15h.org - User contributions [en]

ASUS KGPE-D16

2026-08-27T06:07:09Z

Sparrows: ASUS says never touch the NB heatsink!

{{Infobox motherboard
|image = Kgpe-d16.jpeg
|image_size = 300

|introduced = 2010
|manufacturer = ASUS

|socket = 2x [[G34]]
|northbridge = [[AMD SR5690]]
|southbridge = [[AMD SP5100]]
|superio = [[Winbond W83667HG-A]]
|bmc = [[ASPEED AST2050]]
|bmcflash = Removable Module
|ram = 16 slots (8 channels) DDR3-1600 ECC UDIMM/RDIMM/LRDIMM, up to 512GB on coreboot
|bios = 2 MiB socketed DIP-8 (W25Q16V)
|formfactor = SSI EEB
|power = 2x 8-pin EPS

|slot1 = PCIe Gen2 x16 (disabled if Slot 2 in use)
|slot2 = PCIe Gen2 x16 (disables Slot 1 if in use)
|slot3 = PCIe Gen2 x8 (electrically x4)
|slot4 = PCIe Gen2 x16 (x8 if Slot 5 in use)
|slot5 = PCIe Gen2 x16 (electrically x8)
|slot6 = 32-bit Legacy PCI
|slot7 = ASUS [[PIKE2008]] Interface

|gpu = [[ASPEED AST2050|AST2050 Integrated VGA]]
|nic = 2x Intel 82574L Gigabit
|storagecontroller = SP5100's SATA2 (3.0 Gbps), no SAS unless [[PIKE2008]] installed
|usbcontroller = SP5100's onboard rear USB 2.0 and additional controller via header
|serial = One SIO-provided RS232, one virtual BMC console port
|audio = None (ASUS recommended a PCI sound card)
}}

The '''ASUS KGPE-D16''', commonly referred to as the '''D16''', is a dual-socket server/workstation motherboard released by ASUS on April 7th, 2010<ref>https://www.techpowerup.com/119540/asus-releases-kgpe-d16-socket-g34-motherboard-for-12-core-amd-opteron-processors</ref>, for use with [[Socket G34]] Opteron processors. Originally sold as a standalone board in a mostly-standard SSI EEB form factor, and intended for both desktop and rack-mounted uses, the KGPE-D16 is popular among enthusiasts as a relatively versatile and workstation-friendly G34 platform and currently the only owner controlled system that can run the Qubes Linux distribution with the recommended security features.

Ports of [[coreboot]] and [[OpenBMC]] to the D16 were initially developed by [[Raptor Engineering]] between 2015 and 2017. Among major coreboot versions, it was first supported in coreboot 4.2 in October 2015, and last supported in coreboot 4.11 in November 2019. The port was never completed and was removed in coreboot 4.12 due to lack of maintenance. Between 2021 and 2022, after seeking funding for such an effort for several years, [[3mdeb]] developed an out-of-tree fork of coreboot 4.15 for the board under their Dasharo brand. The effort to complete and re-upstream the [[Raptor Engineering|Raptor]] port was unsuccessful and officially abandoned in August 2025<ref>https://github.com/Dasharo/dasharo-issues/issues/478</ref>.

An independent port of [[coreboot]] to the D16, using AMD's open source AGESA and CIMx codebases, was released in October 2025 by 15h.org. It is currently the most complete and only actively developed port of [[coreboot]] for the KGPE-D16.

== Open Source Firmware ==
Open source firmware for the KGPE-D16 is provided by [[coreboot-15h]] utilizing AMD's open source AGESA and CIMx releases for platform initialization. The git repository for the firmware can be reviewed [https://git.15h.org/mrothfuss/coreboot-15h here].

'''Microcode updates are recommended:'''

- Spectre related updates

- Secure usage of the IOMMU with a Piledriver CPU

- Solution to an undocumented problem which could result in strange issues such as objects in a video game not spawning in properly.

=== coreboot-15h ===
{{Excerpt|Coreboot-15h|[[ASUS KGPE-D16]]|hat=no|bold=1}}

=== Display Output ===
[[File:KGPE-D16 VGA Jumper.png|frameless|400x400px]]

The mainboard VGA_SW1 jumper determines whether the onboard VGA ([[ASPEED AST2050|AST2050]]) or a PCIe GPU will be used as the bootup display. Set VGA_SW1 to "Enable" to use the onboard VGA. Set VGA_SW1 to "Disable" to use a PCIe GPU. Once your OS has booted, drivers for any GPU of your choice can be used to setup a display. For blob-free opertions, it is recommended to use the onboard VGA in textmode for the bootup display but then switch to a FOSS driver (ie: amdgpu) for the user interface.

==== Onboard VGA Output ====
The onboard VGA, [[ASPEED AST2050|AST2050]], can be setup with a closed-source VGABIOS (full VGA support) or with an open-source coreboot driver (textmode VGA support). A compatible display, generally an old VGA monitor, will be required to use the open-source driver. The closed-source VGABIOS is only included in coreboot-15h release ROMs with the "VGA-OpROMs" tag.

==== PCIe GPU Output ====
To use a PCIe GPU as the bootup display, PCIe Option ROMs must be executed by SeaBIOS. This is enabled in 15h.org release ROMs with the "VGA-OpROMs" tag. The relevant coreboot-15h menuconfig option for SeaBIOS is "Payload > Execute PCIe Option ROMs". The "VGA Only" option is the recommended setting when using a PCIe GPU as the bootup display.

=== Fan Output ===
[[File:KGPE-D16 Fan Jumper.png|frameless|400x400px]]

The [[coreboot-15h]] release ROMs for KGPE-D16 are configured to adjust fan speeds based on temperatures measured at the CPUs and the Northbridge. The KGPE-D16 has only two fan outputs: one for 4-pin fans (PWM regulation) and one for 3-pin fans (Voltage regulation). Motherboard jumpers determine which fan output is sent to which fan headers: CHAFAN_SEL1 for the chassis fans and CPUFAN_SEL1 for CPU fans. The fan signals are poorly wired on this board; the PWM signal is sent to every fan header regardless of the CHAFAN_SEL1 and CPUFAN_SEL1 jumper settings. If a 4-pin fan is connected to a header configured for 3-pin output, it will operate at irregular speeds from receiving both voltage and PWM signals.

'''CPU Cooler Fans'''

CPU cooler fans should be connected to the corresponding CPU fan header. The CPUFAN_SEL1 jumper should be set to match the type of fan your cooler is using. Quiet 3-pin fans may be set to operate at 100% speed by setting CPUFAN_SEL1 to 4-pin mode.

'''Server Chassis Fans'''

Loud, high airflow fans should be connected to the CHA fan headers. The CHAFAN_SEL1 jumper should be set to match the type of fans used. Ensure sufficient air is flowing out the rear of the case at idle.

'''Desktop Chassis Fans'''

[[File:4pin to 3pin cables.jpg|frameless|150x150px]]

Quiet desktop fans should be connected to the CHA fan headers using only 3-pins; '''4-pin fans must use a 4-pin to 3-pin adapter'''. The CHAFAN_SEL1 jumper should be set to either 3-pin mode (variable fan speed) or 4-pin mode (maximum fan speed) depending on fan performance and noise preferences. Ensure sufficient air is flowing out the rear of the case at idle. It is recommended to select quiet 3-pin fans that can be operated at maximum speed (CHAFAN_SEL1 set to 4-pin mode) at reasonable noise levels.

'''Extreme Cooling'''

Extreme cooling of the CPU and Northbridge can cause chassis fans to operate too slow to properly cool the other motherboard components. For this scenario, a few solutions are recommended:
* Using 3-pin case fans at max speed (CHAFAN_SEL1 set to 4-pin mode)
* A separate fan controller for case fans
* A custom fan curve

=== Missing Features ===
* Hibernation and Suspend/Resume are unsupported.
* Opteron 6100 series CPUs are unsupported.
* ASUS MIO audio cards are untested.

=== Flashing ===
To switch from the stock firmware to coreboot, [[External Flashing | external flashing]] is required. The DIP-8 flash chip is located at the bottom right corner of the board (labeled BIOS in the motherboard diagram). A 3.3V CH341a programmer can be used to flash coreboot onto the KGPE-D16. '''When switching to coreboot-15h from the OEM BIOS or coreboot, clearing the CMOS is required.''' Not correctly clearing the CMOS when switching to coreboot-15h is associated with variety of faulty behavior, such as: broken fan control, broken VGA, and failure to boot.

'''Clearing the CMOS'''

# Turn off the computer, '''disconnect the power cord and any powered peripherals (Monitors, USB devices, etc)'''. Powered peripherals can backpower the SP5100 and prevent a CMOS clear.
# Move the CLRTC1 jumper (located under PCIe Slot 2) to positions 2-3.
# Wait 20 seconds.
# Restore the CLRTC1 jumper to positions 1-2.
# Connect the power cord and turn on the computer.

== Deployed Systems ==
* [[Qubesotron]]
* [[EmCAST]]
* [[Atlas]]
* [[Orion]]
* [[Unc]]
* [[Ganoo]]
* [[RAD01]]
* [[RAD03]]

Outside of the 15h.org community, it is known that, at least as of 2022, the [https://fsf.org Free Software Foundation] uses KGPE-D16s with 6200-series Opterons [https://www.fsf.org/blogs/sysadmin/closing-in-on-fully-free-bioses-with-the-fsf-tech-team for their servers].

== Motherboard Diagrams ==
[[File:KGPE-D16 Diagram.png|frameless|400x400px]]
[[File:KGPE-D16 BlockDiagram.png|frameless|400x400px]]

There is an undocumented 9-pin VGA header next to the rear-IO VGA port. The pins are shared between this header and the rear-IO VGA port.

== Motherboard Components ==
=== Socket G34 ===
{{Excerpt|Socket G34|inline=yes|bold=yes}}

The 63xx Piledriver CPU's such as the 16 core 6386SE and the 8 core 6328 are recommended for acceptable performance as coreboot has never supported the 61xx and the 62xx is older and slower.

Applications and virtual machines must be aware of NUMA topology for optimal performance.

Please check the CPU for damage and misaligned components before placing it in the socket.

==== AMD Opteron 6100 Series ====
{{Excerpt|AMD Opteron 6100 Series|inline=yes|bold=yes}}
==== AMD Opteron 6200 and 6300 Series ====
{{Excerpt|AMD Opteron 6200 and 6300 Series|inline=yes|bold=yes}}
=== DDR3 Memory ===
[[File:KGPE-D16-DIMM-Diagram.png|frameless|1000x1000px]]

{{Excerpt|AGESA 15h|DDR3 Support|inline=yes|bold=yes}}

[[File:KGPE-D16 DDR3 Setting.png|frameless|600x600px]]

The KGPE-D16 provides an external method to override the BIOS DDR3 voltage. BIOS control is configured to select a voltage that maximizes performance for all DIMM modules attached to a socket. Forcing a different voltage may cause stability problems. Use the default jumper setting (1.5V / BIOS control) when using coreboot-15h.

=== PCIe 2.0 Slots ===

[[File:KGPE-D16 PCIE Jumpers.png|frameless|400x400px]]

{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Slot
!Width
!Wired Lanes
!Notes
|-
|PCIe1
|x16
|x16
|A special PCIe slot designed for the ASUS MIO audio card. Disabled if PCIe2 is occupied.
|-
|PCIe2
|x16
|x16
|Disables PCIe1 if occupied. Set motherboard jumper PCIE2_SW1 to positions 2-3 to always enable PCIe2.
|-
|PCIe3
|x8
|x4
|
|-
|PCIe4
|x16
|x8 or x16
|Switches to x16 mode if PCIe5 is empty. If motherboard jumper PCIE5_SW1 is set to position 2-3, it will always be in x8 mode.
|-
|PCIe5
|x16
|x8
|Disables if no card is detected. Set motherboard jumper PCIE5_SW1 to positions 2-3 to always enable PCIe5.
|}

PCIe bifurcation of slots PCIe2 and PCIe4 in x8+x8 mode is supported. Bifurcation is a compile-time option that is available under the Motherboard menuconfig section in staging.

