Chapter 4: BIOS

Chapter 4

BIOS

4-1 Introduction

This chapter describes the Phoenix BIOS™ Setup utility for the X7DVL-3/X7DVL-i. The Phoenix ROM BIOS is stored in a flash chip and can be easily upgraded using a floppy 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 Super Micro web site <http://www.supermicro.com> for any changes to the BIOS that may not be reflected 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 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 pro- vides power to the CMOS Logic, enabling it to retain system parameters. Each time the computer is powered on, the computer is configured with the values stored in the CMOS Logic 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 BIOS to prevent possible boot failure.

4-1

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SUPER MICRO Computer X7DVL-3 Introduction, System Bios, How To Change the Configuration Data, Starting the Setup Utility

X7DVL-3 specifications

Super Micro Computer, Inc. is a well-respected name in the realm of high-performance computing, offering diverse solutions tailored for various applications. One of the notable offerings from the brand is the Supermicro X7DVL-3 motherboard, designed to provide exceptional performance and reliability for both workstations and servers.

At its core, the X7DVL-3 is built on the Intel 5000X chipset, making it a robust choice for enterprise-level tasks. It supports Intel's dual-core and quad-core Xeon processors, specifically the LGA 771 socket. This design enables users to leverage enhanced processing power, facilitating intensive computational tasks such as virtualization, data analysis, or complex simulations.

One standout feature of the X7DVL-3 is its support for up to 32GB of DDR2 ECC (Error-Correcting Code) memory across four DIMM slots. This memory technology ensures higher reliability and stability, reducing the risk of data corruption—a critical factor for enterprises that require consistent performance and uptime.

In terms of connectivity, the motherboard comes equipped with 6 SATA ports, offering flexible storage options for RAID configurations, enhancing both speed and redundancy. Additionally, the X7DVL-3 features dual Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, which facilitate high-speed network connectivity and allow for dual network path setups, ensuring seamless communication in network-intensive applications.

The X7DVL-3 is also designed with a high degree of scalability in mind. It includes multiple PCI-E slots, thereby supporting a range of expansion cards, including graphics cards for visualization tasks or additional networking options. This adaptability is crucial for organizations that need to upgrade or modify their systems as their operational demands evolve.

Another notable aspect of the Supermicro X7DVL-3 is its emphasis on efficiency and management. The motherboard is equipped with Supermicro’s IPMI (Intelligent Platform Management Interface) technology, allowing for remote management and monitoring of system health. This feature is particularly valuable in data center environments where managing multiple servers efficiently can lead to significant operational cost reductions.

In summary, the Supermicro X7DVL-3 motherboard stands out with its robust architecture, support for powerful Intel Xeon processors, extensive memory capacity, and advanced connectivity features. Coupled with its emphasis on reliability and manageability, this motherboard represents a solid choice for businesses seeking a dependable solution for their computing needs. Whether in a server configuration or a high-performance workstation, the X7DVL-3 delivers the performance and scalability critical for modern enterprises.