# Tomcat HX S8050 (S8050GM4NE-2T) **URL:** \ **Category:** Hardware\ **Tags:** motherboard, help-and-suggestions\ **Created:** [November 17, 2024, 1:05am UTC](https://forum.45homelab.com/t/tomcat-hx-s8050-s8050gm4ne-2t/2451 "2024-11-17T01:05:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 14\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ekolotyluk](https://forum.45homelab.com/user_avatar/forum.45homelab.com/ekolotyluk/32/1536_2.png) [@ekolotyluk](https://forum.45homelab.com/u/ekolotyluk)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2024, 1:05am UTC](https://forum.45homelab.com/t/tomcat-hx-s8050-s8050gm4ne-2t/2451/1 "2024-11-17T01:05:26Z")
I am considering the [Tomcat HX S8050 (S8050GM4NE-2T)](https://www.tyan.com/Motherboards_S8050_S8050GM4NE-2T) and had a few questions. 1. Does anyone have any experience with this board or with TYAN in general? 2. This has 12 SATA ports on board. Which cable option would I choose with the HL15? I am guessing Set F, but I am not sure. 3. The board is a CEB form factor, 12" x 10.5" – I read in another forum that while this is not officially supported, someone else was able to integrate that size mobo in the HL15. Are there other concerns I should have? 4. Does 45HomeLab do custom builds? I plan to run TrueNAS Electric Eel. Anything else I should think about? ---
**Author:** ![DigitalGarden](https://forum.45homelab.com/user_avatar/forum.45homelab.com/digitalgarden/32/1785_2.png) [@DigitalGarden](https://forum.45homelab.com/u/DigitalGarden)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2024, 2:57am UTC](https://forum.45homelab.com/t/tomcat-hx-s8050-s8050gm4ne-2t/2451/2 "2024-11-17T02:57:00Z")
> [@ekolotyluk](#): > > This has 12 SATA ports on board. Which cable option would I choose with the HL15? Set D (2x) SFF 8643 → SFF 8643 [Mini-SAS-HD (Backplane) to Mini-SAS-HD] (2x) SFF 8643 → 4x 7-Pin SATA [Mini-SAS-HD (Backplane) to 4x 7-Pin SATA] That gets you 12/15 drives. You would need to figure out how to connect the other 3/15 drives. That could be a 4x HBA or SATA expander, or via the MCIO connectors, but you would need to source your own MCIO-to-SFF8643 cable. > [@ekolotyluk](#): > > The board is a CEB form factor, 12" x 10.5" – I read in another forum that while this is not officially supported, someone else was able to integrate that size mobo in the HL15. Are there other concerns I should have? There are two or three considerations if using an oversize board; 1. Physical footprint. Yes you can physically wedge a 12" x 10.5" motherboard into the motherboard compartment 2. Header locations. Headers at the front of the motherboard will be right up against/under the mid case fans. There is some space under the fans, but any connectors at the front of the board are going to be awkward to work with when building, and for the thickest, straight-up cables may be hard to bend. The impact of this depends on board layout. For this board, you’ll either be sliding the motherboard into place with SFF8643 and SATA cables connected, or more likely, removing the mid case fan wall when you do the motherboard install and need to fiddle with the cables at the front of the motherboard any time in the future. It’s not that hard to undo the fan wall (four screws) but might get old if you are a perpetual tinkerer. 3. Standoff locations. The HL15 has standoff locations based on ITX/mATX/ATX boards. I understand that CEB is supposed to have similar screw locations to ATX, but comparing that board to a standard ATX, if it is really 12"x10.5", I don’t see how some of those screw locations line up with ATX, and you will have a few standoff stubs you might want to protect with electrical tape or such to prevent grounds, or use some plastic spacers to prevent flex. Specifically, I don’t think the HL15 would have standoffs for the screws at the front corners of that board, and will have stubs for standoffs under the RAM slots. ---
