Supermicro X8SIL-F motherboard

Description

The Supermicro X8SIL-F motherboard is a powerhouse of performance and reliability, purpose-built to cater to the demands of entry-level server platforms. Leveraging the robust capabilities of the Intel 3400 chipset, this motherboard is designed to accommodate the Intel Xeon 3400 processor series, ensuring top-tier performance and feature sets. In this comprehensive product description, we delve into the core features and functionalities that make the X8SIL-F a standout choice for server deployments.

Intel 3400 Chipset Overview: At the heart of the X8SIL-F lies the Intel 3400 chipset, offering seamless compatibility with the Intel Xeon 3400 processor series. This single-chip chipset forms the backbone of the motherboard, delivering the performance and features essential for single-processor-based systems. With configurations optimized for entry-level server platforms, the X8SIL-F ensures that your server infrastructure is well-equipped for the tasks at hand.

One of the standout features of the Intel 3400 chipset is the high-speed Direct Media Interface (DMI), which facilitates chip-to-chip true isochronous communication with the processor. This groundbreaking feature enables the X8SIL-F to achieve impressive data transfer rates of up to 10 Gb/s in each direction, surpassing the capabilities of its peers and enhancing overall system performance. Additionally, the chipset boasts essential functionalities such as a TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) timer, ECC (Error-Correcting Code) Error Reporting, Function Disable, and Intruder Detect for added system reliability and security.

Intel 3400 Chipset Features:

• Direct Media Interface (DMI): Offers high-speed data transfer at up to 10 Gb/s in full duplex mode, facilitating rapid communication between chipset components.
• Intel Matrix Storage Technology and Intel Rapid Storage Technology: Streamline data management, storage, and retrieval, enhancing overall system efficiency.
• Dual NAND Interface: Ensures robust support for NAND flash memory, optimizing data storage capabilities.
• Intel I/O Virtualization (VT-d) Support: Enhances virtualization capabilities, enabling efficient resource allocation and management.
• Intel Trusted Execution Technology Support: Bolsters system security through hardware-based authentication and execution protection.
• PCI Express 2.0 Interface: Features speeds of up to 5.0 GT/s for high-speed data connectivity.
• SATA Controller: Supports data transfer rates of up to 3G/s, ensuring efficient storage access.
• Advanced Host Controller Interface (AHCI): Optimizes the operation of Serial ATA (SATA) devices for improved performance and reliability.

PC Health Monitoring: The X8SIL-F motherboard incorporates a comprehensive suite of PC health monitoring features, underpinned by an onboard System Hardware Monitor chip. These features are essential for ensuring the stability and reliability of your server infrastructure.

Recovery from AC Power Loss: The motherboard’s BIOS empowers users to configure the system’s response in the event of AC power loss and restoration. Options include remaining powered off (requiring manual power-on) or automatically returning to a powered-on state, with the default setting being Last State.

Onboard Voltage Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of critical voltages, including CPU core voltage, +3.3V, +5V, +/-12V, +3.3V Standby, VBAT, Memory, and VCORE for CPU, is performed by the onboard voltage monitor. Any voltage irregularities trigger warnings or error messages on the screen, with adjustable voltage thresholds ensuring sensitivity customization through SD III.

Fan Status Monitor with Software: The PC health monitoring system diligently checks the RPM status of cooling fans through Supero Doctor III software, ensuring optimal thermal management.

CPU Overheat LED and Control: This vital feature, accessible through BIOS settings, empowers users to establish an overheat temperature threshold. When the CPU temperature surpasses this predetermined threshold, the CPU thermal trip feature activates. This triggers a signal to the buzzer and simultaneously reduces CPU speed, preventing overheating-related issues.

Power Configuration Settings: The X8SIL-F motherboard offers a range of features dedicated to power management and settings, optimizing energy efficiency and system operation.

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: In scenarios where the USB keyboard is the sole input device in the system, it functions seamlessly as a regular keyboard during system boot-up.

Main Switch Override Mechanism: When an ATX power supply is employed, the power button serves dual purposes, including functioning as a system suspend button. Pressing it initiates a SoftOff state, suspending the monitor and spinning down the hard drive. Subsequent pressing of the power button awakens the entire system. In the SoftOff state, the ATX power supply maintains power to essential circuitry, ensuring system readiness. In cases of system malfunction necessitating immediate power-off, a simple press and hold of the power button for four seconds effectively cuts power to the motherboard.

Power Supply: A stable and reliable power source is a fundamental requirement for consistent and dependable system operation, particularly for processors running at clock rates exceeding 1 GHz. The X8SIL-F accommodates ATX12V standard power supplies, with strict recommendations to ensure system stability.

The motherboard advocates the use of high-quality power supplies meeting the ATX12V standard power supply Specification 1.1 or higher. Moreover, the 12V 8-pin power connection (JPW2) should be utilized to guarantee adequate power supply. In regions where noisy power transmission is prevalent, the installation of a line filter is advised to mitigate noise interference. Additionally, to safeguard against power surges and associated problems, the use of a power surge protector is highly recommended.

