4Server 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 “Server System References” for a link to the Intel® 5000 Series Chipsets Server Board Family Datasheet 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.

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Intel SR2500AL Server Utilities, Using the Bios Setup Utility, Starting Setup, If You Cannot Access Setup, Setup Menus

SR2500AL specifications

The Intel SR2500AL is a high-performance server chassis designed to support a wide range of enterprise applications. Built on Intel's robust architecture, it aims to deliver exceptional efficiency, reliability, and flexibility, which are paramount in a modern data center environment.

One of the main features of the SR2500AL is its versatility in supporting various Intel server motherboards and processor configurations. The chassis can accommodate dual Intel Xeon processors, thereby enabling high levels of processing power suitable for multi-threaded applications. This dual-processor support is crucial for businesses that require high-performance computing capabilities for tasks such as data analytics, virtualization, and cloud computing.

The SR2500AL supports up to 16 DIMM slots, allowing for substantial memory capacity. This flexibility is crucial for applications that require a large amount of RAM to function efficiently, thereby minimizing bottlenecks and enhancing overall system performance. Furthermore, the chassis supports a wide variety of memory types, including ECC (Error-Correcting Code) memory, which enhances system reliability by detecting and correcting common data corruption issues.

In terms of storage, the SR2500AL provides multiple drive bays that can support SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) and SATA (Serial ATA) drives, offering IT administrators the flexibility to configure their storage solutions according to their specific requirements. The server can be configured with both traditional spinning hard drives and solid-state drives, allowing for tailored performance and storage capacity that meets diverse business needs.

Cooling is another critical aspect of the SR2500AL's design. It features advanced thermal management technologies to maintain optimal operating temperatures, thus enhancing the longevity and reliability of the components housed within. The chassis includes multiple strategically placed fans and airflow optimization features that help in the efficient dissipation of heat.

Connectivity is also a strong point for the SR2500AL. It offers a variety of network interface options, enabling seamless data transfer and integration into existing network infrastructures. The chassis can support both Gigabit Ethernet and 10GbE (10 Gigabit Ethernet) networking options, ensuring that businesses can achieve the bandwidth required to maintain high-performance operations.

Overall, the Intel SR2500AL combines powerful processing capabilities, extensive memory support, flexible storage options, and advanced cooling solutions, making it an ideal choice for businesses looking to enhance their infrastructure. With its robust design and thoughtful features, the SR2500AL stands out as a reliable server solution in the demanding landscape of modern enterprise computing.