**Author:** ![DigitalGarden](https://forum.45homelab.com/user_avatar/forum.45homelab.com/digitalgarden/32/1785_2.png) [@DigitalGarden](https://forum.45homelab.com/u/DigitalGarden)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2024, 10:23am UTC](https://forum.45homelab.com/t/tomcat-hx-s8050-s8050gm4ne-2t/2451/3 "2024-11-17T10:23:08Z")
Following up on #3 in my reply above: There was apparently a 2008 release of the CEB standard (subset of EEB), and some 2011 updates. The original spec was based solely on ATX, the 2011 spec allows for additional mounting holes that do not align with ATX. Refer to the link and the diagram below. See pages 6, 9, and 10 in the 2011 EEB spec. The alternate mounting locations are marked with a “prime” tilde in the figure below (eg, K’, L’, M’; K, L, M no tilde are the ATX standoff locations). So, a “CEB” board based on the updated 2011 spec may have holes in locations that may not have standoffs in an ATX case, and may have electronics, traces, and solder connections in locations that correspond to standoff locations in an ATX case. ![SSI EEB 2011 1.0.1_Page_10](https://forum.45homelab.com/uploads/default/original/2X/3/30202a45ed0f0bfa3a7d9dd608a8318bb8edbb2f.png) > **[Industry Reference | SNIA](https://www.snia.org/standards/industry-reference)** > > This page and contents are for industry reference purposes only and contain 3rd party specifications/documents. This content was NOT developed by SNIA and is not covered by SNIA IP Policies. SSI Forum THIS FINAL SPECIFICATION WAS ADOPTED BY THE SSI... This doesn’t fully negate the use of the board or anything, since many of the standoff locations will still correspond; it just means that you’ll probably need to fabricate your own support with adhesive nylon spacers or tap your own hole for a few standoffs or something (not sure) to be sure the board has mechanical support in the locations the manufacturer expects. ---
**Author:** ![ekolotyluk](https://forum.45homelab.com/user_avatar/forum.45homelab.com/ekolotyluk/32/1536_2.png) [@ekolotyluk](https://forum.45homelab.com/u/ekolotyluk)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2024, 7:58pm UTC](https://forum.45homelab.com/t/tomcat-hx-s8050-s8050gm4ne-2t/2451/4 "2024-11-17T19:58:20Z")
Thanks, @DigitalGarden, for great insight and advice. What I like about this board is that I can initially create a working system using the lowest-cost (16 core) EPYC processor and the least expensive RAM and then upgrade later if needed. Initially, I don’t need all 15 drives, but the MCIO is worth investigating. Also, TrueNAS Electric Eel has improved drive expansion. This forum has at least one other person using a CEB board in an HL15, which is promising. Yes, the power connectors and mini SAS connectors could be a problem. I will have to investigate further. Removing the mid-fans for the mobo install is probably the best choice, as I have seen others, such as @geerlingguy, do this before. I don’t live too far from Linus, of Linus Media fame, so maybe he could build this? 🤔 Just kidding… ---
**Author:** ![DigitalGarden](https://forum.45homelab.com/user_avatar/forum.45homelab.com/digitalgarden/32/1785_2.png) [@DigitalGarden](https://forum.45homelab.com/u/DigitalGarden)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2024, 1:24am UTC](https://forum.45homelab.com/t/tomcat-hx-s8050-s8050gm4ne-2t/2451/5 "2024-11-18T01:24:28Z")
The Asrock Rack BERGAMOD8-2L2T appears to use legacy ATX screw locations, although it seems to use a MicroATX location that technically isn’t part of the 2008 or 2011 CEB I don’t think. The Gigabyte MC62-G40 appears to only use six screws with five of them in the legacy ATX locations and the sixth in the alternate CEB location. It appears to be missing any screws through the middle of the board from side to side. Maybe @zigzag32 can comment if he did anything to support the alternate screw location, protect the underside of the mobo from shorts, or any other notes about the install, since that board also seems to have headers along the front. Your board seems to have alternate screw locations at H’, K’ and M’. I think you’d at least want to give it some support on the corners at K’ and M’. I’m not trying to blow this out of proportion, simply responding to your request for things to consider. It’s a thing to be prepared for, not something there isn’t solutions for. ---
