SUPER MICRO Computer X7DCL-3 Chipset and Processor Features Overview, Memory Controller Hub MCH

Chapter 1: Introduction

1-2 Chipset and Processor Features Overview

Built upon the functionality and the capability of the Intel 5100 chipset, the X7DCL- 3/X7DCL-i motherboard provides the performance and feature set required for dual processor-based high-end servers with configuration options optimized for intensive computing, high energy-efficiency and complex business applications. The 5100 chipset supports single or dual Intel Xeon 64-bit Quad Core/Dual Core 5400/5300/5200/5100 Series processors with front side bus speeds of up to 1.333 GHz. The chipset consists of the 5100 Memory Controller Hub (MCH), Intel I/O Controller Hub (ICH9R) and the I/O subsystem.

The 5100 Memory Controller Hub (MCH)

The Intel 5100 MCH chip is designed for symmetric multiprocessing across two independent front side bus interfaces. Each front side bus uses a 64-bit wide, 1066/1333 MTS data bus capable of transferring data at 8.5/10.6 GB/s for a total bandwidth of 17/21.3 GB/s. The MCH supports a 36-bit wide address bus and up to six DDR2 667 MHz/533 MHz DIMM modules, providing a total memory capac- ity of up to 32 GB.

The 5100 MCH also provides six x4 PCI-Express interfaces and one x4 DMI Interface to the ICH9R. Each PCI Express port on the MCH provides 4 GB/s bi- directional bandwidth if configured as a x8 port, or 2 GB/s bi-directional bandwidth if configured as a x4 port.

The Ninth Generation I/O Controller Hub (ICH9)

The I/O Controller ICH9R provides the data buffering and interface arbitration required for the system to operate efficiently. It also provides the bandwidth needed for the system to maintain its peak performance. The Direct Media Interface (DMI) provides the connection between the MCH and the ICH9R. The ICH9R supports up to six PCI-Express x1 slots, six Serial ATA ports and twelve USB 2.0 ports. In addition, the ICH9R offers the Intel Matrix Storage Technology which provides various RAID options for data protection and rapid data access. It also supports the next generation of client management through the use of PROActive technology in conjunction with Intel's next generation Gigabit Ethernet controllers.

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