Supermicro X8SI6-F motherboard

Description

The Supermicro X8SI6-F motherboard stands as a testament to advanced computing and server technology, designed to meet the demanding needs of performance server platforms. Leveraging the capabilities of the Intel 3420 chipset, this motherboard offers robust features and performance optimizations for single-processor-based systems. Below is an in-depth exploration of its key features and functionalities:

Intel 3420 Chipset Overview: At its core, the X8SI6-F is powered by the Intel 3420 chipset, offering support for the Intel Xeon processor 3400 series. This chipset provides a solid foundation for high-performance server platforms, ensuring seamless integration and operation. Notably, it incorporates a high-speed Direct Media Interface (DMI), which enables chip-to-chip true isochronous communication with the processor. This DMI feature achieves speeds of up to 10 Gb/s for software-transparent data transfer in both directions, surpassing the capabilities of comparable systems.

The Intel 3420 chipset further enhances system stability and security through features like ECC Error Reporting, Function Disable, and Intruder Detect. Additionally, it supports Intel Matrix Storage Technology and Intel Rapid Storage Technology for efficient data management. The chipset embraces Intel I/O Virtualization (VT-d) Support and Intel Trusted Execution Technology, enhancing virtualization and system security. The integration of a PCI Express 1.1 Interface (with speeds of up to 2.5 GT/s) and a SATA Controller (supporting speeds of up to 3Gb/s) ensures versatile connectivity and data transfer options.

PC Health Monitoring: The X8SI6-F motherboard incorporates a suite of PC health monitoring features, bolstering system reliability and stability. These features are facilitated by an onboard System Hardware Monitor chip, offering comprehensive monitoring and control:

Recovery from AC Power Loss: The BIOS provides configurable settings to define the system’s response when AC power is lost and subsequently restored. Users can choose to have the system remain powered off, necessitating manual power-on, or configure it to automatically return to a powered-on state. The default setting is Last State.

Onboard Voltage Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of critical voltages, including CPU core voltage, +3.3V, +5V, +/-12V, +3.3V Standby, VBAT, and Memory voltage, is performed by the onboard voltage monitor. Any voltage fluctuations trigger warnings or error messages on the screen, and users can fine-tune voltage thresholds to adjust the sensitivity of the voltage monitor.

Fan Status Monitor with Software: PC health monitoring keeps a vigilant eye on the RPM status of cooling fans via Supero Doctor III software, ensuring optimal thermal performance.

CPU Overheat LED and Control: This feature, accessible through BIOS settings, empowers users to set an overheat temperature threshold. When the CPU temperature exceeds this pre-defined threshold, the CPU thermal trip feature activates. This triggers both a signal to the buzzer and a reduction in CPU speed, mitigating the risk of overheating.

Power Configuration Settings: The X8SI6-F motherboard offers several power-related features:

Slow Blinking LED for Suspend-State Indicator: When the CPU enters a suspend state, the chassis power LED initiates a slow blinking pattern, indicating 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 serves as the sole input device in the system, it functions as a standard keyboard during system boot-up.

Main Switch Override Mechanism: When an ATX power supply is employed, the power button serves a dual purpose as a system suspend button. Pressing it initiates a SoftOff state, suspending the monitor and powering 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 of system malfunction necessitating an immediate power-off, users can accomplish this by pressing and holding the power button for four seconds, cutting off power to the motherboard.

Power Supply: A stable power source is paramount for reliable system operation, especially for processors operating at clock rates exceeding 1 GHz. The X8SI6-F motherboard accommodates ATX12V standard power supplies. While most power supplies meet the CPU’s required specifications, some may fall short. Therefore, a 2-Amp current supply on a 5V Standby rail is strongly recommended for optimal performance.

To ensure robust and uninterrupted operation, it is highly recommended to use a high-quality power supply conforming to ATX12V standard power supply Specification 1.1 or higher. Adequate power delivery is assured by utilizing the 12V 8-pin power connection (JPW2). In regions where power transmission noise is prevalent, the installation of a line filter can mitigate noise interference. Additionally, the use of a power surge protector is advisable to safeguard against issues arising from power surges.