Four slot Bifurcated PCI-e x16 NVMe cassette cards can be used with dual NVMe SSD's in position 1 and 3

If you would like additional SSD's or more bandwidth you could alternatively purchase a switched NVMe PCI-e x16 card which would enable the full usage of your more modern PCI-e 4.0 x4 SSD's with an oversubscribed PCI-e 2.0 x16 uplink if the switch supports lane rate conversation.

Expect for switched cards to cost two or three times as much as their chipless counterparts.

=== PIKE Slots ===
The two PIKE slots, PIKE1 and PIKE2, are used together to attach an ASUS PIKE module to the KGPE-D16. This is required to utilize the 8 onboard SAS ports. These SAS ports support SAS2 and SATA3, making them faster than the onboard SATA2 ports provided by the SP5100. Drives attached to these ports are accessible to the operating system when the PIKE card is configured for [[IT Mode]], but SeaBIOS will not boot from them. The [[PIKE2008]] card, flashed to [[IT Mode]], is recommended to utilize these features.

=== DIP-8 Socket ===
The DIP-8 Socket houses the mainboard's BIOS ROM. The following DIP-8 chips are known to work with coreboot on the KGPE-D16.

The usage of a proper DIP-8 removal tool is recommended in order to not damage the slot or the ROM chip.

{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Model
!Size (MB)
!Size (Mb)
|-
|W25Q16BVAIG
|2
|16
|-
|W25Q64BVAIG
|8
|64
|-
|W25Q128FVIQ
|16
|128
|}

=== ASPEED AST2050 ===
{{Excerpt|ASPEED AST2050|inline=yes|bold=yes}}

Remote administration features on the AST2050 are only activated when a firmware module (ASMB4 or ASMB5) is attached to the KGPE-D16 mainboard (BMC_FW1 slot).

=== AMD SR5690 ===
{{Excerpt|AMD SR5690|inline=yes|bold=yes}}
=== AMD SP5100 ===
{{Excerpt|AMD SP5100|inline=yes|bold=yes}}
=== Winbond W83667HG-A ===
{{Excerpt|Winbond W83667HG-A|hat=no}}
=== Nuvoton W83795G ===
{{Excerpt|Nuvoton W83795G/ADG|hat=no}}

The ASUS thermal sensor cable (10G090101035) can be used to control fan speeds based on case air temperature readings.

== Motherboard Revisions ==
Four KGPE-D16 revisions are known: 1.02G, 1.03G, 1.04, and 1.05. The differences between the four revisions have not been disclosed. The more recent boards (1.04 and 1.05) are generally in better condition and are recommended. Board revisions 1.03G, 1.04, and 1.05 are known to perform equally well when in similar condition. No community members have tested a 1.02G revision board. The KGPE-D16 can be found rebranded for distribution in China (KGPE-D16/CHN). The CHN variant can also run coreboot like the other KGPE-D16 variants, there are no known differences.

== Board View ==
Board views are available for the KGPE-D16. These files can be opened with [[OpenBoardView]].

[https://15h.org/images/f/f0/ASUS_KGPE-D16_Rev_1.04_-_Schematics.zip ASUS_KGPE-D16_Rev_1.04_-_Schematics.zip]

== Custom Parts and Mods ==
=== Northbridge Fan ===
[[File:KGPE-D16-40mm-Noctua-chipset.png|frameless|300px]]
[[File:KGPE-D16 Northbridge Cooling Fan.jpeg|frameless|300px]]

This file is designed to work with a Noctua NF-A4x10 fan. If your motherboard is not in a high-airflow server case, the northbridge fan is highly recommended to avoid overheating. The fan bracket mounts onto the northbridge heatsink by snapping onto the metal arms that secure the heatsink. The file may need to be edited to accommodate the exact placement of your 40mm fan cable (the provided design has a cable hole at the bottom right position).

[https://15h.org/images/8/8a/KGPE-D16_Chipsetfan_40mm.stl KGPE-D16_Chipsetfan_40mm.stl]

[https://15h.org/images/9/98/KGPE-D16_Chipsetfan_40mm.blend KGPE-D16_Chipsetfan_40mm.blend]

=== Chipset Thermal Paste ===
[[File:KGPE-D16_North_bridge_picture.png|frameless|300px]]

Removing the NB/SB heatsinks to reapply the thermal paste can be daunting due to glue used for the NB heatsink, limited wiggle room, and marginal benefit. It is generally considered not worth it.

The ASUS manual states that you should avoid the touching or bumping the NB heatsink as it could crack the thermal compound and raise temperatures.

=== RAM Fan ===
[[File:KGPE-D16-80mm-Noctua-ram.png|frameless|300x300px]]

This file is designed to work with a Noctua NF-A8 fan. When two of these fan mounts are attached to a Noctua NF-A8 fan, they will be spaced correctly to snap onto the KGPE-D16 RAM clips (white). These clips vary between boards. The included file is designed to work with L-shaped RAM clips. It will not fit as nicely onto the parallelogram-shaped RAM clips.

[https://15h.org/images/f/f8/KGPE-D16_Ramfan_80mm.stl KGPE-D16_Ramfan_80mm.stl]

[https://15h.org/images/9/9c/KGPE-D16_Ramfan_80mm.blend KGPE-D16_Ramfan_80mm.blend]

== References ==
[https://15h.org/images/4/48/KGPE-D16_Manual.pdf]

Build Guide

2026-08-27T06:03:00Z

Sparrows: Typo

[[File:Komos_sabertooth.png|thumb|[[Komos]] - a build using the [[AM3+]] [[Sabertooth 990FX R2.0]]]]
Since you're reading the 15h.org build guide, we'll assume you're interested in building a fully-FOSS-firmware-compatible AMD system to run [[coreboot-15h]]. This guide assumes you're looking to build a new desktop, server, or workstation system from separately-purchased components.

If you are ''not'' building from separate components (such as for the various prebuilt [[Supermicro]] servers which included compatible motherboards), head over to the [[Motherboards]] page and look for your board's model. For laptops, see the [[Laptops]] page.

== Choosing a Platform ==
coreboot-15h is available for many motherboards, across several different AMD sockets - which one you should choose depends on

[[#Building with AM3+|Choose AM3+]] if you are looking for higher single-thread performance in a desktop or gaming system with up to 8 cores and 64GB of memory. Desktop users will generally find high-clocking AM3+ systems "feel" faster than lower-clocking server platforms, and they are likely to perform better in gaming and web browsing.

[[#Building with G34|Choose G34]] if you are building a server or workstation system requiring higher multicore performance (at the cost of lower single-thread performance). Most G34 motherboards are dual-socket (up to 32 cores, 512GB RAM), but boards with 1 (up to 16 cores, 256 GB RAM) and 4 (up to 64 cores, 1TB RAM) sockets are also available.

[[#Building with C32|Choose C32]] for a middle-ground between these - 1 or 2 sockets, up to 16 cores, clockspeeds in between AM3+ and G34, and up to 512GB of RAM.

All of these platforms support ECC memory, IOMMU, SLAT, PCI-e ACS and are based on [[Orochi]] - AMD's high-power, high-performance platform for [[Family 15h]] systems. If you're looking to build a lower-power quad-core system (such as for an efficient router or media player machine), you may be interested in a [[Trinity|Trinity/Richland]] or [[Kabini]] APU instead. For these, choose an [[FM2]] board for midrange desktop systems, or [[AM1]] for low-power systems with lightweight applications although please note that the AM1 currently lacks a functional IOMMU.

It is recommended to purchase later revision boards without visible dust buildup as they will likely be in better condition.

== Building with AM3+ ==
coreboot-15h supports [[Socket AM3+]] on the ASUS [[Sabertooth 990FX R2.0]] and [[Crosshair V Formula-Z]]. The fastest AM3+ is the 8-core FX-9590. This platform uses DDR3 UDIMM (ordinary desktop RAM) in the usual dual-channel, 2-DIMM-per-channel configuration, and also optionally supports (UDIMM) ECC memory - DIMMs up to 16GB each are supported, for up to 64GB total.

As a consumer gaming platform, CPU coolers for AM3+ are common and still widely-available.

Unlike modern desktop CPUs (and other CPUs of its time), AM3+ is PGA socket, with pins on the CPU and holes in the socket. Be careful to avoid bending pins on the CPU during installation and removal. The socket on the motherboard is typically harder to damage.

AM3+ is currently the best option if you desire a comparatively fast libre firmware system for playing your proprietary games or 3D applications.

== Building with G34 ==
[[File:Qubesotron_2026.jpeg|thumb|[[Qubesotron]] - a build using the [[G34]] [[KGPE-D16]]]]

[[Socket G34]], usually on the [[ASUS KGPE-D16]], is probably the most popular and best-known platform for FOSS firmware on AMD systems. G34 motherboards were made with 1, 2, and 4 sockets, and coreboot-15h supports boards covering all of these configurations. The fastest G34 CPU is the 16-core Opteron 6386 SE, and UDIMM, RDIMM, and LRDIMM memory are all supported. Each CPU supports 4 memory channels, and all coreboot-15h-supported boards are 2-DIMM-per-channel. RDIMMs up to 32GB, or LRDIMMs up to 64GB each, are both supported. Despite this, two 32GB RDIMMs can be used per channel, versus only one 64GB LRDIMM - this means that the memory limit is 256 GB per socket, whether you use RDIMM or LRDIMM memory. RDIMM is generally the fastest, least-expensive and most-compatible option.

Good G34 CPU coolers can be difficult to find - many G34 servers used passive CPU coolers reliant on specific fan and baffle arrangements, which are not easily adapted for standard PC cases in custom-built systems. A list of relevant CPU coolers is available on the [[Coolers]] page - the rare Noctua G34 coolers are well-regarded and highly-prized, while Dynatron active server coolers are sometimes still available used. Depending on what you can find, it may be easier to [[Cooler_Adapter|adapt a modern CPU cooler to fit]] instead.

G34 CPUs use LGA sockets, like Intel or newer AMD CPUs. This generally makes the CPU less fragile, but the socket on the motherboard more so. As with modern PC hardware, if you purchase a G34 motherboard without CPUs installed, inspect its sockets closely for bent, damaged, or dirty pins and the CPU for damage to the components or contacts on the bottom.

There are several pre-built KGPE-D16 systems commonly available with low wear such as the Barracuda Opteron G34 which may be a good choice as they already come with the hard to find heatsinks and 16 core CPU's.

== Building with C32 ==
[[Socket C32]] motherboards covering both 1 and 2 socket configurations are supported. The fastest C32 CPU is the 8-core Opteron 4386, and UDIMM, RDIMM, and LRDIMM memory are all supported. Each CPU supports 2 memory channels, and all coreboot-15h-supported boards are 2-DIMM-per-channel. Unlike with G34, C32 CPUs support 64GB LRDIMMs in ''all'' slots - this means that, despite having half as many slots, C32 motherboards surprisingly support the same 256 GB per socket as G34, albeit with fewer channels.

C32 CPUs use LGA sockets, like Intel or newer AMD CPUs. This generally makes the CPU less fragile, but the socket on the motherboard more so. As with modern PC hardware, if you purchase a C32 motherboard without CPUs installed, inspect its sockets closely for bent, damaged, or dirty pins.

Socket F 3.5 pitch coolers can be used for C32 and can be far more affordable and more widely available new, see the [[Coolers]] page for more information.

Some early revision Socket C32 motherboards only support the 41xx CPU and should be avoided.

