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Intel SE7501WV2 manual Rolling Bios and On-line updates

Models: SE7501WV2

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BIOS

Intel® Server Board SE7501WV2 TPS

1.Turn off the system power.

2.Move the BIOS recovery jumper to the recovery state.

3.Insert a bootable BIOS recovery diskette containing the new BIOS image files.

4.Turn on the system power.

The recovery BIOS boots from the DOS-bootable recovery diskette and emits one beep when it passes control to DOS. DOS then executes a special AUTOEXEC.BAT that contains “iFLASH” on the first line. If it is determined that the system is in recovery mode, iFLASH will start the flash update without user intervention. iFLASH reads the flash image and programs the necessary blocks. It emits one beep to indicate the beginning of the flash operation. After a period of time, the BIOS emits two beeps to indicate that the flash procedure was completed successfully. If the flash procedure fails, the BIOS emits a continuous series of beeps.

When the flash update completes:

1.Turn off the system power.

2.Remove the recovery diskette.

3.Restore the jumper to its original position.

4.Turn on the system power.

5.Re-flash any custom blocks, such as user binary or language blocks.

The system should now boot normally using the updated system BIOS.

6.19.5Rolling BIOS and On-line updates

The online update nomenclature refers to the ability to update the BIOS while the server is online, in operation, as opposed to having to put the server out of operation while doing a BIOS update. The rolling BIOS nomenclature refers to the capability for having two copies of BIOS: the one in use, and the second to which an updated BIOS version can be written. When ready, the system can roll forward to the new BIOS. In case of a failure with the new version, the system can roll back to the previous version.

In addition to the set of binaries that are used by iFLASH application, the on-line update application relies on a capsule file with a .cit extension, which is generated by the BIOS build process. The usage model is explained in the document titled “Update Application – EPS, On- line FW and BIOS Updates, Rev 1.0”.

While the exact nature of hardware changes for the support of on-line update/rolling BIOS changes are out of scope of this document, BIOS relies on changes to BMC and additional flash space for this. Flash is divided into two partitions, primary and secondary. The active partition from which the system boots shall be referred to as the primary partition. There is a change in iFLASH/On-line updates, in that they continue to preserve the existing BIOS image on the primary partition. Instead, BIOS updates are diverted to the secondary partition. After the update, a notification flag will be set. During the subsequent boot following the BIOS update, the system will continue to boot from the primary BIOS partition. On determining that a BIOS update occurred during the previous boot, the system will request the Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) to switch to the new BIOS image that is on the secondary partition and reset the system. If the boot from the new BIOS is successful, the BIOS will register with the BMC that the change to a new partition is permanent, thus affecting a “Roll Forward” as mentioned above. The secondary partition is now the primary partition and will be used to boot from until

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Revision 1.0

 

Intel reference number C25653-001

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Intel SE7501WV2 manual Rolling Bios and On-line updates
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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.