Supermicro X10DAC Server Motherboard – Intel C612 Chipset, Socket LGA 2011-v3, Extended ATX

The Supermicro X10DAC is a high-performance, dual-processor server motherboard engineered for demanding workloads in data centers, virtualization environments, and HPC clusters. Built around the Intel C612 chipset and designed for Intel Xeon E5-2600 v3 family processors, it delivers robust compute power, expansive I/O, and enterprise-grade reliability in an Extended ATX form factor. This board is the backbone for builders who require scalable performance, balanced power efficiency, and straightforward management in a compact server platform.

• Powerful dual-CPU performance for demanding workloads – The X10DAC supports two Intel Xeon E5-2600 v3 processors, enabling exceptional parallel processing capabilities for virtualization, database operations, scientific computing, and multi-threaded workloads. With the Haswell-era E5-2600 v3 family, you gain significant IPC improvements, heightened core counts, and enhanced memory bandwidth compared to earlier generations. This board is built to handle virtualization hosts, large-scale rendering farms, and compute-intensive workloads that benefit from multi-socket configurations. With proper cooling and a capable chassis, you can push virtualization density, accelerate compute tasks, and optimize throughput across multiple virtual machines or containers without sacrificing stability.
• Advanced memory architecture with DDR4 ECC support – The X10DAC leverages the Intel C612 platform to deliver robust memory performance through DDR4 ECC RAM options, enabling error-correcting capabilities that protect against silent data corruption. This is essential for mission-critical servers that run 24/7 and rely on consistent data integrity. The board is designed to support sizable memory footprints across channels, enhancing in-memory workloads, large databases, and memory-intensive applications. Efficient memory provisioning helps reduce latency and improve overall system responsiveness under heavy virtualization or data processing tasks.
• Extensive expansion and I/O versatility for enterprise deployments – With multiple PCIe slots and flexible I/O, the X10DAC accommodates GPUs, network adapters, storage controllers, and accelerator cards to tailor the system to your exact use case. The motherboard emphasizes high-bandwidth PCIe 3.0 connectivity, enabling fast data paths for NVMe SSDs,10GbE networks, or accelerator cards, while leaving room for future upgrades. The extended ATX design provides substantial real estate for cooling and power delivery, ensuring stable performance even when GPUs or accelerators are added to boost workload throughput.
• Reliability, manageability, and data center readiness – Enterprise-grade features include robust RAS (Reliability, Availability, Serviceability) capabilities, support for IPMI-based remote management, and easy hardware monitoring. Dual-host reliability, watchdog timers, and redundant or hot-swappable components contribute to uptime in data center environments. The board’s design emphasizes quiet, efficient cooling and redundant power options where available, helping administrators maintain service levels while simplifying server maintenance and firmware updates.
• Ideal for data centers, virtualization, and HPC environments – The X10DAC is purpose-built for scenarios that require scalable compute density, strong virtualization performance, and flexible storage configurations. It harmonizes dual-processor performance with dependable memory, expansive I/O, and enterprise management features, making it a solid foundation for virtualization hosts, private clouds, HPC nodes, or specialized computing clusters. Its versatility suits mid-to-large scale deployments that demand reliability, efficiency, and long-term upgrade paths without compromising form factor constraints.

Technical Details of Supermicro X10DAC Server Motherboard

• Chipset: Intel C612
• Socket: LGA 2011-v3 (Socket R3)
• Form Factor: Extended ATX (E-ATX)
• CPU Support: Dual Intel Xeon E5-2600 v3 family processors
• Memory: DDR4 memory with ECC support (RDIMM/LRDIMM options typically supported on platforms with DDR4 ECC RAM compatibility)
• Memory Channels: Multi-channel memory architecture designed for high bandwidth and reliability
• Expansion: Multiple PCIe 3.0 expansion slots for GPUs, NICs, storage controllers, and accelerators
• Storage: SATA/SAS connectivity options with support for enterprise storage configurations; RAID capabilities available through onboard or optional controllers
• Networking: Onboard NICs with additional LAN options via PCIe adapters or mezzanine cards; designed for server-grade connectivity
• Management: Remote management and monitoring features aligned with IPMI/BMC standards common on enterprise motherboards
• Power Design: Robust VRMs and power delivery suitable for dual-CPU operation and expansion cards
• Cooling: Layout and fan headers configured to support efficient cooling in rack and tower chassis

