Intel Server Board S5000PAL Dual Gigabit Ethernet I/O Expansion Module Issues

When configuring an SBS or other server on a 1U or 2U form factor, PCI-X/PCI-E slots are at a premium.

The Intel Server Board S5000PAL Dual Gigabit Ethernet I/O Expansion Module (AXXGBIOMOD) provides an extra pair of Gigabit ports without using an available PCI slot.

We generally configure 3 NIC ports - sometimes 4 - on our SBS boxes:

• 2x Internal paired in Fault Tolerance Mode
• 1x Internet facing for ISA or Dual NIC mode on SBS Standard (1 internal + 1 external)

When we are dealing with the Intel AMT port on a server, we may install a Dual Port Gigabit Adapter for pairing so as to leave the AMT port on its own for remote management.

So far, we have encountered two issues with the module:

• Intel Technical Advisory: TA-0864-1: Intel Server Board S5000PAL Dual Gigabit Ethernet I/O Expansion Module May Not Initialize After System Restart (PDF Document)
• The unit may not power itself up on a DC system reset. PCN#107383 and above are not affected by the problem. Any earlier models are and can be replaced by contacting Intel.
• Intel Technical Advisory: TA-0849-1: AXXGBIOMOD causes false error in PCT (PDF Document)
• The EEPROM image contains an incorrect value that causes a NIC Checksum Error when the Platform Confidence Test (PCT) is run. The module is functional, though coded as being in an error state. PCN#106924 and above are not affected by the problem. Contact Intel for warranty replacement for products affected.

As always, when configuring a new server setup, make sure to do the relevant research on each component before quoting the client!

A client's confidence in us can be deeply impacted by our delivering a new 1U dual Xeon 5440 Quad Core series SBS unit (read: expensive) that behaves strangely within a few short days or weeks of delivery.

Also, keep in mind that our time lines for delivery can also be impacted by a problem component. If we run into one of the above problems on a unit that is to be delivered in a very short time, we may be calling our client to set things back. This too reflects poorly on our professionalism.

In the client's mind, we are the professionals who are supposed to know our products inside and out. The excuse, "we did not know" or something to the like only succeeds in reducing that image in their eyes.

Philip Elder
MPECS Inc.
Microsoft Small Business Specialists

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