Intel SE7501WV2 System Limit Error, Boot Event, Fault Resilient Booting FRB, 38.1 FRB3, 38.2 FRB2

Models: SE7501WV2

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BIOS

Intel® Server Board SE7501WV2 TPS

6.36 System Limit Error

The BMC monitors system operational limits. It manages the A/D converter, defining voltage and temperature limits as well as fan sensors and chassis intrusion. Any sensor values outside of specified limits are fully handled by BMC. The BIOS does not generate an SMI to the host processor for these types of system events.

Refer to the SE7501WV2 Server Management External Architecture Specification for details on various sensors and how they are managed.

6.37 Boot Event

The BIOS downloads the system date and time to the BMC during POST and logs a boot event in the system event log. Software applications that parse the event log should not treat this boot event as an error.

6.38 Fault Resilient Booting (FRB)

The BIOS and firmware provides a feature to guarantee that the system boots, even if one or more processors fail during POST. The BMC contains two watchdog timers that can be configured to reset the system upon time-out.

6.38.1FRB3

FRB3 refers to the FRB algorithm that detects whether the BSP is healthy enough to run BIOS at all. The BMC starts the FRB3 timer when the system is powered up or hard reset. The BIOS stops this timer in the power-on self test (POST) by asserting the FRB3 timer halt signal to the BMC. This requires that the BSP actually runs BIOS code. If the timer is not stopped within 5 seconds, and it expires, the BMC disables the BSP, logs an FRB3 error event, chooses another BSP (from the set of non-failed processors), and resets the system. FRB3 provides a check to verify that the selected BSP is not dead on start up and can actually run code. This process repeats until either the system boots without an FRB3 timeout, or all of the remaining processors have been disabled. At this point, if all the processors have been disabled, the BMC will attempt to boot the system on one processor at a time, irrespective of processor error history. This is called desperation mode.

6.38.2FRB2

FRB2 refers to the level of FRB in which the BIOS uses the BMC watchdog timer to back up its operation during POST. The BIOS configures the watchdog timer for approximately 6-10 minutes indicating that the BIOS is using the timer for the FRB2 phase of operation.

After BIOS has identified the BSP and saved that information, it will then check to see if the watchdog timer expired on the previous boot. If so, it will store the Time Out Reason bits in a fixed CMOS location (token name = cmosWDTimerFailReason) for applications or a User Binary to examine and act upon. Next, it sets the watchdog timer FRB2 timer use bit, loads the watchdog timer with the new timeout interval, and disables FRB3 using the FRB3 timer halt signal. This sequence ensures that no gap exists in watchdog timer coverage between FRB3 and FRB2.

Note: FRB2 is not supported when the BIOS is in Recovery Mode.

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Intel reference number C25653-001

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Intel SE7501WV2 manual System Limit Error, Boot Event, Fault Resilient Booting FRB, 38.1 FRB3, 38.2 FRB2

SE7501WV2 specifications

The Intel SE7501WV2 is a versatile server motherboard designed to meet the demanding needs of modern computing environments. Engineered with a focus on performance, reliability, and flexibility, this motherboard is tailored for a range of applications, from entry-level servers to high-performance computing tasks.

One of the main features of the SE7501WV2 is its support for Intel's Xeon processors, specifically those based on the Netburst architecture. This compatibility allows for powerful multi-threaded processing capabilities, making it ideal for businesses seeking to optimize their server performance. The motherboard supports dual CPU configurations, enabling up to two processors to work simultaneously, thereby increasing computational power and efficiency.

The motherboard incorporates Intel's advanced server management technologies such as Intel Active Monitoring Technology, which helps in monitoring system health and optimizing power usage. Additionally, it features Intel's I/O Acceleration Technology, which enhances data throughput and reduces latencies, ensuring that applications run smoothly and efficiently.

Another significant characteristic of the SE7501WV2 is the memory capacity it offers. With support for up to 16 GB of ECC (Error-Correcting Code) DDR SDRAM, the motherboard helps in maintaining system stability during high workloads. The ECC memory not only prevents data corruption but also significantly enhances the reliability of mission-critical applications.

For connectivity, the SE7501WV2 comes equipped with multiple PCI-X slots, enabling the addition of various expansion cards for network, storage, and graphic capabilities. This expandability is crucial for enterprises that need to adapt their server architecture to evolving workloads.

Moreover, the SE7501WV2 features integrated high-performance RAID support, improving data redundancy and performance. This feature is essential for organizations that prioritize data security and require robust backup solutions.

In terms of power management, the motherboard supports advanced power features that help reduce operational costs while maximizing performance. The design ensures efficient power consumption, allowing it to run cooler and quieter, which is particularly beneficial for noisy data center environments.

In conclusion, the Intel SE7501WV2 motherboard is designed for those who require robust performance, reliability, and flexibility in server applications. With its support for dual Xeon processors, extensive memory capabilities, advanced management technologies, and expandability, it stands out as a solid solution for many enterprise-level computing needs.