evga sr-2 questions

O

Orddie

2[H]4U
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Dec 20, 2010
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Hey all,

I'm a newb when it comes to dual socket MB's. So i have newb questions that i know [H] can help me out with.

Im looking at making a dual socket server @ home. Im still not sure if I will run vmware on the hardware directly or if I will run windows 7 + vmware work station. The reason I would go windows 7 + vmware work station is cost of running additional computers @ home. I will still need a work station + a station that supports the centon TV tuner. Vmware does not work so well with the PCI version of the ceton card. USB version would be okay but DRM breaks.

Any who...

1) Will I need a power supply with plugs for both CPU sockets? Or can i plug one in and will it power both sockets.
2) CPU pairing... Is xeon the only class of CPU that will pair or can a desktop version of the CPU pair?
3) ram. I think this ties to question 2. I have a bunch of ddr3 ram sitting around that's not ECC. I assume since the board supports non ECC ram the only thing i would hit a limit on is the amount of ram i want to install (were I can go higher with ECC verse non ECC).
 
Well it would support a single socket proc but for dual you need two qpi links
 
what is QPI links? When i visit the egg it says nothing about how many QUPI links these "supported" CPU's have.

I cant see having a dual socket mobo without the other CPU filled. Does it still hold true that everything should match (same cpu / batch?)
 
jjandrob said:
what is QPI links? When i visit the egg it says nothing about how many QUPI links these "supported" CPU's have.

I cant see having a dual socket mobo without the other CPU filled. Does it still hold true that everything should match (same cpu / batch?)
Click to expand...

if its LGA 1366 xeon its dual QPI links. its the only way 1366 xeons were made. you can not use standard i7 lga 1366 processors, they must be xeons.

look in the distributed computing forum(near the bottom of the main forum) or ask in there, we have about 15-20 people running multiple SR-2 rigs and you may get a better idea of how to use/setup an SR-2 based system in there.
 
sirmonkey1985 said:
if its LGA 1366 xeon its dual QPI links. its the only way 1366 xeons were made. you can not use standard i7 lga 1366 processors, they must be xeons.

look in the distributed computing forum(near the bottom of the main forum) or ask in there, we have about 15-20 people running multiple SR-2 rigs and you may get a better idea of how to use/setup an SR-2 based system in there.
Click to expand...

I thought only the 5xxx Xeons had 2 links, cpus like the w3550 did not.

Op, if you're wanting a reliable server, there are cheaper more reliable options than Sr2. Lots of DC folk can vouch for how finicky it is.
 
Skripka said:
I thought only the 5xxx Xeons had 2 links, cpus like the w3550 did not.

Op, if you're wanting a reliable server, there are cheaper more reliable options than Sr2. Lots of DC folk can vouch for how finicky it is.
Click to expand...

I was looking at the egg for a dual socket MoBo and was not too happy with selections. I got this board for a good deal but looking at the CPU prices... I may have made a mistake.

Does anyone know if the sandy bridge xeon's can be dual socket cpu's? I may send the board back and go in a different direction...
 
An SR-2 at stock is a very stable board. Its only when you start OC'ing that it gets finicky.
You will need a pair of Xeon 5xxx series processors on it; it will not work with i7's, not even with just one socket populated.
The board supports 24 GB unregistered and (officially) 48 GB registered, but has been reported to work with 96 GB. You can uses a Molex->EPS12V adapter to power the other CPU.
Ideally, you would plug in all available power connectors (2 8-pin, 2 6-pin PCIe on the CPU's, 1 6-pin PCIe for the PCIe slots) because why not?
You can get release-stepping hex-core Xeons (E5645) for $500 each; a mild OC if you so desire will get these to X5680 speeds easily (the SR-2 can lock the Turbo multiplier). And as for non-release-stepping Xeons...
Sandy Bridge Xeons do exist now, and are unhappily expensive.
 
Last edited:
bwang said:
An SR-2 at stock is a very stable board. Its only when you start OC'ing that it gets finicky.
Click to expand...

it's primary use will be a server. There will b no need to OC. Even if i go the windows 7 route I will not need to OC with the amount of cores this board might / may have.

The only thing that will suck is the low clock speed for I'm not wanting to spend 1k for a 3ghz per processor in a pair.

All HD's will be SSD.
 
I just curious as to why in the hell you'd need a duel Xeon machine for a home server...?!?
 
Well.. My server will be expected to do the following at any given time.

1) run cisco call manager software and process a call
2) Run cisco unity connection software (take a voicemail)
3) Process email through Microsoft exchange 2010.
4) Process inbound calls through bluebox and hand off to cisco call manager
5) Record HDTV through a ceton device
6) Play / stream tv to Xbox or other viewing device.

Room to grow as i add servers for new nerd stuff.
 
