If you are building a home server for running serious workloads on-premises, we recommend a pair of Xeons and Socket FCLGA3647 Motherboards to run them. Also known as Socket P, these motherboards use high-performance interconnects to support Dual-Socket Xeon CPUs and is currently the best alternative to AMD’s EPYC CPUs. To find out more, read along.
The Purley Platform from Intel has introduced a new socket in the form of LGA 3647. The socket will be supported on the Skylake processors from Intel. Specially designed for use with the server backed motherboard, it is quite large enough compared to the LGA 2011-3 socket. Now, which motherboards do support the LGA 3647 socket, we will check out the options we may have at our disposal.
The LGA 3647 Socket – An Overview
Well, before we can move on to explore the motherboard that features the LGA 3647, we will first make an attempt at understanding the concept and functionality of the socket.
The socket LGA 3647 does not support latches and thus opts for a different cooling mechanism. The coolers are secured to the top of the socket utilizing screws. These are generally used in the form of passive heatsinks that are cooled by the ambient airflow inside the server rooms.
The standard processors supported by the LGA 3647 include Xeon Phi x200 (“Knights Landing”), Xeon Phi 72×5 (“Knights Mill”), and Skylake-EX and -SP (Xeon “Purley”) microprocessors. A few features that it supports include a 6-channel memory controller, non-volatile 3D XPoint memory DIMMs, Intel UltraPath Interconnect (UPI), as a replacement for QPI and 100G Omni-Path interconnect.
Do note that the LGA 3647 supported motherboards are designed specifically for the management of servers and workstations. That would indeed make the availability of your options quite limited.
Socket FCLGA3647 Motherboards
Today, we are talking about Intel’s FCLGA 3647 socket. Since most of you might already know that it is a socket specially designed for Intel Xeon family processors, these microprocessors are specially optimized for powering stackable server systems. However, to get most of these CPUs, specialized motherboards are used. Today, we are discussing some of the best motherboards offering Intel FCLGA Socket. Currently, the following models are available online on various marketplaces:
- Supermicro MBD X11DPH TO –
$663.86
- ASUS WS C621E SAGE –
$546.64
- ASRock EPC621D8A –
Out of stock
- SUPERMICRO X11DPI-N –
$542.00
The following are detailed specifications of these motherboards. We hope these detailed specs and technical details are enough for you to understand the major differences between these products and their performance level. Still, feel free to use the comment box if there is any doubt. So without any more delay, here we begin with the list of best socket FC-lga3647 motherboards:
1. SUPERMICRO MBD-X11DPH-TO:
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The Supermicro X11DPH-T Dual LGA 3647 Sockets Motherboard comes under the category of Dual Intel Xeon Scalable Processor Motherboards. Offering a maximum TDP of 205 Watts, it comes with 16 DDR4 DIMM slots.
The motherboard supports up to 2TB of 3DS ECC RDIMM or 3DS ECC LRDIMM DDR4 memory across 6-channels. Some of the features that would make it an excellent option would be
- Support for Intel® C624 Chipset.
- It comes with 3x PCI-E 3.0 x16, & 4x PCI-E 3.0 x8 Slots
- The motherboard supports Dual LAN with 10GBase-T with Intel® X557.
This is a C624 Chipset based dual socket motherboard suitable for Intel’s Xeon line of processors. It means that, technically, you can use a pair of Xeon Platinum 8176 processors, which provides 28 cores & 56 threads each, with a total of 56 Cores & 112 Threads and 432GB of system memory.
