Page 2
Please Note: For the most up-to-date version of this manual, please see our web site at www.supermicro.com. SUPER MICRO COMPUTER reserves the right to make changes to the product described in this manual at any time and without notice.
These features allow the motherboard to operate at much higher speeds with better power management in much safer environments than the traditional motherboards. The X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i is ideal for high performance dual processor (DP) enterprise server environments. This product is intended to be professionally installed.
Checklist Congratulations on purchasing your computer motherboard from an acknowledged leader in the industry. Supermicro boards are designed with the utmost attention to detail to provide you with the highest standards in quality and performance. Check that the following items have all been included with your motherboard. If anything listed here is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
Chapter 1: Introduction Figure 1-1. X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i Image *Note: The drawings and pictures shown in this manual were based on the latest PCB Revision available at the time of publishing of the manual. The motherboard you’ve received may or may not look exactly the same as the...
Page 10
JF1 front panel connections. 3. " " indicates the location of Pin 1. 4. SCSI is for the X7DBR-8 only. 5. For Compact Card to work properly, please enable JCF1 by putting cap on it and connect JWF1 to a power supply.
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual Motherboard Features ® • Dual Intel 64-bit Xeon LGA 771 quad core/dual core processors at a front side bus speed of 667 MHz/1.066 GHz/1.333 GHz Memory • 8 240-pin DIMM sockets with support up to 32 GB DDR2 Fully Buffered (FBD) ECC 667/533 Memory (*See Section 2-3 in Chapter 2 for DIMM Slot Popula- tion.)
Page 13
Chapter 1: Introduction ACPI Features • Slow blinking LED for suspend state indicator • Main switch override mechanism • ACPI Power Management • Power-on mode for power recovery Onboard I/O • Six SATA ports (supporting RAID0, RAID1, RAID10 and RAID5) •...
Page 14
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual PROCESSOR#2 ISL6307 667/1067/ 1333 MT/S PCI-Ex8 PORT #4,5 5000P MCH PCI-Ex8 PORT #6,7 PORT PORTPORT PORT PORT PCI-Ex8 #1,2 PCI-X100 SCSI PCIX PCI-33 ES1000 CONN PCI33MMZ GB LAN RJ45 GILGAL RJ45 SIMSO Figure 1-9. Block Diagram of the 5000P Chipset Note: This is a general chipset block diagram.
Chapter 1: Introduction Chipset Overview Built upon the functionality and the capability of the 5000P chipset, the X7DBR- 8/X7DBR-i motherboard provides the performance and feature set required for dual processor-based servers with confi guration options optimized for communications, presentation, storage, computation or database applications. The 5000P chipset supports a single or dual Intel 64-bit quad core/dual core processor(s) with front side bus speeds of up to 1.333 GHz.
Advanced section to change this setting. (*Note: Default: Last State). PC Health Monitoring This section describes the PC health monitoring features of the X7DBR-8/X7DBR- i. All have an onboard System Hardware Monitor chip that supports PC health monitoring.
CPU Overheat LED and Control This feature is available when the user enables the CPU overheat warning function in the BIOS. This allows the user to defi ne an overheat temperature. When the CPU temperature reaches this predefi ned threshold, both the overheat fan and the warning LED are triggered.
It is even more important for processors that have high CPU clock rates. The X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i can only accommodate 20-pin ATX power supplies. Al- though most power supplies generally meet the specifi cations required by the CPU, some are inadequate. In addition, the 12V 4-pin and the 12V 8-pin power connec- tions are also required to ensure adequate power supply to the system.
Chapter 1: Introduction It is strongly recommended that you use a high quality power supply that meets ATX power supply Specifi cation 2.01 or above. It must also be SSI compliant (info at http://www.ssiforum.org/). Additionally, in areas where noisy power transmission is present, you may choose to install a line fi...
Static-Sensitive Devices Electric-Static-Discharge (ESD) can damage electronic com ponents. To prevent damage to your system board, it is important to handle it very carefully. The following measures are generally suffi cient to protect your equipment from ESD. Precautions • Use a grounded wrist strap designed to prevent static discharge. •...
