gnuboot/website/docs/hardware/kgpe-d16.md

---
title: ASUS KGPE-D16 server/workstation board 
x-unreviewed: true
...

Introduction
============

This is a server board using AMD hardware (Fam10h *and Fam15h* CPUs
available). It can also be used for building a high-powered workstation.
Powered by libreboot. The coreboot port was done by Timothy Pearson of
Raptor Engineering Inc. and, working with them (and sponsoring the
work), merged into libreboot.

*Memory initialization is still problematic, for some modules. We
recommend avoiding Kingston modules.*
*For working configurations see <https://www.coreboot.org/Board:asus/kgpe-d16>.*

Flashing instructions can be found at
[../install/\#flashrom](../install/#flashrom) - note that external
flashing is required (e.g. BBB), if the proprietary (ASUS) firmware is
currently installed. If you already have libreboot, by default it is
possible to re-flash using software running in GNU+Linux on the
KGPE-D16, without using external hardware.

CPU compatibility
=================

*Use Opteron 6200 series (works without microcode updates, including hw
virt).* 6300 series needs microcode updates, so avoid those CPUs. 6100
series is too old, and mostly untested.

Board status (compatibility) {#boardstatus}
============================

See <https://raptorengineeringinc.com/coreboot/kgpe-d16-status.php>.

Form factor {#formfactor}
===========

These boards use the SSI EEB 3.61 form factor; make sure that your case
supports this. This form factor is similar to E-ATX in that the size is
identical, but the position of the screws are different.

IPMI iKVM module add-on {#ipmi}
=======================

Don't use it. It uses proprietary firmware and adds a backdoor (remote
out-of-band management chip, similar to the [Intel Management
Engine](../../faq.html#intelme). Fortunately, the firmware is
unsigned (possibly to replace) and physically separate from the
mainboard since it's on the add-on module, which you don't have to
install.

Flash chips {#flashchips}
===========

2MiB flash chips are included by default, on these boards. It's on a
P-DIP 8 slot (SPI chip). The flash chip can be upgraded to higher sizes:
4MiB, 8MiB or 16MiB. With at least 8MiB, you could feasibly fit a
compressed linux+initramfs image (BusyBox+Linux system) into CBFS and
boot that, loading it into memory.

Libreboot has configs for 2, 4, 8 and 16 MiB flash chip sizes (default
flash chip is 2MiB).

*DO NOT hot-swap the chip with your bare hands. Use a P-DIP 8 chip
extractor. These can be found online. See
<http://www.coreboot.org/Developer_Manual/Tools#Chip_removal_tools>*

This guide shows how to flash the chip:\
[25xx NOR flashing guide](../install/spi.html)

Native graphics initialization {#graphics}
==============================

Only text-mode is known to work, but linux(kernel) can initialize the
framebuffer display (if it has KMS - kernel mode setting).

Current issues {#issues}
==============

-   LRDIMM memory modules are currently incompatible
-   SAS (via PIKE 2008 module) requires non-free option ROM (and
    SeaBIOS) to boot from it (theoretically possible to replace, but you
    can put a kernel in CBFS or on SATA and use that to boot GNU, which
    can be on a SAS drive. The linux kernel can use those SAS drives
    (via PIKE module) without an option ROM).
-   SeaBIOS lacked serial console support out-of-the-box in release 20160907
    and as such a workaround using SGABIOS is necessary. You can find
    instructions on how to do this on the
    [Notabug issue tracker](http://web.archive.org/web/20210416011941/https://notabug.org/libreboot/libreboot/issues/736)
-   IPMI iKVM module (optional add-on card) uses proprietary firmware.
    Since it's for remote out-of-band management, it's theoretically a
    backdoor similar to the Intel Management Engine. Fortunately, unlike
    the ME, this firmware is unsigned which means that a free
    replacement is theoretically possible. For now, the libreboot
    project recommends not installing the module. [This
    project](https://github.com/facebook/openbmc) might be interesting
    to derive from, for those who want to work on a free replacement. In
    practise, out-of-band management isn't very useful anyway (or at
    the very least, it's not a major inconvenience to not have it).
-   Graphics: only text-mode works. See [\#graphics](#graphics)

Hardware specifications {#specifications}
-----------------------

The information here is adapted, from the ASUS website.

