Introduction, System Bios | SUPER MICRO Computer P4SCT+II specs

Chapter 4: BIOS

Chapter 4

BIOS

4-1 Introduction

This chapter describes the AwardBIOS for the P4SCT/P4SCT+/P4SCT+II. The Award ROM BIOS is stored in a Flash chip and can be easily upgraded using a floppy disk-based program.

Note: Due to periodic changes to the BIOS, some settings may have been added or deleted and might not yet be recorded in this manual. Refer to the Manual Download area of our web site for any changes to BIOS that are not reflected in this manual.

System BIOS

The BIOS is the Basic Input Output System used in all IBM® PC, XT™, AT®, and PS/2® compatible computers. The AwardBIOS Flash chip stores the system parameters, such as amount of memory, type of disk drives and video displays, etc. CMOS requires very little power. When the computer is turned off, a back-up battery provides power to the BIOS Flash chip, enabling it to retain the system parameters. Each time the computer is pow- ered-on, the computer is then configured with the values stored in the BIOS ROM by the system BIOS, which gains control when the computer is pow- ered on.

How To Change the Configuration Data

The CMOS information that determines the system parameters may be changed by entering the BIOS Setup utility. This Setup utility can be ac- cessed by pressing <Del> at the appropriate time during system boot.

Starting the Setup Utility

Normally, the only visible POST (Power On Self Test) routine is the memory test. As the memory is being tested, press the <Delete> key to enter the main menu of the BIOS Setup utility. From the main menu, you can access the other setup screens, such as the Chipset and Power menus. Section 4- 3 gives detailed descriptions of each parameter setting in the Setup utility.

4-1

P4SCT+, P4SCT, P4SCT+II specifications

SUPER MICRO Computer has established a prominent reputation in the realm of high-performance computing solutions, and its line of motherboards, including the P4SCT+II, P4SCT, and P4SCT+, stands as a testament to their commitment to quality and innovation. These motherboards are designed primarily for Intel Pentium 4 processors, embodying the P4 chipset architecture that enhances reliability and performance in computing tasks.

One of the significant features of the P4SCT+II is its support for dual-channel DDR SDRAM. This allows for increased memory bandwidth, which is crucial for demanding applications requiring rapid data processing. With a maximum memory capacity of 4GB, users can expect consistent performance even under heavy workloads. Moreover, these motherboards come equipped with a variety of PCI slots, including PCI Express, allowing for the addition of high-speed graphics cards, RAID controllers, and other expansion options that cater to specific user needs.

The P4SCT+II distinguishes itself with integrated features like the 10/100 Ethernet controller, which ensures seamless connectivity for networking applications. Additionally, the inclusion of several SATA ports facilitates fast data transfer rates for storage solutions, significantly boosting overall system performance. The motherboards also support IDE drives, ensuring versatility for users who prefer traditional storage solutions.

Power efficiency is another hallmark of SUPER MICRO's designs. The P4SCT+II, P4SCT, and P4SCT+ utilize an advanced power management system, optimizing power consumption without compromising performance. This approach not only enhances the longevity of the components but also contributes to eco-friendly computing practices.

From a thermal management perspective, these motherboards are engineered with robust cooling solutions. They provide ample fan headers and locations for passive heatsinks to maintain optimal operating temperatures. This feature is crucial for users who push their systems to the limit, whether for gaming, multitasking, or running resource-intensive applications.

In summary, the SUPER MICRO Computer P4SCT+II, P4SCT, and P4SCT+ motherboards exemplify a blend of advanced technology and practicality. With support for dual-channel DDR SDRAM, versatile PCI slots, integrated networking capabilities, and efficient power management, they cater to both professional and personal computing environments. These motherboards are ideal for anyone seeking high reliability and performance in their computing endeavors, making them a valuable investment in the world of technology.