Will Supermicro C7B75 work with XP?

[Todd]

Hi All,

Does anyone know if Supermicro's C7B75 motherboard will
work with XP?

The motherboard:
http://www.supermicro.com/products/motherboard/Core/B75/C7B75.cfm

Supermicro's compatibility cart:
http://www.supermicro.com/support/resources/OS/B75.cfm

Which does not shop XP. But it does show Fedora Core 15,
so, I would think XP would be fine.

I asked Supermicro, and they said they had never tested it.

And, I tried to locate the chipset drivers from Intel's
hideous drivers download site and could not find the B75.
I think they call it their series 7, but who can tell. And
their series 7 has no downloads anyway. So s---!

Do you guys think the C7B75 will work with XP Pro?

Many thanks,
-T

 

[Chris S.]

Hi All,

Does anyone know if Supermicro's C7B75 motherboard will
work with XP?

The motherboard:
http://www.supermicro.com/products/motherboard/Core/B75/C7B75.cfm

Supermicro's compatibility cart:
http://www.supermicro.com/support/resources/OS/B75.cfm

Which does not shop XP. But it does show Fedora Core 15,
so, I would think XP would be fine.

I asked Supermicro, and they said they had never tested it.

And, I tried to locate the chipset drivers from Intel's
hideous drivers download site and could not find the B75.
I think they call it their series 7, but who can tell. And
their series 7 has no downloads anyway. So s---!

Do you guys think the C7B75 will work with XP Pro?

Many thanks,
-T

Drivers here. Question answered?

http://www.supermicro.com/support/resources/results.cfm

Chris

 

[Todd]

Drivers here. Question answered?

http://www.supermicro.com/support/resources/results.cfm

Chris

No USB3 and no Intel chipset support, so I guess the answer is "no"

 

[Chris S.]

No USB3 and no Intel chipset support, so I guess the answer is "no"

Sorry, you only said "Do you guys think the C7B75 will work with XP Pro?"
XP SP3 may have some drivers natively....

Regards,
Chris

 

[Paul]

No USB3 and no Intel chipset support, so I guess the answer is "no"

You'd have to click the Supermicro driver button, download each
file, and have a look around

There is a GMA driver, implying if a GPU is present inside
the Intel CPU, you'd have a driver for it. I could probably
get this from the Intel site.

Description: Intel Graphic Media Accelerator Driver
for Intel Core Processor (Windows XP/2K3 32bits)
Version: v6.14.10.5313
File Size: 22.2 MB
Post Date: 01/04/2011

From the README file (as the .inf has no OS info)

* Graphics: 6.14.10.5337
* Display Audio Driver: 5.14.00.3074

Flavor of CPU built-in GPU handled...

* 2nd generation Intel(R) Core(TM) i3 processor
* 2nd generation Intel(R) Core(TM) i5 processor
* 2nd generation Intel(R) Core(TM) i5 vPro(TM) processor
* 2nd generation Intel(R) Core(TM) i7 processor
* 2nd generation Intel(R) Core(TM) i7 vPro(TM) processor
* Intel(R) Core(TM) i3 Mobile Processor
* Intel(R) Core(TM) i3 Processor
* Intel(R) Core(TM) i5 Mobile Processor
* Intel(R) Core(TM) i5 Processor
* Intel(R) Core(TM) i7 Mobile Processor
* Intel(R) Pentium(R) Processor

* Microsoft Windows* Windows* XP "Setup.exe" Installation Instructions

You have to check each driver, to see if the VEN/DEV are
present in the INF and so on.

If we want a chipset driver, a "name" for the chipset helps. B75
would be "7-series", but a table here gives a name.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/4318/intel-roadmap-ivy-bridge-panther-point-ssds/2

B75 = Panther Point

Then I can try the Intel site.

http://downloadmirror.intel.com/20775/eng/infinst_autol.zip

File name: infinst_autol.zip Version: 9.3.0.1026
Date: 11/06/2012 Size: 4.19 MB

Operating Systems:
Windows Server 2003 *, Windows Server 2003 Standard x64 Edition*,
Windows Server 2008 *, Windows 2000 *, Windows 7 *, Windows 7 (64-bit)*,
Windows 8*, Windows 8, 64-bit*, Windows Server 2008 Standard x64*,
Windows Server 2012*, Windows Vista *,
Windows XP *, Windows XP Professional x64 Edition* <----

pantusb.inf This says EHCI or USB2 to me.