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual Processor and Heatsink Installation When handling the processor package, avoid placing direct pressure on the label area of the fan. (*Notes: 1. Always connect the power cord last and always remove it before adding, removing or changing any hardware components. Make sure that you install the processor into the CPU socket before you install the CPU heatsink.
Page 23
3. Use your thumb and your index fi nger to hold the CPU at the North Center Edge and the South Center Edge of the CPU. 4. Align CPU Pin1 (the CPU corner marked with a triangle) against the socket corner that is marked with a triangle cutout.
Page 24
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual Installation of the Heatsink CEK Heatsink Installation 1. Do not apply any thermal grease to the heatsink or the CPU die-the required amount has already been applied. 2. Place the heatsink on top of the CPU so that the four mounting holes are aligned with those on the retention mechanism.
Page 25
Mounting the Motherboard in the Chassis All motherboards have standard mounting holes to fi t different types of chas- sis. Make sure that the locations of all the mounting holes for both motherboard and chassis match. Make sure that the metal standoffs click in or are screwed in tightly.
Repeat for all modules (see step 1 above). Memory Support The X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i supports up to 32 GB fully buffered (FBD) ECC DDR2 667/533 in 8 DIMMs. Populating DIMM modules with pairs of memory modules of the same size and same type will result in Interleaved Memory which will increase memory performance.
Page 27
Possible System Memory Allocation & Availability System Device Firmware Hub fl ash memory (System BIOS) Local APIC Area Reserved for the chipset I/O APIC (4 Kbytes) PCI Enumeration Area 1 PCI Express (256 MB) PCI Enumeration Area 2 (if needed) -Aligned on 256-MB boundary- VGA Memory TSEG...
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual Control Panel Connectors/IO Ports The I/O ports are color coded in conformance with the PC 99 specifi cation. See Figure 2-3 below for the colors and locations of the various I/O ports. A. Back Panel Connectors/IO Ports Figure 2-3.
These connectors are designed specifi - cally for use with Supermicro server chassis. See Figure 2-4 for the descriptions of the various control panel buttons and LED indicators. Refer to the following section for descriptions and pin defi...
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual C. Front Control Panel Pin Defi nitions NMI Button The non-maskable interrupt button header is located on pins 19 and 20 of JF1. Refer to the table on the right for pin defi nitions. Power LED The Power LED connection is located on pins 15 and 16 of JF1.
HDD LED The HDD LED connection is located on pins 13 and 14 of JF1. Attach the hard drive LED cable here to display disk activity (for any hard drives on the system, including SAS, Serial ATA and IDE). See the table on the right for pin defi...
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual Overheat/Fan Fail LED (OH) Connect an LED to the OH/Fan Fail connection on pins 7 and 8 of JF1 to provide advanced warning of chassis overheating or fan failure. Refer to the table on the right for pin defi ni- tions.
Reset Button The Reset Button connection is located on pins 3 and 4 of JF1. Attach it to the hardware reset switch on the computer case. Refer to the table on the right for pin defi nitions. Power Button The Power Button connection is located on pins 1 and 2 of JF1.
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual Connecting Cables ATX Power Connector There are a 20-pin main power supply connector(JPW1) and an 8-pin CPU PWR connector (JPW3) on the moth- erboard. These power connectors meet the SSI EPS 12V specifi cation. The 4-pin 12V PWR supply is required to provide adequate power to the sys- tem.
Universal Serial Bus (USB) There are six USB 2.0 (Universal Serial Bus) ports/headers on the motherboard. Two of them are Back Panel USB ports (USB#0/1:JUSB1), and the other are Front Panel USB headers (USB#2/3:JUSB2, USB#4/5: JUSB3). See the tables on the right for pin defi...
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual Fan Headers The X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i has fi ve chassis/sys- tem fan headers (Fan1 to Fan5.) See the table on the right for pin defi nitions. (*The onboard fan speeds are controlled by Thermal Manage- ment via BIOS Hardware Monitoring in the Advanced Setting Note: Default: Disabled.)
ATX PS/2 Keyboard and PS/2 Mouse Ports The ATX PS/2 keyboard and the PS/2 mouse ports are located at JKM and JMS. See the table on the right for pin defi nitions. (The mouse port is above the keyboard port. See the table on the right for pin defi...
