X6DH3-G2/X6DHi-G2 User's Manual

The Adaptec Embedded Serial ATA with HostRAID Controller Driver

Adaptec's Embedded Serial ATA RAID with HostRAID controller adds RAID func- tionality to the Serial ATA I/O controller by supporting RAID 0 (Striping) or RAID

1(Mirroring) to enhance the industry's pioneer PCI-to-e host controller products. RAID striping (RAID 0) can greatly improve hard disk I/O performance because of its capability in striping data across multiple drives. RAID mirroring (RAID 1) allows the data to be simultaneously written to two drives, so critical data is always avail- able even if a single hard disk fails. Due to the built-in functionality, the X6DH3- G2/X6DHi-G2 is specially designed to keep pace with the increasing performance demands of computer systems by improving disk I/O throughput and providing data accessibility regardless of a single disk failure. By incorporating the Adaptec Embed- ded Serial ATA into the motherboard design, Supermicro's X6DH3-G2/X6DHi-G2 offers the user with the benefi ts of SATARAID without the high costs associated with hardware RAID applications.

(Note: For Adaptec's RAID Driver Installation Instructions, please refer to the

Adaptec RAID Controller User's Guide: "Emb_SA_RAID_UG.pdf" in the CD that came with this motherboard. You can also download a copy of Adaptec's User's Guide from our web site at www.supermicro.com.)

Using the Adaptec RAID Configuration Utility (ARC)

The Adaptec RAID Confi guration Utility is an embedded BIOS Utility, including:

*Array Confi guration Utility: Use this utility when you want to create, confi gure and manage arrays.

* Disk Utilities: Use this option to format or verify disks.

To run the Adaptec RAID Confi guration Utility, you will need to enable the RAID function in the system BIOS (refer to Chapter 4 for System BIOS Confi gurations), and then, press the <Ctrl> and <A> keys simultaneously when prompted to do so during the system startup. (Refer to the previous page for detailed instructions.)

(Note: To select an option, use the arrow keys to highlight the item and then press the <Enter> key to select it. To return to the previous menu, press the <ESC> key.)

A. Using the Array Configuration Utility (ACU)

The Array Confi guration Utility (ACU) enables you to create, manage, and delete arrays from the controller’s BIOS, add and delete spare drives, and initialize drives. During the system startup, press <Ctrl> and <A> key simultaneously, and the main menu will appear.

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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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