Suggestions for Replacement mobo w LGA2011-3 socket(s).

Not pleased with my current dual-socket ASUS Z9PE-D8 WS mobo for running Win 10; and would like to get replacement for high-end video editing. Either single or dual socket is fine.

I want to keep my current cube case, Xeons, GPU, and power supply, but merely swap out the mobo; trying to keep everything compatible. Details of current system listed below under "2nd System Specs" description, if needed. I trusted the ads, prelim reviews, and manufacturer's claims when buying the Z9 board, then found out later it wasn't really the best choice. So I appeal for an opinion here because it's likely someone else has past experience with the LGA2011-3 boards. Thanks for any help.

ThrashZone said:

Hi,
I personally don't think it's worth changing x99
Maybe state what the issue or issues are .....

Thanks TZ, After some reflective reconsideration, I agree with you, I'm going to wrestle w Z9PE-D8. Most frustrating issues are being unable to upgrade to W-10 and I can't launch into the BIOS Setup screens. The most common keys are: F2, F5, F8, Delete,and ESC for ASUS boards. But none worked; I pressed every key on keyboard w no luck. I can't even do a BIOS update w/o accessing BIOS setup screens.

Tried ever method for installing W-10 (clean, USB, ISO, etc), but at the very end, it abends and flashes a QR error icon for 1/10th of a second. I could go on, but you get the idea. And ASUS Tech support was NO help!

So now, first step is trying some workarounds to access the BIOS for a bios update, but doubt that will solve W-10 issue.

Since I recall that my BIOS boot order is CD-ROM, then C-drive -- I'm wondering if copying the latest BIOS version to a CD, then allowing computer to boot from CD, would work to update BIOS. Because USB is not in boot priority.

@garuda

Your motherboard manual says the DEL key will get you in the BIOS (during POST).
Sometimes you will need to spam the DEL key to get the timing right.

Like, hit the DEL key every 1/2 second, right after you turn the power on.


Also it looks like you have an old BIOS. You will have to set your OS disk to MBR, for W-10.


/edit

You could also just go here and "chat" with them about your issues...

Z9PE-D8 WS Driver & Tools | Motherboards | ASUS USA






/edit

They would only let me add 2 sets of RAM to the cart, so you'll have to get the 3rd set somewhere else, or at a different time.

ThrashZone said:

....You'll need a wired keyboard for sure and maybe a P/2 connection.....

TZ, I've been using a wired board, but I have noticed that at end of POST, the device listing states:
"No keyboard found" So you would be correct again.

I tried plugging my USB board into a PS/2 adapter but POST still couldn't find keyboard. I'm going to try finding an older PS/2 keyboard and try that.

Now I'm wondering if maybe the PS/2 port is disabled in the BIOS, if that's possible. I can't remember exactly how I got into the BIOS setup back in 2014-2015 when I built it. And there's no BIOS trigger-button on the mobo.

- - - Updated - - -

Thanks ThrashZone annd Ghot!!!
My closing remarks: Thanks to you and Ghot, I dug a little deeper into my history of issues with this mobo; and found that many years back I discovered something hard to believe. When I unplug all the USB2 & USB3 cables, leaving only the USB2.0 keyboard and EZFlash thumbdrive connected, THEN pressing "Delete" or "Ctl + S" keys --- the board boots to BIOS Setup. Weird, but works every time. Most recent BIOS version installed now, and all USB2 & USB3 cables reconnected. System fixed! Thanks to you both!

Now I must work on Windows 10 installation again.