### Processor / system bus

-   2 CPU sockets (G34 compatible)
-   HyperTransport™ Technology 3.0
-   CPUs supported:
    -   AMD Opteron 6100 series (Fam10h. No IOMMU support. *Not*
        recommended - old. View errata datasheet here:
        <http://support.amd.com/TechDocs/41322_10h_Rev_Gd.pdf>)
    -   AMD Opteron 6200 series (Fam15h, with full IOMMU support in
        libreboot - *highly recommended - fast, and works well without
        microcode updates, including virtualization*)
    -   AMD Opteron 6300 series (Fam15h, with full IOMMU support in
        libreboot. *AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE - virtualization is broken
        without microcode updates.*
    -   NOTE: 6300 series CPUs have buggy microcode built-in, and
        libreboot recommends avoiding the updates. The 6200 series CPUs
        have more reliable microcode. Look at this errata datasheet:
        <http://support.amd.com/TechDocs/48063_15h_Mod_00h-0Fh_Rev_Guide.pdf>
        (see Errata 734 - this is what kills the 6300 series)
-   6.4 GT/s per link (triple link)

### Core logic

-   AMD SR5690
-   AMD SP5100

### Memory compatibility (with libreboot)

-   *Total Slots:* 16 (4-channel per CPU, 8 DIMM per CPU), ECC
-   *Capacity:* Maximum up to 256GB RDIMM (Tested max 128GB)
-   *Memory Type that is compatible:*
    -   DDR3 1600/1333/1066/800 UDIMM\*
    -   DDR3 1600/1333/1066/800 RDIMM\*
-   *Compatible sizes per memory module:*
    -   16GB, 8GB, 4GB, 3GB, 2GB, 1GB RDIMM
    -   8GB, 4GB, 2GB, 1GB UDIMM

### Expansion slots

-   *Total slot:* 6
-   *Slot Location 1:* PCI 32bit/33MHz
-   *Slot Location 2:* PCI-E x16 (Gen2 X8 Link)
-   *Slot Location 3:* PCI-E x16 (Gen2 X16 Link), Auto switch to x8
    link if slot 2 is occupied
-   *Slot Location 4:* PCI-E x8 (Gen2 X4 Link)
-   *Slot Location 5:* PCI-E x16 (Gen2 X16 Link)
-   *Slot Location 6:* PCI-E x16 (Gen2 X16 Link), Auto turn off if
    slot 5 is occupied, For 1U FH/FL Card, MIO supported
-   *Additional Slot 1:* PIKE slot (for SAS drives. See notes above)
-   Follow SSI Location\#

### Form factor {#form-factor}

-   SSI EEB 3.61 (12"x13")

### ASUS features

-   Fan Speed Control
-   Rack Ready (Rack and Pedestal dual use)

### Storage

-   *SATA controller:*
    -   AMD SP5100
    -   6 x SATA2 300MB/s
-   *SAS/SATA Controller:*
    -   ASUS PIKE2008 3Gbps 8-port SAS card included

### Networking

-   2 x Intel® 82574L + 1 x Mgmt LAN

### Graphics

-   Aspeed AST2050 with 8MB VRAM

### On board I/O

-   1 x PSU Power Connector (24-pin SSI power connector + 8-pin SSI
    12V + 8-pin SSI 12V power connector)
-   1 x Management Connector , Onboard socket for management card
-   3 x USB pin header , Up to 6 Devices
-   1 x Internal A Type USB Port
-   8 x Fan Header , 4pin (3pin/4pin fan dual support)
-   2 x SMBus
-   1 x Serial Port Header
-   1 x TPM header
-   1 x PS/2 KB/MS port

### Back I/O ports

-   1 x External Serial Port
-   2 x External USB Port
-   1 x VGA Port
-   2 x RJ-45
-   1 x PS/2 KB/Mouse

### Environment

-   *Operation temperature:* 10C \~ 35C
-   *Non operation temperature:* -40C \~ 70C
-   *Non operation humidity:* 20% \~ 90% ( Non condensing)

### Monitoring

-   CPU temperatures
-   Fan speed (RPM)

### Note:

-   \* DDR3 1600 can only be supported with AMD Opteron 6300/6200 series
    processor