Appendix D Bios Recovery | SUPER MICRO Computer X7SLA-L, X7SLA-H

Appendix D: BIOS Recovery

Appendix D - BIOS Recovery

The recovery procedure described in this section is to be used only when advised by your Supermicro Technical Support representative, or in cases of emergencies where the system no longer can boot due to a corrupted BIOS. DO NOT re-program (re-flash) the BIOS if your system is running properly.

D-1 Recovery Process from a USB Device/Drive (Recommended Method)

If the BIOS file is corrupted and the system is not able to boot up, this feature will allow you to recover the BIOS image using a USB-attached device. A USB Flash Drive or a USB CD/DVD ROM/RW drive may be used for this purpose. Please note that a USB Hard Disk drive is NOT supported at this time. Also note that COM1 is the only COM port recognized by the recovery process. Below is a two-part procedure to recover the BIOS:

Part 1: Boot Sector Recovery Process

1.Using a different system, download and copy the correct BIOS binary image into a USB flash device or a writable CD/DVD disc's Root "\" Directory. Rename the downloaded file to "super.rom", so the recovery process can recognize and read the BIOS binary file.

2.Insert the USB device that contains the new BIOS binary image (“super.rom”) and power the system down.

3.While powering on the system, press and hold <Ctrl> and <Home> simultane- ously on your keyboard until the USB device's LED indicator comes on. This will take a few seconds or up to one minute.

4.Once the USB device's LED is on, release the <Ctrl> and <Home> keys. The system may generate beep codes to indicate that the BIOS ROM firmware is being reprogrammed. The screen will also display a message as shown below. DO NOT INTERRUPT THIS PROCESS!

D-1

X7SLA-L, X7SLA-H specifications

Super Micro Computer has established itself as a leader in server and storage solutions, and their motherboards, particularly the X7SLA-H and X7SLA-L, showcase this commitment to quality and performance. These motherboards are designed for high efficiency and reliability, catering to a range of applications from entry-level servers to advanced computing environments.

The X7SLA-H and X7SLA-L are built on the Intel 5000 Series chipset, which allows them to leverage Intel's powerful Xeon processors. This enables users to experience superior performance, particularly in multi-threaded tasks, making them ideal for data-centric enterprises. Both motherboards support dual-socket configurations, increasing scalability and processing capabilities, which is essential for demanding workloads.

One of the standout features of the X7SLA series is its support for DDR2 ECC memory. This technology ensures data integrity by automatically correcting single-bit errors, a critical aspect for servers handling crucial data transactions. The X7SLA-H can support up to 16GB of memory, while its sibling, the X7SLA-L, is designed for maximum memory efficiency in less demanding environments. The incorporation of ECC memory is a significant advantage for businesses prioritizing reliability and uptime.

The X7SLA-H and X7SLA-L motherboards incorporate several advanced connectivity options. With multiple SATA ports and support for SATA RAID, they allow for flexible storage configurations that can enhance performance and reliability. These motherboards also provide users with Gigabit Ethernet ports, ensuring fast network communication essential for modern server environments.

Another noteworthy characteristic of the X7SLA series is its emphasis on thermal management. Both the X7SLA-H and X7SLA-L are designed with efficient cooling solutions to maintain optimal operating temperatures, which is crucial for sustaining the longevity of hardware components in high-availability scenarios.

In terms of expansion capabilities, the board features PCI Express slots, providing users with the flexibility to add additional network interfaces or storage controllers. This expandability aligns with Supermicro's commitment to delivering customizable solutions tailored to the specific needs of their customers.

In summary, the Super Micro Computer X7SLA-H and X7SLA-L motherboards bring together a robust architecture, reliable technologies, and extensive support for advanced computing needs. Their combination of performance, scalability, and reliability makes them a great choice for businesses looking to build efficient and powerful server solutions. These motherboards exemplify Supermicro's dedication to innovation in the computer hardware space, making them a staple in modern data centers.