BIOS ROM

8.3.2 Network Boot (F12) Support

The BIOS supports booting the system to a network server. The function is accessed by pressing the F12 key when prompted at the lower right hand corner of the display during POST. Booting to a network server allows for such functions as:

■Flashing a ROM on a system without a functional operating system (OS).

■Installing an OS.

■Installing an application.

These systems include, as standard, an integrated Intel 82562-equivalent NIC with Preboot Execution Environment (PXE) ROM and can boot with a NetPC-compliant server.

8.3.3 Memory Detection and Configuration

This system uses the Serial Presence Detect (SPD) method of determining the installed DIMM configuration. The BIOS communicates with an EEPROM on each DIMM through the SMBus to obtain data on the following DIMM parameters:

■Presence

■Size

■Type

■Timing/CAS latency

■PC133 capability

✎Refer to Chapter 3, “Processor/Memory Subsystem” for the SPD format and DIMM data specific to this system.

The BIOS performs memory detection and configuration with the following steps:

1.Program the buffer strength control registers based on SPD data and the DIMM slots that are populated.

2.Determine the common CAS latency that can be supported by the DIMMs.

3.Determine the memory size for each DIMM and program the GMCH accordingly.

4.Enable refresh

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Technical Reference Guide