Systems based on the K8D Master simplify IT transition strategies by supporting simultaneous 32-bit and 64-bit computing. By utilizing dual AMD Opteron™ processors and designed to be to completely backwards compatible, the K8D Master provides maximum flexibility. Customers can migrate to 64-bit computing as their needs evolve while maintaining system integrity with their current 32-bit applications.

Paired with Dual Opteron Processors, the K8D Master is well suited for applications where data protection and server availability is critical. The K8D Master is capable of reducing I/O bottlenecks, increase system bandwidth and reduce memory latency by enabling the AMD Opteron™ processor with an integrated memory controller.

The K8D Master provides investment protection, by investing in MSI’s new K8D Master platform and AMD Opteron™ processors, not only do you get a stable, high performance server platform suitable for either a tower or rack-mount server, but a simplified IT investment plan by allowing incremental growth into 64-bit computing without sacrificing investment in existing hardware, software and training.

The K8D Master is an 8-layer printed-circuit design, enabling precise isolation of signal and circuits based on different frequencies, thus highly improved stability of server products. With the support of remote server management features, the K8D Master incorporates built-in 64-bit Dual Gigabit Ethernet, 3 PCI-X slots, 2 32-bit PCI slots, onboard ATI Rage XL graphics (8MB) and 6 slots of DDR333 DIMMs supporting up to 12GB memory.

The rackmount version of the K8D Master is a rack-mount centric server mainboard, build in with one PCI-X slot, and one propriatary Mini PCI connector. By adding Mini-PCI to the platform the K8D Master rackmount version is capable of additional expandability and flexiblity such as SCSI, Firewire and Serial-ATA.

During the AMD Opteron™ Launch Event, MSI also announces the µStar® Server Managenent,µStar® Server Managenent including MMS (MSI Server Management Suite), iConsole (MSI Server Management Software) that can be used to remote control the Server and Hardware Monitoring functions.
With these new software features integrated in MSI’s highly reliable hardware products, it is no doubt that the MSI server products will perform with outstanding results among the new generation of server products.

Additional Information:

• "Duel of the Titans: Opteron vs. Xeon" - TomsHardware.com

• AMD Opteron Coverage - AnandTech.com

• AMD Opteron Processor Launch Event Webcast - AMD

• MSI K8D Master is the first Opteron ready mainboard recommended by AMD:
  Opteron 240
  Opteron 242

• MSI is the only motherboard manufacturer at AMD Opteron and AMD Athlon 64 Processor Partner Press Releases From AMD

• For MSI K8D Master mainboard’s specifications, please Click Here.

About MSI
Since its founding in 1986, MSI has remained at the forefront in providing easy-to-implement, state-of-the-art products and robust computing solutions for our customers. MSI enjoys a high reputation for its innovations in the construction of Motherboards, Graphics Cards, Optical Storage Devices, Workstations, Servers, and Barebone Systems. Our efforts are focused on quality, customer satisfaction and innovative solutions to meet growing market demands for computing needs. For nearly 16 years, MSI has paid close attention to customers' needs and has a proud history of achieving highly satisfaction results. In the process, a unique business culture has emerged that drives associates to perform their absolute best. Our work is characterized by intellectual curiosity, devotion to customer needs, passion and the demands we place upon ourselves for quality.
A global company with sales of $1.7 billion in 2002, MSI serves an international network of distributors and OEM customers. We operate directly in nearly 10 countries, employing approximately 8,700 associates.
Today we are pressing forward with the development of new products, such as Mobile Computing Devices, Communication, Networking and IA products. Looking ahead to the 21st century, we are making steady progress towards our goal of becoming one of the star performers in the high-tech industry, and hope to propel MSI and the industry in general to even more lofty height in the years to come.