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The Supermicro X11SSQ is a compact Q170 motherboard for Intel 6th-generation LGA1151 processors. Its six SATA ports, M.2 slot, dual Gigabit Ethernet, four PCIe slots, and three display outputs make it a capable legacy platform for storage, surveillance, embedded systems, and small workstations. Its main drawback is age: it does not offer a modern CPU upgrade path, and buyers need to confirm the exact board variant and included accessories.
Supermicro X11SSQ specifications at a glance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chipset and socket | Intel Q170; LGA1151 |
| Supported processors | 6th-generation Intel Core i7, i5, and i3; Pentium; Celeron |
| Memory | Four DIMM slots; up to 64GB unbuffered DDR4-2133 |
| Storage | Six SATA 6Gb/s ports; M.2 PCIe x2 M-key slot for 2242/2280 devices |
| PCIe expansion | One PCIe 3.0 x16, two PCIe 3.0 x4, one PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| Display outputs | HDMI, DisplayPort, and DVI-D; up to three independent displays with supported Intel integrated graphics |
| Networking | Dual Gigabit Ethernet: Intel i210-AT and i219LM controllers, as identified by the ServeTheHome review |
| Form factor | uATX, 9.6 × 9.6 inches (24.4 × 24.4cm) |
Supermicro’s X11SSQ manual gives the platform and physical specifications. The storage-port count, M.2 slot details, RAID modes, and Ethernet controllers are described in the 2015 ServeTheHome review.
What CPUs work with the Supermicro X11SSQ?
The X11SSQ supports Intel 6th-generation Core i7, Core i5, Core i3, Pentium, and Celeron processors that use the LGA1151 socket. Supermicro documents this CPU generation in its motherboard manual. Do not assume that any later-generation LGA1151 processor will work: sharing a socket label does not establish compatibility with this Q170 board.
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How much RAM can the X11SSQ take?
There are four DIMM slots, with a maximum capacity of 64GB using unbuffered DDR4 memory rated up to 2133MHz. The manual specifies the capacity and memory type; the ServeTheHome review also lists four slots and DDR4-2133 support. Check the chosen DIMMs against the board documentation and determine whether your build requires ECC or non-ECC memory; the cited specifications do not settle every configuration’s ECC requirements.
#1 Best Overall
- LGA1151 Supports 6th Generation Intel Core i7/ i5/ i3, Pentium, Celeron Processors, Support up to 95W TDP
- Chipset: Intel Q170 Express
- Memory: 4x 288pin DDR4-2133/ 1866/ 1600 DIMM Slots, ECC, Unbuffered, Max Capacity of 64GB
- Slots: 1x PCI-Express 3.0 x16 Slot, 2x PCI-Express 3.0 x4 Slots (Open slot), 1x PCI-Express 3.0 x1 Slot
- SATA: 6x SATA3 Ports, Support RAID 0, 1, 5, 10
Does the X11SSQ support NVMe or M.2?
The board has an M.2 M-key slot using PCIe x2, with support for 2242 and 2280 devices according to the ServeTheHome review. That describes the slot’s form factor and interface, but it does not establish guaranteed NVMe boot support for every drive or firmware. If booting from an NVMe device matters, confirm support for the exact board revision, firmware, and drive before relying on it.
For conventional storage, the board also provides six SATA 6Gb/s ports. The review reports Intel RST RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 support; check the relevant firmware and configuration requirements before planning an array around a particular RAID mode.
Rank #2
- Single socket H4 (LGA 1151) supports Intel 6th Gen. Core i7/i5/i3 series, Intel Celeron and Intel Pentium processors
- Intel H110 chipset
- Up to 32GB DDR4 2133MHz NON-ECC Unbuffered UDIMM; 2 DIMM slots.
- HDMI, DP, DVI-D, Intel HD graphics,2x independent displays
- 1 PCI-E 3.0 x16, 1 PCI-E 2.0 x4, 1 PCI-E 2.0 x1 (Pciex4 w/ open slots)
Expansion, displays, and other I/O
The X11SSQ provides one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, two PCIe 3.0 x4 slots, and one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot. Its HDMI, DisplayPort, and DVI-D outputs can support up to three independent displays when paired with supported Intel integrated graphics. The review also identifies four serial ports, a TPM header, HD audio, and a mix of USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 connectivity.
Is the X11SSQ good for a small server or workstation?
It can be a good fit for a compact legacy system when the workload benefits from plentiful onboard connectivity rather than recent processor generations or high-speed interfaces. Six SATA ports, an M.2 slot, four PCIe slots, dual Gigabit Ethernet, and multiple display outputs allow varied appliance and workstation builds in a standard micro-ATX footprint.
Rank #3
- Supermicro X11SSQ-B LGA1151/ Intel Q170/ DDR4/ SATA3&USB3. 0/ M. 2/ A&2GbE/ MicroATX Motherboard - BULK
- Package: bulk
- Supermicro X11SSQ-B LGA1151/ Intel Q170/ DDR4/ SATA3&USB3. 0/ M. 2/ A&2GbE/ MicroATX Motherboard
- Supermicro X11SSQ-B
The cited ServeTheHome review identifies ATM, kiosk, surveillance, medical, storage, server-appliance, and small-workstation uses. The manual and review also describe Q170 features such as Intel AMT/vPro, Trusted Execution Technology, and Rapid Storage Technology. Whether those capabilities suit a particular deployment depends on its software, management, security, and peripheral requirements.
What are the X11SSQ’s limitations?
- Older CPU platform: It is designed for 6th-generation LGA1151 processors, not a current-generation upgrade path.
- DDR4-2133 ceiling: Its memory specification reflects the platform’s era, limiting speed and capacity compared with many newer boards.
- NVMe boot is not assured by the available specifications: Verify the exact firmware and configuration if NVMe boot is essential.
- Used-board condition and accessories vary: Listings may omit the I/O shield or SATA cables. Confirm exactly what is included.
- Current availability and pricing are not established: The cited material does not provide current stock, price, warranty terms, failure-rate data, benchmarks, or independently measured power consumption.
Check the exact model before buying
Supermicro identifies the X11SSQ alongside related X11SSQ-L and X11SSQ-V variants, but they are not interchangeable assumptions: the manual notes differences in chipset and features. Match the suffix on the board and listing to the documentation before ordering, particularly if you need a specific interface or capability.
Rank #4
- Package Type: Bulk
- Product Type: Server Motherboard
- Chipset Manufacturer: Intel
- Total Processor Supported: 1
- Processor Socket: Socket BGA-1170
For any used listing, verify the seller’s photos and description for the exact board model, socket and supported CPU generation, memory type, physical condition, and included accessories. If a particular SATA or M.2 setup is central to the build, confirm the connectors and firmware details for that board rather than relying on a generic family listing.
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Compare the concrete requirements that determine whether the board fits your build:
Quick Recap
- Supported CPU generation and socket, not just the socket name.
- Maximum memory capacity, DIMM type, and ECC behavior.
- Number and type of SATA and M.2 interfaces.
- PCIe slot count, generation, and lane configuration.
- Display outputs and integrated-graphics support.
- Ethernet controllers and other onboard I/O you actually need.
- Board dimensions and case compatibility.
- Included I/O shield, cables, and other accessories.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
