Introduction | SUPER MICRO Computer X8DA3 specification

Error detection via CRC and Error correction via Link level retry

1-9

•

Built upon the functionality and the capability of the Intel 5520 platform, the X8DA3/X8DAi motherboard provides the performance and feature set required for dual-processor-basedhigh-end systems with conﬁguration options optimized for workstations, high-end CAD systems, and intensive applications. The 5500 Series Processor platform consists of the 5500 Series Processor (LGA 1366) processor, the 5200 (North Bridge), and the ICH10R (South Bridge). With the Intel QuickPath interconnect controller built in the processor, the 5500 Series Processor platform is the ﬁrst dual-processing platform to offer the next generation point-to-point system interconnect interface, replacing the current Front Side Bus Technology, providing substantial system performance enhancement by utilizing serial link interconnec- tions, allowing for increased bandwidth and scalability.

The IOH connects to each processor through an independent QuickPath Inter- connect link. Each link consists of 20 pairs of unidirectional differential lanes for transmission and receiving in addition to a differential forwarded clock. A full-width QuickPath interconnect link pair provides 84 signals. Each processor supports two QuickPath link, one going to the other processor and the other to the 5520 chip.

The Intel 5520 platform supports up to 36 PCI Express Gen2 lanes, and the 5520 North Bridge supports peer-to-peer read and write transactions. The ICH10R pro- vides up to 6 PCI-Express ports, six SATA ports and 10 USB connections.

In addition, the Intel 5520 platform also offers a wide range of RAS (Reliability, Availability and Serviceability) features. These features include memory interface ECC, x4/x8 Single Device Data Correction (SDDC), Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC), parity protection, out-of-band register access via SMBus, memory mirror- ing, memory sparing, and Hot-plug support on the PCI-Express Interface.

Main Features of the 5500 Series Processor and the 5520 Chipset

• Four processor cores in each processor with 8MB shared cache among cores

• Two full-width Intel QuickPath interconnect links, up to 6.4 GT/s of data transfer rate in each direction

• Virtualization Technology, Integrated Management Engine supported

• Point-to-point cache coherent interconnect, Fast/narrow unidirectional links, and Concurrent bi-directional trafﬁc

Chipset Overview

Chapter 1: Introduction

1-2

X8DA3 specifications

Super Micro Computer, also known as Supermicro, is a prominent player in the world of computing hardware, particularly known for its high-performance server solutions. One of their noteworthy offerings is the X8DA3 motherboard, which is designed for dual-processor systems and caters to various applications, including data centers, cloud computing, and enterprise-level operations.

The Supermicro X8DA3 motherboard supports Intel's Nehalem and Westmere architectures, accommodating two LGA 1366 sockets for Intel Xeon processors. This setup allows for impressive computational power and scalability. The motherboard can support up to 192GB of DDR3 RAM across six DIMM slots, enabling high memory bandwidth essential for memory-intensive applications.

One of the standout features of the X8DA3 is its robust I/O options. It comes equipped with six SATA II ports and two SAS ports, allowing for flexible storage configurations. Additionally, the board supports a range of RAID levels, including 0, 1, 5, and 10, providing data redundancy and performance optimization. For enhanced connectivity, the motherboard includes dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, ensuring reliable networking capabilities which are crucial for server environments.

In terms of expandability, the X8DA3 features multiple PCIe slots, providing users with the ability to add various expansion cards such as graphics cards, network cards, or additional storage controllers. This flexibility allows companies to tailor their server setups according to specific needs.

Power management is another critical aspect of the X8DA3. It supports ATX power supplies and features advanced power-saving technologies that help in reducing overall energy consumption. This ecological consideration is particularly important for organizations looking to minimize their carbon footprint while maintaining optimal performance.

For thermal management, Supermicro incorporates a design that allows for efficient airflow and cooling, which is crucial for maintaining system stability during intensive workloads. The motherboard is also equipped with multiple temperature sensors that provide real-time monitoring, ensuring components operate within safe thermal levels.

Overall, the Super Micro Computer X8DA3 motherboard is a reliable and high-performance choice for businesses requiring a versatile and powerful computing platform. Its support for dual processors, extensive memory options, advanced storage capabilities, and solid expandability make it an attractive option for enterprise applications in today’s computationally demanding environments.