Those who plan to set up top PC/workstation systems with socket LGA2011 platform and X79/C600 chipset will find the following features irresistible: powerful multi-core CPUs, eight DIMM slots for quad channel memory subsystem, and 40 lanes of PCI Express 3.0.

Though X79 Express chipset might not be as satisfactory as expected, for lacking native USB 3.0, Thunderbolt interface, and 10G network connectivity support, it has a good graphics interface and high throughput multi-channel memory. In order to add the lacking elements to this chipset, the motherboard makers have tried every possible way to squeeze 8 DIMM slots and multiple 3rd party controllers into it. Now the various solutions have flooded the market.



Today we are going to have an in-depth look at SuperMicro’s latest offer: X9SRA – a design for UP (uniprocessor) workstation or high-end desktop. This can be seen from its onboard audio controller, although the layout of 8 DIMM slots on X9SRA is very similar to its server siblings. In fact, SuperMicro makes its solution distinguishable through the DIMM slot placement, which is parallel to the PCI-E expansion slot. Engineers designed the board with consideration of appropriate signal quality. Charles Liang’s company is one of the few which provides 8 DIMM solutions on UP system board at very beginning of X79/C600 chipsets development. X9SRA is not as fancy as the products from major motherboard makers, such as ASUS, Gigabyte or MSI, in terms of exaggerated passive (even active!) cooling device. Only two heat sinks can be seen on the entire board covering both the VRM and PCH Controller. South Bridge is in their standard position, though our friends in San Jose have taken the trouble ensuring that the cooling solution is slick and low in profile for those long and huge graphic cards with massive cooling fans. We had no trouble at all with the graphic cards we tested in the slots. Once the transit cover is removed and CPU inserted one can see clearly from CPU socket which removal mode is used -- the new style clamping mechanism which must be followed in opening and closing. DIMM slots are placed with standardized Blue and Black DIMM slots denoting the primary and secondary memory channels. As always the bottom part of the system board has the full array of pins and sockets for those extra functions the power-user expects the motherboard to support. The SATA ports, however, are not as user friendly as those equipped on predecessor board C7X58/X8SAX. It’s a shame that Charles Liang’s company didn’t bring forth this good design from their previous generation product. The board is also equipped with 5 fan header points to ensure that the system stays cool.











No surprise at I/O panel area since it is now standardized. On the other hand, USB 3.0 header ports are now located under the port of LAN1.
Thanks to SuperMicro, now we have a good system that allow us the opportunity to rigorously test those new parts and build up a high-quality reference platform. Let’s have a look at the performance and test results.

Test Configuration




CPU-Z Detection










GPU-Z Detection




AIDA64 Detection






Performance Test




















































SPECViewPerf 10 @ 1600x1200; 60Hz








SPECViewPerf 11 @ 1920x1200; 60Hz






SolidWorks 2007


redsdk Turbine Benchmark @ 1024x768


redsdk Turbine Benchmark @ 1920x1200






Conclusion
SuperMicro-branded system boards are usually rock solid and generally purchased by conservative users. These users want to build a very stable system with long-lasting durability. The mother board performed flawlessly during our benchmarking period and everything went smoothly. X9SRA meet most of our expectations. It is also one of the earliest system boards with native 8 DIMM slots design.
Still, there are some drawbacks in this main board, such as, the absence of powerful 3rd party SATA/SAS controller and additional e-SATA ports. The connectors of onboard SATA ports are not as user-friendly as its predecessor X8SAX. Though this is obvious, SuperMicro still uses the plain BIOS user interface from the source code of American Megatrends, Inc.
These issues may not be a big deal, but it should not be found on the product from an experienced high quality system board designer. X9SRA is very good, but other manufacturers are offering better designs.



In summary, X9SRA is a good choice for people who want to build a high quality and stable system. However, if you favor fancy BIOS, you have the right to choose otherwise.



~Fin~