These setups are ideally suited for enterprise deployments are built for high-performance, low latency workloads. Check out its detailed specs below:
General
| Chipset Type | Intel C624 |
| Compatible Processors | Xeon (Maximum TDP 205 Watt) |
| Processor Socket | Socket P |
| Max Processors Qty | 2 |
| Manufacturer | Super Micro Computer Inc. |
Expansion / Connectivity
| Expansion Slots | 2 x CPU 16 x DIMM 288-pin (1.2 V) 3 x PCIe 3.0 x16 4 x PCIe 3.0 x8 |
| Storage Interfaces | Intel C624: SATA-600 -connectors: 10 x 7pin SATA – RAID 0 / RAID 1 / RAID 10 / RAID 5 PCIe 3.0 -connectors: 2 x M.2 – RAID 0 / RAID 1 |
| Internal Interfaces | 2 x USB 3.0 – header 1 x serial – header 1 x USB 3.0 – Type A |
Networking
| Data Link Protocol | 10 Gigabit Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet |
| Network Controller | Intel X557 |
| Network | 2 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet |
Interface Provided
| Qty | 1, 2, 4 |
| Type | LAN (10Gigabit Ethernet), USB 3.0, VGA, management, serial |
Miscellaneous
| Package Type | Retail |
| Package Type | retail |
| Product Type | motherboard |
| Included Accessories | I/O back plate |
Video
| Video Output | graphics adapter |
| Graphics Processor | ASPEED AST2500 |
Supported RAM
| Details | 2 TB – 3DS Load-Reduced – ECC |
| Bus Clock | 2400 MHz, 2133 MHz, 2666 MHz |
| Registered or Buffered | Registered, Load-Reduced, 3DS Load-Reduced |
| Technology | DDR4 |
| Max Size | 2 TB |
| Supported RAM Integrity Check | ECC |
Mainboard Features
| BIOS Type | AMI |
| BIOS Features | IPMI 2.0 support, UEFI BIOS |
| Hardware Monitoring | CPU core voltage, CPU overheating protection, chassis fan tachometer, chassis temperature, system voltage |
| Hardware Features | Chassis intrusion detection, diagnostic LEDs |
Cable Details
| Type | Serial ATA cable |
| Included Qty | 2 |
Service & Support Details
| Service Included | labor, parts |
| Type | limited warranty |
| Full Contract Period | 1 year, 3 years |
2. ASUS WS C621E SAGE:
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This motherboard is ideal for multi-GPU workload and supports up to 4 GPUs together. It supports expandable connectivity options, including U.2., M.2, USB 3.1, plus Type C & A, and supporting Thunderbolt EX3 cards. We highly recommend this for home server setups and is not ideal for Enterprise Environments. ASUS provides their proprietary Control Center management interface for complete, centralized server management which we found out to be quick and easy to use. There is a ‘Full Nickel‘ square socket P Water-block available. Check out the specs below:
General
| Product Type | Motherboard – SSI EEB |
| Chipset Type | Intel C621 |
| Compatible Processors | Xeon (Maximum TDP 205 Watt) |
| Processor Socket | Socket P |
| Max Processors Qty | 2 |
| Manufacturer | Asus |
Expansion / Connectivity
| Expansion Slots | 2 x CPU 12 x DIMM 288-pin 3 x PCIe 3.0 x16 2 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (dual x8 mode; single card: x16 mode) 2 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x8 mode) |
|
Interfaces | 2 x LAN (Gigabit Ethernet) 1 x TOSLINK 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 1 x USB-C Gen2 4 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 1 x microphone – mini-jack 1 x audio line-in – mini-jack 1 x audio line-out – mini-jack 1 x audio line-out (center/subwoofer) – mini-jack 1 x audio line-out (rear) – mini-jack 2 x USB 2.0 1 x PS/2 keyboard / mouse |
| Storage Interfaces | Intel C621: SATA-600 -connectors: 8 x 7pin Serial ATA – RAID 0 / RAID 1 / RAID 10 / RAID 5 SATA-600 -connectors: 2 x 7pin Serial ATA PCIe 3.0 -connectors: 4 x U.2 SATA-600 / PCIe 3.0 -connectors: 1 x M.2 |
| Internal Interfaces | 2 x USB 2.0 – header 4 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 – header 1 x VGA – header 1 x audio – header 1 x serial – header |
| Power Connectors | 24-pin main power connector, 2 x 8-pin ATX12V connectors |
Networking
| Data Link Protocol | Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet |
| Network Controller | Intel I210-AT |
| Network | 2 x Gigabit Ethernet |
Interface Provided
| Qty | 1, 2, 4 |
| Type | LAN (Gigabit Ethernet), PS/2 keyboard / mouse, TOSLINK, USB 2.0, USB 3.1 Gen 1, USB-C Gen2, audio line-in, audio line-out, audio line-out (center/subwoofer), audio line-out (rear), microphone |
| Connector Type | mini-jack |
Audio Output
| Compliant Standards | DTS Connect, DTS Headphone:X, High Definition Audio |
| Type | sound card |
| Audio Codec | Realtek ALCS1220A |
| Audio | High Definition Audio (8-channel) |
Video
| Video Output | graphics adapter |
| Graphics Processor | ASPEED AST2500 |
Supported RAM
| Bus Clock | 2400 MHz, 2666 MHz |
| Registered or Buffered | Registered, Load-Reduced |
| Technology | DDR4 |
| Max Size | 768 GB |
| Supported RAM Integrity Check | ECC |
Mainboard Features
| BIOS Features | USB BIOS Flashback |
| Hardware Features | 7+1 Phase Power Design, AMD 4-way CrossFireX technology support, ASUS 2 Phase DRAM Power Design, ASUS DIGI+ VRM, ASUS Gamer’s Guardian, ASUS Q-Design, ASUS Q-Shield, ASUS SafeSlot, NVIDIA 4-way SLI Technology Support, ProCool Power Connector, Q-Code, Q-DIMM, anti-pop function, audio jack detect technology, jack retasking |
Dimensions & Weight
| Width | 12 in |
| Depth | 13 in |
Software
| Software Included | ASUS Control Center |
3. SUPERMICRO X11DPI-N:
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This is also an E-ATX form factor motherboard. Also, some aspects of the layout are different than a standard ATX system, and you might need to make some modifications to complete the assembly. There are plenty of customization options in the BIOS, and we highly recommend to update it to the latest. Also, we recommend using low-profile DDR4 memory, since there are space limitations for DIMMs with taller heatsinks.