== PCI Express Devices ==
[[File:PM1725a.jpg|thumb|A Samsung PM1725a HHHL SSD - note the PCIe x8 card edge]]

The [[Family 15h]] and [[Family 16h]] platforms supported by coreboot-15h support up to PCI Express 2.0 ("Gen2") - a single Gen2 x16 slot delivers 8 GB/s of bandwidth. Compared to newer platforms, this can be a notable limitation for bandwidth-intensive devices such as GPUs or NVMe storage. For this reason, it's a good idea to select PCIe devices with more lanes whenever possible.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:left"
|+ PCI Express link performance
|- style="line-height:120%"
! scope="col" rowspan=2 | Version
! scope="col" rowspan=2 | Year introduced
! scope="col" rowspan=2 colspan=2 | Line code
! scope="col" rowspan=2 | Transfer rate<br>(per lane)
! scope="col" colspan=5 | Throughput (GB/s)
|-
! scope="col" | x1
! scope="col" | x2
! scope="col" | x4
! scope="col" | x8
! scope="col" | x16
|-
! scope="row" | 1.0
| 2003
| rowspan=5 | NRZ
| rowspan=2 | 8b/10b
| 2.5 GT/s
| {{shade|1.25|0.25|align=left}}
| {{shade|2.5|0.5|align=left}}
| {{shade|5|1|align=left}}
| {{shade|10|2|align=left}}
| {{shade|20|4|align=left}}
|-
! scope="row" | 2.0
| 2007
| 5.0 GT/s
| {{shade|2.5|0.5|align=left}}
| {{shade|5|1|align=left}}
| {{shade|10|2|align=left}}
| {{shade|20|4|align=left}}
| {{shade|40|8|align=left}}
|-
! scope="row" | 3.0
| 2010
| rowspan=3 | 128b/130b
| 8.0 GT/s
| {{shade|4.925|0.985|align=left}}
| {{shade|9.845|1.969|align=left}}
| {{shade|19.69|3.938|align=left}}
| {{shade|39.385|7.877|align=left}}
| {{shade|78.77|15.754|align=left}}
|-
! scope="row" | 4.0
| 2017
| 16.0 GT/s
| {{shade|9.485|1.969|align=left}}
| {{shade|19.69|3.938|align=left}}
| {{shade|39.385|7.877|align=left}}
| {{shade|78.77|15.754|align=left}}
| {{shade|157.54|31.508|align=left}}
|-
! scope="row" | 5.0
| 2019
| 32.0 GT/s
| {{shade|19.69|3.938|align=left}}
| {{shade|39.385|7.877|align=left}}
| {{shade|78.77|15.754|align=left}}
| {{shade|157.54|31.508|align=left}}
| {{shade|315.075|63.015|align=left}}
|}

This table shows the throughput of all PCIe lane widths, from Gen1 through Gen5. The advantages of additional PCIe lanes on a Gen2 chipset should be clear - a Gen2 x16 link provides comparable bandwidth to a Gen3 x8, or a Gen4 x4.

Extended PCI-e features such as Above 4G Decoding, Large/Resizable BAR, SR-IOV and ATS are currently not supported by 15h coreboot but could potentially be added in the future as the chipset should support them.

PCI-e ACS is fully supported with the excellent IOMMU groups required by Qubes/Xen and VFIO device assignment.

=== Networking Cards: ===
Almost any modern networking device should be compatible if it doesn't require large BAR support:

Most 15h workstation/server boards come with dual onboard Intel 82574L interfaces, since they do not feature an on-board flash chip they are safer for direct device assignment performed without the use of SR-IOV. Not assigning the ROM BAR to the guest may improve security for direct-attach.

'''1Gbps:'''

'''Intel i350:'''

This bridgeless and switchless PCI-e device is available used and new in a variety of different configurations if you desire additional 1Gbps ports or the use of SR-IOV when it is eventually added.

The dual port i350 may be able to enable SR-IOV with 15h coreboots outdated "resource allocater v3" as the BAR fits inside the small provided host bus window.

It is advised to use an intel firmware tool to ensure that iPXE/iSCSI is disabled on the re-writable ROM.

'''Broadcom BCM5719:'''

Considered a more free device than the i350 as substantially more logic is performed by the host loaded firmware instead of the card ROM. FOSS firmware has been developed for the RaptorCS Talos 2 LOM's which should also work in independent 5719 PCI-e cards for iPXE or BMC communication.

Removing the firmware from the card and locking the flash is considered best for security as the Linux drivers should provide general functionality without it and would likely make this the most secure option.

https://github.com/meklort/bcm5719-fw

https://github.com/meklort/bcm5719-fw/issues/232 (includes a list of card part numbers)

'''Intel 82576:'''

The quad port '''82576''' supports SR-IOV but it is a switched design and thus requires larger amounts of resources, their use could result in your graphics devices not receiving the proper BAR's. Security and flexibility is also reduced as each pair of ports shares an IOMMU group.

'''10Gbps:'''

(10/40 Cards without large BAR requirements, binary blobs or re-writable on-board firmware required for basic functionality should be listed here.)

TBD

'''25/40Gbps:'''

TBD

=== GPUs ===
Most high-end PCIe GPUs (old and new) support using all 16 lanes, but certain newer midrange cards are x8 or x4 and could potentially limit your 3D performance when limited to PCI-e 2.0

Newer cards will likely be highly CPU limited on the fastest available 15h CPU's.

''Recommended cards:''

AMD Polaris as the last generation of graphics cards without the vPSP, such as the Radeon RX590 8GB, the single slot Radeon Pro WX 7100 8GB or the low profile WX 4100.

Although the vPSP is restricted by the IOMMU and has nowhere near the level of access of it's mainboard counterparts it does prevent the theoretical development of owner controlled firmware for a video card which is already considered a very complex undertaking.

If you do not care about that or consider the claim of the vPSP theoretically preventing hostile internal firmware re-writes as a benefit then potentially a newer x16 card could be purchased.

=== NVMe SSDs ===
[[File:M.2 Adapter.webp|thumb|A common generic M.2 adapter card kit. The bottom slot is for PCIe M.2 drives, the top slot (and cable) are for SATA M.2 drives.]]

Few motherboards supported by coreboot-15h have built-in M.2 slots. However, a PCIe M.2 SSD can be used in a PCIe slot using a common NVMe-to-x4 adapter card (many also allow an additional M.2 SATA SSD to be connected to a SATA port). A Gen2 x4 slot provides 2 GB/s of PCIe bandwidth - if your SSD's sequential read and write speeds are below 2000 MB/s, PCIe 2.0 will not bottleneck it. However, many NVMe SSDs are capable of more.

The D16 systems support PCI-e Bifurcation via the staging branch with an x16 slot convertible to x8/x8 in menuconfig thus making a four slot NVMe Cassette able to use two cards in position one and three.

It has yet to be added to the D8 but it should also work on this platform or any other with an electrical x16 slot.

Higher NVMe bandwidth on these platforms requires a directly attached SSD with more than 4 PCIe lanes - since the M.2 connector is only x4, this means using an AIC (Add-In Card)-format SSD, which installs directly in a PCIe slot. The following AIC SSDs are known to be capable of more than 2000 MB/s sequential throughput over at least 8 PCIe lanes:

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ Add-In Card SSD examples:
|-
! Model !! Capacity !! PCIe Width !! Sequential Read (MB/s) !! Sequential Write (MB/s) !! Random Read IOPS !! Random Write IOPS
|-
| Samsung PM1725a HHHL || 1.6/3.2/6.4 TB || x8 (up to Gen3) || 6200 (~3600 on Gen2) || 2600 || 1,000,000 || 180,000
|-
| Samsung PM1735a HHHL || 1.6/3.2/6.4/12.8 TB || x8 (up to Gen4) || 7000 (~3600 on Gen2) || 3200 || 800,000 || 135,000
|}
Another choice is a four slot switched NVMe PCI-e x16 card as this would enable the full usage of multiple modern PCI-e x4 SSD's with an oversubscribed PCI-e 2.0 x16 uplink if the switch supports lane rate conversion on the uplink. If you wish to assign NVMe devices to virtual machines one at a time the switch must also support ACS.

Northbridge adapters can also be used and in a single oversubscribed x4 link could add both NVMe holders and several of the controllers that you may be missing such as USB 3.0 and SATA 6Gbps at a more affordable price than purchasing separate expansion cards.

Build Guide

2026-08-27T05:59:12Z

Sparrows: PCI-e device recommendations and a note that there is no functional IOMMU on AM1.

[[File:Komos_sabertooth.png|thumb|[[Komos]] - a build using the [[AM3+]] [[Sabertooth 990FX R2.0]]]]
Since you're reading the 15h.org build guide, we'll assume you're interested in building a fully-FOSS-firmware-compatible AMD system to run [[coreboot-15h]]. This guide assumes you're looking to build a new desktop, server, or workstation system from separately-purchased components.

If you are ''not'' building from separate components (such as for the various prebuilt [[Supermicro]] servers which included compatible motherboards), head over to the [[Motherboards]] page and look for your board's model. For laptops, see the [[Laptops]] page.

== Choosing a Platform ==
coreboot-15h is available for many motherboards, across several different AMD sockets - which one you should choose depends on

[[#Building with AM3+|Choose AM3+]] if you are looking for higher single-thread performance in a desktop or gaming system with up to 8 cores and 64GB of memory. Desktop users will generally find high-clocking AM3+ systems "feel" faster than lower-clocking server platforms, and they are likely to perform better in gaming and web browsing.

[[#Building with G34|Choose G34]] if you are building a server or workstation system requiring higher multicore performance (at the cost of lower single-thread performance). Most G34 motherboards are dual-socket (up to 32 cores, 512GB RAM), but boards with 1 (up to 16 cores, 256 GB RAM) and 4 (up to 64 cores, 1TB RAM) sockets are also available.

[[#Building with C32|Choose C32]] for a middle-ground between these - 1 or 2 sockets, up to 16 cores, clockspeeds in between AM3+ and G34, and up to 512GB of RAM.

All of these platforms support ECC memory, IOMMU, SLAT, PCI-e ACS and are based on [[Orochi]] - AMD's high-power, high-performance platform for [[Family 15h]] systems. If you're looking to build a lower-power quad-core system (such as for an efficient router or media player machine), you may be interested in a [[Trinity|Trinity/Richland]] or [[Kabini]] APU instead. For these, choose an [[FM2]] board for midrange desktop systems, or [[AM1]] for low-power systems with lightweight applications although please note that the AM1 currently lacks a functional IOMMU.

It is recommended to purchase later revision boards without visible dust buildup as they will likely be in better condition.

== Building with AM3+ ==
coreboot-15h supports [[Socket AM3+]] on the ASUS [[Sabertooth 990FX R2.0]] and [[Crosshair V Formula-Z]]. The fastest AM3+ is the 8-core FX-9590. This platform uses DDR3 UDIMM (ordinary desktop RAM) in the usual dual-channel, 2-DIMM-per-channel configuration, and also optionally supports (UDIMM) ECC memory - DIMMs up to 16GB each are supported, for up to 64GB total.

As a consumer gaming platform, CPU coolers for AM3+ are common and still widely-available.

Unlike modern desktop CPUs (and other CPUs of its time), AM3+ is PGA socket, with pins on the CPU and holes in the socket. Be careful to avoid bending pins on the CPU during installation and removal. The socket on the motherboard is typically harder to damage.

AM3+ is currently the best option if you desire a comparatively fast libre firmware system for playing your proprietary games or 3D applications.

== Building with G34 ==
[[File:Qubesotron_2026.jpeg|thumb|[[Qubesotron]] - a build using the [[G34]] [[KGPE-D16]]]]

[[Socket G34]], usually on the [[ASUS KGPE-D16]], is probably the most popular and best-known platform for FOSS firmware on AMD systems. G34 motherboards were made with 1, 2, and 4 sockets, and coreboot-15h supports boards covering all of these configurations. The fastest G34 CPU is the 16-core Opteron 6386 SE, and UDIMM, RDIMM, and LRDIMM memory are all supported. Each CPU supports 4 memory channels, and all coreboot-15h-supported boards are 2-DIMM-per-channel. RDIMMs up to 32GB, or LRDIMMs up to 64GB each, are both supported. Despite this, two 32GB RDIMMs can be used per channel, versus only one 64GB LRDIMM - this means that the memory limit is 256 GB per socket, whether you use RDIMM or LRDIMM memory. RDIMM is generally the fastest, least-expensive and most-compatible option.

Good G34 CPU coolers can be difficult to find - many G34 servers used passive CPU coolers reliant on specific fan and baffle arrangements, which are not easily adapted for standard PC cases in custom-built systems. A list of relevant CPU coolers is available on the [[Coolers]] page - the rare Noctua G34 coolers are well-regarded and highly-prized, while Dynatron active server coolers are sometimes still available used. Depending on what you can find, it may be easier to [[Cooler_Adapter|adapt a modern CPU cooler to fit]] instead.

G34 CPUs use LGA sockets, like Intel or newer AMD CPUs. This generally makes the CPU less fragile, but the socket on the motherboard more so. As with modern PC hardware, if you purchase a G34 motherboard without CPUs installed, inspect its sockets closely for bent, damaged, or dirty pins and the CPU for damage to the components or contacts on the bottom.

