Good i3 motherboard that supports Server 2012

[afd111]

I'm building a server to host some small applications here at work and I was wondering if anybody could recommend a good i3 (1155) motherboard that would support Windows Server 2012? I haven't used 2012 yet, so I wasn't sure if some of the other 64 bit drivers would work or not.

I searched but just couldn't find anything. Thanks in advance guys!

 

[COLGeek]

Just about any mobo will work with the generic MS drivers provided with Server 2012.

Windows 7 drivers can also be used, if necessary.

What is your budget?

 

[IntelEnthusiast]

The Asus P8C WS supports the Intel® Core™ i3-2100 and will support Windows 8 (Which Windows Server 2012 be a part of). So once Windows 8 and Window Server launches later this year I would except to see this board updated to supporting Windows Server 2012 as it currently supports Windows Server 2008. http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/Intel_Socket_1155/P8C_WS/#specifications

 

[afd111]

My budget would be under $200 if possible but for a good board i can call it $200ish......I was looking at using: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116775 as my processor...

Thanks guys

 

[COLGeek]

So do you really want a server config, or a desktop that can serve as a server? How many users will be accessing the server?

 

[afd111]

It's going to be in a server chassis and run Server 2012 (because it may serve as a backup dns when needed) but really it will just be an application server used by no more than 12 users at a time for a very lightweight program (for now, anyway).... My main concern was compatibility with Server 2012 (drivers, etc)

I suppose another main concern was the fact that the straight up server boards seemed to be higher. I usually just purchase the servers I need but this one is kind of a minor little project without a huge budget...

 

[COLGeek]

The Asus P8C WS supports the Intel® Core™ i3-2100 and will support Windows 8 (Which Windows Server 2012 be a part of). So once Windows 8 and Window Server launches later this year I would except to see this board updated to supporting Windows Server 2012 as it currently supports Windows Server 2008. http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/Intel_Socket_1155/P8C_WS/#specifications

I have an Asus P8B WS in my workstation rig at home. It is quite nice and I have been VERY happy with its performance. You can shave a few bucks off the price by looking at both Supermicro and other Asus boards. I would go with brands, in this order: Asus, Supermicro, Intel, other.....

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007629%20600136967&IsNodeId=1&name=LGA%201155

The issue is really down to the type of case to be used (to determine which mobo fits what cases), the need for ECC or not, the number of users, amount of storage desired, etc.

 

[afd111]

I was looking at using this case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811192266

And the Athena website shows it supports ATX... I know the Processor I linked shows it supports ECC/Non-ECC but to be honest i'm not sure which one is needed. I've got the storage part covered and all that at least.

I've built tons of computers, but never actually put together a server to run Windows Server 2012. Just one of those things i'd like to get right the first time...

 

[afd111]

For this machine I suppose I can get away with non-ECC memory and just use some thing like: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231569

 

[COLGeek]

Whether you must use ECC or can use non-ECC depends on the motherboard.

Also, the case you chose supports mATX or mini-ITX motherboard solutions.

What are the main uses for this server? What apps/services do you intend to run on it?

 

[afd111]

When I looked under the specifications tab on http://athenapower.com/node/509 In the drive bays area I saw it said "3.5" x 2 (Hidden) with ATX MB; or 3.5" x 4 (Hidden) with Micro-ATX MB" so I kinda was thinking it would support mATX, mini-ITX, or ATX. I'm either going to find a compatible board or a different case then. Not going to risk it not working.

I'm going to install Accelerated Reader and a Scholastic program called "FasttMath" on it as well as possibly some other lightweight school programs here. The data (not necessarily databases) will be stored for the programs there as well.

 

[COLGeek]

Honestly, that doesn't sound too intensive in terms of server capability. You could stick to the case, use a mATX size mobo (see below), and some ECC memory:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131720

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820139262 (start with 8GB and add 8GB if you really need it).

 

[COLGeek]

BTW, if you look at the back of the case, you'll see it only has 4 expansion slots vice the 7 seen with a typical full ATX case.

Regardless, the case is fine for your uses with the appropriate mobo.

 

[afd111]

Best answer selected by afd111.

 

[afd111]

Looks good to me, i'll save a little money and just stick with the same case.

Thanks for all the help and of course your time!

 

[COLGeek]

You are welcome! Have fun!!!