X8DA3/X8DAi User's Manual

Answer: It is recommended that you do not upgrade your BIOS if you are not experiencing any problems with your system. Updated BIOS files are located on our web site at http://www.supermicro.com/support/bios/. Please check our BIOS warning message and the information on how to update your BIOS on our web site. Select your motherboard model and download the BIOS file to your computer. Also, check the current BIOS revision and make sure that it is newer than your BIOS before downloading. You can choose from the zip file and the .exe file. If you choose the zip BIOS file, please unzip the BIOS file onto a bootable USB device. Run the batch file using the format flash.bat filename.rom from your bootable USB device to flash the BIOS. Then, your system will automatically reboot. Please note that this process may take a few minutes to complete. Do not be concerned if the screen is paused for a few minutes.

Warning: Do not shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent possible system boot failure!)

Note: The SPI BIOS chip used on this motherboard cannot be removed. Send your motherboard back to Supermicro for repair.

Question: What's on the CD that came with my motherboard?

Answer: The supplied compact disc has quite a few drivers and programs that will greatly enhance your system. We recommend that you review the CD and install the applications you need. Applications on the CD include chipset drivers for the Windows OS, security and audio drivers.

3-4 Returning Merchandise for Service

A receipt or copy of your invoice marked with the date of purchase is required before any warranty service will be rendered. You can obtain service by calling your vendor for a Returned Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. You can also request a RMA authorization online (http://www.supermicro.com/support/rma/). When returning the motherboard to the manufacturer, the RMA number should be prominently displayed on the outside of the shipping carton, and mailed prepaid or hand-carried. Shipping and handling charges will be applied for all orders that must be mailed when service is complete.

This warranty only covers normal consumer use and does not cover damages in- curred in shipping or from failure due to the alternation, misuse, abuse or improper maintenance of products.

During the warranty period, contact your distributor first for any product problems.

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SUPER MICRO Computer X8DA3 Returning Merchandise for Service, Question Whats on the CD that came with my motherboard?

X8DA3 specifications

Super Micro Computer, also known as Supermicro, is a prominent player in the world of computing hardware, particularly known for its high-performance server solutions. One of their noteworthy offerings is the X8DA3 motherboard, which is designed for dual-processor systems and caters to various applications, including data centers, cloud computing, and enterprise-level operations.

The Supermicro X8DA3 motherboard supports Intel's Nehalem and Westmere architectures, accommodating two LGA 1366 sockets for Intel Xeon processors. This setup allows for impressive computational power and scalability. The motherboard can support up to 192GB of DDR3 RAM across six DIMM slots, enabling high memory bandwidth essential for memory-intensive applications.

One of the standout features of the X8DA3 is its robust I/O options. It comes equipped with six SATA II ports and two SAS ports, allowing for flexible storage configurations. Additionally, the board supports a range of RAID levels, including 0, 1, 5, and 10, providing data redundancy and performance optimization. For enhanced connectivity, the motherboard includes dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, ensuring reliable networking capabilities which are crucial for server environments.

In terms of expandability, the X8DA3 features multiple PCIe slots, providing users with the ability to add various expansion cards such as graphics cards, network cards, or additional storage controllers. This flexibility allows companies to tailor their server setups according to specific needs.

Power management is another critical aspect of the X8DA3. It supports ATX power supplies and features advanced power-saving technologies that help in reducing overall energy consumption. This ecological consideration is particularly important for organizations looking to minimize their carbon footprint while maintaining optimal performance.

For thermal management, Supermicro incorporates a design that allows for efficient airflow and cooling, which is crucial for maintaining system stability during intensive workloads. The motherboard is also equipped with multiple temperature sensors that provide real-time monitoring, ensuring components operate within safe thermal levels.

Overall, the Super Micro Computer X8DA3 motherboard is a reliable and high-performance choice for businesses requiring a versatile and powerful computing platform. Its support for dual processors, extensive memory options, advanced storage capabilities, and solid expandability make it an attractive option for enterprise applications in today’s computationally demanding environments.