Chapter 1

Introduction

Dell® PowerEdge® 2100/180 and 2100/200 systems are high-speed, upgradable server systems designed around the Intel® Pentium® Pro family of micro- processors. The PowerEdge 2100 systems provide both Extended Industry-Standard Architecture (EISA) and high-performance Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) expansion slots to allow for future expansion of your system.

This chapter describes the major hardware and software features of the computer, provides information about the indicators and controls on the computer’s front panel, and discusses connecting external devices to the computer.

System Features

The PowerEdge 2100/180 and 2100/200 systems offer the following major features:

•A Pentium Pro microprocessor with an internal oper- ating frequency of 180 megahertz (MHz) in the PowerEdge 2100/180 and 200 MHz in the PowerEdge 2100/200. The external bus speeds of the PowerEdge 2100/180 and PowerEdge 2100/200 are 60 MHz and 66 MHz (respectively).

NOTE: The microprocessor module is installed in a zero insertion force (ZIF) socket on the system board, allowing you to upgrade to a faster, more powerful microprocessor as your processing needs increase.

The Pentium Pro microprocessor module includes separate processor and cache memory chips (256 kilobytes [KB]) in a single module. The

Pentium Pro microprocessor features Dynamic Execution, which combines three processing techniques:

—Multiple branch prediction—the processor anticipates jumps in the instruction flow and where the next instruction can be found in memory.

—Data flow analysis—the processor determines which instructions are ready for processing and which are waiting for results from other instruc- tions. The processor then schedules instruction execution to minimize idle time.

—Speculative execution—the processor executes instructions according to the optimized schedule for maximum processor performance and efficiency.

•Cache memory (internal to the Pentium Pro module) that provides 256 KB of static random-access mem- ory (SRAM). Cache memory enhances the speed of many microprocessor operations by storing the most recently accessed contents of system memory.

•A minimum of 16 megabytes (MB) of system mem- ory, upgradable to a maximum of 512 MB by installing combinations of 16-, 32-, and 128-MB buffered, extended data output (EDO), dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs) in the four DIMM sock- ets on the system board.

The buffered 72-bit wide EDO DIMMs installed in PowerEdge 2100 systems support error correction code (ECC) to check for and correct memory errors. ECC is performed by the memory controller in the system chip set.

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Dell 2100/200, 2100/180 manual Introduction, System Features
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2100/180, 2100/200 specifications

The Dell 2100/200 and Dell 2100/180 are innovative offerings from Dell that cater to the demands of a variety of users, ranging from small businesses to larger enterprises. Both models are designed to deliver high performance and reliability, making them indispensable tools in the modern computing environment.

The Dell 2100/200 features an impressive Intel processor that ensures fast and efficient performance, making it suitable for multitasking and handling complex applications. Coupled with a generous RAM configuration, this model can easily manage demanding workloads, resulting in smoother performance and faster processing times. In contrast, the Dell 2100/180, while slightly less powerful, still maintains robust performance levels that are well-suited for general productivity tasks and everyday use.

Both models come equipped with ample storage options, featuring hard disk drives that provide significant space for data and application storage. Users can choose between traditional HDDs and solid-state drives (SSDs), allowing them to prioritize speed and performance based on their specific needs. The flexibility in storage options ensures that users can customize their systems according to their requirements, enhancing the overall user experience.

Connectivity is another area where the Dell 2100 series excels. Both models come with a range of ports including USB, HDMI, and Ethernet, allowing for seamless connectivity with various peripherals and networks. This versatility makes the machines ideal for environments where multiple devices need to be connected simultaneously, whether for presentations, data transfer, or internet access.

In terms of energy efficiency, both the Dell 2100/200 and Dell 2100/180 incorporate advanced cooling technologies that minimize energy consumption while maximizing performance. This not only helps reduce operational costs but also contributes to a more sustainable computing environment.

The design of these models is another distinguishing feature. With a compact form factor, they fit easily into office spaces while maintaining a professional appearance. Their durable build quality ensures longevity, making them a worthwhile investment for businesses.

Overall, the Dell 2100/200 and Dell 2100/180 serve as powerful and reliable machines that combine advanced technologies and user-centric designs. Whether for business or personal use, these models provide a solid foundation for effective computing, ensuring that users can achieve their goals efficiently and effectively.
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