Configuration and Initialization

Intel® Server Board SE7501WV2 TPS

4.Configuration and Initialization

This section describes the configuration and initialization of various baseboard sub-systems as implemented on the SE7501WV2 server board.

4.1.1Main Memory

All installed memory greater than 1 MB is mapped to local main memory, up to the top of physical memory, which is located at 12 GB. Memory between 1 MB to 15 MB is considered standard ISA extended memory. 1 MB of memory starting at 15 MB can be optionally mapped to the PCI bus memory space.

The remainder of this space, up to 12 GB, is always mapped to main memory, unless Extended SMRAM is used, which limits the top of memory to 256 MB.

4.1.1.1PCI Memory Space

Memory addresses below the 4 GB range are mapped to the PCI bus. This region is divided into three sections: High BIOS, APIC Configuration Space, and General-purpose PCI Memory. The General-purpose PCI Memory area is typically used for memory-mapped I/O to PCI devices. The memory address space for each device is set using PCI configuration registers.

4.1.1.2High BIOS

The top 2 MB of Extended Memory is reserved for the system BIOS, extended BIOS for PCI devices, and A20 aliasing by the system BIOS. The Intel® Xeon™ processor begins executing from the high BIOS region after reset.

4.1.1.3I/O APIC Configuration Space

A 64 KB block located 20 MB below 4 GB is reserved for the I/O APIC configuration space.

4.1.1.4Extended Xeon Processor Region (above 4GB)

An Intel® Xeon™ processor-based system can have up to 64 GB of addressable memory. The BIOS uses the Extended Addressing mechanism to use the address ranges.

4.1.2Memory Shadowing

Any block of memory that can be designated as read-only or write-only can be “shadowed” into main memory. This is typically done to allow ROM code to execute more rapidly out of RAM. ROM is designated read-only during the copy process while RAM at the same address is designated write-only. After copying, the RAM is designated read-only and the ROM is designated write-only (shadowed). Processor bus transactions are routed accordingly. Transactions originated from the PCI bus or ISA masters and targeted at the shadowed memory block will not appear on the processor’s bus.

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Intel reference number C25653-001

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Intel SE7501WV2 manual Main Memory, Memory Shadowing

SE7501WV2 specifications

The Intel SE7501WV2 is a versatile server motherboard designed to meet the demanding needs of modern computing environments. Engineered with a focus on performance, reliability, and flexibility, this motherboard is tailored for a range of applications, from entry-level servers to high-performance computing tasks.

One of the main features of the SE7501WV2 is its support for Intel's Xeon processors, specifically those based on the Netburst architecture. This compatibility allows for powerful multi-threaded processing capabilities, making it ideal for businesses seeking to optimize their server performance. The motherboard supports dual CPU configurations, enabling up to two processors to work simultaneously, thereby increasing computational power and efficiency.

The motherboard incorporates Intel's advanced server management technologies such as Intel Active Monitoring Technology, which helps in monitoring system health and optimizing power usage. Additionally, it features Intel's I/O Acceleration Technology, which enhances data throughput and reduces latencies, ensuring that applications run smoothly and efficiently.

Another significant characteristic of the SE7501WV2 is the memory capacity it offers. With support for up to 16 GB of ECC (Error-Correcting Code) DDR SDRAM, the motherboard helps in maintaining system stability during high workloads. The ECC memory not only prevents data corruption but also significantly enhances the reliability of mission-critical applications.

For connectivity, the SE7501WV2 comes equipped with multiple PCI-X slots, enabling the addition of various expansion cards for network, storage, and graphic capabilities. This expandability is crucial for enterprises that need to adapt their server architecture to evolving workloads.

Moreover, the SE7501WV2 features integrated high-performance RAID support, improving data redundancy and performance. This feature is essential for organizations that prioritize data security and require robust backup solutions.

In terms of power management, the motherboard supports advanced power features that help reduce operational costs while maximizing performance. The design ensures efficient power consumption, allowing it to run cooler and quieter, which is particularly beneficial for noisy data center environments.

In conclusion, the Intel SE7501WV2 motherboard is designed for those who require robust performance, reliability, and flexibility in server applications. With its support for dual Xeon processors, extensive memory capabilities, advanced management technologies, and expandability, it stands out as a solid solution for many enterprise-level computing needs.