GIGABYTE MW50-SV0 (Intel C612) Workstation Motherboard Review

Introduction

With the release of Intel's Haswell-EP Xeon processors, we see a large shift in how much computing power workstations can provide. In the single socket market, you can install CPUs that can run up to 18 cores/36 threads, and anywhere from two to four GPUs. The sweet spot with these boards is the ability to run three GPUs; if you need more than that, you might be better off looking at dual socket systems.

Here we have GIGABYTE's new MW50-SV0 single socket 2011-E workstation motherboard that has hit the sweet spot right on the button. When we look at the feature load out for the MWO-SV0, we find you can install a wide range of processors depending on budget and needs. Next is a standard number of RAM slots that allow you to install 64GBs of RAM using 8GB sticks, which is plenty for most applications.

The PCIe layout is ample enough to run up to three video cards, or two video cards and a more powerful storage controller. The mezzanine card slot adds network capabilities that you would normally have to use a PCIe slot for.

So far, everything looks nice for the MW50-SV0. Let's look at the retail package, and then we will look at the MW50-SV0's performance.

Packaging

The front of the retail box is simple, and yet has a nice, pleasing design. There are no noticeable markings to indicate what is inside the retail box. You will find what product is inside by looking at a sticker on the side of the box. This box can be used for many different motherboards, which results in lower packaging costs.

Here we see the back of the retail box. Just like the font of the box, the back is rather generic, and can be used for many different motherboards.

After opening the box, we get our first look at the insides. The motherboard comes packaged in an anti-static bag, and foam inserts surround the sides to protect it.

After removing the motherboard and foam inserts, we find a cardboard insert that flips open to reveal the accessories.

The MW50-SV0 does not come with a great deal of accessories; we find a minimal assortment of parts here. However, it does appear that we did not receive the full accessory list with our review sample. Here is the full break down of all the accessories that are included in the retail package, as listed on the GIGABYTE website:

• 1x Driver CD
• 1x I/O shield
• 1x User manual
• 2x SATA III 6Gb/s cables (500mm)
• 1x Mini-PCIe card bracket
• 1x CrossFire bridge
• 1x SLI bridge
• 1x Tri SLI bridge