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual Wake-On-Ring The Wake-On-Ring header is desig- nated JWOR. This function allows your computer to be "awakened" by an incoming call to the modem when the system is in the suspend state. See the table on the right for pin defi...
GLAN 1/2 (Giga-bit Ethernet Ports) Two G-bit Ethernet ports are desig- nated JLAN1 and JLAN2 on the IO backplane. This port accepts RJ45 type cables. Power LED/Speaker On the JD1 header, pins 1-3 are for a power LED and pins 4-7 are for the speaker.
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual Power Fault (PWR Supply Failure) Connect a cable from your power supply to the Power Failure header (JPWF) to provide warnings of power supply failure. This warning signal is passed through the PWR_LED pin to indicate of a power failure on the chassis.
Overheat LED/Fan Fail (JOH1) The JOH1 header is used to connect an LED to provide warnings of chas- sis overheating. This LED will blink to indicate a fan failure. Refer to the table on right for pin defi nitions. A System Management Bus header is located at J18.
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual Power SMB (I C) Connector Power SMB (I C) Connector (J17) monitors the status of PWR Supply, Fan and system temperature. See the table on the right for pin defi nitions. VGA Connector A VGA connector (JVGA1) is located next to the GLAN2 port on the IO backplane.
Compact Flash Card PWR Connector A Compact Flash Card Power Connector is located at JWF1. For the Compact Flash Card or the Compact Flash Jumper (JCF1) to work properly, you will need to connect a power cable to JWF1 fi rst. Refer to the board layout below for the location.
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual Jumper Settings Explanation of Jumpers To modify the operation of the motherboard, jumpers can be used to choose between optional settings. Jumpers create shorts between two pins to change the function of the connector. Pin 1 is identifi ed with a square solder pad on the printed circuit board.
CMOS Clear JBT1 is used to clear CMOS. Instead of pins, this "jumper" consists of contact pads to prevent the accidental clearing of CMOS. To clear CMOS, use a metal object such as a small screwdriver to touch both pads at the same time to short the connection.
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual SCSI Controller Enable/ Disable Jumper JPA1 is used to enable or dis- able the Adaptec SCSI controller. The default setting is on pins 1-2 to enable SCSI. See the table on the right for jumper settings. SCSI Termination Enable/...
3rd PWR Supply PWR Fault Detect (J3P) The system can notify you in the event of a power supply failure. This feature is available when three power supply units are installed in the chassis with one act- ing as a backup. If you only have one or two power supply units installed, you should disable this (the default setting) with J3P to prevent false alarms.
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual C Bus to PCI Slots 1/2 C1/JI C2 allow you to enable I Bus to PCI-X/PCI-E slots. See the table on the right for jumper settings. The default setting is Disabled. Compact Flash Master/Slave Select A Compact Flash Master (Primary)/Slave (Secondary) Select Jumper is located at JCF1.
Onboard Indicators GLAN LEDs There are two GLAN ports on the moth- erboard. Each Gigabit Ethernet LAN port has two LEDs. The yellow LED indicates activity, while the power LED may be green, amber or off to indicate the speed of the connection.
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual Onboard SCSI Activity LED Indicators (*X7DBR-8 only) There are two Onboard SCSI Activity LED indicators on the X7DBR-8. DA1 indicates the activity status of SCSI Channel A and DA2 indicates the activity status of Chan- nel B.
Floppy Drive, Hard Disk Drive, SIMSO-DIMM IPMI and SCSI Connections Note the following when connecting the fl oppy and hard disk drive cables: • The fl oppy disk drive cable has seven twisted wires. • A red mark on a wire typically designates the location of pin 1. •...
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual SIMSO Slot There is a SIM SO-DIMM IPMI Slot on the motherboard. Refer to the layout below for the location of SIMSO slot. GLAN1 PCI-X 100MHz ZCR SXB- SXB- PCI-X 100MHz GLAN2 SCSI CTRLR A. SIMSO Slot...
IDE Connectors There are two IDE Connectors (JIDE1: Blue, JIDE2: White) on the mother- board. The blue IDE connector (JIDE1) is designated as the Primary IDE Drive. The white IDE connector (JIDE2) is des- ignated as the Secondary IDE Drive, reserved for Compact Flash Card use only.
