Enabling Sata RAID, Serial ATA Sata | SUPER MICRO Computer H8QM3-2

H8QM3-2/H8QMi-2 User's Manual

2-10 Enabling SATA RAID

Note: For SAS RAID, please refer to LSI manual on the driver CD.

Serial ATA (SATA)

Serial ATA (SATA) is a physical storage interface that employs a single cable with

aminimum of four wires to create a point-to-point connection between devices. This connection is a serial link. The serial cables used in SATA are thinner than the traditional cables used in Parallel ATA (PATA) and can extend up to one meter in length, compared to only 40 cm for PATA cables. Overall, SATA provides better functionality than PATA.

Installing the OS/SATA Driver

Before installing the OS (operating system) and SATA RAID driver, you must decide if you wish to have the operating system installed as part of a bootable RAID array or installed to a separate non-RAID hard drive. If on a separate drive, you may install the driver either during or after the OS installation. If you wish to have the OS on a SATA RAID array, you must follow the procedure below and install the driver during the OS installation.

Note: the SATA RAID driver is supported by Windows 2000 and XP only.

Building a Driver Diskette

You must ﬁrst build a driver diskette from the CD-ROM that was included with the system. (You will have to create this disk on a computer that is already running and with the OS installed.) Insert the CD into your CD-ROM drive and start the system. A display as shown in Figure 2-7 will appear. Click on the icon labeled "Build Driver Diskettes and Manuals" and follow the instructions to create a ﬂoppy disk with the driver on it. Once it's been created, remove the ﬂoppy and insert the installation CD for the Windows Operating System you wish to install into the CD-ROM drive of the new system you are about to conﬁgure.

Enabling SATA RAID in the BIOS

Before installing the Windows Operating System, you must change some settings in BIOS. Boot up the system and hit the <Del> key to enter the BIOS Setup Utlility. After the Setup Utility loads,

1.Use the arrow keys to move to the Exit menu. Scroll down with the arrow keys to the "Load Optimal Defaults setting and press <Enter>. Select "OK" to conﬁrm, then <Enter> to load the default settings.

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H8QM3-2 specifications

The Super Micro Computer H8QM3-2 is a cutting-edge server motherboard designed to meet the demanding needs of high-performance computing applications. Built upon the AMD Opteron architecture, it is tailored for enterprises seeking robust server capabilities with exceptional performance, reliability, and scalability.

One of the standout features of the H8QM3-2 is its support for dual AMD Opteron 6100 series processors. This allows for an impressive processing power that can handle resource-intensive tasks and demanding workloads. With a maximum supported RAM of 512GB via 16 DIMM slots, this motherboard can efficiently manage large datasets and applications that require substantial memory.

The H8QM3-2 also boasts a versatile I/O capabilities. It includes multiple PCI-E 2.0 slots to accommodate a variety of expansion cards, ensuring that businesses can customize their servers to meet specific requirements. The motherboard features up to six SATA III ports for enhanced data transfer speeds and reliable connectivity. These ports support both RAID 0 and RAID 1 configurations, which provide options for data redundancy and enhanced performance.

In terms of network connectivity, the H8QM3-2 integrates dual 1GbE ports, allowing for efficient data transmission and reliable networking. This integration is vital for servers that rely on continuous uptime and need to manage extensive network traffic.

Another significant advantage of the H8QM3-2 is its energy efficiency. Supermicro's commitment to green computing is evident in this motherboard's design, which balances performance and power consumption. Organizations can benefit from reduced operational costs while still enjoying high-performance capabilities.

The H8QM3-2 is also designed with advanced thermal management technology. It features dedicated cooling zones and support for multiple fans to ensure that components remain at optimal temperatures, thus prolonging their lifespan and maintaining performance standards.

Security features are paramount in server technology, and the H8QM3-2 does not disappoint. Its support for hardware-based security features helps protect sensitive data and integrity against various threats.

In summary, the Super Micro Computer H8QM3-2 motherboard stands out in the realm of server solutions. With its support for dual AMD Opteron processors, extensive memory capacity, versatile I/O options, energy efficiency, and advanced thermal management, it is an excellent choice for businesses looking to upgrade their server infrastructure while maximizing performance and reliability.