Chipset Overview | SUPER MICRO Computer SUPER, P3TDDR manual

Chapter 1: Introduction

1-2 Chipset Overview

The VIA Apollo Pro 266T chipset is a high performance, cost-effective and energy-efficient chipset for the implementation of AGP/V-Link/PCI/LPC com- puter systems based on 64-bit, 370-pin Pentium III (66/100/133 MHz FSB) processors.

VIA's Apollo Pro 266T chipset consists of two major components: the VT8653 V-Link Memory Host System controller (North Bridge) and the VT8233 V-Link Client PCI/LPC controller (South Bridge). The VT8653 Host System Controller provides superior performance between the CPU, DIMMs, AGP bus and V-Link inferface with pipelined, burst and concurrent opera- tion. The VT8233 V-Link Client controller is a highly integrated PCI/LPC controller. Its internal bus structure is based on a 66 MHz PCI bus that provides a 2x bandwidth. The VT8233 integrated Clint V-Link controller, which supports a 266 MB bandwidth between the Host/Client V-Link inter- face, provides a V-Link PCI and V-Link LPC controller. It supports five PCI slots arbitration and decoding for all integrated functions and an LPC bus.

Memory Support and AGP Capability

The VT8653 supports up to 4 GB of PC1600 and PC2100 DDR-RAM. The DDR-RAM controller supports both SDRAM and VCSDRAM (Virtual Channel SDRAM) in a flexible mix/match manner. The SDRAM interface allows for zero wait state bursting between the DRAM and the data buffers at 66/100/ 133 MHz.

The VT8633 Controller also supports full AGP v.2.0 capability for maximum bus utilization including 2x and 4x mode transfer, SBA (Side Band Address- ing), Flush/Fence commands and pipelined grants. The VT8633 also pro- vides flexible CPU/AGP/PCI remapping control, which supports major AGP- based 3D and DVD multimedia accelerators.

Recovery from AC Power Loss

The BIOS provides a setting that alllows you to determine how the system will respond when AC power is lost and then restored to the system. You can choose for the system to remain powered off (in which case you must press the power switch to turn the system back on) or for it to return automatically to a power-on state. See the Power Lost Control setting in the BIOS chapter of this manual to change this setting. The default setting is "Always OFF."

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SUPER, P3TDDR specifications

Super Micro Computer has established a prominent position in the realm of high-performance computing solutions, and one of its remarkable offerings is the P3TDDR motherboard. Designed for advanced workstations and servers, the P3TDDR marries powerful performance with flexibility and scalability, making it an ideal choice for demanding applications.

At the heart of the P3TDDR is its capacity to support Intel Pentium 4 processors, leveraging the rich features of the P4 architecture to deliver exceptional computing performance. The motherboard supports a substantial amount of DDR SDRAM, enabling faster data access and improved overall system performance. The incorporation of multiple DIMM slots allows users to configure the system with varying memory sizes, tailoring the setup to specific workload requirements.

One of the standout features of the P3TDDR is its support for RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations, which enhances data redundancy and performance. This makes the P3TDDR an excellent choice for applications that require continuous data availability, such as database management and large-scale data processing.

Additionally, the motherboard is equipped with multiple PCI slots, providing increased connectivity options for expansion cards, such as graphics, sound, and network cards. This versatility allows users to customize their systems to meet their unique needs, whether for gaming, graphic design, or enterprise-level applications.

From a technological perspective, the P3TDDR embraces an array of integrated features. The board includes onboard Ethernet capabilities that facilitate seamless network connectivity, which is crucial for server environments and enterprise applications. Furthermore, the use of high-quality capacitors and components ensures reliability and longevity in demanding operations.

Thermal management is another critical aspect, as the design includes strategically placed heatsinks and spaces for additional cooling solutions, ensuring that the system remains stable under heavy workloads. This attention to thermal efficiency enhances the overall performance and lifespan of the components.

In summary, the Super Micro P3TDDR motherboard stands out due to its robust features, advanced technologies, and adaptability. It caters to a wide range of applications, whether for professional use in data centers or for performance-oriented tasks in personal and gaming workstations. With its powerful chipset and thoughtful engineering, the P3TDDR is a reliable foundation for building high-performance computing systems.