Sweet little Mini ITX MB combo

[Markess]

Then why aren't they on the list I linked to above?

By default, CPU-Upgrade.com starts with the vendor's (Intel's) compatibility list for the chipset. B75, at least officially, doesn't support Xeons. In fact, none of the "Consumer" Ivy Bridge Chips support Xeon.

Users can load up "this worked for me" configurations to CPU-Upgrade, but I guess nobody has for B75.

Some vendors list Xeon compatibility even though its not official for B75 (or Q77, or etc.). Asrock tends to include a disclaimer like "Because we are awesome we included Xeon compatibility, but because its not native to (insert chipset here), we can't support you if you have issues."

Interestingly, Intel lists Xeon for many of its boards that have chipsets that officially don't support them. My DQ77KB is that way.

So, a Xeon could very well work on this. But, without using a E3-12x5 CPU (the ones with integrated graphics) a GPU will need to be inserted in the PCIe slot, and even then it may not work.

 

[cdru]

Interestingly, Intel lists Xeon for many of its boards that have chipsets that officially don't support them. My DQ77KB is that way.

I have a DH61AG board that's very similar to yours. They had built in power supply that could handle CPUs up to a TDP of 65 watts. As such, only the 'L' low power Xeons were supported. The E3-1265LV2 is the only model with integrated graphics and a low enough TPU.

This board doesn't have the built in power supply and has the typical 24-pin connector. So limited power shouldn't be the same issue our boards have. So it opens up the chance for more of the Xeons with integrated graphics if it does work.

 

[Markess]

So it opens up the chance for more of the Xeons with integrated graphics if it does work.

I suppose, but I bet most folks will just want to use the i3 that it comes with. As @Fritz said:

Includes everything you need to get up and running.

 

[Fritz]

I've got an E3 1220, might just give it a try when the second board arrives. The first board is operational so I'l leave it be for now. Just upgraded the ram to 16Gb and put in an Nvidia GTX 710, wasn't satified with the video performance. Freedoom was herky jerky. With the 710 it's silky smooth.