Super I/O Integration: The Super I/O chip integrated into the motherboard enhances its capabilities by offering a myriad of disk drive adapter functions. These functions include a floppy disk drive controller that adheres to industry-standard 82077/765 specifications. The Super I/O chip significantly reduces the number of components required for interfacing with floppy disk drives by consolidating functions such as data separation, write pre-compensation circuitry, decode logic, data rate selection, clock generation, drive interface control logic, and interrupt and DMA logic into a single chip.

Moreover, the Super I/O chip enhances connectivity with two high-speed, 16550-compatible serial communication ports (UARTs). Each UART is equipped with a 16-byte send/receive FIFO, a programmable baud rate generator, comprehensive modem control capabilities, and a processor interrupt system. These dual UARTs support 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 a wide range of high-speed modem requirements.

The Super I/O chip adheres to ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) specifications, ensuring compatibility with both legacy and ACPI power management. It boasts SMI (System Management Interrupt) or SCI (System Control Interrupt) function pin support and features auto power management capabilities that effectively reduce power consumption, contributing to enhanced energy efficiency.

iSCSI Support: In tune with modern networking requirements, the X8SIL-F motherboard offers robust support for the iSCSI (Internet Small Computer System Interface) protocol. iSCSI serves as an IP networking standard that seamlessly links and manages data storage while facilitating data transfers over the internet, private intranets, and long distances.

The flexibility of iSCSI extends to data transmission over local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and the Internet, making it a versatile solution for location-independent data storage and retrieval. With iSCSI, clients can issue SCSI commands to remote SCSI storage devices, enabling data centers to consolidate remote storage devices into unified storage arrays. This consolidation creates the illusion of locally-attached disks for host servers, simplifying data management and enhancing accessibility.

Unlike fiber-optic networks, which necessitate specialized cabling, iSCSI operates efficiently over existing networks, eliminating the need for significant infrastructure investments. On the X8SIL-F motherboard, iSCSI support is channeled through LAN 1, offering users a seamless and high-performance data storage and retrieval solution. BIOS settings allow for easy activation of this feature, making it a valuable asset for modern server environments.

Overview of the Nuvoton BMC Controller: The Nuvoton BMC (Baseboard Management Controller) and Graphics Core combine to offer advanced capabilities in the X8SIL-F motherboard. This controller, known as the Nuvoton WPCM150, seamlessly integrates essential functionalities for robust system management and enhanced graphics performance.

Graphics Core with PCI Interface: The BMC includes a 2D/VGA-compatible Graphics Core equipped with a PCI interface. This feature enhances visual capabilities, contributing to improved graphics performance and rendering capabilities.

Virtual Media Support: The BMC extends support for Virtual Media, enabling remote access to media resources and content. This feature enhances system management and control, allowing for efficient media management.

Keyboard/Video/Mouse Redirection (KVMR) Module: The inclusion of a Keyboard/Video/Mouse Redirection module enables remote keyboard, video, and mouse access, simplifying system administration and troubleshooting processes.

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

USB Support: The BMC supports USB 2.0 and 1.1, enabling remote keyboard, mouse, and virtual media emulation for efficient system management and control.

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

Ethernet Connectivity: Network connectivity is facilitated through the integration of an external Ethernet PHY module or shared NCSI (Network Controller Sideband Interface) connections, ensuring reliable network communication.

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

Fan Control: The BMC 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 BMC controller is equipped with General Purpose I/O ports, offering versatile options for input and output, further enhancing system functionality and adaptability.

Two Versions of the Nuvoton BMC Chip: Within the X8SIL-F motherboard product series, two distinct versions of the Nuvoton BMC chip are employed, each tailored to specific model variants to meet unique requirements.

Nuvoton WPCM150: This version, bearing the Manufacturer P/N WPCM150GA0BX5, is installed in the X8SIL and X8SIL-V motherboard models. It encompasses all the features described above, offering a comprehensive set of capabilities for effective system management and enhanced graphics performance.

Nuvoton WPCM450: The WPCM450 variant, with the Manufacturer P/N WPCM450RA0BX, extends all the features of the WPCM150 while adding support for IPMI 2.0 (Intelligent Platform Management Interface). This specific chip is installed in the X8SIL-F motherboard, elevating remote management capabilities to new heights.

In conclusion, the Supermicro X8SIL-F motherboard is a versatile and powerful solution meticulously crafted to meet the requirements of entry-level server platforms. With its Intel 3400 chipset, extensive PC health monitoring features, robust power configuration settings, integrated Super I/O capabilities, iSCSI support, and the advanced functionalities of the Nuvoton BMC Controller, this motherboard stands as a reliable and feature-rich choice for modern server deployments. Whether you’re establishing an entry-level server or upgrading an existing infrastructure, the X8SIL-F is engineered to deliver the performance, stability, and adaptability necessary to thrive in today’s dynamic computing landscape.