 304?

 

[nitrobass24]

Yea looking for something thinner. I don't really have a need for anything internally like GPUs, Big HSFs, etc.
Going for small and small