Chapter 4: BIOS

Chapter 4

BIOS

4-1 Introduction

This chapter describes the AMIBIOS™ Setup utility for the H8DCT-HLN4F/HIBQF serverboard. The 16 Mb AMI BIOS® is stored in a flash chip and can be easily upgraded using a floppy disk-based program.

Note: Due to periodic changes to the BIOS, some settings may have been added or deleted and might not yet be recorded in this manual. Please refer to the Manual Download area of our web site for any changes to BIOS that may not be reflected in this manual.

Starting the Setup Utility

To enter the BIOS Setup Utility, hit the <Delete> key while the system is booting-up. (In most cases, the <Delete> key is used to invoke the BIOS setup screen. There are a few cases when other keys are used, such as <F1>, <F2>, etc.) Each main BIOS menu option is described in this manual.

The Main BIOS screen has two main frames. The left frame displays all the options that can be configured. “Grayed-out” options cannot be configured. The right frame displays the key legend. Above the key legend is an area reserved for a text message. When an option is selected in the left frame, it is highlighted in white. Often a text message will accompany it. (Note that BIOS has default text messages built in. We retain the option to include, omit, or change any of these text messages.) Settings printed in Bold are the default values.

A " "indicates a submenu. Highlighting such an item and pressing the <Enter> key will open the list of settings within that submenu.

The BIOS setup utility uses a key-based navigation system called hot keys. Most of these hot keys (<F1>, <F10>, <Enter>, <ESC>, <Arrow> keys, etc.) can be used at any time during the setup navigation process.

4-1

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SUPER MICRO Computer H8DCT-HLN4F user manual Chapter, Introduction, Starting the Setup Utility

H8DCT-HLN4F specifications

SUPER MICRO Computer H8DCT-HLN4F is a powerful and versatile server motherboard designed to meet the demanding requirements of enterprise-class applications and high-performance computing environments. Built for reliability and efficiency, this motherboard provides a robust platform for a wide range of configurations, making it a popular choice for businesses looking to enhance their IT infrastructure.

One of the main features of the H8DCT-HLN4F is its support for AMD Opteron processors, specifically the 6100 and 6200 series, which allows for high core counts and excellent multi-threading capabilities. This platform is designed to handle data-intensive operations and demanding workloads, making it suitable for virtualization, database management, and other enterprise applications.

The motherboard features eight DDR3 DIMM slots, supporting up to 256GB of memory. This significant memory capacity, combined with error-correcting code (ECC) support, ensures data integrity and enhances the reliability of mission-critical applications. Additionally, the H8DCT-HLN4F supports a memory speed of up to 1866 MHz, providing a performance boost in data processing tasks.

Storage options on the H8DCT-HLN4F are robust, featuring multiple SATA and SAS ports. It can accommodate up to eight SATA 6Gb/s or SAS connections, allowing for extensive storage capabilities. This is particularly beneficial for businesses needing to manage large amounts of data safely and efficiently.

In terms of connectivity, the motherboard provides multiple PCI Express slots for expanded I/O capabilities. This means that users can install additional network cards, RAID controllers, or graphics cards to enhance performance as needed. The integrated dual Gigabit Ethernet ports also allow for efficient networking, ensuring that data can be transferred quickly and reliably across the network.

The H8DCT-HLN4F motherboard is designed with advanced thermal management features, including support for Supermicro’s proprietary thermal sensors. These sensors monitor system temperatures and adjust fan speeds accordingly, ensuring optimal cooling performance. This feature contributes significantly to the longevity and stability of the system.

In conclusion, the SUPER MICRO Computer H8DCT-HLN4F motherboard is an ideal choice for organizations seeking a flexible and scalable solution for their server needs. With its combination of powerful processing capabilities, ample memory support, reliable connectivity options, and advanced thermal management, this motherboard is constructed to support the demanding workloads of today’s enterprise environments. As businesses continue to evolve technologically, the H8DCT-HLN4F provides a strong foundation for future growth and innovation.