Chapter 4: Award BIOS

Chapter 4

AwardBIOS

4-1 Introduction

This chapter describes the AwardBIOS for the P3TDDR. The Award ROM 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 the Supermicro web site <http://www.supermicro.com> for any changes to BIOS that may not be reflected in this manual.

System BIOS

The BIOS is the Basic Input Output System used in all IBM® PC, XT™, AT ®, and PS/2® compatible computers. The AwardBIOS flash chip stores the system parameters, such type of disk drives, video displays, etc. in the CMOS. The CMOS memory requires very little electrical power. When the computer is turned off, a back-up battery provides power to the BIOS flash chip, enabling it to retain system parameters. Each time the computer is powered-on the computer is configured with the values stored in the BIOS ROM by the system BIOS, which gains control at boot-up.

How To Change the Configuration Data

The CMOS information that determines the system parameters may be changed by entering the BIOS Setup utility. This Setup utility can be ac- cessed by pressing the <Delete> key at the appropriate time during system boot, see below.

Starting the Setup Utility

Normally, the only visible POST (Power On Self Test) routine is the memory test. As the memory is being tested, press the <Delete> key to enter the main menu of the BIOS Setup utility. From the main menu, you can access the other setup screens, such as the Chipset and Power menus. Section 4- 3 gives detailed descriptions of each parameter setting in the Setup utility.

4-1

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SUPER MICRO Computer SUPER, P3TDDR Chapter AwardBIOS, Introduction, System Bios, How To Change the Configuration Data

SUPER, P3TDDR specifications

Super Micro Computer has established a prominent position in the realm of high-performance computing solutions, and one of its remarkable offerings is the P3TDDR motherboard. Designed for advanced workstations and servers, the P3TDDR marries powerful performance with flexibility and scalability, making it an ideal choice for demanding applications.

At the heart of the P3TDDR is its capacity to support Intel Pentium 4 processors, leveraging the rich features of the P4 architecture to deliver exceptional computing performance. The motherboard supports a substantial amount of DDR SDRAM, enabling faster data access and improved overall system performance. The incorporation of multiple DIMM slots allows users to configure the system with varying memory sizes, tailoring the setup to specific workload requirements.

One of the standout features of the P3TDDR is its support for RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations, which enhances data redundancy and performance. This makes the P3TDDR an excellent choice for applications that require continuous data availability, such as database management and large-scale data processing.

Additionally, the motherboard is equipped with multiple PCI slots, providing increased connectivity options for expansion cards, such as graphics, sound, and network cards. This versatility allows users to customize their systems to meet their unique needs, whether for gaming, graphic design, or enterprise-level applications.

From a technological perspective, the P3TDDR embraces an array of integrated features. The board includes onboard Ethernet capabilities that facilitate seamless network connectivity, which is crucial for server environments and enterprise applications. Furthermore, the use of high-quality capacitors and components ensures reliability and longevity in demanding operations.

Thermal management is another critical aspect, as the design includes strategically placed heatsinks and spaces for additional cooling solutions, ensuring that the system remains stable under heavy workloads. This attention to thermal efficiency enhances the overall performance and lifespan of the components.

In summary, the Super Micro P3TDDR motherboard stands out due to its robust features, advanced technologies, and adaptability. It caters to a wide range of applications, whether for professional use in data centers or for performance-oriented tasks in personal and gaming workstations. With its powerful chipset and thoughtful engineering, the P3TDDR is a reliable foundation for building high-performance computing systems.