Supermicro X11 mystery component

[Ericloewe]

So I've been researching the X11 boards to finish the guide I was writing on X11 models (sorry about the delay to anyone who might have been waiting, by the way) and I came across a mystery component (see below):

I have checked both the X11SSL(-F)/X11SSM(-F) and X11SSH-F/-LN4F manuals and there's no reference whatsoever to this thing.

It looks like a connector, but it's unlike any connector I'm familiar with.

Does anyone have any idea what this thing is?

 

[Bidule0hm]

It's a board-to-board connector. What's his purpose? I don't know...

A few examples found on google images:

 

[Ericloewe]

Probably some testing port of some kind. I don't recall the X10s having such a conspicuous thing, though.

 

[Bidule0hm]

I also thought about a debug port but it's usually not the kind of connector used for that. It's very weird. Maybe if you ask SM directly they'll answer :)

 

[jgreco]

It could also be a daughtercard connector of some sort. These are common enough on boards where you have some option module that can be plugged in. I'd still guess at debug port, though, as a daughtercard module would usually have some better access to the rear of the chassis and an obvious securing mountpoint.

We now know that @Ericloewe hasn't taken apart Apple gear or modern laptops ;-) ;-) , most of which seem to have lots of these kinds of connectors. I particularly hate swapping drives in Mac Minis.

 

[Bidule0hm]

If it's a debug connector then I guess they chose this one for his high-speed capability because this kind of connector is expensive and not well suited to debugging physical needs. And because it's so close to the CPU maybe it's to look at some CPU signals?

 

[Roman]

The latest Asrock 1151 WS motherboard comes with the same connector.

 

[joeschmuck]

I believe the connector labeled XDP1 is the Platform Controller Hub (PCH) JTAG connector. Not much anyone will be able to do with it I suspect.

EDIT: Here is the real info, it's an Extended Debug Port to access the CPUs debug port. I'm certain there is more info to be found.

 

[jgreco]

If it's a debug connector then I guess they chose this one for his high-speed capability because this kind of connector is expensive and not well suited to debugging physical needs. And because it's so close to the CPU maybe it's to look at some CPU signals?

It's actually ideal for debugging in this context, it's probably for RMA troubleshooting where the board comes in and tech need to diagnose the thing. It has a relatively low number of use cycles but a very high pin density compared to most connectors.

 

[Roman]

An SM employee told me it is for debugging purposes only. It will be removed on production boards. The picture shows only a prototype board, it seems.

 

[JDCynical]

An SM employee told me it is for debugging purposes only. It will be removed on production boards. The picture shows only a prototype board, it seems.

That's interesting considering the socket is displayed in the current revisions of the manual, but is not identified.

 

[Ericloewe]

That's interesting considering the socket is displayed in the current revisions of the manual, but is not identified.

It's nothing compared to the hastily-handwritten sticker one of the boards carries in the manual. :p

 

[Roman]

They always pre-release documentation, product catalogue items, etc. before the product is available to the market. So the photo shooting takes places with prototype (“beta”) hardware. Later on, they even forget to update the product pictures sometimes.

 

[DrKK]

I came across a mystery component (see below):

Would it kill you to make a proper square around it instead of hastily-drawn quasi-gon? :)

Professional, sir! PROFESSIONAL!

 

[Ericloewe]

Would it kill you to make a proper square around it instead of hastily-drawn quasi-gon? :)

Professional, sir! PROFESSIONAL!

It would require opening an image editor, whereas freehand drawing is available in Windows' snipping tool.

It's hard to argue against minimum effort. :p

 

[Roman]

You could do this with OS X' Preview app effortlessly.

 

[DrKK]

It would require opening an image editor, whereas freehand drawing is available in Windows' snipping tool.

It's hard to argue against minimum effort. :p

Minimum effort harms the soul, and the intrepid spirit.

 

[moo083]

Does anyone know when these are going to be available? I just bought an X10, and hadn't used it yet. I could theoretically return it and get an X11 plus a skylake Xeon, but Amazon nor Newegg has these boards yet.

 

[DrKK]

Does anyone know when these are going to be available? I just bought an X10, and hadn't used it yet. I could theoretically return it and get an X11 plus a skylake Xeon, but Amazon nor Newegg has these boards yet.

Personally, having the newest stuff doesn't seem to make a lot of sense. The 1150 platforms, with a SuperMicro X10 board, are very, very tried and true FreeNAS solutions. I would be very comfortable advising you to stick with that.

 

[Ericloewe]

Personally, having the newest stuff doesn't seem to make a lot of sense. The 1150 platforms, with a SuperMicro X10 board, are very, very tried and true FreeNAS solutions. I would be very comfortable advising you to stick with that.

+1'd

X11 still has some edges that need to be checked and potentially filed down to a safe package. Only go for it now if you're comfortable troubleshooting.