New Motherboard #2

[Doublehelix]

I didn't want to hi-jack the other \"New Motherboard\" thread, but wanted to post for info here on a similar question.

I am considering going dual-processor/dual-core, and wonder if the crowd here can steer me towards something that kicks butt, but is also compatible.

I have always gone with known quantities rather than the absolute \"fastest\" computers, which means I go with ASUS mobos with Intel processers and chip sets, and would like to continue down that route.

I use Cubase SX with 3 UADs in a Magma chassis and a Poco, with a Lynx AES-16 card, so I need an ABSOLUTE MINIMUM of 3 PCI slots.

Any good suggestions?

Thanks, and happy new year!

 

[Doublehelix]

I have done some searching, and the choices are pretty slim right now that will give me at least 3 PCI slots.

Does anyone know anything about:

Intel SE7320VP2, with the Intel E7320 chip set?

It supports dual Xeon processers and from what I can see, has 4 PCI slots.

The specs say \"1 x Intel Adaptive Slot supporting PCI-Express X4\" video support, which means my trusty old Matrox G450 has to go since it is AGP, right?

This might also be a change to go to a 3-head video system rather than a 2-head video system, but when I look at the Matrox site, their triple-head system says \"Matrox Parhelia APVe PCI Express™ (PCIe) x16\".

So does that mean that this card will not work with the above mobo???

Sorry for all the dumb questions, but this stuff moves along so fast, that you really need to keep up or you get left behind pretty quickly!

Thanks again!

 

[Doublehelix]

Nobody, eh?

Is anyone using dual/dual systems?

 

[Doublehelix]

OK... *sob* I feel neglected!

Nobody loves me!

 

[khe91]

Nobody, eh?

Is anyone using dual/dual systems?

I use a Tyan S5360 Dual Xeon, with Intel 7520 chipset with 6 PCI slots.
2 UAD-1 and 2 Powercore, UAD works well in the slots or a Magma.

 

[Doublehelix]

Nobody, eh?

Is anyone using dual/dual systems?

I use a Tyan S5360 Dual Xeon, with Intel 7520 chipset with 6 PCI slots.
2 UAD-1 and 2 Powercore, UAD works well in the slots or a Magma.

Thanks khe91!!! Great information! I will look into the Tyan mobo.

 

[Doublehelix]

OK, I just looked at the Tyan mobo, and saw the following specs listed:

\"3x133/100/66MHz PCI-X
1x100/66Mhz PCI-X
1x66Mhz PCI-X
1 PCI Express x8
1x33MHz PCI\"

So educate me here with all the PCI-X and PCI Express lingo! Can I plug in my \"standard\" PCI cards into any of these slots?

I am so confused!!!

 

[khe91]

OK, I just looked at the Tyan mobo, and saw the following specs listed:

"3x133/100/66MHz PCI-X
1x100/66Mhz PCI-X
1x66Mhz PCI-X
1 PCI Express x8
1x33MHz PCI"

So educate me here with all the PCI-X and PCI Express lingo! Can I plug in my "standard" PCI cards into any of these slots?

I am so confused!!!

Depends on the PCI card.
PCI-X is compatible with PCI.
If your cards are 3.3V or 3.3/5V (like UAD-1 or Powercore) then they work in all 6 slots.
If your cards are old 5V only cards (like Creamware Scope) then they work only in the 33MHz slot.
In the PCIe slot you can put new SATA, SCSI or Firewire cards, PCIe is not compatible with PCI.

 

[Doublehelix]

Very cool! Thanks for that great information, it helps a lot!

It also looks like there is no AGP video slot, so I will need to dedicate one of these to the video card which I will now have to upgrade as well. Bummer!

 

[khe91]

It also looks like there is no AGP video slot, so I will need to dedicate one of these to the video card which I will now have to upgrade as well. Bummer!

The Tyan Board has onboard graphic.
There are very nice PCI-X Matrox cards for 2 (Parhelia PCI) or 4 TFTs (QID Pro) each up to 1600x1200, or PCI Matrox for 2 TFTs up to 1280x1024.
I use a Matrox Parhelia PCI-X with 2 1600x1200 TFTs.

 

[Doublehelix]

I have a Matrox G450 dual-head right now, and have been considering going for a three-headed card going forward, so this might be the right time!

Thanks for all the help khe, you have been really great!