Appendix C: Software Installation Instructions

Appendix C

Installing Software Drivers and Windows

Operating System

After all the hardware has been installed, you must first configure the

Adaptec Embedded Serial ATA RAID Driver before you install the Windows

operating system. The necessary drivers are all included on the Supermicro

bootable CDs that came packaged with your motherboard. (*The following section provides information on Adaptec's SATA RAID Driver based on the Intel Hance Rapids ICH Controller. For additional information regarding the Adaptec SATA Host RAID driver based on the Marvell 88SX5041 Controller, please refer to Adaptec's SATA Host RAID Utility User's Guide included in Supermicro's bootable CD. You can also access Adaptec's User's Guides on our web site at www.supermicro.com. Please also note that the Marvell Controller is only available for the P4SCT+ and the P4SCT+II boards.)

C-1 Introduction to the Adaptec Embedded Serial ATA RAID Controller Driver

Serial ATA (SATA)

Serial ATA(SATA) is a physical storage interface. It uses a single cable with

aminimum of four wires to create a point-to-point connection between devices. It is a serial link which supports SATA Transfer rates from

150MBps. Because the serial cables used in SATA are thinner than the

traditional cables used in Parallel ATA(PATA), SATA systems have better

airflow and can be installed in smaller chassis than Parallel ATA. In addition,

the cables used in PATA can only extend to 40cm long, while Serial ATA

cables can extend up to one meter. Overall, Serial ATA provides better

functionality than Parallel ATA.

Introduction to the Intel 6300ESB (Hance Rapids) I/O Controller Hub

Located in the South Bridge of the Intel Canterwood (875P) and Canterwood ES (E7210)Chipset, the 6300ESB (Hance Rapids) I/O Controller Hub provides the I/O subsystem with access to the rest of the system. It supports 2-channel Ultra ATA/100 Bus Master IDE controller (PATA) and two Serial ATA (SATA) Host Controllers, which support up to two Serial ATA ports and up to two RAID drives. The 6300ESB (Hance Rapids) I/O Controller Hub supports the follow- ing Parallel ATA (PATA) and Serial (SATA) device configurations:

C-1

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SUPER MICRO Computer P4SCT+II user manual Appendix C Software Installation Instructions

P4SCT+, P4SCT, P4SCT+II specifications

SUPER MICRO Computer has established a prominent reputation in the realm of high-performance computing solutions, and its line of motherboards, including the P4SCT+II, P4SCT, and P4SCT+, stands as a testament to their commitment to quality and innovation. These motherboards are designed primarily for Intel Pentium 4 processors, embodying the P4 chipset architecture that enhances reliability and performance in computing tasks.

One of the significant features of the P4SCT+II is its support for dual-channel DDR SDRAM. This allows for increased memory bandwidth, which is crucial for demanding applications requiring rapid data processing. With a maximum memory capacity of 4GB, users can expect consistent performance even under heavy workloads. Moreover, these motherboards come equipped with a variety of PCI slots, including PCI Express, allowing for the addition of high-speed graphics cards, RAID controllers, and other expansion options that cater to specific user needs.

The P4SCT+II distinguishes itself with integrated features like the 10/100 Ethernet controller, which ensures seamless connectivity for networking applications. Additionally, the inclusion of several SATA ports facilitates fast data transfer rates for storage solutions, significantly boosting overall system performance. The motherboards also support IDE drives, ensuring versatility for users who prefer traditional storage solutions.

Power efficiency is another hallmark of SUPER MICRO's designs. The P4SCT+II, P4SCT, and P4SCT+ utilize an advanced power management system, optimizing power consumption without compromising performance. This approach not only enhances the longevity of the components but also contributes to eco-friendly computing practices.

From a thermal management perspective, these motherboards are engineered with robust cooling solutions. They provide ample fan headers and locations for passive heatsinks to maintain optimal operating temperatures. This feature is crucial for users who push their systems to the limit, whether for gaming, multitasking, or running resource-intensive applications.

In summary, the SUPER MICRO Computer P4SCT+II, P4SCT, and P4SCT+ motherboards exemplify a blend of advanced technology and practicality. With support for dual-channel DDR SDRAM, versatile PCI slots, integrated networking capabilities, and efficient power management, they cater to both professional and personal computing environments. These motherboards are ideal for anyone seeking high reliability and performance in their computing endeavors, making them a valuable investment in the world of technology.