Chipset And Processor Features Overview - Supermicro X7DCA-3 User Manual

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Chipset and Processor Features Overview

Built upon the functionality and the capability of the Intel 5100 chipset, the X7DCA-3/
X7DCA-i motherboard provides the performance and feature set required for dual
processor-based high-end computer systems with confi guration options optimized
for energy-effi cient graphic applications and CAD (Computer-Aided Drawing)
systems. The 5100 chipset supports single or dual Intel Xeon 64-bit Quad-Core/
Dual-Core 5400/5300/5200/5100 Series processors with front side bus speeds of
up to 1.333 GHz. The chipset consists of the 5100 Memory Controller Hub (MCH),
Intel I/O Controller Hub (ICH9R) and the I/O subsystem.
The 5100 Memory Controller Hub (MCH)
The Intel 5100 MCH chip is designed for symmetric multiprocessing across two
independent front side bus interfaces. Each front side bus uses a 64-bit wide,
1066/1333 MTS data bus capable of transferring data at 8.5/10.6 GB/s for a total
bandwidth of 17/21.3 GB/s. The MCH supports a 36-bit wide address bus and up
to four DDR2 667 MHz/533 MHz DIMM modules, providing a total memory capacity
of up to 32 GB.
The 5100 MCH also provides two x4 & one x16 PCI-Express interfaces and one x4
DMI Interface to the ICH9R. Each PCI Express port on the MCH provides 4 GB/s
bi-directional bandwidth if confi gured as a x8 port, or 2 GB/s bi-directional bandwidth
if confi gured as a x4 port.
The Ninth Generation I/O Controller Hub (ICH9)
The I/O Controller ICH9R provides the data buffering and interface arbitration re-
quired for the system to operate effi ciently. It also provides the bandwidth needed
for the system to maintain its peak performance. The Direct Media Interface (DMI)
provides the connection between the MCH and the ICH9R. The ICH9R supports up
to two PCI-Express x8 slots, six Serial ATA ports and ten USB 2.0 ports/headers.
In addition, the ICH9R offers the Intel Matrix Storage Technology which provides
various RAID options for data protection and rapid data access. It also supports the
next generation of client management through the use of PROActive technology in
conjunction with Intel's next generation Gigabit Ethernet controllers.
Chapter 1: Introduction
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