Chapter 2: Installation

Support

The H8QM3-2/H8QMi-2 supports single or dual-channel, registered ECC DDR2- 800/667/533 SDRAM.

Both interleaved and non-interleaved memory are supported, so you may populate any number of DIMM slots (see note on previous page). Populating two adjacent slots at a time with memory modules of the same size and type will result in inter- leaved (128-bit) memory, which is faster than non-interleaved (64-bit) memory. Note that when slots are fully populated with DDR2-800 or DDR2-667 DIMMs, memory will run at 533 MHz due to a chipset limitation.

Optimizing memory performance

It's better to spread pairs of DIMMs across all memory banks with a CPU installed than to fill up one CPU memory bank while leaving another empty. For example, if you were to install eight DIMMs in a quad-CPU configuration, you should install two in the CPU1 DIMM slots (slots 1A and 1B), two in the CPU2 DIMM slots, two in the CPU3 slots and two in the CPU4 slots rather than four in any two CPU DIMM slots. If you install four more, install two in the remaining CPU1 DIMM slots and two in the the remaining CPU2 DIMM slots, etc. This balances the load over all CPUs to optimize performance. In a single or dual-CPU configuration, memory can only be installed in the slots associated with CPU#1 or CPU#1 and CPU#2, respectively.

Maximum memory: 256 GB of DDR2-800/667/533. (Dual-CPU configuration: 128

GB maximum, single-CPU configuration: 64 GB maximum.)

Figure 2-2. Side and Top Views of DDR Installation

To Install:

Insert module vertically and press down until it snaps into place. The release tabs should close - if they do not you should close them yourself.

Notch

Release

Tab

Note: Notch should align with its receptive point on the slot

Notch

Release

Tab

Note the notch in the slot and on the bottom of the DIMM.

These prevent the DIMM from being installed incorrectly.

To Remove:

Use your thumbs to gently push each re- lease tab outward to release the DIMM from the slot.

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SUPER MICRO Computer H8QM3-2 user manual Side and Top Views of DDR Installation

H8QM3-2 specifications

The Super Micro Computer H8QM3-2 is a cutting-edge server motherboard designed to meet the demanding needs of high-performance computing applications. Built upon the AMD Opteron architecture, it is tailored for enterprises seeking robust server capabilities with exceptional performance, reliability, and scalability.

One of the standout features of the H8QM3-2 is its support for dual AMD Opteron 6100 series processors. This allows for an impressive processing power that can handle resource-intensive tasks and demanding workloads. With a maximum supported RAM of 512GB via 16 DIMM slots, this motherboard can efficiently manage large datasets and applications that require substantial memory.

The H8QM3-2 also boasts a versatile I/O capabilities. It includes multiple PCI-E 2.0 slots to accommodate a variety of expansion cards, ensuring that businesses can customize their servers to meet specific requirements. The motherboard features up to six SATA III ports for enhanced data transfer speeds and reliable connectivity. These ports support both RAID 0 and RAID 1 configurations, which provide options for data redundancy and enhanced performance.

In terms of network connectivity, the H8QM3-2 integrates dual 1GbE ports, allowing for efficient data transmission and reliable networking. This integration is vital for servers that rely on continuous uptime and need to manage extensive network traffic.

Another significant advantage of the H8QM3-2 is its energy efficiency. Supermicro's commitment to green computing is evident in this motherboard's design, which balances performance and power consumption. Organizations can benefit from reduced operational costs while still enjoying high-performance capabilities.

The H8QM3-2 is also designed with advanced thermal management technology. It features dedicated cooling zones and support for multiple fans to ensure that components remain at optimal temperatures, thus prolonging their lifespan and maintaining performance standards.

Security features are paramount in server technology, and the H8QM3-2 does not disappoint. Its support for hardware-based security features helps protect sensitive data and integrity against various threats.

In summary, the Super Micro Computer H8QM3-2 motherboard stands out in the realm of server solutions. With its support for dual AMD Opteron processors, extensive memory capacity, versatile I/O options, energy efficiency, and advanced thermal management, it is an excellent choice for businesses looking to upgrade their server infrastructure while maximizing performance and reliability.