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual Ultra 320 SCSI Connectors (*X7DBR-8 only) There are two SCSI connectors on the motherboard. SCSI Channel A is located at JA1, and SCSI Channel B is located at JA2. Refer to the table below for the pin defi...
Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Procedures Use the following procedures to troubleshoot your system. If you have followed all of the procedures below and still need assistance, refer to the ‘Technical Support Procedures’ and/or ‘Returning Merchandise for Service’ section(s) in this chapter. Note: Always disconnect the power cord before adding, changing or installing any hardware components.
1. Please go through the ‘Troubleshooting Procedures’ and 'Frequently Asked Ques- tion' (FAQ) sections in this chapter or see the FAQs on our web site www.supermicro.com/support/faqs/) before contacting Technical Support. 2. BIOS upgrades can be downloaded from our web site at (http://www.supermicro.com/support/bios/)
Question: What are the various types of memory that my motherboard can support? Answer: The X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i has eight 240-pin DIMM slots that support DDR2 FBD ECC 667/533 SDRAM modules. It is strongly recommended that you do not mix memory modules of different speeds and sizes.
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual Returning Merchandise for Service A receipt or copy of your invoice marked with the date of purchase is required be- fore any warranty service will be rendered. You can obtain service by calling your vendor for a Returned Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. When returning to the manufacturer, the RMA number should be prominently displayed on the outside of the shipping carton, and mailed prepaid or hand-carried.
4-1 Introduction This chapter describes the Phoenix BIOS™ Setup utility for the X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i. The Phoenix ROM BIOS is stored in a fl ash chip and can be easily upgraded using a fl oppy disk-based program. Note: Due to periodic changes to the BIOS, some settings may have been added or deleted and might not yet be recorded in this manual.
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual Running Setup *Default settings are in bold text unless otherwise noted. The BIOS setup options described in this section are selected by choosing the appropriate text from the main BIOS Setup screen. All displayed text is described in this section, although the screen display is often all you need to understand how to set the options (see the next page).
Chapter 4: BIOS Main BIOS Setup Menu Main Setup Features System Time To set the system date and time, key in the correct information in the appropriate fi elds. Then press the <Enter> key to save the data. System Date Using the arrow keys, highlight the month, day and year fi...
Page 62
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual IDE Channel 0 Master/Slave, IDE Channel 1 Master/Slave, SATA Port2 and SATA Port3 These settings allow the user to set the parameters of IDE Channel 0 Master/ Slave, IDE Channel 1 Master/Slave, IDE Channel 2 Master, IDE Channel 3 Master slots.
Page 63
Chapter 4: BIOS CHS Format The following items will be displayed by the BIOS: TYPE: This item displays the type of the IDE or SATA Device. Cylinders: This item indicates the status of Cylinders. Headers: This item indicates the number of headers. Sectors: This item displays the number of sectors.
Page 64
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual Parallel ATA This setting allows the user to enable or disable the function of the Parallel ATA. The options are Channel 0 and Channel 1. Serial ATA This setting allows the user to enable or disable the function of the Serial ATA. The options are Disabled and Enabled.
Chapter 4: BIOS System Memory This feature informs you how much system memory is being detected by the BIOS. Extended Memory This feature informs you how much extended memory is being detected by the BIOS. Advanced Setup Choose Advanced from the Phoenix BIOS Setup Utility main menu with the arrow keys. You should see the following display.
Page 66
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual Boot Features Access the submenu to make changes to the following settings. QuickBoot Mode If enabled, this feature will speed up the POST (Power On Self Test) routine by skipping certain tests after the computer is turned on. The settings are Enabled and Disabled.
Page 67
Chapter 4: BIOS Memory Cache Cache System BIOS Area This setting allows you to designate a reserve area in the system memory to be used as a System BIOS buffer to allow the BIOS to write (cache) its data into this reserved memory area.
Page 68
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual Select "Uncached" to disable this function. Select "Write Through" to allow data to be cached into the buffer and written into the system memory at the same time. Select "Write Protect" to prevent data from being written into the extended memory area above 1 MG.