There are several pre-built KGPE-D16 systems commonly available with low wear such as the Barracuda Opteron G34 which may be a good choice as they already come with the hard to find heatsinks and 16 core CPU's.

== Building with C32 ==
[[Socket C32]] motherboards covering both 1 and 2 socket configurations are supported. The fastest C32 CPU is the 8-core Opteron 4386, and UDIMM, RDIMM, and LRDIMM memory are all supported. Each CPU supports 2 memory channels, and all coreboot-15h-supported boards are 2-DIMM-per-channel. Unlike with G34, C32 CPUs support 64GB LRDIMMs in ''all'' slots - this means that, despite having half as many slots, C32 motherboards surprisingly support the same 256 GB per socket as G34, albeit with fewer channels.

C32 CPUs use LGA sockets, like Intel or newer AMD CPUs. This generally makes the CPU less fragile, but the socket on the motherboard more so. As with modern PC hardware, if you purchase a C32 motherboard without CPUs installed, inspect its sockets closely for bent, damaged, or dirty pins.

Socket F 3.5 pitch coolers can be used for C32 and can be far more affordable and more widely available new, see the [[Coolers]] page for more information.

Some early revision Socket C32 motherboards only support the 41xx CPU and should be avoided.

== PCI Express Devices ==
[[File:PM1725a.jpg|thumb|A Samsung PM1725a HHHL SSD - note the PCIe x8 card edge]]

The [[Family 15h]] and [[Family 16h]] platforms supported by coreboot-15h support up to PCI Express 2.0 ("Gen2") - a single Gen2 x16 slot delivers 8 GB/s of bandwidth. Compared to newer platforms, this can be a notable limitation for bandwidth-intensive devices such as GPUs or NVMe storage. For this reason, it's a good idea to select PCIe devices with more lanes whenever possible.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:left"
|+ PCI Express link performance
|- style="line-height:120%"
! scope="col" rowspan=2 | Version
! scope="col" rowspan=2 | Year introduced
! scope="col" rowspan=2 colspan=2 | Line code
! scope="col" rowspan=2 | Transfer rate<br>(per lane)
! scope="col" colspan=5 | Throughput (GB/s)
|-
! scope="col" | x1
! scope="col" | x2
! scope="col" | x4
! scope="col" | x8
! scope="col" | x16
|-
! scope="row" | 1.0
| 2003
| rowspan=5 | NRZ
| rowspan=2 | 8b/10b
| 2.5 GT/s
| {{shade|1.25|0.25|align=left}}
| {{shade|2.5|0.5|align=left}}
| {{shade|5|1|align=left}}
| {{shade|10|2|align=left}}
| {{shade|20|4|align=left}}
|-
! scope="row" | 2.0
| 2007
| 5.0 GT/s
| {{shade|2.5|0.5|align=left}}
| {{shade|5|1|align=left}}
| {{shade|10|2|align=left}}
| {{shade|20|4|align=left}}
| {{shade|40|8|align=left}}
|-
! scope="row" | 3.0
| 2010
| rowspan=3 | 128b/130b
| 8.0 GT/s
| {{shade|4.925|0.985|align=left}}
| {{shade|9.845|1.969|align=left}}
| {{shade|19.69|3.938|align=left}}
| {{shade|39.385|7.877|align=left}}
| {{shade|78.77|15.754|align=left}}
|-
! scope="row" | 4.0
| 2017
| 16.0 GT/s
| {{shade|9.485|1.969|align=left}}
| {{shade|19.69|3.938|align=left}}
| {{shade|39.385|7.877|align=left}}
| {{shade|78.77|15.754|align=left}}
| {{shade|157.54|31.508|align=left}}
|-
! scope="row" | 5.0
| 2019
| 32.0 GT/s
| {{shade|19.69|3.938|align=left}}
| {{shade|39.385|7.877|align=left}}
| {{shade|78.77|15.754|align=left}}
| {{shade|157.54|31.508|align=left}}
| {{shade|315.075|63.015|align=left}}
|}

This table shows the throughput of all PCIe lane widths, from Gen1 through Gen5. The advantages of additional PCIe lanes on a Gen2 chipset should be clear - a Gen2 x16 link provides comparable bandwidth to a Gen3 x8, or a Gen4 x4.

Extended PCI-e features such as Above 4G Decoding, Large/Resizable BAR, SR-IOV and ATS are currently not supported by 15h coreboot but could potentially be added in the future as the chipset should support them.

PCI-e ACS is fully supported with the excellent IOMMU groups required by Qubes/Xen and VFIO device assignment.

=== Networking Cards: ===
Almost any modern networking device should be compatible if it doesn't require large BAR support:

Most 15h workstation/server boards come with dual onboard Intel 82574L interfaces, since they do not feature an on-board flash chip they are safer for direct device assignment performed without the use of SR-IOV. Not assigning the ROM BAR to the guest may improve security for direct-attach.

'''1Gbps:'''

'''Intel i350:'''

This bridgeless and switchless PCI-e device is available used and new in a variety of different configurations if you desire additional 1Gbps ports or the use of SR-IOV when it is eventually added.

The dual port i350 may be able to enable SR-IOV with 15h coreboots outdated "resource allocater v3" as the BAR fits inside the small provided host bus window.

It is advised to use an intel firmware tool to ensure that iPXE/iSCSI is disabled on the re-writable ROM.

'''Broadcom BCM5719:'''

Considered a more free device than the i350 as substantially more logic is performed by the host loaded firmware instead of the card ROM. FOSS firmware has been developed for the RaptorCS Talos 2 LOM's which should also work in independent 5719 PCI-e cards for iPXE or BMC communication.

Removing the firmware from the card and locking the flash is considered best for security as the Linux drivers should provide general functionality without it and would likely make this the most secure option.

https://github.com/meklort/bcm5719-fw

https://github.com/meklort/bcm5719-fw/issues/232 (includes a list of card part numbers)

'''Intel 82576:'''

The quad port '''82576''' supports SR-IOV but it is a switched design and thus requires larger amounts of resources, their use could result in your graphics devices not receiving the proper BAR's. Security and flexibility is also reduced as each pair of ports shares an IOMMU group.

'''10Gbps:'''

(10/40 Cards without large BAR requirements, binary blobs or re-writable on-board firmware required for basic functionality should be listed here.)

TBD

'''25/40Gbps:'''

TBD

=== GPUs ===
Most high-end PCIe GPUs (old and new) support using all 16 lanes, but certain newer midrange cards are x8 or x4 and could potentially limit your 3D performance when limited to PCI-e 2.0

Recent cards will likely be GPU limited on all but the fastest AM3+ gaming CPU's.

''Recommended cards:''

AMD Polaris as the last generation of graphics cards without the vPSP, such as the Radeon RX590 8GB, the single slot Radeon Pro WX 7100 8GB or the low profile WX 4100.

Although the vPSP is restricted by the IOMMU and has nowhere near the level of access of it's mainboard counterparts it does prevent the theoretical development of owner controlled firmware for a video card which is already considered a very complex undertaking.

If you do not care about that or believe the claims of a black box preventing hostile firmware re-writes being a benefit instead of a risk than a more modern x16 card could be purchased such as the RX 5700 XT 8GB which is both affordable and widely available on the used market around the world.

=== NVMe SSDs ===
[[File:M.2 Adapter.webp|thumb|A common generic M.2 adapter card kit. The bottom slot is for PCIe M.2 drives, the top slot (and cable) are for SATA M.2 drives.]]

Few motherboards supported by coreboot-15h have built-in M.2 slots. However, a PCIe M.2 SSD can be used in a PCIe slot using a common NVMe-to-x4 adapter card (many also allow an additional M.2 SATA SSD to be connected to a SATA port). A Gen2 x4 slot provides 2 GB/s of PCIe bandwidth - if your SSD's sequential read and write speeds are below 2000 MB/s, PCIe 2.0 will not bottleneck it. However, many NVMe SSDs are capable of more.

The D16 systems support PCI-e Bifurcation via the staging branch with an x16 slot convertible to x8/x8 in menuconfig thus making a four slot NVMe Cassette able to use two cards in position one and three.

It has yet to be added to the D8 but it should also work on this platform or any other with an electrical x16 slot.

Higher NVMe bandwidth on these platforms requires a directly attached SSD with more than 4 PCIe lanes - since the M.2 connector is only x4, this means using an AIC (Add-In Card)-format SSD, which installs directly in a PCIe slot. The following AIC SSDs are known to be capable of more than 2000 MB/s sequential throughput over at least 8 PCIe lanes:

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ Add-In Card SSD examples:
|-
! Model !! Capacity !! PCIe Width !! Sequential Read (MB/s) !! Sequential Write (MB/s) !! Random Read IOPS !! Random Write IOPS
|-
| Samsung PM1725a HHHL || 1.6/3.2/6.4 TB || x8 (up to Gen3) || 6200 (~3600 on Gen2) || 2600 || 1,000,000 || 180,000
|-
| Samsung PM1735a HHHL || 1.6/3.2/6.4/12.8 TB || x8 (up to Gen4) || 7000 (~3600 on Gen2) || 3200 || 800,000 || 135,000
|}
Another choice is a four slot switched NVMe PCI-e x16 card as this would enable the full usage of multiple modern PCI-e x4 SSD's with an oversubscribed PCI-e 2.0 x16 uplink if the switch supports lane rate conversion on the uplink. If you wish to assign NVMe devices to virtual machines one at a time the switch must also support ACS.

Northbridge adapters can also be used and in a single oversubscribed x4 link could add both NVMe holders and several of the controllers that you may be missing such as USB 3.0 and SATA 6Gbps at a more affordable price than purchasing separate expansion cards.

ASUS KGPE-D16

2026-08-27T04:43:27Z

Sparrows: Removed region specific pricing and noted lane rate conversation.

{{Infobox motherboard
|image = Kgpe-d16.jpeg
|image_size = 300

|introduced = 2010
|manufacturer = ASUS

|socket = 2x [[G34]]
|northbridge = [[AMD SR5690]]
|southbridge = [[AMD SP5100]]
|superio = [[Winbond W83667HG-A]]
|bmc = [[ASPEED AST2050]]
|bmcflash = Removable Module
|ram = 16 slots (8 channels) DDR3-1600 ECC UDIMM/RDIMM/LRDIMM, up to 512GB on coreboot
|bios = 2 MiB socketed DIP-8 (W25Q16V)
|formfactor = SSI EEB
|power = 2x 8-pin EPS

|slot1 = PCIe Gen2 x16 (disabled if Slot 2 in use)
|slot2 = PCIe Gen2 x16 (disables Slot 1 if in use)
|slot3 = PCIe Gen2 x8 (electrically x4)
|slot4 = PCIe Gen2 x16 (x8 if Slot 5 in use)
|slot5 = PCIe Gen2 x16 (electrically x8)
|slot6 = 32-bit Legacy PCI
|slot7 = ASUS [[PIKE2008]] Interface

|gpu = [[ASPEED AST2050|AST2050 Integrated VGA]]
|nic = 2x Intel 82574L Gigabit
|storagecontroller = SP5100's SATA2 (3.0 Gbps), no SAS unless [[PIKE2008]] installed
|usbcontroller = SP5100's onboard rear USB 2.0 and additional controller via header
|serial = One SIO-provided RS232, one virtual BMC console port
|audio = None (ASUS recommended a PCI sound card)
}}

The '''ASUS KGPE-D16''', commonly referred to as the '''D16''', is a dual-socket server/workstation motherboard released by ASUS on April 7th, 2010<ref>https://www.techpowerup.com/119540/asus-releases-kgpe-d16-socket-g34-motherboard-for-12-core-amd-opteron-processors</ref>, for use with [[Socket G34]] Opteron processors. Originally sold as a standalone board in a mostly-standard SSI EEB form factor, and intended for both desktop and rack-mounted uses, the KGPE-D16 is popular among enthusiasts as a relatively versatile and workstation-friendly G34 platform and currently the only owner controlled system that can run the Qubes Linux distribution with the recommended security features.

