2Server Utilities

Using the BIOS Setup Utility

This section describes the BIOS Setup Utility options, which is used to change server configuration defaults. You can run BIOS Setup with or without an operating system being present. See “Additional Information and Software” for a link to the Intel® S5000 Server Board Family Data Sheet where you will find details about specific BIOS setup screens.

Starting Setup

You can enter and start BIOS Setup under several conditions:

When you turn on the server, after POST completes the memory test.

When you have moved the CMOS jumper on the server board to the "Clear CMOS" position (enabled).

In the two conditions listed above, during the Power On Self Test (POST), you will see this prompt:

Press <F2> to enter SETUP

In a third condition, when CMOS/NVRAM has been corrupted, you will see other prompts but not the <F2> prompt:

Warning: CMOS checksum invalid

Warning: CMOS time and date not set

In this condition, the BIOS will load default values for CMOS and attempt to boot.

If You Cannot Access Setup

If you are not able to access BIOS Setup, you might need to clear the CMOS memory. For instructions on clearing the CMOS, see "Clearing the CMOS".

Setup Menus

Each BIOS Setup menu page contains a number of features. Except for those features that are provided only to display automatically configured information, each feature is associated with a value field that contains user-selectable parameters. These parameters can be changed if the user has adequate security rights. If a value cannot be changed for any reason, the feature's value field is inaccessible.

Page 29
Image 29
Intel S5000VSA Server Utilities, Using the Bios Setup Utility, Starting Setup, If You Cannot Access Setup, Setup Menus

S5000VSA specifications

The Intel S5000VSA is a server motherboard that has been tailored to meet the needs of businesses requiring a reliable and scalable infrastructure. Designed for Intel's 5000 series of chipsets, this motherboard is notable for its standards in performance, flexibility, and management capabilities.

One of the standout features of the Intel S5000VSA is its support for dual Intel Xeon processors. The flexibility to utilize various Xeon chips allows organizations to select the optimal processing power for their specific workloads, whether that be database management, virtualization, or heavy computation tasks. This capability is essential for providing the high levels of performance and responsiveness businesses demand in their server environments.

The motherboard supports up to 32GB of memory using DDR2 technology, with eight DIMM slots available for expansion. This memory capacity allows for significant multitasking and resource management, essential in data-heavy server applications. The board supports both ECC (Error-Correcting Code) and non-ECC memory, offering organizations options depending on their fault tolerance needs.

In terms of connectivity, the S5000VSA comes equipped with multiple PCI Express slots, providing ample options for expandability with various I/O cards or additional network interfaces. This is particularly important as businesses grow and require additional capabilities or higher performance networking solutions.

The Intel S5000VSA is also noted for its advanced management features. Integrated Remote Management capabilities enable IT administrators to monitor and manage the system from afar, enhancing both uptime and ease of maintenance. Support for Intel’s Active Management Technology (AMT) allows for greater control over the server and improves security by enabling remote management regardless of the operating system state.

Another important aspect of the S5000VSA is its built-in RAID controller that supports several RAID levels. This feature enhances data reliability and performance, allowing users to configure their storage systems according to their needs, whether they prioritize speed or redundancy.

In summary, the Intel S5000VSA is a robust server motherboard designed with scalability, performance, and management in mind. It supports dual Xeon processors, offers extensive memory options, and provides essential features such as RAID support and remote management. This makes it a suitable choice for data centers and enterprises looking for a competitive edge through advanced technology.