System Setup

Dell Precision™ T5500 Service Manual

POST Keystrokes

Boot Menu

Entering System Setup

System Setup Navigation Keystrokes

POST Keystrokes

Your computer has several keystroke options available during the POST process at the Dell™ Logo screen.

Keystroke

Function

Description

 

 

 

< F2>

Enter System Setup

Use System Setup to make changes to the user-definable settings.

 

 

 

< F12> or

Enter Boot Menu

One-time boot and diagnostics utility menu

<Ctrl><Alt><F8>

 

 

 

 

 

< F3>

Network Boot

Bypass the BIOS boot sequence and boot directly to the network

 

 

 

Boot Menu

As with previous Dell Precision™ workstation platforms, your computer includes a one-time boot menu. This feature offers a quick and convenient method with which to bypass the System Setup-defined boot device order and boot directly to a specific device (e.g., floppy, CD-ROM, or hard drive).

The boot menu enhancements introduced on previous platforms are as follows:

Easier access—Although the <Ctrl><Alt><F8> keystroke still exists and can be used to call up the menu, you can also simply press <F12> during system boot to access the menu.

Diagnostics options—The boot menu includes two diagnostic options, IDE Drive Diagnostics (90/90 Hard Drive Diagnostics) and Boot to the Utility Partition.

Entering System Setup

Press <F2> to enter System Setup and change the user-definable settings. If you have trouble entering System Setup using this key, press <F2> when the keyboard lights first flash.

Follow the on-screen instructions to view and/or change any settings. On each screen, the system setup options are listed at the left. To the right of each option is the setting or value for that option. You can change settings that appear as white type on the screen. Options or values that you cannot change (because they are determined by your Tablet-PC) appear less bright.

The upper-right corner of the screen displays help information for the currently highlighted option. The lower-right corner displays information about the computer. System setup key functions are listed across the bottom of the screen.

The system setup screens display the current setup information and settings for your computer, such as:

System configuration

Boot order

Boot (start-up) configuration

Basic device configuration settings

System security and hard drive password settings

System Setup Navigation Keystrokes

Use the following keystrokes to navigate the BIOS screens.

 

Navigation Keystrokes

Action

Keystroke

Expand and collapse field

<Enter>, left- and right-arrow keys, or +/–

Expand or collapse all fields

< >

 

 

Page 7
Image 7
Dell T5500 specifications Post Keystrokes, Boot Menu, Entering System Setup, System Setup Navigation Keystrokes

T5500 specifications

The Dell T5500, part of the Precision series, is a workstation designed for professionals in creative and technical fields who require robust performance while managing complex tasks. Launched as a successor to its predecessor models, the T5500 is characterized by a blend of powerful computing capabilities, expandability, and reliability, making it a suitable choice for applications such as 3D modeling, graphic design, and scientific simulations.

One of the most notable features of the Dell T5500 is its support for dual Intel Xeon processors. This configuration allows for a significant increase in processing power, ideal for resource-intensive applications. Users can configure their machines with up to 12 processing cores, enhancing parallel processing and multitasking capabilities. Additionally, the T5500 offers a substantial memory capacity, supporting up to 96GB of DDR3 RAM, which provides ample headroom for handling large datasets and running multiple applications simultaneously.

Storage options in the T5500 are versatile, accommodating a range of hard drives from traditional HDDs to high-performance SSDs. This flexibility allows professionals to select their desired balance between speed and storage capacity. Furthermore, the tower's design includes multiple drive bays, facilitating easy upgrades or additional storage solutions.

The Dell T5500's graphics capabilities are equally impressive, supporting a variety of professional-grade graphics cards, including NVIDIA Quadro and AMD FirePro models. These cards deliver exceptional visualization performance suited for tasks such as CAD, digital content creation, and video editing. The workstation also includes multiple expansion slots, enabling users to add extra GPUs to elevate graphical rendering capabilities.

Connectivity is another key characteristic of the T5500. It features USB 3.0 ports, offering faster data transfer rates, along with legacy ports for compatibility with older peripherals. Networking options include integrated gigabit Ethernet, ensuring reliable connectivity for collaborative workflows and remote data access.

Designed with reliability in mind, the Dell T5500 includes features such as advanced thermal management to keep components cool during intense workloads, and a tool-less chassis design that simplifies upgrades and maintenance tasks. Furthermore, it adheres to strict energy efficiency standards, making it an environmentally friendly choice for professionals who demand performance without compromising on sustainability.

In summary, the Dell T5500 workstation is a powerful and flexible choice tailored for demanding applications across various industries. Its combination of dual Xeon processors, extensive memory capacity, versatile storage options, high-end graphics support, and robust connectivity make it an invaluable tool for professionals looking to enhance their productivity and streamline their workflows.