Supermicro Mini-ITX Celeron Motherboard vs Supermicro Mini-ITX Pentium N3700 Server Motherboard: Spec Comparison
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
You are comparing the supermicro x10sba l b intel celeron j1900 vs mbd x11sba ln4f b intel. Both boards use Mini-ITX form factors and support DDR3 memory. They target small form factor server builds. The main difference lies in their processing power and networking. One uses a Celeron J1900 with 2GbE. The other uses a Pentium N3700 with 4GbE. This affects your choice for specific workloads.
Key differences
| Aspect | Supermicro Mini-ITX Celeron Motherboard | Supermicro Mini-ITX Pentium N3700 Server Motherboard |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Celeron J1900 | Intel Pentium N3700 |
| Ethernet Speed | 2GbE | 4GbE |
| Form Factor | Mini-ITX | Mini-ITX |
| Memory Type | DDR3 | DDR3 |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Supermicro Mini-ITX Celeron Motherboard if
- You need a lower power Celeron J1900 processor for basic tasks.
- You require a standard 2GbE network connection.
- You prefer a lighter board at 4 pounds.
Choose Supermicro Mini-ITX Pentium N3700 Server Motherboard if
- You need higher networking throughput with 4GbE ports.
- You want a Pentium N3700 for slightly better performance.
- You are building a server that benefits from faster Ethernet.
Verdict: Choose the X10SBA-L-B if your workload is light and 2GbE is sufficient. Pick the X11SBA-LN4F-B if you need faster 4GbE networking and a Pentium processor. Both serve small server needs well.
Specs Comparison: Celeron vs Pentium Boards
cpu socket
Product A uses the Intel Celeron J1900 processor. This is a fixed, non-upgradeable chip integrated into the board. Product B features the Intel Pentium N3700. It also uses a fixed BGA-1170 socket design. Neither board allows you to swap the CPU later. Both are designed for specific tasks where the processor is soldered directly to the motherboard. This means you must choose the right board for your performance needs from the start, as no future CPU upgrades are possible on either platform.
ethernet speed
Networking capabilities differ significantly between these two models. Product A provides 2GbE connectivity. This offers two gigabit Ethernet ports for reliable network connections. Product B upgrades this to 4GbE. This means four gigabit Ethernet ports are available on the board. If you need more network interfaces for a server setup, Product B offers double the physical ports. This makes it better suited for complex network configurations or load balancing. Product A is sufficient for standard single or dual-NIC setups.
memory type
Both motherboards support DDR3 memory modules. You can use standard DDR3 RAM sticks in either system. The specifications confirm this commonality for both Product A and Product B. There is no difference in memory technology here. You will need to ensure you purchase DDR3 compatible RAM for either build. This shared specification simplifies parts selection if you already have DDR3 memory available. It also means both boards fit into the older memory ecosystem, which is common for these specific server-grade Mini-ITX designs.
form factor
Both boards adhere to the Mini-ITX standard. This ensures they fit into the same small cases. Product A has dimensions of 10 by 13 inches. Product B lists dimensions of 23.6 by 23.6 inches, which appears inconsistent with standard Mini-ITX measurements of 6.7 by 6.7 inches. However, both are marketed as Mini-ITX. You should verify the actual physical dimensions of Product B before buying a case, as the listed width and height exceed standard Mini-ITX sizes. Product A’s listed dimensions also seem large for Mini-ITX, so double-check case compatibility for both.
build weight
The physical weight of the boards differs. Product A weighs 4 pounds. Product B weighs 6 pounds. Heavier boards can sometimes indicate more robust construction or additional shielding. Product B is noticeably heavier. This might affect how you mount the board in a chassis, as heavier components require secure mounting points. For most users, this weight difference is minor, but it is a tangible spec difference. Product A is lighter, which might be preferred in portable or sensitive mounting scenarios.
Which Supermicro Mini-ITX Board Fits You
Users needing 2.5GbE network connectivity
This board supports 2GbE Ethernet speeds. The Supermicro X10SBA-L-B provides faster data transfer rates compared to the 4GbE option on the other model. If your network infrastructure utilizes 2.5 Gigabit connections, this specification aligns directly with your requirements. The Intel Celeron J1900 processor handles the workload efficiently for standard server tasks.
Those requiring 4GbE bandwidth
The Supermicro MBD-X11SBA-LN4F-B offers 4GbE Ethernet capabilities. This higher bandwidth supports more demanding network traffic or aggregated link scenarios. The Intel Pentium N3700 processor provides additional processing headroom. If your application requires higher throughput for virtualization or heavy data processing, this model delivers the necessary network and compute specifications.
Builders prioritizing lower physical weight
Product A weighs 4 pounds. Product B weighs 6 pounds. The lighter chassis is easier to mount in tight server racks or portable enclosures. The reduced mass simplifies handling during installation. Both boards share the Mini-ITX form factor and DDR3 memory support. Choosing the lighter option reduces the overall load on your mounting hardware.
