Preface

Preface

This manual is written for system integrators, PC technicians and knowledgeable PC users. It provides information for the installation and use of the X8SIL/X8SIL-F motherboard.

About This Motherboard

The X8SIL/X8SIL-F supports the Intel® Xeon® 3400 series processors in an LGA 1156 socket. With the Intel 3400/3420 chipset built-in, the X8SIL/X8SIL-F of- fers substantial enhancements in price/system performance ratio in a cost-effective, small form-factor package. Please refer to our web site (http://www.supermicro. com/products/) for updates on supported processors. This product is intended to be installed and serviced by professional technicians.

Manual Organization

Chapter 1 describes the features, specifications and performance of the mother- board and provides detailed information about the chipset.

Chapter 2 provides hardware installation instructions. Read this chapter when in- stalling the processor, memory modules and other hardware components into the system. If you encounter any problems, see Chapter 3, which describes trouble- shooting procedures for video, memory and system setup stored in the CMOS.

Chapter 4 includes an introduction to the BIOS and provides detailed information on running the CMOS Setup utility.

Appendix A provides BIOS Error Beep Codes.

Appendix B lists Other Software Program Installation Instructions. Appendix C contains the BIOS Recovery Instructions.

Conventions Used in the Manual:

Special attention should be given to the following symbols for proper installation and to prevent damage done to the components or injury to yourself:

Danger/Caution: Instructions to be strictly followed to prevent catastrophic system failure or to avoid bodily injury

Warning: Important information given to ensure proper system installation or to prevent damage to the components

Note: Additional Information given to differentiate various models or pro- vides information for correct system setup.

iii

Page 3
Image 3
SUPER MICRO Computer X8SIL user manual About This Motherboard Manual Organization, Conventions Used in the Manual

X8SIL specifications

SUPER MICRO Computer X8SIL, X8SIL-F, and X8SIL-V are advanced server motherboards designed to meet the demanding needs of today's data centers and enterprise environments. These motherboards from Supermicro deliver exceptional performance, scalability, and reliability, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, including virtualization, cloud computing, and database management.

One of the main features of the X8SIL series is its compatibility with Intel's Xeon 5500 and 5600 series processors. This allows users to harness the power of multi-core technology, ensuring optimal performance for both single-threaded and multi-threaded applications. With support for up to 144GB of DDR3 ECC memory, the X8SIL motherboards provide ample memory bandwidth, enhancing the overall system performance and efficiency.

The X8SIL-F variant includes an integrated IPMI (Intelligent Platform Management Interface) feature, which enables remote management and monitoring of the system. This technology allows IT administrators to proactively manage server health, perform remote troubleshooting, and ensure minimal downtime. Additionally, the X8SIL-F supports Supermicro's Green Computing technology, which helps reduce power consumption and enhance energy efficiency, leading to lower operational costs.

In terms of storage, the X8SIL series offers multiple SATA and SAS interface options, facilitating a wide range of storage configurations. The motherboards feature six SATA II ports and optional SAS capabilities, allowing users to implement RAID setups for improved performance and data redundancy. This flexibility in storage solutions is crucial for environments that require high availability and reliability.

The X8SIL motherboard series is equipped with a range of I/O ports, including multiple USB ports, PCI Express slots, and Gigabit Ethernet interfaces. This extensive connectivity ensures that users can easily expand and customize their systems according to specific application needs. The onboard Gigabit Ethernet ports provide fast network access, which is essential for data-intensive workloads.

Furthermore, the X8SIL, X8SIL-F, and X8SIL-V boast an efficient thermal design. These motherboards feature robust heat sinks and fan headers, which help maintain optimal operating temperatures, even under heavy workloads. This thermal efficiency is critical in extending the lifespan of components and ensuring consistent performance.

In summary, SUPER MICRO Computer's X8SIL, X8SIL-F, and X8SIL-V motherboards stand out with their strong performance, advanced management features, flexible storage options, and efficient thermal design. These characteristics make them ideal choices for businesses looking to build reliable and scalable data center solutions.