Description
The Supermicro X8DTT-F motherboard is a powerhouse of computing excellence, harnessing the capabilities of the 5500/5600 Series Processor platform to deliver top-tier performance and an array of features tailored for dual-processor-based systems. This motherboard is designed to excel in demanding applications, High-Performance Computing (HPC)/Cluster environments, and server platforms. The foundation of this exceptional motherboard lies in the 5500/5600 Series Processor platform, consisting of the 5500/5600 Series processors (LGA 1366), the 5520 North Bridge, and the ICH10R South Bridge. With the integration of the Intel QuickPath Interconnect (QPI) controller, the 5500/5600 Series Processor platform sets new standards by being the first dual-processing platform to adopt the next-generation point-to-point system interconnect interface, effectively replacing the aging Front Side Bus Technology. This transformative shift enhances system performance significantly by employing serial link interconnections, offering increased bandwidth and scalability.
Intel 5500/5600 Series Processor Platform:
The X8DTT-F motherboard capitalizes on the capabilities of the Intel 5500/5600 Series Processor platform, which features the 5500/5600 Series processors, the 5520 North Bridge, and the ICH10R South Bridge. At the heart of this platform is the revolutionary Intel QuickPath Interconnect (QPI) controller, which marks a pioneering development by introducing the next-generation point-to-point system interconnect interface. This technology supersedes the traditional Front Side Bus (FSB) architecture, resulting in a substantial boost in system performance. The adoption of serial link interconnections translates to increased bandwidth and scalability, setting new benchmarks in computing capability.
High-Speed Connectivity and RAS Features:
The IOH (Input/Output Hub) establishes a dedicated QPI (QuickPath Interconnect) link with each processor, ensuring independent and efficient communication. Each QPI link comprises an impressive 20 pairs of unidirectional differential lanes for data transmission and reception, along with a differential forwarded clock. A full-width QPI link pair consists of a remarkable 84 signals. Each processor accommodates two QuickPath links, with one directed towards the other processor and the other connecting to the 5520 North Bridge.
The 5520 North Bridge is designed to support up to 36/24 PCI Express Gen2 lanes for peer-to-peer read and write transactions, facilitating high-speed data exchange. Meanwhile, the ICH10R South Bridge provides multiple PCI-Express SATA and USB connections, enhancing connectivity and compatibility with a wide range of peripherals.
In addition to its performance prowess, the 5500/5600 Series Processor platform incorporates a comprehensive set of Reliability, Availability, and Serviceability (RAS) features. These encompass memory interface Error-Correcting Code (ECC), x4/x8 Single Device Data Correction (SDDC), Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC), parity protection, out-of-band register access via SMBus, memory mirroring, memory sparing, and Hot-plug support for the PCI-Express interface.
Main Features of the 5500/5600 Series Processor and the 5520 Chipset:
- Each processor boasts four cores, complemented by an 8MB shared cache shared among the cores.
- The platform features two full-width Intel QuickPath Interconnect links, offering data transfer rates of up to 6.4 GT/s (GigaTransfers per second) in each direction.
- Support for Virtualization Technology and Integrated Management Engine enhances the platform’s capabilities.
- The point-to-point cache coherent interconnect ensures efficient data exchange, offering fast/narrow unidirectional links and concurrent bi-directional traffic.
Special Features and Management: The X8DTT-F motherboard incorporates a host of specialized features and robust management capabilities, including:
Recovery from AC Power Loss: The BIOS provides users with configurable settings to determine how the system responds to AC power loss and 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.
PC Health Monitoring: This motherboard integrates an onboard System Hardware Monitor chip, which continuously scans critical onboard voltages, including CPU1 VCore, CPU2 VCore, +5Vin, 12Vcc, VP1 DIMM, VP2 DIMM, +3.3Vcc, and Battery Voltage. When a voltage becomes unstable, the system issues warnings or displays error messages on the screen. Users have the flexibility to adjust voltage thresholds to fine-tune the sensitivity of the voltage monitor.
Fan Status Monitor with Firmware Control: The PC health monitor is equipped to check the RPM status of cooling fans, with onboard CPU and chassis fans being regulated through Thermal Management via BIOS settings accessible under Hardware Monitoring in the Advanced Setup.
Environmental Temperature Control: Real-time monitoring of CPU temperature prompts the activation of the thermal control fan when the CPU temperature surpasses a user-defined threshold. The overheat circuitry operates independently from the CPU, automatically initiating thermal fan control to prevent CPU overheating. Furthermore, the onboard chassis thermal circuitry can monitor the overall system temperature and notify users when the chassis temperature exceeds acceptable levels. Adequate system airflow is recommended to mitigate potential system overheating.
System Resource Alert: This feature, when used in conjunction with Supero Doctor III in a Windows OS environment or Supero Doctor II in Linux, serves as a valuable tool for alerting users to specific system events. Users can configure Supero Doctor to issue warnings when system temperature, CPU temperatures, voltages, and fan speeds deviate from predefined ranges.
ACPI Features: The Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) support empowers the seamless integration of power management features across hardware, operating system, and application software layers. ACPI facilitates the automatic powering on and off of peripherals like CD-ROMs, network cards, hard disk drives, and printers as needed.
Suspend-State Indicator: When the CPU enters a suspend state, the chassis power LED initiates a slow blinking pattern to signal the CPU’s status. Upon pressing any key, the CPU awakens from its suspended state, causing the LED to cease blinking and remain steadily lit.
Main Switch Override Mechanism: When an ATX power supply is in use, the power button can serve as a system suspend button, placing the system in a SoftOff state. During this state, the monitor goes into standby mode, and the hard drive ceases spinning. Pressing the power button once more reactivates the entire system. In the SoftOff state, the ATX power supply continues to provide power to essential circuitry to maintain functionality. In situations where the system malfunctions and immediate power-off is necessary, users can simply press and hold the power button for four seconds to achieve this. These options are configurable within the Power section of the BIOS Setup routine.
Wake-On-LAN (WOL): Wake-On-LAN functionality enables a management application to remotely power up a computer that is currently powered off. This feature is invaluable for remote PC setup, updates, and asset tracking, allowing these operations to occur outside regular working hours to minimize daily LAN traffic and user interruptions. The motherboard features a 3-pin WOL header designed to connect to the 3-pin header on a Network Interface Card (NIC) with WOL capability. Additionally, an onboard LAN controller extends support for WOL without requiring a connection to the WOL header.
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