About This Manual

Preface

This manual is written for system integrators, PC technicians and knowledgeable PC users. It provides information for the installation and use

of the X6DVA-4G/X6DVA-EG motherboard. The X6DVA- 4G/X6DVA-EG supports single or dual Intel® Xeon NoconaTM processors (w/ext. EM64T) at a 800 MHz front side bus. Based upon Intel's NetBurst microarchitecture, the Nocona processor supports the IA-32 software and includes features found in the XeonTM processor such as Hyper Pipelined Technology, which includes a multi-stage pipeline, allowing the processor to operate at much higher core frequencies. Packaged in a 604-pin Flip Chip Micro Pin Grid Array(FC-mPGA4) platform in a Zero Insertion Force(ZIF) socket (mPGA 604), the Nocona Processor (800 MHz) supports Hyper-Threading Technology and is ideal for high performance worksta- tion and server environments with up to two processors on one system bus. Please refer to the motherboard specifications pages on our web site (http://www.supermicro.com/products/motherboard/) for updates on sup- ported processors. This product is intended to be professionally installed.

Manual Organization

Chapter 1 begins with a checklist of what should be included in your mainboard box, describes the features, specifications and performance of the motherboard and provides detailed information about the chipset.

Chapter 2 begins with instructions on handling static-sensitive devices. Read this chapter when you want to install the processor and DIMM memory modules and when mounting the mainboard in the chassis. Also refer to this chapter to connect the floppy and hard disk drives, SCSI drives, the IDE interfaces, the parallel and serial ports, the keyboard and mouse, the power supply and various control panel buttons and indicators.

If you encounter any problems, see Chapter 3, which describes trouble- shooting procedures for the video, the memory and the setup configuration stored in CMOS. For quick reference, a general FAQ [Frequently Asked Questions] section is provided.

Chapter 4 includes an introduction to BIOS and provides detailed informa- tion on running the CMOS Setup utility.

Appendix A gives information on BIOS POST messages.

Appendix B provides BIOS POST codes.

Appendix C provides software and the OS installation instructions.

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X6DVA-EG, X6DVA-4G specifications

American Megatrends is renowned for its innovative server and motherboard solutions. The X6DVA-4G and X6DVA-EG motherboards are notable examples that cater to enterprise-level applications and high-performance computing environments. Both motherboards are designed to support the latest advancements in technology while providing robust features for reliable performance.

The X6DVA-4G is an ATX motherboard that boasts dual Socket 604 configurations, allowing it to support dual Intel Xeon processors. This dual-processor setup significantly enhances computing power, making it suitable for resource-intensive applications, such as virtualization, high-performance computing, and database management. Its support for up to 64GB of DDR2 ECC memory ensures data integrity and stability during critical operations, providing an additional layer of reliability that is crucial for enterprise environments.

On the other hand, the X6DVA-EG offers similar capabilities while integrating different feature sets that cater to specific needs. Both boards support PCI-X and PCIe expansion slots, which allow for flexible hardware configurations. This expandability is vital in businesses where evolving technology demands can lead to the need for additional peripherals and components.

A standout feature of these motherboards is their comprehensive support for RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 10, and 5. This functionality enhances data security and recovery, ensuring that critical information remains intact in the event of hardware failure. Additionally, both motherboards come equipped with multiple SATA interfaces for robust storage options, which are essential for handling large volumes of data.

Furthermore, Intel's Xeon processors, paired with the X6DVA series motherboards, enable advanced thermal management and power efficiency features. This is essential not only for maintaining optimal performance but also for reducing operational costs in data centers.

In conclusion, American Megatrends' X6DVA-4G and X6DVA-EG motherboards maintain the company's reputation for quality and reliability in high-performance computing solutions. With their dual-processor capabilities, extensive memory support, RAID functionality, and flexibility for expansion, these motherboards are exceptional choices for businesses looking to enhance their computing infrastructure. Their combination of performance, efficiency, and reliability makes them integral components for modern server solutions.