STL2 Server Board TPS

Basic Input Output System (BIOS)

4.Basic Input Output System (BIOS)

This section describes BIOS embedded software for the STL2 board set. The BIOS contains standard PC-compatible basic input/output (I/O) services, standard Intel® server features, plus the STL2 system-specific hardware configuration routines and register default settings, embedded in Flash read-only memory (ROM). This section also describes BIOS support utilities (not ROM-resident) that are required for system configuration and flash ROM update.

The BIOS is implemented as firmware that resides in the flash ROM. Support for applicable baseboard peripheral devices (SCSI, NIC, and video adapters), which is also loaded into the baseboard flash ROM, is not specified in this document. Hooks are provided to support adding BIOS code for these adapters; the binaries must be obtained from the peripheral device manufacturers and loaded into the appropriate locations.

4.1BIOS Overview

The term BIOS, as used in the context of this section, refers to the system BIOS, the BIOS Setup and option ROMs for on-board peripheral devices that are contained in the system flash. System BIOS controls basic system functionality using stored configuration values. The terms flash ROM, system flash, and BIOS flash may be used interchangeably in this section.

The term BIOS Setup refers to the flash ROM-resident setup utility that provides the user with control of configuration values stored in battery-backed CMOS configuration RAM. The System Setup Utility (SSU), which also provides this functionality, is discussed in a separate document. BIOS Setup is closely tied with the system BIOS and is considered a part of BIOS.

Phoenix Phlash* (PHLASH.EXE) is used to load predefined areas of flash ROM with Setup, BIOS, and other code/data.

The following is the break-down of the STL2 product ID string:

4 byte board ID, ‘STL2’

1 byte board revision, starting from ‘0’

3 byte OEM ID, ‘86B’ for standard BIOS

4 byte build number

1-3 byte describing build type (D for development, A for Alpha, B for Beta, Pxx for production version xx)

6 byte build date in yymmdd format

4 bytes time in hhmm format

Revision 1.0

4-29

Page 37
Image 37
Intel manual Bios Overview, STL2 Server Board TPS Basic Input Output System Bios

STL2 specifications

The Intel STL2, known as the Intel Storage Technology Level 2, is a robust solution designed to elevate storage management and performance for enterprise-level applications. This next-generation system is specifically tailored for organizations that demand high reliability, scalability, and efficiency in their storage solutions.

One of the primary features of the Intel STL2 is its advanced data protection mechanisms. With integrated RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) support, it ensures that data remains safe, even in the event of hardware failure. RAID configurations can be easily set up and managed, allowing businesses to choose the right balance between performance and redundancy based on their unique requirements.

In terms of performance, the STL2 leverages cutting-edge SSD (Solid State Drive) integration to provide high-speed data access and reduced latency. This capability is essential for modern applications that require quick retrieval of large volumes of data, making it suitable for environments like data analytics, AI, and cloud computing.

Scalability is another significant characteristic of the Intel STL2. It is designed to grow alongside an organization’s needs, supporting a diverse range of storage architectures. Whether a company is looking to expand its data center or transition to hybrid cloud solutions, the STL2 can accommodate additional storage resources effortlessly, ensuring that performance does not degrade as storage demands increase.

Moreover, the STL2 features advanced automation and management tools that simplify storage operations. The system allows for real-time monitoring and analytics, providing insights into storage health, performance metrics, and capacity forecasts. This level of visibility enables IT teams to optimize resource utilization and proactively address potential issues before they become critical.

Another notable technology integrated into the STL2 is Intel’s Open Storage Architecture, which promotes interoperability with various software and hardware platforms. This open approach facilitates seamless integrations with existing systems and enhances flexibility within dynamic IT environments.

Lastly, Intel STL2 prioritizes energy efficiency. Its design minimizes power consumption without sacrificing performance, helping organizations reduce their operational costs and carbon footprint.

In summary, the Intel STL2 stands out in the competitive landscape of storage solutions with its focus on data protection, high performance, scalability, advanced management features, open architecture compatibility, and energy efficiency. These characteristics make it an ideal choice for businesses looking to enhance their data storage capabilities in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.