Ports of [[coreboot]] and [[OpenBMC]] to the D16 were initially developed by [[Raptor Engineering]] between 2015 and 2017. Among major coreboot versions, it was first supported in coreboot 4.2 in October 2015, and last supported in coreboot 4.11 in November 2019. The port was never completed and was removed in coreboot 4.12 due to lack of maintenance. Between 2021 and 2022, after seeking funding for such an effort for several years, [[3mdeb]] developed an out-of-tree fork of coreboot 4.15 for the board under their Dasharo brand. The effort to complete and re-upstream the [[Raptor Engineering|Raptor]] port was unsuccessful and officially abandoned in August 2025<ref>https://github.com/Dasharo/dasharo-issues/issues/478</ref>.

An independent port of [[coreboot]] to the D16, using AMD's open source AGESA and CIMx codebases, was released in October 2025 by 15h.org. It is currently the most complete and only actively developed port of [[coreboot]] for the KGPE-D16.

== Open Source Firmware ==
Open source firmware for the KGPE-D16 is provided by [[coreboot-15h]] utilizing AMD's open source AGESA and CIMx releases for platform initialization. The git repository for the firmware can be reviewed [https://git.15h.org/mrothfuss/coreboot-15h here].

'''Microcode updates are recommended:'''

- Spectre related updates

- Secure usage of the IOMMU with a Piledriver CPU

- Solution to an undocumented problem which could result in strange issues such as objects in a video game not spawning in properly.

=== coreboot-15h ===
{{Excerpt|Coreboot-15h|[[ASUS KGPE-D16]]|hat=no|bold=1}}

=== Display Output ===
[[File:KGPE-D16 VGA Jumper.png|frameless|400x400px]]

The mainboard VGA_SW1 jumper determines whether the onboard VGA ([[ASPEED AST2050|AST2050]]) or a PCIe GPU will be used as the bootup display. Set VGA_SW1 to "Enable" to use the onboard VGA. Set VGA_SW1 to "Disable" to use a PCIe GPU. Once your OS has booted, drivers for any GPU of your choice can be used to setup a display. For blob-free opertions, it is recommended to use the onboard VGA in textmode for the bootup display but then switch to a FOSS driver (ie: amdgpu) for the user interface.

==== Onboard VGA Output ====
The onboard VGA, [[ASPEED AST2050|AST2050]], can be setup with a closed-source VGABIOS (full VGA support) or with an open-source coreboot driver (textmode VGA support). A compatible display, generally an old VGA monitor, will be required to use the open-source driver. The closed-source VGABIOS is only included in coreboot-15h release ROMs with the "VGA-OpROMs" tag.

==== PCIe GPU Output ====
To use a PCIe GPU as the bootup display, PCIe Option ROMs must be executed by SeaBIOS. This is enabled in 15h.org release ROMs with the "VGA-OpROMs" tag. The relevant coreboot-15h menuconfig option for SeaBIOS is "Payload > Execute PCIe Option ROMs". The "VGA Only" option is the recommended setting when using a PCIe GPU as the bootup display.

=== Fan Output ===
[[File:KGPE-D16 Fan Jumper.png|frameless|400x400px]]

The [[coreboot-15h]] release ROMs for KGPE-D16 are configured to adjust fan speeds based on temperatures measured at the CPUs and the Northbridge. The KGPE-D16 has only two fan outputs: one for 4-pin fans (PWM regulation) and one for 3-pin fans (Voltage regulation). Motherboard jumpers determine which fan output is sent to which fan headers: CHAFAN_SEL1 for the chassis fans and CPUFAN_SEL1 for CPU fans. The fan signals are poorly wired on this board; the PWM signal is sent to every fan header regardless of the CHAFAN_SEL1 and CPUFAN_SEL1 jumper settings. If a 4-pin fan is connected to a header configured for 3-pin output, it will operate at irregular speeds from receiving both voltage and PWM signals.

'''CPU Cooler Fans'''

CPU cooler fans should be connected to the corresponding CPU fan header. The CPUFAN_SEL1 jumper should be set to match the type of fan your cooler is using. Quiet 3-pin fans may be set to operate at 100% speed by setting CPUFAN_SEL1 to 4-pin mode.

'''Server Chassis Fans'''

Loud, high airflow fans should be connected to the CHA fan headers. The CHAFAN_SEL1 jumper should be set to match the type of fans used. Ensure sufficient air is flowing out the rear of the case at idle.

'''Desktop Chassis Fans'''

[[File:4pin to 3pin cables.jpg|frameless|150x150px]]

Quiet desktop fans should be connected to the CHA fan headers using only 3-pins; '''4-pin fans must use a 4-pin to 3-pin adapter'''. The CHAFAN_SEL1 jumper should be set to either 3-pin mode (variable fan speed) or 4-pin mode (maximum fan speed) depending on fan performance and noise preferences. Ensure sufficient air is flowing out the rear of the case at idle. It is recommended to select quiet 3-pin fans that can be operated at maximum speed (CHAFAN_SEL1 set to 4-pin mode) at reasonable noise levels.

'''Extreme Cooling'''

Extreme cooling of the CPU and Northbridge can cause chassis fans to operate too slow to properly cool the other motherboard components. For this scenario, a few solutions are recommended:
* Using 3-pin case fans at max speed (CHAFAN_SEL1 set to 4-pin mode)
* A separate fan controller for case fans
* A custom fan curve

=== Missing Features ===
* Hibernation and Suspend/Resume are unsupported.
* Opteron 6100 series CPUs are unsupported.
* ASUS MIO audio cards are untested.

=== Flashing ===
To switch from the stock firmware to coreboot, [[External Flashing | external flashing]] is required. The DIP-8 flash chip is located at the bottom right corner of the board (labeled BIOS in the motherboard diagram). A 3.3V CH341a programmer can be used to flash coreboot onto the KGPE-D16. '''When switching to coreboot-15h from the OEM BIOS or coreboot, clearing the CMOS is required.''' Not correctly clearing the CMOS when switching to coreboot-15h is associated with variety of faulty behavior, such as: broken fan control, broken VGA, and failure to boot.

'''Clearing the CMOS'''

# Turn off the computer, '''disconnect the power cord and any powered peripherals (Monitors, USB devices, etc)'''. Powered peripherals can backpower the SP5100 and prevent a CMOS clear.
# Move the CLRTC1 jumper (located under PCIe Slot 2) to positions 2-3.
# Wait 20 seconds.
# Restore the CLRTC1 jumper to positions 1-2.
# Connect the power cord and turn on the computer.

== Deployed Systems ==
* [[Qubesotron]]
* [[EmCAST]]
* [[Atlas]]
* [[Orion]]
* [[Unc]]
* [[Ganoo]]
* [[RAD01]]
* [[RAD03]]

Outside of the 15h.org community, it is known that, at least as of 2022, the [https://fsf.org Free Software Foundation] uses KGPE-D16s with 6200-series Opterons [https://www.fsf.org/blogs/sysadmin/closing-in-on-fully-free-bioses-with-the-fsf-tech-team for their servers].

== Motherboard Diagrams ==
[[File:KGPE-D16 Diagram.png|frameless|400x400px]]
[[File:KGPE-D16 BlockDiagram.png|frameless|400x400px]]

There is an undocumented 9-pin VGA header next to the rear-IO VGA port. The pins are shared between this header and the rear-IO VGA port.

== Motherboard Components ==
=== Socket G34 ===
{{Excerpt|Socket G34|inline=yes|bold=yes}}

The 63xx Piledriver CPU's such as the 16 core 6386SE and the 8 core 6328 are recommended for acceptable performance as coreboot has never supported the 61xx and the 62xx is older and slower.

Applications and virtual machines must be aware of NUMA topology for optimal performance.

Please check the CPU for damage and misaligned components before placing it in the socket.

==== AMD Opteron 6100 Series ====
{{Excerpt|AMD Opteron 6100 Series|inline=yes|bold=yes}}
==== AMD Opteron 6200 and 6300 Series ====
{{Excerpt|AMD Opteron 6200 and 6300 Series|inline=yes|bold=yes}}
=== DDR3 Memory ===
[[File:KGPE-D16-DIMM-Diagram.png|frameless|1000x1000px]]

{{Excerpt|AGESA 15h|DDR3 Support|inline=yes|bold=yes}}

[[File:KGPE-D16 DDR3 Setting.png|frameless|600x600px]]

The KGPE-D16 provides an external method to override the BIOS DDR3 voltage. BIOS control is configured to select a voltage that maximizes performance for all DIMM modules attached to a socket. Forcing a different voltage may cause stability problems. Use the default jumper setting (1.5V / BIOS control) when using coreboot-15h.

=== PCIe 2.0 Slots ===

[[File:KGPE-D16 PCIE Jumpers.png|frameless|400x400px]]

{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Slot
!Width
!Wired Lanes
!Notes
|-
|PCIe1
|x16
|x16
|A special PCIe slot designed for the ASUS MIO audio card. Disabled if PCIe2 is occupied.
|-
|PCIe2
|x16
|x16
|Disables PCIe1 if occupied. Set motherboard jumper PCIE2_SW1 to positions 2-3 to always enable PCIe2.
|-
|PCIe3
|x8
|x4
|
|-
|PCIe4
|x16
|x8 or x16
|Switches to x16 mode if PCIe5 is empty. If motherboard jumper PCIE5_SW1 is set to position 2-3, it will always be in x8 mode.
|-
|PCIe5
|x16
|x8
|Disables if no card is detected. Set motherboard jumper PCIE5_SW1 to positions 2-3 to always enable PCIe5.
|}

PCIe bifurcation of slots PCIe2 and PCIe4 in x8+x8 mode is supported. Bifurcation is a compile-time option that is available under the Motherboard menuconfig section in staging.

Four slot Bifurcated PCI-e x16 NVMe cassette cards can be used with dual NVMe SSD's in position 1 and 3

If you would like additional SSD's or more bandwidth you could alternatively purchase a switched NVMe PCI-e x16 card which would enable the full usage of your more modern PCI-e 4.0 x4 SSD's with an oversubscribed PCI-e 2.0 x16 uplink if the switch supports lane rate conversation.

Expect for switched cards to cost two or three times as much as their chipless counterparts.

=== PIKE Slots ===
The two PIKE slots, PIKE1 and PIKE2, are used together to attach an ASUS PIKE module to the KGPE-D16. This is required to utilize the 8 onboard SAS ports. These SAS ports support SAS2 and SATA3, making them faster than the onboard SATA2 ports provided by the SP5100. Drives attached to these ports are accessible to the operating system when the PIKE card is configured for [[IT Mode]], but SeaBIOS will not boot from them. The [[PIKE2008]] card, flashed to [[IT Mode]], is recommended to utilize these features.

=== DIP-8 Socket ===
The DIP-8 Socket houses the mainboard's BIOS ROM. The following DIP-8 chips are known to work with coreboot on the KGPE-D16.

The usage of a proper DIP-8 removal tool is recommended in order to not damage the slot or the ROM chip.

{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Model
!Size (MB)
!Size (Mb)
|-
|W25Q16BVAIG
|2
|16
|-
|W25Q64BVAIG
|8
|64
|-
|W25Q128FVIQ
|16
|128
|}

=== ASPEED AST2050 ===
{{Excerpt|ASPEED AST2050|inline=yes|bold=yes}}

Remote administration features on the AST2050 are only activated when a firmware module (ASMB4 or ASMB5) is attached to the KGPE-D16 mainboard (BMC_FW1 slot).

=== AMD SR5690 ===
{{Excerpt|AMD SR5690|inline=yes|bold=yes}}
=== AMD SP5100 ===
{{Excerpt|AMD SP5100|inline=yes|bold=yes}}
=== Winbond W83667HG-A ===
{{Excerpt|Winbond W83667HG-A|hat=no}}
=== Nuvoton W83795G ===
{{Excerpt|Nuvoton W83795G/ADG|hat=no}}

The ASUS thermal sensor cable (10G090101035) can be used to control fan speeds based on case air temperature readings.

== Motherboard Revisions ==
Four KGPE-D16 revisions are known: 1.02G, 1.03G, 1.04, and 1.05. The differences between the four revisions have not been disclosed. The more recent boards (1.04 and 1.05) are generally in better condition and are recommended. Board revisions 1.03G, 1.04, and 1.05 are known to perform equally well when in similar condition. No community members have tested a 1.02G revision board. The KGPE-D16 can be found rebranded for distribution in China (KGPE-D16/CHN). The CHN variant can also run coreboot like the other KGPE-D16 variants, there are no known differences.

