Server and workstation motherboards are built for servers, virtualisation hosts, storage systems and professional desktop workstations. Our range has over 100 models with Intel and AMD processor sockets, from SUPERMICRO, ASRock, ASUS and GIGABYTE. Form factors run from mini ITX and micro ATX up to Extended ATX and EEB.
How to choose a server or workstation motherboard
Processor socket. Start with the processor platform, because the socket decides which CPUs will fit. Our range includes LGA 1700 and LGA 1200 (for Intel Core and entry-level Xeon systems), LGA 4677 (Intel Xeon Scalable), Socket SP5 (AMD EPYC) and Socket sTR5 (AMD Ryzen Threadripper).
Memory. The number of memory slots sets how many modules you can install. Our range has boards with 2, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 24 slots: entry-level single-processor boards have fewer, while the largest counts come with EPYC and Xeon Scalable models. Also check the supported memory type, as server platforms often use ECC or registered (RDIMM) memory, which many desktop boards do not accept.
Form factor. Our range includes ATX, Extended ATX, micro ATX, mini ITX, SSI CEB and EEB boards. SSI CEB and EEB are mainly meant for server chassis, and an Extended ATX board is wider than ATX and does not fit every case, so check the case specification first.
Storage and expansion. Boards are available with 1, 2, 3 or 4 M.2 slots, along with SATA III, PCI Express 4.0 and SlimSAS connections. Work out how many drives you need, and check the number and speed of PCI Express slots if you plan to add a graphics card, network card or RAID controller.
Management and ports. Many server boards include a baseboard management controller (BMC) with remote access over IPMI, which helps when a server sits in a rack without a monitor. For a workstation, ports matter more: the number of USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports varies from none to four across the models.
Brands we carry
- SUPERMICRO: a specialist in server and data centre hardware, known for server motherboards and server platforms, and the brand with the most boards in our range.
- ASRock: server and workstation boards come from its separate ASRock Rack division, with models for both Intel and AMD platforms.
- ASUS: known for the Pro WS series of boards for professional workstations.
- GIGABYTE: offers server boards for AMD EPYC and Intel Xeon platforms, and also makes complete servers.
Also in our range: AMD.
Frequently asked questions
How does a server motherboard differ from a regular desktop motherboard?
A server motherboard is designed for continuous operation and large amounts of resources. It typically supports ECC memory, offers more memory slots and expansion connections, and often includes a remote management chip. Desktop boards focus more on gaming, audio and lighting features.
Can I use a server motherboard for a home server or workstation?
Yes, as long as you choose a suitable case, power supply and cooling. A home server or small workstation often needs only a smaller board with an LGA 1700 socket, while demanding compute work is better suited to an EPYC or Threadripper platform. Before buying, check that the board fits your case and that its memory type matches what you plan to install.
Do I need ECC memory?
You need ECC memory when data integrity matters most, such as in servers, databases, virtualisation and storage systems. It detects and corrects single-bit memory errors. Not every board or processor supports it, so check the board specification and the CPU compatibility.
Which socket is right for AMD EPYC or Intel Xeon Scalable?
In our range, AMD EPYC processors go with Socket SP5 boards and Intel Xeon Scalable processors with LGA 4677 boards. Always check the exact processor generation, because the same socket does not always fit every generation. The manufacturer's list of supported processors for the board will confirm it.