Page 69
Slot1 PCI-X 100MHz, Slot2 PCI-X 100MHz ZCR, Slot3 PCI-Exp x8, Slot4 PCI-Exp x8 and Slot5 PCI-Exp x8 Access the submenu for each of the settings above to make changes to the following: Option ROM Scan When enabled, this setting will initialize the device expansion ROM. The options are Enabled and Disabled.
Page 70
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual Memory Branch Mode This option determines how the two memory branches operate. System address space can either be interleaved between the two branches or Sequential from one branch to another. Mirror mode allows data correction by maintaining two copies of data in two branches.
Page 71
Chapter 4: BIOS Advanced Processor Options Access the submenu to make changes to the following settings. CPU Speed This is a display that indicates the speed of the installed processor. Frequency Ratio (*Available when supported by the CPU.) The feature allows the user to set the internal frequency multiplier for the CPU. The options are: Default, x12, x13, x14, x15, x16, x17 and x18.
Page 72
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual Adjacent Cache Line Prefetch The CPU fetches the cache line for 64 bytes if this option is set to Disabled. The CPU fetches both cache lines for 128 bytes as comprised if Enabled. The default settings are Disabled for the Intel 5100 Series Processors and Enable for the 5000 Series Processors.
Page 73
Interrupt This setting allows you to select the IRQ (interrupt request) for Serial Port A. The options are IRQ3 and IRQ4. Serial Port B This setting allows you to decide how Serial Port B will be controlled. The options are Enabled (user defi ned), Disabled, Auto (BIOS controlled) and OS Controlled. Mode This setting allows you to set the type of a device that will be connected to Serial Port B.
Page 74
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual DMI Event Logging Access the submenu to make changes to the following settings. Event Log Validity This is a display to inform you of the event log validity. It is not a setting. Event Log Capacity This is a display to inform you of the event log capacity. It is not a setting.
Page 75
Chapter 4: BIOS Console Redirection Access the submenu to make changes to the following settings. COM Port Address This item allows you to specify which COM port to direct the remote console to: Onboard COM A or Onboard COM B. This setting can also be Disabled. BAUD Rate This item allows you to set the BAUD rate for console redirection.
Page 76
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual Hardware Monitor Logic *Note: The Phoenix BIOS will automatically detect the type of CPU(s) and hardware monitoring chip used on the motherboard and will display the Hardware Monitoring Screen accordingly. Your Hardware Monitoring Screen may look like the one shown on this page, on P.
Page 77
Chapter 4: BIOS Hardware Monitor Logic CPU Temperature Threshold (*See the Note on Page 4-18.) This option allows the user to set a CPU temperature threshold that will activate the alarm system when the CPU temperature reaches this pre-set temperature threshold.
Page 78
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual Hardware Monitor Logic (*See the Note on Page 4-18.) CPU Temperature Threshold This option allows the user to set a CPU temperature threshold that will activate the alarm system when the CPU temperature reaches this pre-set temperature threshold.
Page 79
IPMI (The option is available only when an IPMI card is installed in the system.) IPMI Specifi cation Version: Firmware Version: This item displays the current Firmware Version. System Event Logging Select Enabled to enable IPMI Event Logging. When this function is set to Disabled, the system will continue to log events received via system interface.
Page 80
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual OS Boot Watch Dog Set to Enabled to enable OS Boot Watch Dog. The options are Enabled and Disabled. Timer for Loading OS (Minutes) This feature allows the user to set the time value (in minutes) for the previous item: OS Boot Watch Dog by keying-in a desired number in the blank.
Page 81
Chapter 4: BIOS Realtime Sensor Data This feature display information from motherboard sensors, such as temperatures, fan speeds and voltages of various components. 4-23...
Page 82
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual Security Choose Security from the Phoenix BIOS Setup Utility main menu with the arrow keys. You should see the following display. Security setting options are displayed by highlighting the setting using the arrow keys and pressing <Enter>. All Security BIOS settings are described in this section.
Page 83
Password on Boot When set to enabled, a password is required for the user to be enter the system at boot-up. The options are Enabled (password required) and Disabled (password not required). Boot Choose Boot from the Phoenix BIOS Setup Utility main menu with the arrow keys. You should see the following display.