== Board View ==
Board views are available for the KGPE-D16. These files can be opened with [[OpenBoardView]].

[https://15h.org/images/f/f0/ASUS_KGPE-D16_Rev_1.04_-_Schematics.zip ASUS_KGPE-D16_Rev_1.04_-_Schematics.zip]

== Custom Parts and Mods ==
=== Northbridge Fan ===
[[File:KGPE-D16-40mm-Noctua-chipset.png|frameless|300px]]
[[File:KGPE-D16 Northbridge Cooling Fan.jpeg|frameless|300px]]

This file is designed to work with a Noctua NF-A4x10 fan. If your motherboard is not in a high-airflow server case, the northbridge fan is highly recommended. The fan bracket mounts onto the northbridge heatsink by snapping onto the metal arms that secure the heatsink. The file may need to be edited to accommodate the exact placement of your 40mm fan cable (the provided design has a cable hole at the bottom right position).

[https://15h.org/images/8/8a/KGPE-D16_Chipsetfan_40mm.stl KGPE-D16_Chipsetfan_40mm.stl]

[https://15h.org/images/9/98/KGPE-D16_Chipsetfan_40mm.blend KGPE-D16_Chipsetfan_40mm.blend]

=== Chipset Thermal Paste ===
[[File:KGPE-D16_North_bridge_picture.png|frameless|300px]]

Removing the NB/SB heatsinks to reapply the thermal paste can be daunting due to glue used for the NB heatsink, limited wiggle room, and marginal benefit. It is generally considered not worth it.

=== RAM Fan ===
[[File:KGPE-D16-80mm-Noctua-ram.png|frameless|300x300px]]

This file is designed to work with a Noctua NF-A8 fan. When two of these fan mounts are attached to a Noctua NF-A8 fan, they will be spaced correctly to snap onto the KGPE-D16 RAM clips (white). These clips vary between boards. The included file is designed to work with L-shaped RAM clips. It will not fit as nicely onto the parallelogram-shaped RAM clips.

[https://15h.org/images/f/f8/KGPE-D16_Ramfan_80mm.stl KGPE-D16_Ramfan_80mm.stl]

[https://15h.org/images/9/9c/KGPE-D16_Ramfan_80mm.blend KGPE-D16_Ramfan_80mm.blend]

== References ==
[https://15h.org/images/4/48/KGPE-D16_Manual.pdf]

ASUS KGPE-D16

2026-08-19T15:07:45Z

Sparrows: CPU recommendations

{{Infobox motherboard
|image = Kgpe-d16.jpeg
|image_size = 300

|introduced = 2010
|manufacturer = ASUS

|socket = 2x [[G34]]
|northbridge = [[AMD SR5690]]
|southbridge = [[AMD SP5100]]
|superio = [[Winbond W83667HG-A]]
|bmc = [[ASPEED AST2050]]
|bmcflash = Removable Module
|ram = 16 slots (8 channels) DDR3-1600 ECC UDIMM/RDIMM/LRDIMM, up to 512GB on coreboot
|bios = 2 MiB socketed DIP-8 (W25Q16V)
|formfactor = SSI EEB
|power = 2x 8-pin EPS

|slot1 = PCIe Gen2 x16 (disabled if Slot 2 in use)
|slot2 = PCIe Gen2 x16 (disables Slot 1 if in use)
|slot3 = PCIe Gen2 x8 (electrically x4)
|slot4 = PCIe Gen2 x16 (x8 if Slot 5 in use)
|slot5 = PCIe Gen2 x16 (electrically x8)
|slot6 = 32-bit Legacy PCI
|slot7 = ASUS [[PIKE2008]] Interface

|gpu = [[ASPEED AST2050|AST2050 Integrated VGA]]
|nic = 2x Intel 82574L Gigabit
|storagecontroller = SP5100's SATA2 (3.0 Gbps), no SAS unless [[PIKE2008]] installed
|usbcontroller = SP5100's onboard rear USB 2.0 and additional controller via header
|serial = One SIO-provided RS232, one virtual BMC console port
|audio = None (ASUS recommended a PCI sound card)
}}

The '''ASUS KGPE-D16''', commonly referred to as the '''D16''', is a dual-socket server/workstation motherboard released by ASUS on April 7th, 2010<ref>https://www.techpowerup.com/119540/asus-releases-kgpe-d16-socket-g34-motherboard-for-12-core-amd-opteron-processors</ref>, for use with [[Socket G34]] Opteron processors. Originally sold as a standalone board in a mostly-standard SSI EEB form factor, and intended for both desktop and rack-mounted uses, the KGPE-D16 is popular among enthusiasts as a relatively versatile and workstation-friendly G34 platform and currently the only owner controlled system that can run the Qubes Linux distribution with the recommended security features.

Ports of [[coreboot]] and [[OpenBMC]] to the D16 were initially developed by [[Raptor Engineering]] between 2015 and 2017. Among major coreboot versions, it was first supported in coreboot 4.2 in October 2015, and last supported in coreboot 4.11 in November 2019. The port was never completed and was removed in coreboot 4.12 due to lack of maintenance. Between 2021 and 2022, after seeking funding for such an effort for several years, [[3mdeb]] developed an out-of-tree fork of coreboot 4.15 for the board under their Dasharo brand. The effort to complete and re-upstream the [[Raptor Engineering|Raptor]] port was unsuccessful and officially abandoned in August 2025<ref>https://github.com/Dasharo/dasharo-issues/issues/478</ref>.

An independent port of [[coreboot]] to the D16, using AMD's open source AGESA and CIMx codebases, was released in October 2025 by 15h.org. It is currently the most complete and only actively developed port of [[coreboot]] for the KGPE-D16.

== Open Source Firmware ==
Open source firmware for the KGPE-D16 is provided by [[coreboot-15h]] utilizing AMD's open source AGESA and CIMx releases for platform initialization. The git repository for the firmware can be reviewed [https://git.15h.org/mrothfuss/coreboot-15h here].

'''Microcode updates are recommended:'''

- Spectre related updates

- Secure usage of the IOMMU with a Piledriver CPU

- Solution to an undocumented problem which could result in strange issues such as objects in a video game not spawning in properly.

=== coreboot-15h ===
{{Excerpt|Coreboot-15h|[[ASUS KGPE-D16]]|hat=no|bold=1}}

=== Display Output ===
[[File:KGPE-D16 VGA Jumper.png|frameless|400x400px]]

The mainboard VGA_SW1 jumper determines whether the onboard VGA ([[ASPEED AST2050|AST2050]]) or a PCIe GPU will be used as the bootup display. Set VGA_SW1 to "Enable" to use the onboard VGA. Set VGA_SW1 to "Disable" to use a PCIe GPU. Once your OS has booted, drivers for any GPU of your choice can be used to setup a display. For blob-free opertions, it is recommended to use the onboard VGA in textmode for the bootup display but then switch to a FOSS driver (ie: amdgpu) for the user interface.

==== Onboard VGA Output ====
The onboard VGA, [[ASPEED AST2050|AST2050]], can be setup with a closed-source VGABIOS (full VGA support) or with an open-source coreboot driver (textmode VGA support). A compatible display, generally an old VGA monitor, will be required to use the open-source driver. The closed-source VGABIOS is only included in coreboot-15h release ROMs with the "VGA-OpROMs" tag.

==== PCIe GPU Output ====
To use a PCIe GPU as the bootup display, PCIe Option ROMs must be executed by SeaBIOS. This is enabled in 15h.org release ROMs with the "VGA-OpROMs" tag. The relevant coreboot-15h menuconfig option for SeaBIOS is "Payload > Execute PCIe Option ROMs". The "VGA Only" option is the recommended setting when using a PCIe GPU as the bootup display.

=== Fan Output ===
[[File:KGPE-D16 Fan Jumper.png|frameless|400x400px]]

The [[coreboot-15h]] release ROMs for KGPE-D16 are configured to adjust fan speeds based on temperatures measured at the CPUs and the Northbridge. The KGPE-D16 has only two fan outputs: one for 4-pin fans (PWM regulation) and one for 3-pin fans (Voltage regulation). Motherboard jumpers determine which fan output is sent to which fan headers: CHAFAN_SEL1 for the chassis fans and CPUFAN_SEL1 for CPU fans. The fan signals are poorly wired on this board; the PWM signal is sent to every fan header regardless of the CHAFAN_SEL1 and CPUFAN_SEL1 jumper settings. If a 4-pin fan is connected to a header configured for 3-pin output, it will operate at irregular speeds from receiving both voltage and PWM signals.

'''CPU Cooler Fans'''

CPU cooler fans should be connected to the corresponding CPU fan header. The CPUFAN_SEL1 jumper should be set to match the type of fan your cooler is using. Quiet 3-pin fans may be set to operate at 100% speed by setting CPUFAN_SEL1 to 4-pin mode.

'''Server Chassis Fans'''

Loud, high airflow fans should be connected to the CHA fan headers. The CHAFAN_SEL1 jumper should be set to match the type of fans used. Ensure sufficient air is flowing out the rear of the case at idle.

'''Desktop Chassis Fans'''

[[File:4pin to 3pin cables.jpg|frameless|150x150px]]

Quiet desktop fans should be connected to the CHA fan headers using only 3-pins; '''4-pin fans must use a 4-pin to 3-pin adapter'''. The CHAFAN_SEL1 jumper should be set to either 3-pin mode (variable fan speed) or 4-pin mode (maximum fan speed) depending on fan performance and noise preferences. Ensure sufficient air is flowing out the rear of the case at idle. It is recommended to select quiet 3-pin fans that can be operated at maximum speed (CHAFAN_SEL1 set to 4-pin mode) at reasonable noise levels.

'''Extreme Cooling'''

Extreme cooling of the CPU and Northbridge can cause chassis fans to operate too slow to properly cool the other motherboard components. For this scenario, a few solutions are recommended:
* Using 3-pin case fans at max speed (CHAFAN_SEL1 set to 4-pin mode)
* A separate fan controller for case fans
* A custom fan curve

=== Missing Features ===
* Hibernation and Suspend/Resume are unsupported.
* Opteron 6100 series CPUs are unsupported.
* ASUS MIO audio cards are untested.

=== Flashing ===
To switch from the stock firmware to coreboot, [[External Flashing | external flashing]] is required. The DIP-8 flash chip is located at the bottom right corner of the board (labeled BIOS in the motherboard diagram). A 3.3V CH341a programmer can be used to flash coreboot onto the KGPE-D16. '''When switching to coreboot-15h from the OEM BIOS or coreboot, clearing the CMOS is required.''' Not correctly clearing the CMOS when switching to coreboot-15h is associated with variety of faulty behavior, such as: broken fan control, broken VGA, and failure to boot.

'''Clearing the CMOS'''

# Turn off the computer, '''disconnect the power cord and any powered peripherals (Monitors, USB devices, etc)'''. Powered peripherals can backpower the SP5100 and prevent a CMOS clear.
# Move the CLRTC1 jumper (located under PCIe Slot 2) to positions 2-3.
# Wait 20 seconds.
# Restore the CLRTC1 jumper to positions 1-2.
# Connect the power cord and turn on the computer.

== Deployed Systems ==
* [[Qubesotron]]
* [[EmCAST]]
* [[Atlas]]
* [[Orion]]
* [[Unc]]
* [[Ganoo]]
* [[RAD01]]
* [[RAD03]]

Outside of the 15h.org community, it is known that, at least as of 2022, the [https://fsf.org Free Software Foundation] uses KGPE-D16s with 6200-series Opterons [https://www.fsf.org/blogs/sysadmin/closing-in-on-fully-free-bioses-with-the-fsf-tech-team for their servers].

== Motherboard Diagrams ==
[[File:KGPE-D16 Diagram.png|frameless|400x400px]]
[[File:KGPE-D16 BlockDiagram.png|frameless|400x400px]]

There is an undocumented 9-pin VGA header next to the rear-IO VGA port. The pins are shared between this header and the rear-IO VGA port.