**Author:** ![ekolotyluk](https://forum.45homelab.com/user_avatar/forum.45homelab.com/ekolotyluk/32/1536_2.png) [@ekolotyluk](https://forum.45homelab.com/u/ekolotyluk)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2024, 4:40pm UTC](https://forum.45homelab.com/t/tomcat-hx-s8050-s8050gm4ne-2t/2451/6 "2024-11-18T16:40:45Z")
Another option seems to be the [GENOAD8UD-2T/X550](https://www.asrockrack.com/general/productdetail.asp?Model=GENOAD8UD-2T/X550#Specifications) as featured on [45 Drives HomeLab HL 15: Why the Chassis is Important](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ipkg0qj3qq0). At least I know an expert has made this operational. ---
**Author:** ![rymandle05](https://forum.45homelab.com/user_avatar/forum.45homelab.com/rymandle05/32/2424_2.png) [@rymandle05](https://forum.45homelab.com/u/rymandle05)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2024, 1:10am UTC](https://forum.45homelab.com/t/tomcat-hx-s8050-s8050gm4ne-2t/2451/7 "2024-11-19T01:10:40Z")
I don’t have any experience with this particular board but I recently picked up a different Asrock Rack motherboard for my HL8 build. I’m very impressed with it. I think Asrock Rack components will be my first choice going forward for custom server builds. ---
**Author:** ![ekolotyluk](https://forum.45homelab.com/user_avatar/forum.45homelab.com/ekolotyluk/32/1536_2.png) [@ekolotyluk](https://forum.45homelab.com/u/ekolotyluk)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2024, 2:50am UTC](https://forum.45homelab.com/t/tomcat-hx-s8050-s8050gm4ne-2t/2451/8 "2024-11-19T02:50:05Z")
@DigitalGarden, for the [GENOA8UD](https://www.asrockrack.com/general/productdetail.asp?Model=GENOAD8UD-2T/X550#Specifications) board, is this the cable I need? [Micro SATA Cables|‌MCIO x8 74 Pin (NVMe) to 2X SFF-8643 NVMe 75 CM](https://www.amazon.ca/Micro-SATA-Cables-%E2%80%8CMCIO-SFF-8643/dp/B0D3J9QSSS) Presumably, two of them? ---
**Author:** ![DigitalGarden](https://forum.45homelab.com/user_avatar/forum.45homelab.com/digitalgarden/32/1785_2.png) [@DigitalGarden](https://forum.45homelab.com/u/DigitalGarden)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2024, 4:16am UTC](https://forum.45homelab.com/t/tomcat-hx-s8050-s8050gm4ne-2t/2451/9 "2024-11-19T04:16:33Z")
> [@ekolotyluk](#): > > [Micro SATA Cables|‌MCIO x8 74 Pin (NVMe) to 2X SFF-8643 NVMe 75 CM](https://www.amazon.ca/Micro-SATA-Cables-%E2%80%8CMCIO-SFF-8643/dp/B0D3J9QSSS) > > Presumably, two of them? Yes. There don’t seem to be a lot of manufacturers though. It doesn’t seem like a more common brand like 10Gtek makes that cable. In the “Middle of the Build” chapter of the video he references some forum links, but I don’t see those in the video description. I couldn’t find a forum thread or blog post to accompany the video with specific manifest links or a general discussion of cable quality he alluded to. Depending on your Amazon status re free shipping, you might be able to purchase the cables cheaper directly from the MicroSATACables web site; > **[‌MCIO x8 74 Pin ( NVMe) to 2 X Mini SAS SFF-8643 Cable - 75 CM](https://www.microsatacables.com/mcio-x8-74-pin-nvme-to-2-x-mini-sas-sff-8643-cable-75-cm)** > > ‌MCIO x8 74pin ( NVMe) to 2x SFF-8643 NVMe 75 cm  There are also similar cables for lower prices on eBay, but can’t vouch for their quality, eg; > **[PCIE Gen5 MCIO 8X 8i to 2x SAS HD SFF-8643 Connection Cable for Server Adapter...](https://www.ebay.com/itm/256577023924)** > > Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for PCIE Gen5 MCIO 8X 8i to 2x SAS HD SFF-8643 Connection Cable for Server Adapter at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products! You don’t seem concerned about cost, though. 75cm is a bit on the long side. The mobo headers aren’t going to be that far from the backplane connectors. If you could find cables closer to 12in or 30cm or so that would be cleaner for cable management and electrical noise ---
**Author:** ![ekolotyluk](https://forum.45homelab.com/user_avatar/forum.45homelab.com/ekolotyluk/32/1536_2.png) [@ekolotyluk](https://forum.45homelab.com/u/ekolotyluk)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2024, 4:35am UTC](https://forum.45homelab.com/t/tomcat-hx-s8050-s8050gm4ne-2t/2451/10 "2024-11-19T04:35:42Z")
I was less worried about where to get the cable and more about whether it was the right type. Thanks for the [microsatacables.com](http://microsatacables.com) reference. I will be sure to shop around. While I am concerned about cost, I am more concerned about quality. From the video, I wish he had included a parts list… From @rymandle05 and Level1Techs, I think Asrock is the better choice. It’s time to start ordering parts… 🥳 ---