[Strings]
INTEL="Intel"
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E26.DeviceDesc="Intel(R) 7 Series/C216 Chipset Family USB Enhanced Host Controller - 1E26"
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E2D.DeviceDesc="Intel(R) 7 Series/C216 Chipset Family USB Enhanced Host Controller - 1E2D"

PantUSB3.inf And this one is the USB3 driver, for the two USB3 ports
on the back, and the two other USB3 ports on the header

PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1E31.DeviceDesc=
"Intel(R) 7 Series/C216 Chipset Family Universal Serial Bus (USB) Controller - 1E31"

FileName: PantUSB3.inf
Abstract: Null driver for Intel(R) USB 3.0 devices
Include=machine.inf

Being a null driver, it is likely intended to remove the "mark"
in Device Manager.

http://www.intel.com/support/chipsets/usb3/sb/CS-033072.htm

Intel USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller Driver

Can I install USB 3.0 controller driver in Windows* XP or Windows* Vista?

The Intel USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller Driver is not supported in
Windows* XP or Windows* Vista. For these operating systems, make sure
your BIOS settings have the xHCI Mode set to Auto or Smart Auto. This
step reconfigures the USB 3.0 ports to function as USB 2.0 ports using
the native Windows* EHCI driver.

Which means USB3 is not native to WinXP. It's entirely possible
that the third-party USB3 controllers have WinXP drivers. You
never know. Then, an add-on USB3 PCIE x1 card could fix it.

It's possible the motherboard "failed" WinXP compatiblity, because
of the USB3 port.

You may also want to track down the NIC driver.

Paul

 

[Todd]

Hi All,

Does anyone know if Supermicro's C7B75 motherboard will
work with XP?

Hi Chris, David, and Paul,

I switched to the ASUS P8B-M motherboard, which give me
two SATA3 ports, ECC memory when used with the E3 processor,
and a serial port. But only has USB2. And, since I have
about a dozen or so P8B-Ms running XP in the field, I know
there is no XP driver's problem. And, it is server grade,
which means the good ASUS tech support and long life -- the
customer keeps these things up to eight years and longer.

And since no USB3, no explaining to the customer why I
put tape across them.

But, the P8B-M only has four USB ports on the back and
two on the front (of the case). And the customer needs
six on the back, so I will put a Start Tech PEXUSB3S4V
four port powered hub (uses a SATA power connector) card
in the back. And, it does come with XP drivers. (They
will appreciate the extra speed on their backups.)

Thank you all for the tips!

-T

 

[Paul]

Hi Chris, David, and Paul,

I switched to the ASUS P8B-M motherboard, which give me
two SATA3 ports, ECC memory when used with the E3 processor,
and a serial port. But only has USB2. And, since I have
about a dozen or so P8B-Ms running XP in the field, I know
there is no XP driver's problem. And, it is server grade,
which means the good ASUS tech support and long life -- the
customer keeps these things up to eight years and longer.

And since no USB3, no explaining to the customer why I
put tape across them.

But, the P8B-M only has four USB ports on the back and
two on the front (of the case). And the customer needs
six on the back, so I will put a Start Tech PEXUSB3S4V
four port powered hub (uses a SATA power connector) card
in the back. And, it does come with XP drivers. (They
will appreciate the extra speed on their backups.)

Thank you all for the tips!

-T

But you don't have to put tape across them.

The Intel warning I presented...

http://www.intel.com/support/chipsets/usb3/sb/CS-033072.htm

was suggesting the USB3 ports would run in USB2 mode.
What the user would see, is performance capped out at 30MB/sec
on the blue ports, and they'd otherwise be none the wiser.
No need for tape, because the port still does *something*.

The P8B-M has two cheesy USB ports on the back. (They could
have filled that space a bit better.)

http://images17.newegg.com/is/image/newegg/13-131-720-Z02?$S640W$

But there are two USB 2x5 pin headers on the motherboard surface.
AFAIK those are USB2 as well. You'd use this, if you want those
ports on the back of the computer. Or if the computer case
has a spare 5.25" tray in front, they make these for trays
as well (two cables, four ports).

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812200523

No need to buy a card, unless you want USB3 ports. (Then,
make sure the USB3 card comes with drivers. If the card
has an Etron on it, read the reviews.)

*******

The only accessory I could find for the P8B-M, is this, and
it is sold out.

http://us.estore.asus.com/index.php...s[full_desc]=Y&s[sku]=Y&s[match]=all&s[cid]=0

ASMB5-iKVM
Compatible Models: P8B-M, P8B-E, RS100-E7/PI2, RS300-E7/PS4, TS300-E7/PS4
$59.00

*******

C204 is Cougar Point, which is 6-series. The Intel link
doesn't show any USB3. That's probably a later chipset,
and maybe there isn't a microATX with that yet ? In any
case, if Intel doesn't provide a USB3 driver, there's no
point searching for integrated USB3. Your "buy a card"
idea might be a better solution in that case.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cougar_Point#Cougar_Point

http://ark.intel.com/products/52804/Intel-BD82C204-PCH

*******

I see the card sports one of the newer quad USB3 chips.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815158354&Tpk=PEXUSB3S4V