== Motherboard Components ==
=== Socket G34 ===
{{Excerpt|Socket G34|inline=yes|bold=yes}}

The 63xx Piledriver CPU's such as the 16 core 6386SE and the 8 core 6328 are recommended for acceptable performance as coreboot has never supported the 61xx and the 62xx is older and slower.

Applications and virtual machines must be aware of NUMA topology for optimal performance.

Please check the CPU for damage and misaligned components before placing it in the socket.

==== AMD Opteron 6100 Series ====
{{Excerpt|AMD Opteron 6100 Series|inline=yes|bold=yes}}
==== AMD Opteron 6200 and 6300 Series ====
{{Excerpt|AMD Opteron 6200 and 6300 Series|inline=yes|bold=yes}}
=== DDR3 Memory ===
[[File:KGPE-D16-DIMM-Diagram.png|frameless|1000x1000px]]

{{Excerpt|AGESA 15h|DDR3 Support|inline=yes|bold=yes}}

[[File:KGPE-D16 DDR3 Setting.png|frameless|600x600px]]

The KGPE-D16 provides an external method to override the BIOS DDR3 voltage. BIOS control is configured to select a voltage that maximizes performance for all DIMM modules attached to a socket. Forcing a different voltage may cause stability problems. Use the default jumper setting (1.5V / BIOS control) when using coreboot-15h.

=== PCIe 2.0 Slots ===

[[File:KGPE-D16 PCIE Jumpers.png|frameless|400x400px]]

{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Slot
!Width
!Wired Lanes
!Notes
|-
|PCIe1
|x16
|x16
|A special PCIe slot designed for the ASUS MIO audio card. Disabled if PCIe2 is occupied.
|-
|PCIe2
|x16
|x16
|Disables PCIe1 if occupied. Set motherboard jumper PCIE2_SW1 to positions 2-3 to always enable PCIe2.
|-
|PCIe3
|x8
|x4
|
|-
|PCIe4
|x16
|x8 or x16
|Switches to x16 mode if PCIe5 is empty. If motherboard jumper PCIE5_SW1 is set to position 2-3, it will always be in x8 mode.
|-
|PCIe5
|x16
|x8
|Disables if no card is detected. Set motherboard jumper PCIE5_SW1 to positions 2-3 to always enable PCIe5.
|}

PCIe bifurcation of slots PCIe2 and PCIe4 in x8+x8 mode is supported. Bifurcation is a compile-time option that is available under the Motherboard menuconfig section in staging.

Four slot Bifurcated PCI-e x16 NVMe cassette cards can be used with dual NVMe SSD's in position 1 and 3

If you would like additional SSD's or more bandwidth you could alternatively purchase a switched NVMe PCI-e x16 card which would enable the full usage of your more modern PCI-e 4.0 x4 SSD's with an oversubscribed PCI-e 2.0 x16 uplink.

Expect to pay around $50 for a cassette or $150 for generic PCI-e 3.0 switched cards.

=== PIKE Slots ===
The two PIKE slots, PIKE1 and PIKE2, are used together to attach an ASUS PIKE module to the KGPE-D16. This is required to utilize the 8 onboard SAS ports. These SAS ports support SAS2 and SATA3, making them faster than the onboard SATA2 ports provided by the SP5100. Drives attached to these ports are accessible to the operating system when the PIKE card is configured for [[IT Mode]], but SeaBIOS will not boot from them. The [[PIKE2008]] card, flashed to [[IT Mode]], is recommended to utilize these features.

=== DIP-8 Socket ===
The DIP-8 Socket houses the mainboard's BIOS ROM. The following DIP-8 chips are known to work with coreboot on the KGPE-D16.

The usage of a proper DIP-8 removal tool is recommended in order to not damage the slot or the ROM chip.

{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Model
!Size (MB)
!Size (Mb)
|-
|W25Q16BVAIG
|2
|16
|-
|W25Q64BVAIG
|8
|64
|-
|W25Q128FVIQ
|16
|128
|}

=== ASPEED AST2050 ===
{{Excerpt|ASPEED AST2050|inline=yes|bold=yes}}

Remote administration features on the AST2050 are only activated when a firmware module (ASMB4 or ASMB5) is attached to the KGPE-D16 mainboard (BMC_FW1 slot).

=== AMD SR5690 ===
{{Excerpt|AMD SR5690|inline=yes|bold=yes}}
=== AMD SP5100 ===
{{Excerpt|AMD SP5100|inline=yes|bold=yes}}
=== Winbond W83667HG-A ===
{{Excerpt|Winbond W83667HG-A|hat=no}}
=== Nuvoton W83795G ===
{{Excerpt|Nuvoton W83795G/ADG|hat=no}}

The ASUS thermal sensor cable (10G090101035) can be used to control fan speeds based on case air temperature readings.

== Motherboard Revisions ==
Four KGPE-D16 revisions are known: 1.02G, 1.03G, 1.04, and 1.05. The differences between the four revisions have not been disclosed. The more recent boards (1.04 and 1.05) are generally in better condition and are recommended. Board revisions 1.03G, 1.04, and 1.05 are known to perform equally well when in similar condition. No community members have tested a 1.02G revision board. The KGPE-D16 can be found rebranded for distribution in China (KGPE-D16/CHN). The CHN variant can also run coreboot like the other KGPE-D16 variants, there are no known differences.

== Board View ==
Board views are available for the KGPE-D16. These files can be opened with [[OpenBoardView]].

[https://15h.org/images/f/f0/ASUS_KGPE-D16_Rev_1.04_-_Schematics.zip ASUS_KGPE-D16_Rev_1.04_-_Schematics.zip]

== Custom Parts and Mods ==
=== Northbridge Fan ===
[[File:KGPE-D16-40mm-Noctua-chipset.png|frameless|300px]]
[[File:KGPE-D16 Northbridge Cooling Fan.jpeg|frameless|300px]]

This file is designed to work with a Noctua NF-A4x10 fan. If your motherboard is not in a high-airflow server case, the northbridge fan is highly recommended. The fan bracket mounts onto the northbridge heatsink by snapping onto the metal arms that secure the heatsink. The file may need to be edited to accommodate the exact placement of your 40mm fan cable (the provided design has a cable hole at the bottom right position).

[https://15h.org/images/8/8a/KGPE-D16_Chipsetfan_40mm.stl KGPE-D16_Chipsetfan_40mm.stl]

[https://15h.org/images/9/98/KGPE-D16_Chipsetfan_40mm.blend KGPE-D16_Chipsetfan_40mm.blend]

=== Chipset Thermal Paste ===
[[File:KGPE-D16_North_bridge_picture.png|frameless|300px]]

Removing the NB/SB heatsinks to reapply the thermal paste can be daunting due to glue used for the NB heatsink, limited wiggle room, and marginal benefit. It is generally considered not worth it.

=== RAM Fan ===
[[File:KGPE-D16-80mm-Noctua-ram.png|frameless|300x300px]]

This file is designed to work with a Noctua NF-A8 fan. When two of these fan mounts are attached to a Noctua NF-A8 fan, they will be spaced correctly to snap onto the KGPE-D16 RAM clips (white). These clips vary between boards. The included file is designed to work with L-shaped RAM clips. It will not fit as nicely onto the parallelogram-shaped RAM clips.

[https://15h.org/images/f/f8/KGPE-D16_Ramfan_80mm.stl KGPE-D16_Ramfan_80mm.stl]

[https://15h.org/images/9/9c/KGPE-D16_Ramfan_80mm.blend KGPE-D16_Ramfan_80mm.blend]

== References ==
[https://15h.org/images/4/48/KGPE-D16_Manual.pdf]

ASUS KGPE-D16

2026-08-19T13:54:23Z

Sparrows: Notes on PCI-e and Qubes

{{Infobox motherboard
|image = Kgpe-d16.jpeg
|image_size = 300

|introduced = 2010
|manufacturer = ASUS

|socket = 2x [[G34]]
|northbridge = [[AMD SR5690]]
|southbridge = [[AMD SP5100]]
|superio = [[Winbond W83667HG-A]]
|bmc = [[ASPEED AST2050]]
|bmcflash = Removable Module
|ram = 16 slots (8 channels) DDR3-1600 ECC UDIMM/RDIMM/LRDIMM, up to 512GB on coreboot
|bios = 2 MiB socketed DIP-8 (W25Q16V)
|formfactor = SSI EEB
|power = 2x 8-pin EPS

|slot1 = PCIe Gen2 x16 (disabled if Slot 2 in use)
|slot2 = PCIe Gen2 x16 (disables Slot 1 if in use)
|slot3 = PCIe Gen2 x8 (electrically x4)
|slot4 = PCIe Gen2 x16 (x8 if Slot 5 in use)
|slot5 = PCIe Gen2 x16 (electrically x8)
|slot6 = 32-bit Legacy PCI
|slot7 = ASUS [[PIKE2008]] Interface

|gpu = [[ASPEED AST2050|AST2050 Integrated VGA]]
|nic = 2x Intel 82574L Gigabit
|storagecontroller = SP5100's SATA2 (3.0 Gbps), no SAS unless [[PIKE2008]] installed
|usbcontroller = SP5100's onboard rear USB 2.0 and additional controller via header
|serial = One SIO-provided RS232, one virtual BMC console port
|audio = None (ASUS recommended a PCI sound card)
}}

The '''ASUS KGPE-D16''', commonly referred to as the '''D16''', is a dual-socket server/workstation motherboard released by ASUS on April 7th, 2010<ref>https://www.techpowerup.com/119540/asus-releases-kgpe-d16-socket-g34-motherboard-for-12-core-amd-opteron-processors</ref>, for use with [[Socket G34]] Opteron processors. Originally sold as a standalone board in a mostly-standard SSI EEB form factor, and intended for both desktop and rack-mounted uses, the KGPE-D16 is popular among enthusiasts as a relatively versatile and workstation-friendly G34 platform and currently the only owner controlled system that can run the Qubes Linux distribution with the recommended security features.

Ports of [[coreboot]] and [[OpenBMC]] to the D16 were initially developed by [[Raptor Engineering]] between 2015 and 2017. Among major coreboot versions, it was first supported in coreboot 4.2 in October 2015, and last supported in coreboot 4.11 in November 2019. The port was never completed and was removed in coreboot 4.12 due to lack of maintenance. Between 2021 and 2022, after seeking funding for such an effort for several years, [[3mdeb]] developed an out-of-tree fork of coreboot 4.15 for the board under their Dasharo brand. The effort to complete and re-upstream the [[Raptor Engineering|Raptor]] port was unsuccessful and officially abandoned in August 2025<ref>https://github.com/Dasharo/dasharo-issues/issues/478</ref>.

An independent port of [[coreboot]] to the D16, using AMD's open source AGESA and CIMx codebases, was released in October 2025 by 15h.org. It is currently the most complete and only actively developed port of [[coreboot]] for the KGPE-D16.

== Open Source Firmware ==
Open source firmware for the KGPE-D16 is provided by [[coreboot-15h]] utilizing AMD's open source AGESA and CIMx releases for platform initialization. The git repository for the firmware can be reviewed [https://git.15h.org/mrothfuss/coreboot-15h here].

'''Microcode updates are recommended:'''

- Spectre related updates

- Secure usage of the IOMMU with a Piledriver CPU

- Solution to an undocumented problem which could result in strange issues such as objects in a video game not spawning in properly.

=== coreboot-15h ===
{{Excerpt|Coreboot-15h|[[ASUS KGPE-D16]]|hat=no|bold=1}}

=== Display Output ===
[[File:KGPE-D16 VGA Jumper.png|frameless|400x400px]]

The mainboard VGA_SW1 jumper determines whether the onboard VGA ([[ASPEED AST2050|AST2050]]) or a PCIe GPU will be used as the bootup display. Set VGA_SW1 to "Enable" to use the onboard VGA. Set VGA_SW1 to "Disable" to use a PCIe GPU. Once your OS has booted, drivers for any GPU of your choice can be used to setup a display. For blob-free opertions, it is recommended to use the onboard VGA in textmode for the bootup display but then switch to a FOSS driver (ie: amdgpu) for the user interface.

