Chapter 3: Troubleshooting

3.If you still cannot resolve the problem, include the following information when contacting us for technical support:

Serverboard model and PCB revision number

BIOS release date/version (this can be seen on the initial display when your system first boots up)

System configuration

An example of a Technical Support form is posted on our web site.

4.Distributors: For immediate assistance, please have your account number ready when contacting our technical support department by e-mail.

3-3 Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What type of memory does my serverboard support?

Answer: The H8QM3-2/H8QMi-2 supports up to 256 GB of registered ECC DDR2-800/667/533 SDRAM with four CPUs installed. In a dual-CPU configura- tion the maximum memory support is 128 GB and in a single-CPU configuration the maximum memory support is 64 GB. See Section 2-4 for details on installing memory.

Question: How do I update my BIOS?

Answer: It is recommended that you not upgrade your BIOS if you are not experi- encing problems with your system. Updated BIOS files are located on our web site. Please check our BIOS warning message and the information on how to update your BIOS on our web site. Also, check the current BIOS revision and make sure it is newer than your current BIOS before downloading.

Select your serverboard model on the web page and download the corresponding BIOS file to your computer. Unzip the BIOS update file, in which you will find the readme.txt (flash instructions), the afudos.exe (BIOS flash utility) and the BIOS image (xxx.rom) files. Copy these files to a bootable floppy disk, insert the disk into drive A and reboot the system. At the DOS prompt after rebooting, enter the command "flash" (without quotation marks) then type in the BIOS file that you want to update with (xxxx.rom).

Question: What's on the CD that came with my serverboard?

Answer: The supplied compact disc has quite a few drivers and programs that will greatly enhance your system. We recommend that you review the CD and install the applications you need. Applications on the CD include chipset drivers for Windows and security and audio drivers.

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SUPER MICRO Computer H8QM3-2 Frequently Asked Questions, Question What type of memory does my serverboard support?

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.