new mainboards...

[VJ]

But servers are something different... I can imagine that it is easier to prioritize compatibility for them.

I don't remember what was wrong with the Windows 7 compatibility (it was not my task to fix it) some years ago, but I do remember it required some third party patch, from I don't know which source...

Apparently there is a new microcode for the Arrowlake processors, with the aim to improve the performance, but first indications are that it does not change much... As I don't have that much time at the moment to play with a new computer, I may as well hold out.

[Umfriend]

Sure. My point was more that server CPU basically run everything and if there are no compatability issues there then prolly not with consumer products either? Hard to say without knowing what this issue was of course. Could be, just think it is very unlikely.

Then again, I had to use a certain VPN software to connect to a client and it did not like my Killer E2500 controller. Very weird.

[VJ]

I've decided to wait a bit... no good promotions, and it promises to get busy at work at the beginning of next year. Let's see if Intel manages to fix Arrowlake...
I have some other things in the mean time to work on: I need to replan my network, too many devices and I need to be more systematic with static dhcp in order to have it easier, and am working on further home automation integration - it became more pressing since one master-slave socket list died and I managed to score an IP/IR/RS232/relay controller - https://kanexpro.com/item/CR-3XCONTROL - I can integrate it with my home automation to both have IR control from my home automation app, and have it switch sockets much smarter than the master-slave socket list could. But first I need to physically install it all...

[VJ]

Just checking again, and apparently there are much more interesting options for the B860 chipset mainboards... Asus has a few options with multiple (well positioned) PCIe slots - one mainboard would even have 4 available slots (Prime B860-plus WIFI: 1 x4, 3 x1) if the videocard does not occupy more than two slots, and it has 2 M.2 slots... MSI has an option with 3 available PCIe slots if the videocard is not more than two slots wide (Pro 860-P Wifi, 1 x4, 2 x1) and it has 3 M.2 slots. Both have 5.1 audio jacks on the backpanel (Asus adds an internal spdif header). Both have Realtek NIC - I would prefer Intel but ok.Of course those mainboards are not intended to run 2 videocards, but as that is a distant idea, I could compromise with the offered featureset. It is looking more interesting again...

[UtwigMU]

I decided to hold out with B550-F for now and maxed the RAM at 128GB. Looking to upgrade video card but Geforce 5000 series is very scarce and overpriced on launch. For video and AI the Geforce 5000 is better than 4000 - currently on 3006.

[UtwigMU]

I decided to hold out with B550-F for now and maxed the RAM to 128GB. Looking to upgrade video card but Geforce 5000 series is very scarce and overpriced on launch. For video and AI the Geforce 5000 is better than 4000 - currently on 3006.

The Rog Strix B860 has Intel LAN.