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual Exit Choose Exit from the Phoenix BIOS Setup Utility main menu with the arrow keys. You should see the following display. All Exit BIOS settings are described in this section. Exit Saving Changes Highlight this item and hit <Enter> to save any changes you may have made and to exit the BIOS Setup utility.
Appendix A: BIOS POST Messages Appendix A BIOS POST Messages During the Power-On Self-Test (POST), the BIOS will check for problems. If a prob- lem is found, the BIOS will activate an alarm or display a message. The following is a list of such BIOS messages.
Page 86
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual System CMOS checksum bad - Default confi guration used System CMOS has been corrupted or modifi ed incorrectly, perhaps by an application program that changes data stored in CMOS. The BIOS installed Default Setup Values. If you do not want these values, enter Setup and enter your own values.
Page 87
Appendix A: BIOS POST Messages System cache error - Cache disabled RAM cache failed and BIOS disabled the cache. On older boards, check the cache jumpers. You may have to replace the cache. See your dealer. A disabled cache slows system performance considerably.
Page 88
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual Fixed Disk n Fixed disk n (0-3) identifi ed. Invalid System Confi guration Data Problem with NVRAM (CMOS) data. I/O device IRQ confl ict I/O device IRQ confl ict error. PS/2 Mouse Boot Summary Screen: PS/2 Mouse installed.
Page 89
Appendix A: BIOS POST Messages Parity Check 2 nnnn Parity error found in the I/O bus. BIOS attempts to locate the address and display it on the screen. If it cannot locate the address, it displays ????. Press <F1> to resume, <F2> to Setup, <F3> for previous Displayed after any recoverable error message.
Appendix B BIOS POST Codes This section lists the POST (Power On Self Test) codes for the PhoenixBIOS. POST codes are divided into two categories: recoverable and terminal. Recoverable POST Errors When a recoverable type of error occurs during POST, the BIOS will display an POST code that describes the problem.
Page 92
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual POST Code Description 8254 timer initialization 8237 DMA controller initialization Reset Programmable Interrupt Controller 1-3-1-1 Test DRAM refresh 1-3-1-3 Test 8742 Keyboard Controller Set ES segment register to 4 GB Auto size DRAM Initialize POST Memory Manager...
Page 93
POST Code Description Test RAM between 512 and 640 kB Test extended memory Test extended memory address lines Jump to UserPatch1 Confi gure advanced cache registers Initialize Multi Processor APIC Enable external and CPU caches Setup System Management Mode (SMM) area Display external L2 cache size Load custom defaults (optional) Display shadow-area message...
Page 94
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual POST Code Description Check for SMART Drive (optional) Set up Power Management Initialize security engine (optional) Enable hardware interrupts Determine number of ATA and SCSI drives Set time of day Check key lock Initialize typematic rate Erase <ESC> prompt Scan for <ESC>...
Page 95
POST Code Description Unknown interrupt Check Intel Branding string Alert Standard Format initialization Late init for IPMI Log error if micro-code not updated properly The following are for boot block in Flash ROM POST Code Description Initialize the chipset Initialize the bridge Initialize the CPU Initialize system timer Initialize system I/O...
RAID Utility program to confi gure the RAID Level that you desire before installing the Windows XP/2000/2003 operating system and other software drivers. (The necessary drivers are all included on the Supermicro CD that came packaged with your motherboard.) Note that the current version of the ESB2 SATA RAID Utility can only support Windows XP/2000/2003 Operating Systems.
Page 98
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual The Intel HostRAID Confi gurations The following types of Intel's HostRAID confi gurations are supported: RAID 0 (Data Striping): this writes data in parallel, interleaved ("striped") sections of two hard drives. Data transfer rate is doubled over using a single disk.
Page 99
Using the Intel ESB2 SATA RAID Utility Program 1. Creating, Deleting and Resetting RAID Volumes: a. After the system exits from the BIOS Setup Utility, the system will automatically reboot. The following screen appears after Power-On Self Test. b. When you see the above screen, press the <Ctrl> and the <I> keys simultane- ously to have the main menu of the SATA RAID Utility appear: (*Note: All graphics and screen shots shown in the manual are for reference only.
