【PConline Review】I won't waste time with introductory pleasantries; anyone clicking on this knows what a 'godly CPU' is! When we first reported on the E3 V5, we predicted that manufacturers would definitely take action regarding the E3, and it seems our prediction was accurate once again! So, without further ado, the PConline review team is bringing you the freshest, most insightful review of the Xeon E3-1230 v5!
●Important Note on E3 Compatibility This Generation! No More Love for B150
Before we begin the review, let's address the question most concerning to enthusiasts—motherboard compatibility! Those who have followed our PConline coverage of the Xeon E3 V5 know that this generation of E3 is unfortunately unsupported by the 100 series motherboards due to Intel's decision. It almost meant the end for DIY enthusiasts. Luckily, motherboard manufacturers stepped in and released C200 chipset motherboards for the DIY market, saving the E3 V5 from a lonely existence...
Therefore, enthusiasts will need to adjust their thinking. Unless there's an unexpected BIOS unlock, "E3 V5 + B150" will only result in endless black screens (failure to boot). To boot this generation of CPUs, you must use a motherboard with the dedicated server C200 chipset. However, motherboard manufacturers promoting server motherboards in the DIY market is undoubtedly operating in a grey area, leading to a host of related issues.
1. What Should We Call This CPU's Mount? C232 or X150?
C200 chipset motherboards are entirely unfamiliar to the DIY market, with very low recognition. Intel certainly won't promote this grey-area product, so the task of education falls to motherboard manufacturers. However, it will take considerable time to educate DIY novices that E3 V5 requires a C200 motherboard. So, clever manufacturers stepped in; Gigabyte cleverly called its C232 model for the desktop market—X150.
I think this is a perfect name. The name alone suggests a similar positioning to the B150, and the 'X' easily conveys its special ability to support the 'godly CPU'. Furthermore, including it in the 100 series is beneficial for categorization. Even after many generations, people will know that the 100 series motherboards support Skylake architecture CPUs, avoiding the confusion of, for example, the i7-3960X, which belongs to the second generation but has a third-generation name. Therefore, I suggest we call these motherboards X150.