Supermicro X8SAX motherboard

Description

The Supermicro X8SAX motherboard is a testament to cutting-edge computing, leveraging the capabilities of the Intel X58 Express chipset to deliver outstanding performance and a feature-rich environment tailored for dual-processor systems. This motherboard is optimized for intensive applications and high-end workstation platforms, making it an ideal choice for professionals seeking uncompromising computing power.

Intel X58 Express Chipset: At its core, the X8SAX features an LGA 1366 processor socket, which accommodates the Intel X58 Express North Bridge chipset, the ICH10R South Bridge, and the PXH/V IO Bridge. The incorporation of Intel QuickPath Interconnect technology makes the X8SAX one of the pioneers in the market, introducing the next generation point-to-point system interconnect interface. This innovative technology supplants the conventional Front Side Bus Technology, resulting in a substantial enhancement of system performance. The transition to serial link interconnections significantly boosts bandwidth and scalability, paving the way for a new era of computing capabilities.

Features of the LGA 1366 Processor and the X58:

• Intel QuickPath Interconnect: The motherboard is equipped with Intel QuickPath Interconnect technology, offering data transfer rates of up to 6.4 GT/s (GigaTransfers per second) in both directions, ensuring lightning-fast communication between components.
• Virtualization Technology: The platform supports Virtualization Technology, allowing for efficient virtualization of resources and improved system management.
• Integrated Management Engine: The motherboard is endowed with an Integrated Management Engine, which enhances system manageability and control.
• Point-to-Point Cache Coherent Interconnect: The platform features a point-to-point cache coherent interconnect, boasting fast/narrow unidirectional links and concurrent bi-directional traffic for optimized data exchange.
• Error Detection and Correction: The platform incorporates error detection via CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) and error correction via Link level retry, ensuring data integrity and system reliability.

PC Health Monitoring: The X8SAX/C7X58 motherboard comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of PC health monitoring features, ensuring the system’s robustness and reliability:

Recovery from AC Power Loss: The BIOS offers configurable settings to dictate the system’s response to AC power loss and subsequent restoration. Users can opt for the system to remain powered off, requiring manual power-on, or configure it to automatically return to a powered-on state. The default setting is Last State.

Onboard Voltage Monitoring: The onboard voltage monitor continuously scans various critical voltages, including CPU Core, Chipset Voltage, Memory Voltage, +1.8V, +3.3V, +3.3V standby, +5V, +5V Standby, Vbat, and ±12V. Any voltage instability triggers warnings or error messages on the screen, and users can fine-tune voltage thresholds to customize the sensitivity of the voltage monitor.

Fan Status Monitoring with Software: PC health monitoring includes RPM status checks for cooling fans, with Supero Doctor III providing software-based monitoring and control.

CPU Overheat LED and Control: Users have the option to enable the CPU overheat warning feature in the BIOS, allowing them to set a predefined overheat temperature threshold. When the CPU temperature surpasses this threshold, the CPU thermal trip feature activates, sounding the buzzer and simultaneously reducing CPU speed to mitigate overheating.

Power Configuration Settings: The motherboard includes several power-related features:

Slow Blinking LED for Suspend-State Indicator: When the CPU enters a suspend state, the chassis power LED starts blinking, signifying the CPU’s suspended status. Upon user interaction, such as pressing any key, the CPU wakes up, and the LED stops blinking, remaining steadily lit.

BIOS Support for USB Keyboard: If the USB keyboard is the sole input device in the system, it functions like a standard keyboard during system boot-up.

Main Switch Override Mechanism: With an ATX power supply in use, the power button can double as a system suspend button, initiating a SoftOff state when pressed. This state suspends the monitor and powers down the hard drive. Pressing the power button again wakes up the entire system. During the SoftOff state, the ATX power supply maintains essential circuitry to keep the system “alive.” In cases where a system malfunction necessitates immediate power-off, holding the power button for four seconds accomplishes this, cutting off power to the motherboard.

Power Supply: A stable power source is crucial for reliable system operation, particularly for processors with clock rates exceeding 1 GHz. The X8SAX/C7X58 motherboard accommodates ATX12V standard power supplies. A 2-Amp current supply on a 5V Standby rail is recommended for optimal performance.

To ensure robust and uninterrupted operation, it is highly recommended to use a high-quality power supply that complies with ATX12V standard power supply Specification 1.1 or higher. Adequate power delivery is assured by using the 12V 8-pin power connection (JPW2) and the 12V 4-pin power connection (JPW3). In regions where power transmission noise is a concern, a line filter can be installed to shield the computer from noise interference. Additionally, the installation of a power surge protector is advisable to safeguard against problems arising from power surges.

Super I/O: The Super I/O chip integrated into the motherboard provides extensive disk drive adapter functions. These functions encompass a floppy disk drive controller compatible with industry-standard 82077/765, a data separator, write pre-compensation circuitry, decode logic, data rate selection, a clock generator, drive interface control logic, and interrupt and DMA (Direct Memory Access) logic.

Furthermore, the Super I/O chip features two high-speed, 16550-compatible serial communication ports (UARTs). Each UART incorporates a 16-byte send/receive FIFO (First-In-First-Out), a programmable baud rate generator, comprehensive modem control capabilities, and a processor interrupt system. Both UARTs support legacy speeds with baud rates of up to 115.2 Kbps and advanced speeds with baud rates of 250 K, 500 K, or 1 Mb/s, accommodating high-speed modems.

The Super I/O chip complies with ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) specifications, facilitating support for both legacy and ACPI power management through SMI (System Management Interrupt) or SCI (System Control Interrupt) function pins. It also includes auto power management to reduce power consumption, enhancing the system’s energy efficiency.