Chapter 4: BIOS

Chapter 4

BIOS

4-1 Introduction

This chapter describes the Phoenix BIOS™ Setup utility for the X6DH3-G2/X6DHi- G2. The Phoenix ROM BIOS is stored in a fl ash chip and can be easily upgraded using a fl oppy 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 the BIOS that may not be refl ected 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 Phoenix BIOS fl ash chip stores the system parameters, types of disk drives, video displays, etc. in the CMOS. The CMOS memory requires very little electrical power. When the computer is turned off, a backup battery provides power to the BIOS fl ash chip, enabling it to retain system parameters. Each time the computer is powered on, the computer is confi gured 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 accessed 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 Security and Power menus. Beginning with Section 4-3, detailed de- scriptions are given for each parameter setting in the Setup utility.

Warning: Do not shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent possible boot failure.

4-1

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SUPER MICRO Computer X6DH3-G2 Introduction, System Bios, How To Change the Configuration Data, Starting the Setup Utility
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X6DH3-G2, X6DHi-G2 specifications

Super Micro Computer is renowned for its innovation in the server and workstation market, and the X6DH3-G2 and X6DHi-G2 motherboards are prime examples of their commitment to performance, reliability, and advanced technology. These motherboards are designed to cater to the demands of enterprise-level applications, offering robust support for a variety of workloads.

The X6DH3-G2 and X6DHi-G2 motherboards are based on the Intel E7501 chipset, supporting the Intel Xeon processor family. This allows for significant computing power, making them ideal choices for data-centric applications in various fields, from scientific research to database management. One of the standout features of these motherboards is their dual-processor capability, enabling users to harness the power of two Xeon CPUs simultaneously for enhanced multitasking and performance.

In addition to dual-processor support, both motherboards offer up to 64 GB of DDR2 ECC memory. This ensures data integrity and system stability, which are crucial in enterprise environments. The presence of ECC (Error-Correcting Code) memory allows these motherboards to automatically detect and correct data corruption, significantly reducing the risk of system crashes and data loss.

Storage capabilities are another highlight of the X6DH3-G2 and X6DHi-G2 motherboards. They come equipped with multiple SATA and SCSI interfaces, ensuring compatibility with various storage solutions. This flexibility allows users to configure their storage according to their specific needs, whether it be for high-speed access or large-capacity requirements. RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) support is also integrated, enabling users to implement data redundancy and improve performance.

Networking features are robust, with integrated gigabit Ethernet that ensures high-speed connections and efficient data transfer. This is essential for applications demanding low latency and high bandwidth.

The layout of the X6DH3-G2 and X6DHi-G2 motherboards is designed for optimal thermal management and airflow, enhancing system longevity and reliability. They also support a range of expansion slots, including PCI Express, which allows for the addition of graphics cards and other advanced peripherals.

Super Micro’s commitment to quality is evident in these motherboards, showcasing reliability and a wealth of features that make them suitable for demanding enterprise environments. With a focus on performance, scalability, and stability, the X6DH3-G2 and X6DHi-G2 motherboards are engineered to meet the evolving challenges faced by IT professionals and organizations today.
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