Appendix B: Installing the Windows OS

Appendix B

Installing the Windows OS

After all the hardware has been installed, you must first configure Intel South Bridge RAID settings before you install the OS and other software drivers. To install the Linux OS or to configure RAID settings, please refer to the OS Installation or RAID Configuration User Guides posted on our web site at www.supermicro.com/support/ manuals.

B-1 Installing the Windows XP/2000/2003 OS for systems with RAID Functions

1.Insert Microsoft's Windows XP/2000/2003 Setup CD in the CD Driver, and the system will start booting up from CD.

2.Press the <F6> key when the message-" Press F6 if you need to install a third party SCSI or RAID driver" displays.

3.When the Windows XP/2000/2003 Setup screen appears, press "S" to specify additional device(s).

4.Insert the driver diskette-"Intel AA RAID XP/2000/2003 Driver for ESB2" into Drive A: and press the <Enter> key.

5.Choose the Intel(R) ESB2 SATA RAID Controller from the list indicated in the XP/2000/2003 Setup Screen, and press the <Enter> key.

6.Press the <Enter> key to continue the installation process. (If you need to specify any additional devices to be installed, do it at this time.) Once all devices are specified, press the <Enter> key to continue with the installation.

7.From the Windows XP/2000/2003 Setup screen, press the <Enter> key. The XP/2000/2003 Setup will automatically load all device files and then, continue the Windows XP/2000/2003 installation.

8.After the Windows XP/2000/2003 OS Installation is completed, the system will automatically reboot.

9.Insert the Supermicro Setup CD that came with your motherboard into the CD Drive during system boot, and the main screen will display. Follow the instruc- tions given on Appendix C to complete your system setup.

B-1

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SUPER MICRO Computer X7DVL-3 user manual Appendix B Installing the Windows OS

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.