Professional Manufacturer focusing on QSFP+

For those not versed in 2P workstation and server culture, the MD60-SC0 looks a bit different to consumer line products. The DRAM and CPU sockets are aligned for airflow, first coming across the power delivery then the socket, and out the rear panel all in one straight line with the dram providing a baffle effect to channel the air. This means that the PCIe slots are in a somewhat awkward position in the middle of the motherboard, limiting the length of PCIe devices, and making the platform focus more on CPU power and storage rather than a GPU powerhouse without riser cables.

The sockets might also confuse some users. Unlike the standard square LGA2011-3 sockets we see on most Haswell-E or Haswell-EP motherboards, the MD60-SC0 uses the narrow socket configuration. This requires different coolers as well due to the different screw hole placement, and these coolers are typically not sold at retail and thus come OEM only.  Gigabyte also supplied us with a pair of Dynatron R14 heatsinks for our review which certainly looked the part, although the noise at high loading is something I wouldn't wish on anyone. This system combination belongs in a server room for sure.

The system is based on the C612 chipset, which is similar to the consumer based X99 but with 2P related features, such as MTCP over PCIe. We were also supplied with a type-T LSI RAID mezzanine card to enable some on-board SAS ports. So while the ports are part of the motherboard, the raid card is a separate purchase and leverages the T slot configuration. It also allows a series of RAID card potential upgrades over time if needed.

As with most server motherboards, the MD60-SC0 does not have any form of onboard audio but does offer two gigabit network ports alongside an Aspeed management interface. The board also comes with a QSFP port for added network connectivity.

Benchmark wise, as this is the first Haswell-EP motherboard we have tested, it is a little hard to place. As usual with management-esque type motherboards, POST times are long and power consumption is in the upper echelons. DPC Latency with 2697 V3 CPUs was quite reasonable though, despite the other two CPU combinations giving much higher peaks.

One of the main server design crux points is the orientation and the size of the board, so the MD60-SC0 has to fit into your design paradigm to make the short list. With narrow sockets and the PCIe orientation it clearly aims itself at the OEM and server builders more than consumers.