**Author:** ![DigitalGarden](https://forum.45homelab.com/user_avatar/forum.45homelab.com/digitalgarden/32/1785_2.png) [@DigitalGarden](https://forum.45homelab.com/u/DigitalGarden)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2024, 7:01am UTC](https://forum.45homelab.com/t/tomcat-hx-s8050-s8050gm4ne-2t/2451/11 "2024-11-19T07:01:26Z")
If you didn’t notice, the GENOA8UD only has VGA video output, no HDMI or DisplayPort. Since I think you said you plan to run TrueNAS, I don’t think it is an issue. You can probably do everything including initial setup headless over IPMI, and you probably have a monitor around with a VGA input if needed, but just noting it. Also, if you didn’t catch it, Wendell mentions the set of power connectors on the board aren’t quite the same as traditional ATX (eg, there’s no ATX 24-pin). I think (but could be corrected) you’ll need two cables like below to be able to use the PCIe cables included with the RM750e (or probably most other PSUs if you buy a different one) to connect to two of the 3x 8-pin ATX power inputs on the motherboard. Alternately, for a cleaner build I think you could order two additional (or all three) custom ATX 12V 8-pin cables from Cablemod. [https://www.amazon.com/lilila-ree-PCIe-Pin-CPU-Male/dp/B0CWKVQ2PF/ref=sr\_1\_7](https://www.amazon.com/lilila-ree-PCIe-Pin-CPU-Male/dp/B0CWKVQ2PF/ref=sr_1_7) ---
**Author:** ![rymandle05](https://forum.45homelab.com/user_avatar/forum.45homelab.com/rymandle05/32/2424_2.png) [@rymandle05](https://forum.45homelab.com/u/rymandle05)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2024, 2:16pm UTC](https://forum.45homelab.com/t/tomcat-hx-s8050-s8050gm4ne-2t/2451/12 "2024-11-19T14:16:50Z")
> [@DigitalGarden](#): > > Wendell mentions the set of power connectors on the board aren’t quite the same as traditional ATX (eg, there’s no ATX 24-pin). I think (but could be corrected) you’ll need two cables like below to be able to use the PCIe cables included with the RM750e (or probably most other PSUs if you buy a different one) to connect to two of the 3x 8-pin ATX power inputs on the motherboard. It wasn’t clearly called out but the Asrock Rack X570D4I-2T motherboard I bought _did_ _include_ a 24-pin ATX adapter for the motherboard. This board has similar verbiage on Asrock’s website so that same adapter might also be included. > Power Connector: 1 (4-pin, ATX PSU signal) w/ ATX 24-pin adapter cable, 3 (8-pin, ATX 12V) support 12V DC-in ---
**Author:** ![DigitalGarden](https://forum.45homelab.com/user_avatar/forum.45homelab.com/digitalgarden/32/1785_2.png) [@DigitalGarden](https://forum.45homelab.com/u/DigitalGarden)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2024, 2:55pm UTC](https://forum.45homelab.com/t/tomcat-hx-s8050-s8050gm4ne-2t/2451/13 "2024-11-19T14:55:07Z")
Eric can review the manual and QSG. It does show the 24-pin to 4-pin adapter, although one might not need that with the RM750e PSU since I think it’s 24-pin splits into a 20+4. I don’t see any adapters re the three 8-pin ATX 12V headers mentioned in the documentation. ---
**Author:** ![ekolotyluk](https://forum.45homelab.com/user_avatar/forum.45homelab.com/ekolotyluk/32/1536_2.png) [@ekolotyluk](https://forum.45homelab.com/u/ekolotyluk)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2024, 5:06pm UTC](https://forum.45homelab.com/t/tomcat-hx-s8050-s8050gm4ne-2t/2451/14 "2024-11-19T17:06:54Z")
After watching [We Hit The REFRESH Button! Next-Level Storage Performance with AMD‬& Intel‬](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvaYwZ5kCoU), I got quite excited briefly. However, they are using [ME03-CE0](https://www.gigabyte.com/Enterprise/Server-Motherboard/ME03-CE0-rev-10), which does not have as many of the features I wanted on the Asrock board, but it does support more RAM. Still, this may be a better option, as 45Drives will build and test this AV15 system.