Chapter 1: Introduction

Slow Blinking LED for Suspend-State Indicator

When the CPU goes into a suspend state, the chassis power LED will start blinking to indicate that the CPU is in suspend mode. When the user presses any key, the CPU will wake up and the LED will automatically stop blinking and remain on.

BIOS Support for USB Keyboard

If the USB keyboard is the only keyboard in the system, it will function like a normal keyboard during system boot-up.

Main Switch Override Mechanism

When an ATX power supply is used, the power button can function as a system suspend button. When the user presses the power button, the system will enter a SoftOff state. The monitor will be suspended and the hard drive will spin down. Pressing the power button again will cause the whole system to wake up. During the SoftOff state, the ATX power supply provides power to keep the required circuitry in the system "alive." In case the system malfunctions and you want to turn off the power, just press and hold the power button for 4 seconds. The power will turn off and no power will be provided to the motherboard.

1-5 Power Supply

As with all computer products, a stable power source is necessary for proper and reliable operation. It is even more important for processors that have high CPU clock rates of 1 GHz and faster.

The X7SLA-L/X7SLA-H accommodates 12V ATX power supplies. Al- though most power supplies generally meet the specifications required by the CPU, some are inadequate. A 2-Amp of current supply on a 5V Standby rail is strongly recommended.

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SUPER MICRO Computer X7SLA-L Power Supply, Slow Blinking LED for Suspend-State Indicator, Bios Support for USB Keyboard

X7SLA-L, X7SLA-H specifications

Super Micro Computer has established itself as a leader in server and storage solutions, and their motherboards, particularly the X7SLA-H and X7SLA-L, showcase this commitment to quality and performance. These motherboards are designed for high efficiency and reliability, catering to a range of applications from entry-level servers to advanced computing environments.

The X7SLA-H and X7SLA-L are built on the Intel 5000 Series chipset, which allows them to leverage Intel's powerful Xeon processors. This enables users to experience superior performance, particularly in multi-threaded tasks, making them ideal for data-centric enterprises. Both motherboards support dual-socket configurations, increasing scalability and processing capabilities, which is essential for demanding workloads.

One of the standout features of the X7SLA series is its support for DDR2 ECC memory. This technology ensures data integrity by automatically correcting single-bit errors, a critical aspect for servers handling crucial data transactions. The X7SLA-H can support up to 16GB of memory, while its sibling, the X7SLA-L, is designed for maximum memory efficiency in less demanding environments. The incorporation of ECC memory is a significant advantage for businesses prioritizing reliability and uptime.

The X7SLA-H and X7SLA-L motherboards incorporate several advanced connectivity options. With multiple SATA ports and support for SATA RAID, they allow for flexible storage configurations that can enhance performance and reliability. These motherboards also provide users with Gigabit Ethernet ports, ensuring fast network communication essential for modern server environments.

Another noteworthy characteristic of the X7SLA series is its emphasis on thermal management. Both the X7SLA-H and X7SLA-L are designed with efficient cooling solutions to maintain optimal operating temperatures, which is crucial for sustaining the longevity of hardware components in high-availability scenarios.

In terms of expansion capabilities, the board features PCI Express slots, providing users with the flexibility to add additional network interfaces or storage controllers. This expandability aligns with Supermicro's commitment to delivering customizable solutions tailored to the specific needs of their customers.

In summary, the Super Micro Computer X7SLA-H and X7SLA-L motherboards bring together a robust architecture, reliable technologies, and extensive support for advanced computing needs. Their combination of performance, scalability, and reliability makes them a great choice for businesses looking to build efficient and powerful server solutions. These motherboards exemplify Supermicro's dedication to innovation in the computer hardware space, making them a staple in modern data centers.