General
| Product Type | Motherboard – extended ATX |
| Chipset Type | Intel C621 |
| Compatible Processors | Xeon (supports CPUs with up to 28 cores, Maximum TDP 205 Watt) |
| Processor Socket | Socket P |
| Max Processors Qty | 2 |
| Manufacturer | Super Micro Computer Inc. |
Expansion / Connectivity
| Expansion Slots | 2 x CPU 16 x DIMM 288-pin (1.2 V) 4 x PCIe 3.0 x16 2 x PCIe 3.0 x8 |
| Storage Interfaces | Intel C621: SATA-600 -connectors: 14 x 7pin SATA – RAID 0 / RAID 1 / RAID 10 / RAID 5 PCIe 3.0 -connectors: 1 x M.2 – 1 devices PCIe 3.0 -connectors: 2 x NVMe port |
| Internal Interfaces | 1 x serial – header 1 x USB 3.0 – Type A 2 x USB 3.0 – header |
Networking
| Data Link Protocol | Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet |
| Network | 2 x Gigabit Ethernet |
Interface Provided
| Qty | 1, 2 |
| Type | LAN (Gigabit Ethernet), USB 2.0, USB 3.0, VGA, serial |
Miscellaneous
| Package Type | Retail |
| Package Type | retail |
| Product Type | motherboard |
| Included Accessories | I/O back plate |
Video
| Video Output | graphics adapter |
| Graphics Processor | ASPEED AST2500 |
Supported RAM
| Details | 2 TB – 3DS Load-Reduced – ECC 2 TB – 3DS registered – ECC |
| Bus Clock | 2400 MHz, 2133 MHz, 2666 MHz |
| Registered or Buffered | Registered, Load-Reduced, 3DS Load-Reduced, 3DS registered |
| Technology | DDR4 |
| Max Size | 2 TB |
| Supported RAM Integrity Check | ECC |
Mainboard Features
| BIOS Type | AMI |
| BIOS Features | IPMI 2.0 support, UEFI BIOS |
| Hardware Monitoring | CPU core voltage, CPU overheating protection, chassis fan tachometer, system voltage |
| Hardware Features | WatchDog Timer, chassis intrusion detection |
Cable Details
| Type | Serial ATA cable |
| Included Qty | 2 |
Dimensions & Weight
| Width | 12 in |
| Depth | 13 in |
Service & Support Details
| Service Included | labor, parts |
| Type | limited warranty |
| Full Contract Period | 1 year, 3 years |
4. ASRock EPC621D8A:
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MB Physical Status
| Form Factor | ATX |
| Dimensions | 12”x9.6” |
Processor System
| CPU | Intel Xeon Scalable Processors (Max 205W) |
| Socket | Single Socket P, LGA3647 |
| Chipset | Intel C621 |
System Memory
| Capacity | 8 x 288-pin DDR4 DIMM slots |
| Type | Six Channel memory technology Support DDR4 2666/2400 RDIMM & LR DIMM |
| Voltage | 1.2V |
Expansion Slot
| PCIe 3.0 x 16 | 2 slots (slot4: share with slot3, X16/x8, Slot6: share with slot5, X16/x8) |
| PCIe 3.0 x 8 | 3 slots (slot2: x8, slot3: share with slot3, X0/x8, Slot5: share with slot6, X0/x8) |
| PCIe 3.0 x 4 | 1 slot |
Storage
| SATA Controller | Intel C621 : 13 x SATA3 (including 1 SATA DOM ports and 2 M.2 ports) |
Ethernet
| Interface | 1000 Mbps (1GbE) |
| LAN Controller | 4 x RJ45 by Ethernet Connection X722 for 1GbE |
Management
| BMC Controller | ASPEED AST2500 |
| IPMI Dedicated GLAN | 1 x Realtek RTL8211E for dedicated management GLAN |
| Features | Watch DogNMI |
Graphics
| Controller | ASPEED AST2500 |
| VRAM | DDR4 256MB |
Audio
| Audio Codec | Realtek ALC1150 |
Rear Panel I/O
| VGA Port | 1 x D-Sub |
| USB 3.0 Port | 4 |
| Lan Port | 4+1 RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet LAN port LAN Ports with LED (ACT/LINK LED and SPEED LED) |
| Serial Port | 1 x COM port |
| Audio | 3 hole |
Internal Connector
| SATA DOM | 1 |
| M.2 | 2 (up to 2280, SATA and PCIe x1) |
| Auxiliary Panel Header | 1 (includes chassis intrusion, location button & LED, front LAN LED) |
| TPM Header | 1 |
| IPMB Header | 1 |
| Buzzer | 1 |
| Fan Header | 1 x CPU Fan, 4 x system Fan (3 front, 1 rear) |