The products compared
Supermicro Mini-ITX Celeron Motherboard
Best for: Compact dual-Gigabit Ethernet servers
- Form Factor
- Mini-ITX
- Memory Type
- DDR3
- Ethernet Speed
- 2GbE
- Dimensions
- 13 × 10 × 2 inches
- Weight
- 4 pounds
View on Amazon: Supermicro Mini-ITX Celeron Motherboard Affiliate link
This Supermicro Mini-ITX motherboard features an Intel Celeron J1900 processor running at 2.42GHz. It supports DDR3 memory and includes dual Gigabit Ethernet ports for robust network connectivity. The board measures 10 by 13 inches and weighs 4 pounds. It suits users needing reliable server-grade hardware in a compact form factor. You get essential I/O options including USB 3.0 and audio connectivity for standard deployment.
Pros
- Intel Celeron J1900 CPU at 2.42GHz
- Dual Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Mini-ITX form factor for compact builds
- DDR3 memory support
Cons
- Uses older DDR3 memory instead of modern DDR4
- Heavier build at 4 pounds
- Limited to Mini-ITX expansion slots
Good fit if
- You need dual Gigabit Ethernet connectivity
- You require a compact Mini-ITX server board
- You are building with DDR3 memory
Skip if
- You need DDR4 memory support
- You require high-end gaming performance
- You prefer lighter weight components
Verdict: Supermicro X10SBA-L-B Mini-ITX Celeron Board fits users who need dual Gigabit Ethernet and a compact server footprint. It is a practical choice for legacy DDR3 systems.
Supermicro Mini-ITX Pentium N3700 Server Motherboard
Best for: compact servers needing multiple Ethernet ports
- CPU Socket
- Socket BGA-1170
- Form Factor
- Mini-ITX
- Memory Type
- DDR3
- Dimensions
- 23.6 × 23.6 × 33.5 inches
- Weight
- 6 pounds
View on Amazon: Supermicro Mini-ITX Pentium N3700 Server Motherboard Affiliate link
This Supermicro Mini-ITX motherboard pairs an Intel Pentium N3700 processor with DDR3 memory. It uses a Socket BGA-1170 design and supports SATA3 and USB 3.0 ports. The board includes four Gigabit Ethernet interfaces for robust networking. You should choose this model if you need a compact server solution with reliable connectivity options for specific workloads.
Pros
- Mini-ITX form factor for compact builds
- Intel Pentium N3700 processor
- DDR3 memory support
- Four Gigabit Ethernet ports
Cons
- Only supports DDR3 memory
- Single processor socket
- Heavier build at 6 pounds
Good fit if
- You need a compact Mini-ITX server board
- You require multiple Ethernet connections
- You are building a low-power Intel system
Skip if
- You need DDR4 memory support
- You require multi-processor configurations
- You want a lightweight portable design
Verdict: Supermicro Mini-ITX Pentium N3700 Board suits users needing a compact server with four network ports. It fits tight spaces where multiple Ethernet interfaces are essential.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Supermicro Mini-ITX Celeron Motherboard | Supermicro Mini-ITX Pentium N3700 Server Motherboard |
|---|---|---|
| CPU Socket | not stated | Socket BGA-1170 |
| Form Factor | Mini-ITX | Mini-ITX |
| Memory Type | DDR3 | DDR3 |
| Ethernet Speed | 2GbE | not stated |
| Dimensions | 13 × 10 × 2 inches | 23.6 × 23.6 × 33.5 inches |
| Weight | 4 pounds | 6 pounds |
| Model | MBD-X10SBA | MBD-X11SBA-LN4F-B |
| Size | not stated | 8 Gb |
Frequently asked questions
Which board is better for dual Gigabit Ethernet setups?
The Supermicro Mini-ITX Celeron Motherboard is the better choice. It is specifically designed for compact dual-Gigabit Ethernet servers. This makes it ideal if you need two reliable network connections in a small footprint. The Pentium N3700 model focuses on having four ports instead.
Do both motherboards support DDR3 memory?
Yes, both boards support DDR3 memory. This allows you to use widely available and cost-effective RAM modules for your build. You do not need to search for newer DDR4 or DDR5 sticks. Both the Celeron and Pentium models share this legacy memory standard.
What is the physical size of these Mini-ITX boards?
Both boards follow the Mini-ITX standard, measuring 12 by 12 inches. However, the listed dimensions vary slightly in the data. The Celeron board is listed at 10 by 13 inches, while the Pentium board shows 23.6 by 23.6 inches. Always check your case compatibility carefully.
Can I upgrade the CPU on these boards?
No, you cannot upgrade the processors on either board. Both the Intel Celeron J1900 and the Intel Pentium N3700 are integrated directly into the motherboard. They use fixed socket designs that do not allow for future CPU replacements. You must choose the performance level you need upfront.
Which board is heavier and might need better support?
The Supermicro Mini-ITX Pentium N3700 Server Motherboard is heavier. It weighs 6 pounds, compared to the 4 pounds of the Celeron model. If you are building a rack-mounted or suspended system, ensure your mounting points can handle the extra weight of the Pentium board.
Is one board better for tight spaces?
The Supermicro Mini-ITX Celeron Motherboard is often preferred for tight spaces. It is described as fitting users who need a compact server footprint. While both are Mini-ITX, the Celeron board is marketed specifically for its practicality in small enclosures. The Pentium board is also compact but focuses on multiple network ports.
What is the main difference in networking between the two?
The main difference is the number of Ethernet ports. The Celeron board is best for compact dual-Gigabit Ethernet servers. The Pentium N3700 board suits users needing multiple Ethernet ports, specifically four. Choose the Celeron for dual connections or the Pentium if you require four network interfaces.