Super I/O: The Super I/O chip integrated into the motherboard augments its capabilities by providing extensive disk drive adapter functions, including a floppy disk drive controller. This controller adheres to industry-standard 82077/765 specifications and encompasses features like data separation, write pre-compensation circuitry, decode logic, data rate selection, a clock generator, drive interface control logic, and interrupt and DMA logic. By consolidating these functions into a single chip, the Super I/O chip streamlines the interface with floppy disk drives, reducing the need for multiple components.

Moreover, the Super I/O chip enhances connectivity with two high-speed, 16550-compatible serial communication ports (UARTs). Each UART boasts a 16-byte send/receive FIFO, a programmable baud rate generator, comprehensive modem control capabilities, and a processor interrupt system. This dual UART setup supports both 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), catering to high-speed modem requirements.

The Super I/O chip adheres to ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) specifications, ensuring compatibility with legacy and ACPI power management through dedicated SMI (System Management Interrupt) or SCI (System Control Interrupt) function pins. Additionally, the chip incorporates auto power management features to reduce overall power consumption, contributing to energy efficiency.

iSCSI Support: The X8SI6-F motherboard embraces iSCSI (Internet Small Computer System Interface) support, a standard for IP networking used to facilitate data storage and transfer across various network types, including LANs, WANs, and the Internet. iSCSI enables clients to issue SCSI commands to remote SCSI storage devices, effectively allowing data centers to consolidate remote storage devices into storage arrays. This consolidation creates an illusion of locally-attached disks for host servers, simplifying data management.

With iSCSI support on LAN1, users can take advantage of this protocol to transmit data over existing networks, eliminating the need for specialized cabling. This opens up possibilities for location-independent data storage and retrieval, ideal for modern data center and server deployments.

Overview of the Winbond WPCM450 Controller: The X8SI6-F motherboard is equipped with the Winbond WPCM450, a Baseboard Management Controller (BMC). This versatile controller offers several key functionalities:

Graphics Core with PCI Interface: The BMC features a 2D/VGA-compatible Graphics Core with a PCI interface, enhancing visual capabilities and enabling graphics-related operations.

Virtual Media Support: Users can leverage the Virtual Media functionality, enabling remote access to media resources and content, further enhancing system management and control.

Keyboard/Video/Mouse (KVM) Redirection: The KVM Redirection module facilitates remote keyboard, video, and mouse access, allowing for convenient system administration and troubleshooting.

PCI Interface: The BMC communicates with the host system via a PCI interface, enabling seamless integration and communication with various components.

USB Support: The controller supports USB 2.0 and 1.1, facilitating remote keyboard, mouse, and virtual media emulation.

LPC Interface: An LPC (Low Pin Count) interface is provided to control Super I/O functions, ensuring comprehensive system control and monitoring.

Ethernet Connectivity: To enable network connectivity, the WPCM450 controller is linked to an external Ethernet PHY module, ensuring reliable network communication.

SMBus Interfaces: The controller communicates with onboard components through six SMBus interfaces, facilitating data exchange and control.

Fan Control: The WPCM450 controller oversees fan control, ensuring optimal thermal management for the system.

Platform Environment Control Interface (PECI): PECI buses are utilized for monitoring and controlling environmental factors, enhancing system stability and performance.

General Purpose I/O (T-SGPIO) Ports: The controller features General Purpose I/O ports, offering versatile options for input and output, further enhancing system functionality and adaptability.

Notably, there are two versions of the WPCM450 chip within the product series. The WPCM450-G chip is installed in the X8SIE and X8SIE-LN4 motherboards, offering a comprehensive feature set as described. Conversely, the WPCM450-R chip, installed in the X8SIE-F, X8SI6-F, and X8SIE-LN4F motherboard models, includes all the features of the WPCM450-G while also supporting IPMI 2.0 (Intelligent Platform Management Interface), enhancing remote management capabilities.

In summary, the Supermicro X8SI6-F motherboard represents a cutting-edge solution for performance server platforms, harnessing the power of the Intel 3420 chipset, extensive PC health monitoring, power configuration settings, Super I/O integration, iSCSI support, and the advanced capabilities of the Winbond WPCM450 Controller. This motherboard is well-suited for modern data centers and server deployments, offering reliability, versatility, and robust feature sets for demanding computing environments.