Do you need hyperthreading or will just physical cores work for you? I have an SR-2 that I use for folding with hexacores, but I have some quads that are not currently being utilized.

As to echo what people have said above:

You do need to use dual QPI Xeons for this board
Decent memory helps on this board... A lot.
At stock, it is very stable(even 24/7 usage), but when trying to find a stable bclk, it freaks out at times. Still a solid overclocking board, just is very picky and will throw a tantrum from time to time.
Cooling does not require anything crazy, but better cooling is always worth the money.

Anything else, feel free to PM!
 
jjandrob said:
Well.. My server will be expected to do the following at any given time.

1) run cisco call manager software and process a call
2) Run cisco unity connection software (take a voicemail)
3) Process email through Microsoft exchange 2010.
4) Process inbound calls through bluebox and hand off to cisco call manager
5) Record HDTV through a ceton device
6) Play / stream tv to Xbox or other viewing device.

Room to grow as i add servers for new nerd stuff.
Click to expand...

Your planning on doing this all at once?

I'm only asking because one of my best friends is a regional sales manager for Microsoft and works out of his home. His home server does quite a lot, probably more shit then anyone I've ever seen anyone use a home server for. He has an i-7 990x system with a shitload of storage and backup and says the system is overkill.

Again, you probably know better what you need then I do, I just see an SR-2 system as bigtime overkill for what you'd require. With my 2600k system and 16gb of ram, it seems unless I'm folding, I can hardly put a dent in the processing power I have.
 
what quads are you looking to unload?

I was looking for the HT processors yes.. Just not sure really..
 
what about the power plugs for the cpu? Would i need to plug per CPU socket?
 
M249SAW said:
You may want to look into some youtube videos on how to build a computer.
Click to expand...

really dude? That's your answer? If you don't know the answer yourself then STFU.

This board has two 8pin power connectors that I assume will need power per filled cpu socket. The manual only makes references to the additional 4pin connector if you plan to OC your CPU (which i can understand). It says nothing about ensuring each 8pin power connector is filled

a) if you only use one cpu
b) if you use both cpu
c) if you fill cpu socket 1 both 8pin a & b will need power
d) if you fill cpu socket 2 both 8pin a & b will need power.


Hence the reason the question is asked....
 
The first part of this thread siad I'm new when it comes to dual proc MB's. That should set the tone for everyone willing to help with this to expect dumb questions. I have said I read the online version of the manual and it did not clearly answer the question. The reviews on the egg even complain of lack of documentation. SO me being a newb to dual proc MB's, and the manual not being clear... I thought [H] was the place to come since i have seen this MB referenced several times by others.

I have built several single proc systems before. I'm simply expanding to dual proc systems. Why is it so hard for people with knowledge to share there information without getting rude comments from others?

If your going to post here I ask that it be helpful and at least attempt to answer the questions or expand on HELPFUL answers already provided. If you can't do that then please move on to a different thread.
 
Then refrain from the STFU

Youtube videos are about at your level for some of this; it was good info and advise to you IMHO.

Also you didn't do much searching / understanding if you don't know if sandy bridge CPU's come in duals or not. check out e5 xeons

The STFU comments was not called for and I'm calling you out on it noob, regardless I'll still give you construtvie comments.


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From what you have stated I don't think you need a dual socket server, especially an SR-2 dual xeon. Which BTW is probably the worst motherboard choice for making a stable dual processor system.

You would probably be better suited starting with a X6 Phenom or a A8 processor then building aroudn it. They are cheap and you can easily install 16GB of memory. Also I don't see the need here for SSD? Also you have no mention of RAID which is what I would really want in your senario.

If you want to go high end for your needs, buy a X79 board with a hexcore and 32GB with 4 SATA drives in onboard raid 0+1.
Later you could always upgrade to a octa or deca core CPU when they come out.
 
If you are really set on dual CPU, no need for an SR-2, especially if you are not overclocking. Try the board in my sig, there are a couple of different versions with raid, audio etc. Lot cheaper than an SR-2 but is limited to x5675 xeon's or less. Limit is due to the power limits as it only needs one 8 pin connector and is also ATX sized so will fit any standard case. Yes it's rock sold stable 24/7, all of my boards are 2nd hand and have been run 24/7 for a couple of years non stop now:)

As others have mentioned Sandy E is available in Xeon format - the Boards are huge and expect a minimum $4k Build cost, Even us that fold are staying away from them.:(
 
Hey Dudes chill!!
FOR OP:
Im running an EVGA SR-2 with single E5603 1.6 @ 2.5Ghz ,
and I have connected only 1x 8pin power connecter and 24 pin main connector and its working perfectly.
and if your using your vga card on 4th or greather slot you have to plug and 6 pin connector that is situated over the 1st pcie slot.
this overclocks like hell.
 
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