How to install Supermicro X10DAC Server Motherboard

• Power down your system, unplug the power cord, and discharge any static electricity. Prepare a compatible chassis with standoffs for an Extended ATX board and ensure sufficient airflow for high-heat components. Gather your two Xeon E5-2600 v3 CPUs, compatible DDR4 ECC RAM, and any PCIe expansion cards you plan to install.
• Begin with CPU installation: open the CPU socket lever, align the processor correctly with the notches, and gently seat the CPU into the LGA 2011-v3 socket. Close the lever to secure the processor. Apply an appropriate amount of thermal compound if your heatsink requires it, then mount the heatsink or cooling solution securely, ensuring full contact with the CPU surface and adequate clearance for memory and adjacent sockets.
• Install memory modules into the appropriate DIMM slots according to the motherboard's memory population guidelines. Use evenly matched modules across channels to maximize bandwidth and reliability. Ensure each DIMM is firmly seated and the retention clips are fully engaged.
• Place the motherboard into the chassis, align it with I/O shields and standoffs, and secure it with screws. Connect the power supply cables to the motherboard: 24-pin ATX, 8-pin (and any other required) CPU power connectors, and any additional power rails needed for PCIe slots and VRMs. Attach all necessary fan connectors and verify that fans spin freely during power-on.
• Install PCIe expansion cards, networking adapters, or storage controllers into the available PCIe slots. Secure each card with screws and connect any required cables (for NVMe, SATA, or SAS devices). Double-check that no cables obstruct fans or conflict with egress paths. Install any additional storage devices or drive backplanes as dictated by your chassis design.
• Power on the system and enter the BIOS/UEFI setup. Configure CPU settings, memory timings, and any per-slot voltage or speed targets recommended by the CPU vendors. Set boot priorities, enable IPMI management if applicable, and confirm that all hardware is recognized in the system overview. Install or update firmware for the BIOS/firmware, RAID controllers, and any installed PCIe devices as needed.
• Install your preferred operating system and drivers, then run a baseline stability test. Monitor temperatures, voltages, and fan behavior under load to ensure that the system remains within safe operating ranges. Perform any final adjustments to power, cooling, and firmware to optimize performance and reliability for your specific workload.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What CPUs does the Supermicro X10DAC support?

  A: The X10DAC is designed for dual Intel Xeon E5-2600 v3 family processors, enabling powerful multi-core performance for virtualization, databases, and compute-intensive workloads.

• Q: Does the X10DAC support DDR4 memory?

  A: Yes. The motherboard utilizes DDR4 memory with ECC support, offering enhanced error correction for mission-critical servers and improved memory bandwidth for demanding applications.

• Q: How many PCIe expansion slots are available?

  A: The X10DAC provides multiple PCIe expansion slots to accommodate GPUs, network cards, and storage controllers, giving you flexibility to tailor the system to your workload.

• Q: Is IPMI or remote management supported?

  A: Enterprise-grade boards like the X10DAC typically offer IPMI/BMC-based remote management, enabling monitoring, remote KVM, and firmware updates for convenient administration in data center environments.

• Q: What storage options are supported?

  A: The board supports onboard SATA/SAS connectivity and can be paired with PCIe/SAS controllers or backplanes to meet enterprise storage needs, including RAID configurations when combined with appropriate controllers.

• Q: Is this motherboard compatible with Extended ATX chassis?

  A: Yes. The X10DAC is designed for Extended ATX form factors, offering ample mounting space and cooling capacity for dual-CPU configurations and expansion cards.