Your P8B-M motherboard manual says:

Slot 1 PCI 32 bit
Slot 2 PCI-E x8 wired Gen2 x4
Slot 3 PCI-E x16 wired x16, speed = function of processor used Gen2/Gen3
Slot 4 PCI-E x8 wired Gen2 x4

and if you stick the STARTECH card in one of the Gen2 slots,
it should run at full speeds. On older motherboards with
Gen1 x1 slots, the USB3 cards run at half speed (bandwidth
cap on the fastest possible peripherals, such as USB3 video
capture devices). Most of the time, the users are unaware
their USB3 is bandwidth limited (until they run a
BlackMagic USB3 capture box, and the software tells them).
Should be no problem in this case, as at least all three
PCI-E slots are rated Gen2.

Paul

 

[David H. Lipman]

Hi Chris, David, and Paul,

I switched to the ASUS P8B-M motherboard, which give me
two SATA3 ports, ECC memory when used with the E3 processor,
and a serial port. But only has USB2. And, since I have
about a dozen or so P8B-Ms running XP in the field, I know
there is no XP driver's problem. And, it is server grade,
which means the good ASUS tech support and long life -- the
customer keeps these things up to eight years and longer.

And since no USB3, no explaining to the customer why I
put tape across them.

But, the P8B-M only has four USB ports on the back and
two on the front (of the case). And the customer needs
six on the back, so I will put a Start Tech PEXUSB3S4V
four port powered hub (uses a SATA power connector) card
in the back. And, it does come with XP drivers. (They
will appreciate the extra speed on their backups.)

Thank you all for the tips!

-T

ASUS has always been my preferred MB manufacturer.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

ASUS has always been my preferred MB manufacturer.

I am far from being a hardware expert, and not knowing enough about
the subject, I have no preferred MB manufacturer.

So I would appreciate your telling us why ASUS is yours.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

There are many things I like about them...

Support (albeit their sites have been hacked a few times)
Chipsets and drivers choosing what I think are the better chipsets
Quality of motherboard design, multilayer implemntation, materials and
integration
Variation in designs
Ruggedness

I also like the fact that they are an OEM manufacturer for others.

ASUS has also branched outwards manufacturing notebooks and other devices.
To me ASUS is a leader in Taiwanese quality and manufacturer standards.

Thanks very much. I'll keep this in mind the next time I'm in the
market for a motherboard.

 

[Todd]

Thanks very much. I'll keep this in mind the next time I'm in the
market for a motherboard.

Hi Ken,

My first line it is Supermicro. Only had one go bad in 18 years
of business. And I adore their tech support. My second line
is Asus. I wouldn't buy any of their prebuilt computers
as I has seen so many terrible ones, especially their laptops.

I love ASUS server level motherboard support. I have had bad boards
out of the box (DOA) from ASUS. The one thing you have to be
really, really careful with ASUS is bent CPU pins. Bent CPU pins
are not a covered item, as they consider them to always be abuse on
your part. So, when using an ASUS MB, check the pins first thing you
receive them and BITCH like hell if you find a bent pin. If purchasing
one at a retail store, I would insist on an inspection before handing
them any money. Never had a DOA from Supermicro.

Once I get ASUS motherboards to actually work, they work beautifully.
I also like their selection on what to put on their motherboards,
so I would second David's opinion.

I am babbling.

-T

 

[Todd]

But you don't have to put tape across them.

The Intel warning I presented...

http://www.intel.com/support/chipsets/usb3/sb/CS-033072.htm

was suggesting the USB3 ports would run in USB2 mode.
What the user would see, is performance capped out at 30MB/sec
on the blue ports, and they'd otherwise be none the wiser.
No need for tape, because the port still does *something*.

You would think.

I have noticed that even though BIOS Setup can see your keyboard
and mouse, as soon as the Windows installer starts, your USB3
ports go dead. They don't wake back up until a USB3 driver
activates them. So, no keyboard and mouse until after Windows
starts. Drove me nuts until I realized what was going on.
"Hey the [explicative deleted] things worked in BIOS Setup, why
isn't Windows recognizing them now?" So, I tape them up. And,
I always put the keyboard and mouse in USB2 ports, even when
I have working USB3 ports available.

Thank you for the in depth analysis!

-T

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Hi Ken,

My first line it is Supermicro. Only had one go bad in 18 years
of business. And I adore their tech support. My second line
is Asus.

Thanks very much.

I wouldn't buy any of their prebuilt computers
as I has seen so many terrible ones, especially their laptops.

I almost never buy anybody's pre-built computers. I no longer build my
own, but these days I mostly choose my components and pay a local
builder to build for me.