Page 100
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual Creating a RAID 0 Volume: a. Select "Create RAID Volume" from the main menu and press the <Enter> key. The following screen will appear: b. Specify a name for the RAID 0 set and press the <Tab> key or the <Enter> key to go to the next fi...
Page 101
Appendix C: Intel HostRAID Setup Guidelines Creating a RAID 1 Volume: a. Select "Create RAID Volume" from the main menu and press the <Enter> key. The following screen will appear: b. Specify a name for the RAID 1 set and press the <Tab> key or the <Enter> key to go to the next fi...
Page 102
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual Creating a RAID 10 (RAID 1+ RAID 0): a. Select "Create RAID Volume" from the main menu and press the <Enter> key. The following screen will appear: b. Specify a name for the RAID 10 set and press <Enter>.
Page 103
Appendix C: Intel HostRAID Setup Guidelines Creating a RAID 5 Set (Parity): a. Select "Create RAID Volume" from the main menu and press the <Enter> key. The following screen will appear: b. Specify a name for the RAID 5 set and press <Enter>. c.
Page 104
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual Deleting RAID Volume: (Warning: Be sure to back up your data before deleting a RAID set. You will lose all data on the disk drives when deleting a RAID set.) a. From the main menu, select item2-Delete RAID Volume, and press <Enter>.
Page 105
Resetting to Non-RAID and Resetting a RAID HDD (Warning: Be cautious when you reset a RAID volume HDD to non- RAID or Resetting a RAID HDD. Resetting a RAID volume HDD or Resetting a RAID HDD will reformat the HDD and delete the internal RAID structure on the drive.) a.
Page 106
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual C-2 Installing the Windows XP/2000/2003 OS for Computer systems with RAID Function Support Installing a New Operating System-the Windows XP/2000/2003 OS a. Insert the Microsoft Windows XP/2000/2003 Setup CD in the CD Driver, and the system will start booting up from CD.
After all the hardware has been installed, you must fi rst confi gure the Adaptec Embedded Serial ATA RAID before you install the Windows operating system. The necessary drivers are all included on the Supermicro bootable CDs that came packaged with your motherboard. *Note: The following section provides information on the Adaptec SATA RAID Driver based on the Intel Enterprise South Bridge 2 (ESB2) Controller.
Page 108
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual To confi gure the Adaptec SATA RAID for Operating Systems that support RAID functions(--Windows, Red Hat & SuSe, Linux) 1. Press the <Del> key during system bootup to enter the BIOS Setup Utility. Note: If it is the fi rst time powering on the system, we recommend you load the Optimized Default Settings.
Page 109
(RAID 10) provides multiple RAID 1 mirrors and a RAID 0 stripe, maximizing data security and system effi ciency. By incorporating the Adaptec Embedded Serial ATA into the motherboard design, Supermicro's X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i offers the user the benefi ts of SATARAID without the high costs associated with hardware RAID applications.
Page 110
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual Managing Arrays Select this option to view array properties, and confi gure array settings. To select this option, using the arrow keys and the <enter> key, select "Managing Arrays" from the main menu as shown above.
Page 111
Appendix D: Adaptec HostRAID Setup Guidelines Confi guring Disk Drives You may need to confi gure a disk drive before you can use it. Caution: Confi guring a disk may overwrite the partition table on the disk and may make any data on the disk inaccessible. If the drive is used in an array, you may not be able to use the array again.
Page 112
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual 2. From the "Select Drives for Confi guring" List (shown below,) select the drives you want to confi gure and press <Insert>. 3. The drive you've selected will appear in the "Selected Drives Dialog Box" on the right (as shown below.) Repeat the same steps until all drives that you want to confi...
Page 113
Appendix D: Adaptec HostRAID Setup Guidelines 5. Read the warning message as shown in the screen below. 6. Make sure that you have selected the correct disk drives to confi gure. If correct, type Y to continue.
Page 114
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual Creating Arrays Before you create arrays, make sure that the disks for the array are connected and installed in your system. Note that disks with no usable space, or disks that are un-initialized or not formatted are shown in gray and cannot be used. (*Note: It is recommended that you confi...
Page 115
Assigning Array Properties Once a new array is completed, you can assign properties to the array. *Caution: Once the array is created and its properties are assigned, and you cannot change the array properties using this utility. To assign properties to the new array: 1.
