SUPER MICRO Computer P4SCT+II manual

SUPER P4SCT/P4SCT+/P4SCT+II User's Manual

The Adaptec Embedded Serial ATA with HostRAID Con- troller Driver

Adaptec's Embedded Serial ATA RAID with HostRAID controller adds RAID functionality to the Serial ATA I/O controller by supporting RAID 0 (Striping) or RAID 1 (Mirroring) to enhance the industry's pioneer PCI-to-e host controller products. RAID striping (RAID 0) can greatly improve hard disk I/O performance because of its capability in striping data across multiple drives. RAID mirroring (RAID 1) allows the data to be simulta- neously written to two drives, so critical data is always available even if a single hard disk fails. Due to the built-in functionality, the P4SCT/ P4SCT+/P4SCT+II is specially designed to keep pace with the increasing performance demands of computer systems by improving disk I/O throughput and providing data accessibility regardless of a single disk failure. By incorporating the Adaptec Embedded Serial ATA into the motherboard design, Supermicro's P4SCT/P4SCT+/P4SCT+II offers the user with the benefits of SATARAID without the high costs associated with hardware RAID applications.

(*Note: For Adaptec's RAID Driver Installation Instructions, please refer to

the Adaptec RAID Controller User's Guide: "Emb_SA_RAID_UG.pdf" in the CD that came with this motherboard. You can also download a copy of Adaptec's User's Guide from our web site at www.supermicro.com.)

Using the Adaptec RAID Configuration Utility (ARC)

The Adaptec RAID Configuration Utility is an embedded BIOS Utility, including:

*Array Configuration Utility: Use this utility when you want to create, configure and manage arrays.

* Disk Utilities: Use this option to format or verify disks.

To run the Adaptec RAID Configuration Utility, you will need to enable the RAID function in the system BIOS (refer to Chapter 4 for System BIOS Configurations), and then, press the <Ctrl> and <A> keys simultaneously when prompted to do so during the system startup. (Refer to the previ- ous page for detailed instructions.)

(*Note: To select an option, use the arrow keys to highlight the item and then press the <Enter> key to select it. To return to the previous menu, press the <ESC> key.)

A. Using the Array Configuration Utility (ACU)

The Array Configuration Utility (ACU) enables you to create, manage, and delete arrays from the controller’s BIOS, add and delete spare drives, and initialize drives. During the system startup, press <Ctrl> and <A> key simultaneously, and the main menu will appear.

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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.