SUPER MICRO Computer X7DB8, X7DBE Introduction to Serial ATA and Parallel ATA, Serial ATA Sata

Models: X7DB8 X7DBE

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Appendix C: Intel HostRAID Setup Guidelines

Appendix C

Intel HostRAID Setup Guidelines

After all the hardware has been installed, you must first configure Intel's ESB2 SATA RAID* before you install the Windows Operating System and other software drivers.

Important Notes to the User:

Note 1: If you do not wish to configure onboard SATA RAID functions, please go directly to Section C-2 for Operating System & Other Software Installation.

Note 2: This chapter describes RAID Configuration Instructions for the Intel ESB2 RAID Controller designed for the Windows OS.

C-1 Introduction to Serial ATA and Parallel ATA

To configure the SATA RAID functions, you must first use the Intel ESB2 SATA RAID Utility program to configure the RAID Level that you desire before installing the Windows XP/2000/2003 operating system and other software drivers. (The necessary drivers are all included on the Supermicro CD that came packaged with your motherboard.) Note that the current version of the ESB2 SATA RAID Utility can only support Windows XP/2000/2003 Operating Systems.

Serial ATA (SATA)

Serial ATA (SATA) is a physical storage interface that 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 transfer rates up to 3.0 Gbps. 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 are limited to a length of 40cm, while Serial ATA cables can be up to one meter in length. Overall, SATA provides better functionality than PATA.

Introduction to the Intel ESB2 Serial RAID

Located in the South Bridge of the 5000P (Blackford) chipset, the I/O Controller Hub (ESB2) provides the I/O subsystem with access to the rest of the system. It supports an 1-channel UltraATA/100 Bus Master IDE controller (PATA) and six Se- rial ATA (SATA) ports. The ESB2 supports the following PATA and SATA device configurations: Legacy mode and Native mode.

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SUPER MICRO Computer X7DB8 Introduction to Serial ATA and Parallel ATA, Important Notes to the User, Serial ATA Sata

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.