Intel® Server Board SE7520BD2/SE7520BD2-D2

Introduction

1.Introduction

This document is intended to provide users of the Intel® server board SE7520BD2 / SE7520BD2D2 with a guide to the different operating systems, adapter cards, and peripherals tested by Intel on this platform.

This document will continue to be updated as new adapters, peripherals, and operating systems are tested or until the Intel® server board SE7520BD2/ SE7520BD2D2 is no longer in production. Each new release of the document will present updated information as well as continue to provide the information from previous releases.

Intel will only provide support for those adapters and peripherals under the specified system configuration (System BIOS and Firmware revisions) and operating systems versions with which they were tested.

1.1Test Overview

Testing performed on the Intel® server board SE7520BD2/ SE7520BD2D2 is classified under two separate categories: Basic Installation Testing, and Adapter / Peripheral Compatibility and Stress Testing.

1.1.1Basic Installation Testing

Basic installation testing is performed with each supported operating system. Basic installation testing validates that the server board can install the operating system and that the base hardware feature set is functional. A small set of peripherals is used for installation purposes only. No add-in adapter cards are tested. Testing includes network connectivity and running of proprietary and industry standard test suites.

The latest version of an operating system signifies the latest supported version at the time of the actual test run. Each new release of this document may have a newly supported release of a given operating system. Previous releases of a supported operating system may not be tested beyond the basic installation test process.

1.1.1.1Support Commitment for Basic Installation Testing

Intel commits to provide the following level of customer support for operating systems that receive only basic installation testing:

Intel will provide and test operating system drivers for each of the server board’s integrated controllers, provided that the controller vendor has a driver available upon request. Vendors will not be required by Intel to develop drivers for operating systems that they do not already support. This may limit the functionality of certain server board integrated controllers.

Intel will support customer issues that involve installation and/or functionality of operating system with the server board’s integrated controllers only if a driver has been made available.

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Intel SE7520BD2-D2 manual Introduction, Test Overview

SE7520BD2, SE7520BD2-D2 specifications

The Intel SE7520BD2 and SE7520BD2-D2 are server motherboards designed for high-performance computing environments. Built on the Intel architecture, these motherboards cater to the demanding needs of enterprise-level applications, virtualization, and data-intensive processes.

One of the standout features of the SE7520BD2 series is its support for dual Intel Xeon processors, which allows users to harness multiple cores for parallel processing. This capability significantly enhances system performance, making it ideal for tasks such as database management, web hosting, and large-scale computations. The motherboard is equipped with a Socket 604, enabling compatibility with a range of Intel Xeon processors, thus offering flexibility for system upgrades.

Memory support is another critical aspect of the SE7520BD2. The motherboard features eight DIMM slots, supporting DDR2 RAM with speeds of up to 400 MHz. This design allows for substantial memory capacity, with configurations supporting up to 32 GB of memory. The advanced memory architecture helps ensure robustness, stability, and low latency, which are crucial for memory-intensive applications.

The motherboard also includes several integrated technologies to enhance performance and reliability. Among these is Intel’s PCI Express technology, which provides high-speed connectivity for peripheral devices, including graphics cards and storage solutions. This feature is essential for building high-performance systems that require fast data transfer rates.

In terms of storage, the SE7520BD2 supports SATA for connecting hard drives and solid-state drives. It features up to six SATA ports, enabling extensive storage options that can accommodate the needs of large databases and extensive file storage. The availability of RAID support further enhances data integrity and redundancy, making it suitable for critical applications.

Security features on the SE7520BD2 series include support for various enterprise-level management tools, such as Intel Active Management Technology, which facilitates remote management and monitoring of servers. This is particularly valuable for IT administrators in maintaining system health and security.

In conclusion, the Intel SE7520BD2 and SE7520BD2-D2 motherboards provide a robust platform for high-performance applications. With its support for dual Xeon processors, extensive memory capacity, and advanced connectivity options, these motherboards can meet the rigorous demands of modern enterprises while delivering reliability and efficiency. Whether deployed in data centers, enterprise server environments, or for specific computational tasks, the SE7520BD2 series stands out as a reliable choice for organizations looking to optimize their computing power.