SUPER MICRO Computer X7DB8, X7DBE user manual Appendix D Adaptec HostRAID Setup Guidelines

Models: X7DB8 X7DBE

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Appendix D: Adaptec HostRAID Setup Guidelines

Appendix D

Adaptec HostRAID Setup Guidelines

After all the hardware has been installed, you must first configure theAdaptec Embedded Serial ATA RAID before you install the Windows operating system. The necessary drivers are all included on the Supermicro bootable CDs that came packaged with your motherboard. Note: The following section provides information on the Adaptec SATA RAID Driver based on the Intel Enterprise South Bridge 2 (ESB2) Controller.

D-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 a minimum of four wires to create a point-to-point connection between devices. It is a serial link which supports SATA Transfer rates up to 3.0 Gbps. Because the serial cables used in SATA are thinner than the traditional cables used in Paral- lel 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 ESB2 I/O Controller Hub

Located in the South Bridge of the Intel 5000P (Blackford) Chipset, the ESB2 I/O Controller Hub provides the I/O subsystem with access to the rest of the system. It supports 1-channel Ultra ATA/100 Bus Master IDE controller (PATA) and one Adaptec's Serial ATA (SATA) Host Controller, which support up to six Serial ATA drives, up to two RAID volumes and up to four drives in RAID Configurations. (See the table below for details.)

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SUPER MICRO Computer X7DB8 Appendix D Adaptec HostRAID Setup Guidelines, Introduction to the Intel ESB2 I/O Controller Hub

X7DB8, X7DBE specifications

Super Micro Computer, a global leader in high-performance server and storage solutions, has developed a range of advanced server motherboards, among which the X7DBE and X7DB8 stand out for their robust performance and versatility. Designed for data-intensive applications, these motherboards cater to various markets, including cloud computing, enterprise data centers, and video surveillance.

The X7DBE motherboards are built on the Intel 5000 series chipset and support dual Intel Xeon processors, which provide exceptional processing power for demanding applications. With a maximum memory capacity of 64GB, these motherboards cater to memory-intensive workloads, making them ideal for virtualization and database applications. The X7DBE supports both ECC (Error-Correcting Code) and non-ECC memory, enhancing system reliability and data integrity.

In terms of storage, the X7DBE is equipped with multiple 3.5-inch SATA hard drive bays that allow for substantial data storage capabilities. Additionally, it includes integrated RAID support, enabling users to configure their storage environment for optimal performance and redundancy. The advanced thermal management technology ensures efficient cooling, promoting system stability and longevity even under heavy workloads.

The X7DB8, on the other hand, takes performance a notch higher by providing support for the latest Intel processors and offering enhanced features geared toward high-performance computing. Like the X7DBE, it supports dual processors but extends capability for larger memory configurations, allowing up to 128GB of DDR2 memory. This flexibility makes the X7DB8 an excellent choice for mission-critical applications requiring immense processing power.

Both motherboards come equipped with multiple PCI Express slots, enabling the installation of add-on cards for tasks such as enhanced graphics, additional network interfaces, or dedicated storage controllers, thus providing scalability to meet the growing demands of modern applications. Network connectivity is robust, with several Gigabit Ethernet ports ensuring high-speed data transfer.

In conclusion, Super Micro's X7DBE and X7DB8 motherboards exemplify the perfect blend of performance, scalability, and reliability. With their support for advanced technologies and their ability to handle high workloads, they are ideal solutions for businesses seeking to optimize their server infrastructure. As technology continues to evolve, these motherboards remain pertinent, providing a solid foundation for various applications and future advancements.