GA-880GA-UD3H and ECC memory

[Tomato]

Hi!

I want to build a computer that will be working as kind of a server, and because of it, I want to have ECC memory installed. Specifically, Kingston KVR1333D3E9S/4G modules.

Does this motherboard support ECC RAM? I'll be using it with Phenom II X6 CPU. From other OEM mainboards I see that the AMD 880G chipset does support ECC memory. AMD says that all Phenom CPUs support ECC memory and as the memory controller is integrated in the CPU I thought that ECC support was a no brainer...

If this mainboard doesn't support ECC memory, which AM3 boards with 8xx series chipsets do?
8 SATA ports is a must, integrated GPU would also be nice.

[Dark Mantis]

Hi and welcome to the forum.
I have just checked through the specs and nowhere does it mention ECC memory. Have you checked the Kingston website to see if this motherboard is on their QVL?

[Tomato]

Kingston lists ECC memory as possible upgrades for this model: Kingston search

[Dark Mantis]

In that case there shouldn't be any problem with any of those modules.

[Tomato]

Are there any specific reasons why Gigabyte doesn't list support for ECC memory? I mean, it's rather a must with high-end computing...

[Dark Mantis]

No I think it is just like on the QVL only a small proportion of modules are tested and confirmed compatible because of the huge number available. I think this is similar in the ECC case although just a couple of lines in the manual would be nice.

[Tomato]

Thing is, I quick-checked the QVL list of the mobo, couldn't find any modules that would seem to be ECC...
The same was with few other current Gigabyte mainboards...

I just find this whole situation weird considering that Gigabyte doesn't sell server mobos (with Opteron or Xeon support). Or do they?

[Tiger]

After completing its server orders from Dell in early 2010, Gigabyte Technology is expected to receive more orders from the US vendor for the second half and become the third-largest server maker worldwide.
http://placeforlaptops.com/news/news-100503amsvcf/

See the Products Section of Gigabyte website for Server/Workstations. Availibility is usually from vendors such as Dell.

In general, ECC memory isn't normally used in home desktop computing. It is particularly desirable for high fault-tolerant applications, such as servers.

[Tomato]

You learn something new each day...

Still, they have 3 Opteron motherboards, 2 of them in proprietary format and one in SSI EEB, not only getting hold of them is hard, finding a SSI EEB case and power supply is near impossible where I live. Hardly a competition.

On the other hand they have ATX Xeon boards... Looks like one fine in antitrust case wasn't enough.

I know that ECC isn't used in home computing, but this computer will be used as a server. Together with WD Velociraptors and Phenom II X6 1090T will be faster than any server that isn't at least twice as expensive. And I do include the cost of rack mount chassis and hot-swappable backplane for the drives. Hell, I could even include a redundant power supply and still outclass any other server in price/performance ratio at this performance level.

Of course, if I had to manage 30-50 or more servers, I would go the HP, Dell, Fujitsu route. The "this computer doesn't work, take it and fix it" support is hard to beat. On the other hand, Google is using regular computer gear for their datacenters.

[Dark Mantis]

Together with WD Velociraptors and Phenom II X6 1090T will be faster than any server that isn't at least twice as expensive.

If you want real speed change the Velociraptors for a couple of SSDs in RAID0. 

[Tomato]

Sadly, I need around 300-400 GB of space (minimum), I don't have three kidneys to afford this much flash storage. Though I plan to buy a fast small SSD and use it as cache when btrfs goes stable and has support for this. (no, because of applications I can't do it with ZFS)