Chapter 4: AMI BIOS

Clock-Spread Spectrum

Select Enable to use the feature of Clock Spectrum, which will allow the BIOS to monitor and attempt to reduce the level of Electromagnetic Interference caused by the components whenever needed. The options are Disabled and Enabled. If this feature is set to Enabled, the following items will display:

IDE Configuration

When this submenu is selected, the AMI BIOS automatically detects the presence of the IDE Devices and displays the following items:

ATA/IDE Configuration

This feature allows the user to configure ATA/IDE settings. The options are Disabled and Enhanced.

Configure SATA as

Please choose IDE if the installed hard disk(s) are to be configured as independent devices and will be used normally.

Choose RAID if you have more than one drive installed and will be used in a Redundant Array (RAID) configuration.

Note: Please use the Intel Matrix Storage Manager (option ROM) to con- figure your RAID by pressing and holding down <Ctrl> and pressing <I> (the "i" key) during POST. For a downloadable PDF manual, please visit Supermicro's website at: http://www.supermicro.com/support/manuals/ and click "HostRAID - Setup for Intel ICH7R / ICH9R" under RAID Installation Guides.

Select AHCI for advanced SATA features such as hot-plugging and native command queueing. Note: Take caution when using AHCI, as your operat- ing system may need drivers to match this configuration. This feature is for technicians only.

The options are IDE, RAID and AHCI.

Configure SATA Channels

The options are Before PATA and Behind PATA.

Primary IDE Master/Slave, Secondary IDE Maser/Slave and Third IDE Maser/ Slave

These settings allow the user to set the parameters of Primary IDE Master/Slave, Secondary IDE Master/Slave and Third IDE Master/Slave slots. Hit <Enter> to

4-9

Page 59
Image 59
SUPER MICRO Computer X7SLA-L, X7SLA-H IDE Configuration, Clock-Spread Spectrum, ATA/IDE Configuration, Configure Sata as

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.