American Megatrends X6DVA-EG, X6DVA-4G guide

Appendix C: Software Installation Instructions

The Adaptec Embedded Serial ATA with HostRAID Con- troller Driver

Adaptec's Embedded Serial ATA RAID with HostRAID controller adds RAID functionality to the Serial ATA I/O controller by supporting RAID 0 (Striping) or RAID 1 (Mirroring) to enhance the industry's pioneer PCI-to-e host controller products. RAID striping (RAID 0) can greatly improve hard disk I/O performance because of its capability in striping data across multiple drives. RAID mirroring (RAID 1) allows the data to be simulta- neously written to two drives, so critical data is always available even if

asingle hard disk fails. Due to the built-in functionality, the X6DVA-4G/ X6DVA-EG is specially designed to keep pace with the increasing performance demands of computer systems by improving disk I/O throughput and providing data accessibility regardless of a single disk failure. By incorporating the Adaptec Embedded Serial ATA into the motherboard design, Supermicro's X6DVA-4G/X6DVA-EG offers the user with the benefits of SATARAID without the high costs associated with hardware RAID applications.

(*Note: For Adaptec's RAID Driver Installation Instructions, please refer to

the Adaptec RAID Controller User's Guide: "Emb_SA_RAID_UG.pdf" in the CD that came with this motherboard. You can also download a copy of Adaptec's User's Guide from our web site at www.supermicro.com.)

Using the Adaptec RAID Configuration Utility (ARC)

The Adaptec RAID Configuration Utility is an embedded BIOS Utility, including:

*Array Configuration Utility: Use this utility when you want to create, configure and manage arrays.

* Disk Utilities: Use this option to format or verify disks.

To run the Adaptec RAID Configuration Utility, you will need to enable the RAID function in the system BIOS (refer to Chapter 4 for System BIOS Configurations), and then, press the <Ctrl> and <A> keys simultaneously when prompted to do so during the system startup. (Refer to the previ- ous page for detailed instructions.)

(*Note: To select an option, use the arrow keys to highlight the item and then press the <Enter> key to select it. To return to the previous menu, press the <ESC> key.)

A. Using the Array Configuration Utility (ACU)

The Array Configuration Utility (ACU) enables you to create, manage, and delete arrays from the controller’s BIOS, add and delete spare drives, and initialize drives. During the system startup, press <Ctrl> and <A> key simultaneously, and the main menu will appear.

C-3

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.