Chapter 4: AMI BIOS

Chapter 4

BIOS

4-1 Introduction

This chapter describes the AMI BIOS Setup Utility for the X8DA3/X8DAi. The AMI ROM BIOS is stored in a Flash EEPROM and can be easily updated. This chapter describes the basic navigation of the AMI BIOS Setup Utility setup screens.

Starting BIOS Setup Utility

To enter the AMI BIOS Setup Utility screens, press the <Delete> key while the system is booting up.

Note: In most cases, the <Delete> key is used to invoke the AMI BIOS setup screen. There are a few cases when other keys are used, such as <F1>, <F2>, etc.

Each main BIOS menu option is described in this manual. The Main BIOS setup menu screen has two main frames. The left frame displays all the options that can be configured. Grayed-out options cannot be configured. Options in blue can be configured by the user. The right frame displays the key legend. Above the key legend is an area reserved for a text message. When an option is selected in the left frame, it is highlighted in white. Often a text message will accompany it. (Note: the AMI BIOS has default text messages built in. Supermicro retains the option to include, omit, or change any of these text messages.)

The AMI BIOS Setup Utility uses a key-based navigation system called "hot keys". Most of the AMI BIOS setup utility "hot keys" can be used at any time during the setup navigation process. These keys include <F1>, <F10>, <Enter>, <ESC>, ar- row keys, etc.

Note: Options printed in Bold are default settings.

How To Change the Configuration Data

The configuration data that determines the system parameters may be changed by entering the AMI BIOS Setup utility. This Setup utility can be accessed by pressing <Del> at the appropriate time during system boot.

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SUPER MICRO Computer X8DA3 Introduction, Starting Bios Setup Utility, How To Change the Configuration Data, AMI Bios

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.