Using a server motherboard for a workstation

[Miramonti]

Why would someone not want to use a server board for a workstation?

I've never worked with a server board so am not familiar with the differences...what are the issues why it would be fine/wouldn't be recommended?

 

[teclis1023]

There are many different reasons why you would or wouldn't want to use a server-class motherboard in a workstation, and it all depends on the application of said workstation.

For example, the Intel S5000 series motherboards are great for high-performance number crunching, and utilize the Xeon processors. This is great for video edition, CAD work, etc.

On the other hand, an S3000 series motherboard allows for the Core series processors, but still has the server/workstation class features and driver support, but is useful for less intense projects, such as file-serving, etc.

When you move to server class products, you receive different software and OS compatibility and support. If you are looking for a server or workstation, perhaps a motherboard bundle might be the best way to go. I am sure there are several places across the internet that provide them. The company that I work for, www.jncs.com, provides server class bundles if you are interested.

Hopefully I have been helpful.

 

[Peter]

While the design choices in CPU and chipset are usually similar, here's what sets them apart:

Slots. Server boards typically maximize on high-bandwidth non-graphics slots, like 4- and 8-wide PCIE plus maybe PCI-X. Workstation boards typically give you two to four 16-wide PCIE slots for graphics, maybe one or two 1-wide PCIE, and a couple of 'normal' PCI slots.

Onboard components. While server boards focus on high-bandwidth storage extras like hardware-controlled SATA and/or SAS RAID and SCSI, you'll probably find that workstation boards bring audio, 1394 and maybe cheap CPU-controlled SATA RAID.

 

[Miramonti]

Thanks teclis1023 and Peter for the info. I'm looking to understand the issue better since its come up in a discussion. I've wondered about this every once in a while as well but have never worked with servers, so this is insightful.