SUPER MICRO Computer SERIES3800 Introduction, System Bios, How To Change the Configuration Data

Chapter 7: BIOS

Chapter 7

BIOS

7-1 Introduction

This chapter describes the Phoenix BIOS™ Setup utility for the X7DCA-3/X7DCA-i. The Phoenix ROM BIOS is stored in a flash chip and can be easily upgraded using a floppy disk-based program.

Note: Due to periodic changes to the BIOS, some settings may have been added or deleted and might not yet be recorded in this manual. Please refer to the Manual Download area of the Supermicro web site for any changes to the BIOS that may not be reflected in this manual.

System BIOS

The BIOS is the Basic Input Output System used in all IBM® PC, XT™, AT®, and PS/2® compatible computers. The Phoenix BIOS stores the system parameters, types of disk drives, video displays, etc. in the CMOS. The CMOS memory requires very little electrical power. When the computer is turned off, a backup battery pro- vides power to the CMOS Logic, enabling it to retain system parameters. Each time the computer is powered on, the computer is configured with the values stored in the CMOS Logic by the system BIOS, which gains control at boot up.

How To Change the Configuration Data

The CMOS information that determines the system parameters may be changed by entering the BIOS Setup utility. This Setup utility can be accessed by pressing the <Delete> key at the appropriate time during system boot. (See below.)

Starting the Setup Utility

Normally, the only visible POST (Power On Self Test) routine is the memory test. As the memory is being tested, press the <Delete> key to enter the main menu of the BIOS Setup utility. From the main menu, you can access the other setup screens, such as the Security and Power menus. Beginning with Section 7-3, detailed de- scriptions are given for each parameter setting in the Setup utility.

Warning: Do not shut down or reset the system while updating BIOS to prevent possible boot failure.

7-1