| ATX Power | 1 (24-pin) + 1 (8-pin) |
| USB 3.0 Header | 2 (support 4 ports USB 3.0) |
| Type A USB 3.0 Port | 1 |
System BIOS
| BIOS Type | 256MB AMI UEFI Legal BIOS |
| BIOS Features | Plug and Play (PnP) ACPI 2.0 Compliance Wake Up Events SMBIOS 2.8 Support ASRock Rack Instant Flash |
Hardware Monitor
| Temperature | CPU Temperature Sensing System Temperature Sensing |
| Fan | CU/Rear/Front Fan Tachometer CPU Quiet Fan (Allow Chassis Fan Speed Auto-Adjust by CPU Temperature) CPU/Rear/Front Fan Multi-Speed Control |
| Voltage | Voltage Monitoring: +12V, +5V, +3.3V, CPU Vcore, DRAM, 1.05V_PCH, +BAT, 3VSB, 5VSB |
Support OS
| OS | OS Microsoft® Windows® Windows® 10 (64 bit) Server 2012 R2 (64 bit) Server 2016 (64 bit) Linux CentOS 6.8 (64 bit) / 7. 2 (64 bit) SUSE Enterprise Linux Server 11 SP4 (64 bit) /12 SP1 (64 bit) FreeBSD 11 (64 bit) Fedora Core 24 (64 bit) Ubuntu 16.04/15.10 (64 bit) RedHat Enterprise Linux Server 6.8 (64 bit) / 7.2 (64 bit) Virtual: VMWare®ESXi 6.5 |
Other
| Temperature | Operation temperature: 10°C ~ 35°C / Non operation temperature: -40°C ~ 70°C |
| Features | ATX 12” x 9.6” Single Socket P support Intel Xeon Scalable Processors Supports Six Channel DDR4 2666/2400/2133 RDIMM/LR DIMM Supports 13 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s by Intel C621 (including 1x SATA DOM ports and 2x M.2 ports) Supports 2 PCIe3.0x 16, 3 PCIe 3.0×8, 1 PCIe 3.0 x4 (share information mark in below table) |
5. GIGABYTE Extended ATX Server Motherboard
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The GIGABYTE Extended ATX Server Motherboard is one of the excellent options for all your needs in workstation motherboard needs you may have. Belonging to Intel Xeon Processor Scalable Family, the motherboard supports Intel Xeon Platinum Processor, Intel Xeon Gold Processor, Intel Xeon Silver Processor, and Intel Xeon Bronze Processor.
Some of the features worth the mention include
- It supports DDR4 memory in 2666 / 2400 / 2133 MHz ranges
- It features the onboard video chipset – Aspeed AST2500
- You have access to 16 nos DIMM slots
The Parting Thoughts
The LGA 3647 sockets have been specially designed and optimized for the server and workstation management. There are not many motherboards based on these sockets. In fact, Supermicro has been actively involved in the manufacture of the motherboards with the LGA 3647 socket. The motherboards with LGA 3647 sockets support the latest Intel Xeon scalable performance processors based on the Skylake SP architecture.
We have only covered only a select few of the motherboards in this compilation. The list here is representative in nature, and you should be able to find a few other options from Asus, Supermicro, and ASRock. Have you used any of the motherboards with LGA 3647 socket for your server and workstation management? If you have used any of the options among those featured above, do share your views and experiences with them. You may also share your experience with any other motherboard with the LGA 3647 socket. Your inputs would help our readers and us in making the right decision when choosing the best options for our server motherboards.
Conclusion:
For now, these are the only Socket FCLGA 3647 motherboards available, and those we thought were worth mentioning in this post. We will keep you updated as there are new models available, so make sure you subscribe to this blog for regular tech updates. If there is any query on your mind or anything you want to suggest, feel free to leave your comment below or contact us directly, Thank You! See you until next post.
