Dell

8 Chipset

8.1 Overview

The PowerEdgeT310 planar incorporates the Intel 3420 chipset and the Intel 3420 or Platform Controller Hub (PCH), a highly integrated I/O controller.

A number of high-level features are supported by the chipset on PowerEdge T310, as detailed in the following sections.

8.2 Direct Media Interface (DMI)

Direct Media Interface (DMI) is the chip-to-chip connection between the processor and Intel 3420 chipset. This high-speed interface integrates advanced priority-based servicing allowing for concurrent traffic and true isochronous transfer capabilities. Base functionality is completely software-transparent, permitting current and legacy software to operate normally.

8.3 PCI Express Interface

The Intel 3420 provides up to 8 PCI Express Root Ports, supporting the PCI Express Base Specification, Revision 2.0. Each Root Port supports 2.5 GB/s bandwidth in each direction (5 GB/s concurrent). PCI Express Root Ports 1-4 can be statically configured as four x1 Ports or grouped together to form one x4 port. Ports 5 and 6 can only be used as two x1 ports.

8.4 SATA Interface

The Intel 3420 has two integrated SATA host controllers that support independent DMA operation on up to six ports and supports data transfer rates of up to 3.0 Gb/s (300MB/s). The SATA controller contains two modes of operation—a legacy mode using I/O space, and an AHCI mode using memory space. Software that uses legacy mode will not have AHCI capabilities.

The Intel 3420 supports the Serial ATA Specification, Revision 1.0a. The Intel 3420 also supports several optional sections of the Serial ATA II: Extensions to Serial ATA 1.0 Specification, Revision 1.0 (AHCI support is required for some elements).

8.5 Advanced Host Controller Interface (AHCI)

The Intel 3420 provides hardware support for Advanced Host Controller Interface (AHCI), a new programming interface for SATA host controllers. Platforms supporting AHCI may take advantage of performance features such as no master/slave designation for SATA devices—each device is treated as a master—and hardware-assisted native command queuing. AHCI also provides usability enhancements such as Hot-Plug. AHCI requires appropriate software support (e.g., an AHCI driver) and for some features, hardware support in the SATA device or additional platform hardware.

8.6 Intel Rapid Storage Technology

The Intel 3420 provides support for Intel Rapid Storage Technology, providing both AHCI (see above for details on AHCI) and integrated RAID functionality. The industry-leading RAID capability provides high-performance RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 functionality on up to 6 SATA ports of Intel 3420. Matrix RAID support is provided to allow multiple RAID levels to be combined on a single set of hard drives, such as RAID 0 and RAID 1 on two disks. Other RAID features include hot spare support, SMART alerting, and RAID 0 auto replace. Software components include an Option ROM for pre-boot configuration and boot functionality, a Microsoft Windows compatible driver, and a user interface for configuration and management of the RAID capability of Intel 3420.

PowerEdge T310 Technical Guide

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Dell T310 manual Chipset

T310 specifications

The Dell PowerEdge T310 is a tower server designed to meet the needs of small businesses and remote offices looking for an efficient and reliable server solution. With its robust architecture and user-friendly features, the T310 provides a solid foundation for various applications, such as file sharing, data backup, and running virtual machines.

One of the standout features of the Dell T310 is its powerful processing capabilities. It is equipped with Intel Xeon processors, which deliver impressive performance and reliability. These processors are designed for multi-threaded applications and can handle intensive workloads, making the T310 suitable for demanding environments. The server supports up to two Intel Xeon processors, allowing businesses to scale their computing power as their needs grow.

Memory capacity is another key characteristic of the T310. It supports up to 32GB of DDR3 RAM, which is essential for running multiple applications simultaneously without any performance degradation. The memory can be expanded easily, allowing businesses to increase capacity as their data needs evolve.

Storage options on the T310 are flexible and extensive. The server features up to four hot-swappable 3.5-inch hard drive bays, supporting SATA and SAS drives. This allows for a maximum internal storage capacity of up to 8TB, giving businesses the space they need for data-intensive tasks. The hot-swappable design enhances uptime, enabling users to replace drives without shutting down the server.

In terms of connectivity, the Dell T310 is equipped with multiple USB ports, Ethernet ports, and optional expansion slots. It also supports various RAID configurations, ensuring data protection and redundancy. This flexibility makes it an excellent choice for organizations looking to maintain data integrity while maximizing performance.

Another notable aspect of the T310 is its energy efficiency. The server incorporates Dell’s energy-efficient technologies, helping businesses reduce their overall energy consumption and lower operational costs. The compact design of the T310 allows it to fit easily into standard office environments without taking up excessive space.

Overall, the Dell PowerEdge T310 stands out as a reliable and versatile tower server. Its combination of processing power, memory capacity, flexible storage options, and energy-efficient technologies make it a great choice for small to medium-sized businesses looking for a dependable server solution to support their critical applications and services.