==== Onboard VGA Output ====
The onboard VGA, [[ASPEED AST2050|AST2050]], can be setup with a closed-source VGABIOS (full VGA support) or with an open-source coreboot driver (textmode VGA support). A compatible display, generally an old VGA monitor, will be required to use the open-source driver. The closed-source VGABIOS is only included in coreboot-15h release ROMs with the "VGA-OpROMs" tag.

==== PCIe GPU Output ====
To use a PCIe GPU as the bootup display, PCIe Option ROMs must be executed by SeaBIOS. This is enabled in 15h.org release ROMs with the "VGA-OpROMs" tag. The relevant coreboot-15h menuconfig option for SeaBIOS is "Payload > Execute PCIe Option ROMs". The "VGA Only" option is the recommended setting when using a PCIe GPU as the bootup display.

=== Fan Output ===
[[File:KGPE-D16 Fan Jumper.png|frameless|400x400px]]

The [[coreboot-15h]] release ROMs for KGPE-D16 are configured to adjust fan speeds based on temperatures measured at the CPUs and the Northbridge. The KGPE-D16 has only two fan outputs: one for 4-pin fans (PWM regulation) and one for 3-pin fans (Voltage regulation). Motherboard jumpers determine which fan output is sent to which fan headers: CHAFAN_SEL1 for the chassis fans and CPUFAN_SEL1 for CPU fans. The fan signals are poorly wired on this board; the PWM signal is sent to every fan header regardless of the CHAFAN_SEL1 and CPUFAN_SEL1 jumper settings. If a 4-pin fan is connected to a header configured for 3-pin output, it will operate at irregular speeds from receiving both voltage and PWM signals.

'''CPU Cooler Fans'''

CPU cooler fans should be connected to the corresponding CPU fan header. The CPUFAN_SEL1 jumper should be set to match the type of fan your cooler is using. Quiet 3-pin fans may be set to operate at 100% speed by setting CPUFAN_SEL1 to 4-pin mode.

'''Server Chassis Fans'''

Loud, high airflow fans should be connected to the CHA fan headers. The CHAFAN_SEL1 jumper should be set to match the type of fans used. Ensure sufficient air is flowing out the rear of the case at idle.

'''Desktop Chassis Fans'''

[[File:4pin to 3pin cables.jpg|frameless|150x150px]]

Quiet desktop fans should be connected to the CHA fan headers using only 3-pins; '''4-pin fans must use a 4-pin to 3-pin adapter'''. The CHAFAN_SEL1 jumper should be set to either 3-pin mode (variable fan speed) or 4-pin mode (maximum fan speed) depending on fan performance and noise preferences. Ensure sufficient air is flowing out the rear of the case at idle. It is recommended to select quiet 3-pin fans that can be operated at maximum speed (CHAFAN_SEL1 set to 4-pin mode) at reasonable noise levels.

'''Extreme Cooling'''

Extreme cooling of the CPU and Northbridge can cause chassis fans to operate too slow to properly cool the other motherboard components. For this scenario, a few solutions are recommended:
* Using 3-pin case fans at max speed (CHAFAN_SEL1 set to 4-pin mode)
* A separate fan controller for case fans
* A custom fan curve

=== Missing Features ===
* SeaBIOS does not respond to keyboards behind a USB hub.
* Hibernation and Suspend/Resume are unsupported.
* Opteron 6100 series CPUs are unsupported.
* ASUS MIO audio cards are untested.

=== Flashing ===
To switch from the stock firmware to coreboot, [[External Flashing | external flashing]] is required. The DIP-8 flash chip is located at the bottom right corner of the board (labeled BIOS in the motherboard diagram). A 3.3V CH341a programmer can be used to flash coreboot onto the KGPE-D16. '''When switching to coreboot-15h from the OEM BIOS or coreboot, clearing the CMOS is required.''' Not correctly clearing the CMOS when switching to coreboot-15h is associated with variety of faulty behavior, such as: broken fan control, broken VGA, and failure to boot.

'''Clearing the CMOS'''

# Turn off the computer, '''disconnect the power cord and any powered peripherals (Monitors, USB devices, etc)'''. Powered peripherals can backpower the SP5100 and prevent a CMOS clear.
# Move the CLRTC1 jumper (located under PCIe Slot 2) to positions 2-3.
# Wait 20 seconds.
# Restore the CLRTC1 jumper to positions 1-2.
# Connect the power cord and turn on the computer.

== Deployed Systems ==
* [[Qubesotron]]
* [[EmCAST]]
* [[Atlas]]
* [[Orion]]
* [[Unc]]
* [[Ganoo]]
* [[RAD01]]
* [[RAD03]]

Outside of the 15h.org community, it is known that, at least as of 2022, the [https://fsf.org Free Software Foundation] uses KGPE-D16s with 6200-series Opterons [https://www.fsf.org/blogs/sysadmin/closing-in-on-fully-free-bioses-with-the-fsf-tech-team for their servers].

== Motherboard Diagrams ==
[[File:KGPE-D16 Diagram.png|frameless|400x400px]]
[[File:KGPE-D16 BlockDiagram.png|frameless|400x400px]]

There is an undocumented 9-pin VGA header next to the rear-IO VGA port. The pins are shared between this header and the rear-IO VGA port.

== Motherboard Components ==
=== Socket G34 ===
{{Excerpt|Socket G34|inline=yes|bold=yes}}
==== AMD Opteron 6100 Series ====
{{Excerpt|AMD Opteron 6100 Series|inline=yes|bold=yes}}
==== AMD Opteron 6200 and 6300 Series ====
{{Excerpt|AMD Opteron 6200 and 6300 Series|inline=yes|bold=yes}}
=== DDR3 Memory ===
[[File:KGPE-D16-DIMM-Diagram.png|frameless|1000x1000px]]

{{Excerpt|AGESA 15h|DDR3 Support|inline=yes|bold=yes}}

[[File:KGPE-D16 DDR3 Setting.png|frameless|600x600px]]

The KGPE-D16 provides an external method to override the BIOS DDR3 voltage. BIOS control is configured to select a voltage that maximizes performance for all DIMM modules attached to a socket. Forcing a different voltage may cause stability problems. Use the default jumper setting (1.5V / BIOS control) when using coreboot-15h.

=== PCIe 2.0 Slots ===

[[File:KGPE-D16 PCIE Jumpers.png|frameless|400x400px]]

{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Slot
!Width
!Wired Lanes
!Notes
|-
|PCIe1
|x16
|x16
|A special PCIe slot designed for the ASUS MIO audio card. Disabled if PCIe2 is occupied.
|-
|PCIe2
|x16
|x16
|Disables PCIe1 if occupied. Set motherboard jumper PCIE2_SW1 to positions 2-3 to always enable PCIe2.
|-
|PCIe3
|x8
|x4
|
|-
|PCIe4
|x16
|x8 or x16
|Switches to x16 mode if PCIe5 is empty. If motherboard jumper PCIE5_SW1 is set to position 2-3, it will always be in x8 mode.
|-
|PCIe5
|x16
|x8
|Disables if no card is detected. Set motherboard jumper PCIE5_SW1 to positions 2-3 to always enable PCIe5.
|}

PCIe bifurcation of slots PCIe2 and PCIe4 in x8+x8 mode is supported. Bifurcation is a compile-time option that is available under the Motherboard menuconfig section in staging.

Four slot Bifurcated PCI-e x16 NVMe cassette cards can be used with dual NVMe SSD's in position 1 and 3

If you would like additional SSD's or more bandwidth you could alternatively purchase a switched NVMe PCI-e x16 card which would enable the full usage of your more modern PCI-e 4.0 x4 SSD's with an oversubscribed PCI-e 2.0 x16 uplink.

Expect to pay around $50 for a cassette or $150 for generic PCI-e 3.0 switched cards.

=== PIKE Slots ===
The two PIKE slots, PIKE1 and PIKE2, are used together to attach an ASUS PIKE module to the KGPE-D16. This is required to utilize the 8 onboard SAS ports. These SAS ports support SAS2 and SATA3, making them faster than the onboard SATA2 ports provided by the SP5100. Drives attached to these ports are accessible to the operating system when the PIKE card is configured for [[IT Mode]], but SeaBIOS will not boot from them. The [[PIKE2008]] card, flashed to [[IT Mode]], is recommended to utilize these features.

=== DIP-8 Socket ===
The DIP-8 Socket houses the mainboard's BIOS ROM. The following DIP-8 chips are known to work with coreboot on the KGPE-D16.

The usage of a proper DIP-8 removal tool is recommended in order to not damage the slot or the ROM chip.

{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Model
!Size (MB)
!Size (Mb)
|-
|W25Q16BVAIG
|2
|16
|-
|W25Q64BVAIG
|8
|64
|-
|W25Q128FVIQ
|16
|128
|}

=== ASPEED AST2050 ===
{{Excerpt|ASPEED AST2050|inline=yes|bold=yes}}

Remote administration features on the AST2050 are only activated when a firmware module (ASMB4 or ASMB5) is attached to the KGPE-D16 mainboard (BMC_FW1 slot).

=== AMD SR5690 ===
{{Excerpt|AMD SR5690|inline=yes|bold=yes}}
=== AMD SP5100 ===
{{Excerpt|AMD SP5100|inline=yes|bold=yes}}
=== Winbond W83667HG-A ===
{{Excerpt|Winbond W83667HG-A|hat=no}}
=== Nuvoton W83795G ===
{{Excerpt|Nuvoton W83795G/ADG|hat=no}}

The ASUS thermal sensor cable (10G090101035) can be used to control fan speeds based on case air temperature readings.

== Motherboard Revisions ==
Four KGPE-D16 revisions are known: 1.02G, 1.03G, 1.04, and 1.05. The differences between the four revisions have not been disclosed. The more recent boards (1.04 and 1.05) are generally in better condition and are recommended. Board revisions 1.03G, 1.04, and 1.05 are known to perform equally well when in similar condition. No community members have tested a 1.02G revision board. The KGPE-D16 can be found rebranded for distribution in China (KGPE-D16/CHN). The CHN variant can also run coreboot like the other KGPE-D16 variants, there are no known differences.

== Board View ==
Board views are available for the KGPE-D16. These files can be opened with [[OpenBoardView]].

[https://15h.org/images/f/f0/ASUS_KGPE-D16_Rev_1.04_-_Schematics.zip ASUS_KGPE-D16_Rev_1.04_-_Schematics.zip]

== Custom Parts and Mods ==
=== Northbridge Fan ===
[[File:KGPE-D16-40mm-Noctua-chipset.png|frameless|300px]]
[[File:KGPE-D16 Northbridge Cooling Fan.jpeg|frameless|300px]]

This file is designed to work with a Noctua NF-A4x10 fan. If your motherboard is not in a high-airflow server case, the northbridge fan is highly recommended. The fan bracket mounts onto the northbridge heatsink by snapping onto the metal arms that secure the heatsink. The file may need to be edited to accommodate the exact placement of your 40mm fan cable (the provided design has a cable hole at the bottom right position).

[https://15h.org/images/8/8a/KGPE-D16_Chipsetfan_40mm.stl KGPE-D16_Chipsetfan_40mm.stl]

[https://15h.org/images/9/98/KGPE-D16_Chipsetfan_40mm.blend KGPE-D16_Chipsetfan_40mm.blend]

=== Chipset Thermal Paste ===
[[File:KGPE-D16_North_bridge_picture.png|frameless|300px]]

Removing the NB/SB heatsinks to reapply the thermal paste can be daunting due to glue used for the NB heatsink, limited wiggle room, and marginal benefit. It is generally considered not worth it.

=== RAM Fan ===
[[File:KGPE-D16-80mm-Noctua-ram.png|frameless|300x300px]]

This file is designed to work with a Noctua NF-A8 fan. When two of these fan mounts are attached to a Noctua NF-A8 fan, they will be spaced correctly to snap onto the KGPE-D16 RAM clips (white). These clips vary between boards. The included file is designed to work with L-shaped RAM clips. It will not fit as nicely onto the parallelogram-shaped RAM clips.

[https://15h.org/images/f/f8/KGPE-D16_Ramfan_80mm.stl KGPE-D16_Ramfan_80mm.stl]

[https://15h.org/images/9/9c/KGPE-D16_Ramfan_80mm.blend KGPE-D16_Ramfan_80mm.blend]

== References ==
[https://15h.org/images/4/48/KGPE-D16_Manual.pdf]