Page 116
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual 5. When you are fi nished, press <Done> (as the screen shown below). Notes: 1. Before adding a new drive to an array, be sure to back up any data stored on the new drive; otherwise, all data will be lost.
Page 117
Appendix D: Adaptec HostRAID Setup Guidelines Adding a Bootable Array To make an array bootable: 1. From the Main menu, select Manage Arrays. 2. From the List of Arrays, select the array you want to make bootable, and press <Ctrl> and <B>. 3.
Page 118
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual Adding/Deleting Hotspares To add a Hotspare: (*Note: In order to rebuild a RAID (RAID 0 or RAID 1), you would need to add a new HDD as a hotspare.) 1. From the main menu (shown on Page D-4), select Add/Delete Hotspares.
Page 119
Appendix D: Adaptec HostRAID Setup Guidelines Viewing Array Properties To view the properties of an existing array: 1. From the main menu, select Manage Arrays and hit <Enter> (as shown on the previous page.) 2. From the List of Arrays dialog box (shown below), select the array you want to view and press Enter.
Page 120
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual Rebuilding Arrays *Note 1: Rebuilding applies to Fault Tolerant array (RAID 1) only. If an array Build process is interrupted or when one critical member is missing, you must perform a Rebuild to restore its functionality. For a critical array rebuild operation, the optimal drive is the source drive.
Page 121
Appendix D: Adaptec HostRAID Setup Guidelines Deleting Arrays *Warning: Back up the data on an array before you delete it to prevent data loss Deleted arrays cannot be restored. To delete an existing array: 1. From the main menu (shown on Page D-4), select Manage Arrays. 2.
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual Using the Disk Utilities The Disk Utilities enable you to format or verify the media of your Serial ATA hard disks. To access the disk utilities: 1. From the Adaptec RAID Confi guration Utility Menu, select Disk Utilities (as shown above) and press <Enter>.
Page 123
Appendix D: Adaptec HostRAID Setup Guidelines To format a disk: *Note: The operation of Formatting Disk allows you to perform a low-level formatting of a hard drive by writing zeros to the entire disk. Serial ATA drives are low-level formatted at the factory and do not need to be low-level formatted again. 3 When the screen shown below displays, select Format Disk and press <Enter>.
Page 124
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual To verify disk media: 3 When the screen shown above displays, select Verify Disk Media and press <Enter>. 4 A message will display, indicating that the selected drive will be scanned for media defects. Select Yes and hit <Enter> to proceed with disk verifying; otherwise, select No and hit <Enter>.
Page 125
Appendix D: Adaptec HostRAID Setup Guidelines To Exit Adaptec RAID Confi guration Utility 1. Once you have completed RAID array confi gurations, press ESC to exit. The following screen will appear. 2. Press Yes to exit the Utility. D-19...
Page 126
D-2 Installing the Intel ESB2 Driver by Adaptec and the Operating System a. Insert Supermicro's bootable CD that came with the package into the CD Drive during the system reboot, and the screen: "Super Micro Driver Diskette Maker" will appear.
Appendix E: Installing Other Software Programs and Drivers Appendix E Installing Other Software Programs and Drivers A. Installing Drivers other than the Adaptec Embedded Serial ATA RAID Controller Driver After you've installed the Windows Operating System, a screen as shown below will appear.
Page 128
X7DBR-8/X7DBR-i User's Manual B. Confi guring Supero Doctor III The Supero Doctor III program is a Web base management tool that supports remote management capability. It includes Remote and Local Management tools. The local management is called the SD III Client. The Supero Doctor III program included on the CDROM that came with your motherboard allows you to monitor the environment and operations of your system.
Page 129
Supero Doctor III Interface Display Screen-II (Remote Control) *Note: SD III Software Revision 1.0 can be downloaded from our Web site at: ftp:// ftp.supermicro.com/utility/Supero_Doctor_III/. You can also download SDIII User's Guide at: http://www.supermicro.com/PRODUCT/Manuals/SDIII/UserGuide.pdf. For Linux, we will still recommend that you use Supero Doctor II.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the X7DBR-8 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers