# Configuring the BIOS

This chapter explains how to access and configure the server's BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). The BIOS is the firmware that initializes the hardware during the boot process and provides runtime services for the operating system. Correctly configuring the BIOS is a critical step before you install an OS.

## **Accessing the BIOS setup utility**

You can enter the BIOS setup utility only during the initial moments of the server's boot process.

### **To access the BIOS:**

1. **Connect a monitor and keyboard** to the server if you plan to work locally.
2. **Power on or restart the server.**
3. **Watch the screen for a prompt** that appears shortly after power-on. It will tell you which key to press to enter setup. This prompt is usually only on the screen for a few seconds.

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4. **Press the \<Delete> key.** On this server, you'll press the **\<Delete>** key repeatedly until the BIOS setup screen appears.

### **Navigating key settings**

The BIOS setup utility is organized into several menus. You'll typically use the arrow keys to navigate, **Enter** to select, and **Esc** to go back. While there are many options, here are the most important ones to check before deploying a server.

### **Boot Order**

This setting tells the server which device to boot from first.

* **Location:** Usually found under a **Boot** or **Boot Manager** menu.
* **What to do:** Set the boot order to match your OS installation plan. For example, to install from a USB drive, set the USB drive as the first boot device. For network booting, select the PXE-enabled network card.

### **Virtualization Technology**

To run hypervisors like VMware ESXi or Microsoft Hyper-V, you must enable hardware virtualization support.

* **Location:** Look for **Intel (VMX) Virtualization Technology** or similar options, often in an **Advanced** or **CPU Configuration** menu.
* **What to do:** Ensure this setting is set to **Enabled**.

### **Storage Configuration**

This setting controls how the system interacts with the storage drives.

* **Location:** Typically under an **Advanced** or **Integrated Peripherals** menu.
* **What to do:** Choose the mode that fits your needs.
  * **AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface):** The standard mode for NVMe drives when you are not using RAID.
  * **RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks):** Enable this mode if you plan to use the onboard Intel VROC (Virtual RAID on CPU) to create a RAID volume from your NVMe drives.

{% hint style="success" %}
**Best Practice: Load Optimized Defaults First**&#x20;

Before you make any changes, it's a good practice to load the BIOS default settings. Look for an option like **Load Optimized Defaults** (often F9). This gives you a stable, known-good starting point. After loading the defaults, you can then make your specific changes.
{% endhint %}

### **Saving your configuration**

Any changes you make in the BIOS are not applied until you save them.

**To save and exit:**

1. Navigate to the **Save & Exit** menu.
2. Select the **Save Changes and Reset** (or **Save Changes and Exit**) option. This is often the **F10** key.
3. Confirm that you want to save and exit. The server will save your settings and reboot.

### **BIOS Menu Reference**

For users who need to explore beyond the basic settings, this table provides a complete overview of the main BIOS menus and their functions.

<table><thead><tr><th width="118.641357421875">Menu</th><th>Description</th><th>Key Options</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Main</strong></td><td>Displays an overview of the system, including BIOS version, processor type, memory size, and system time.</td><td>System Time/Date</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Advanced</strong></td><td>Contains detailed configuration options for the CPU, chipset, storage, and other onboard devices.</td><td>CPU Configuration (Virtualization, Power Management), NVMe Configuration, Network Stack</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Security</strong></td><td>Manages security features, including administrator passwords and Secure Boot settings.</td><td>Administrator Password, Secure Boot Configuration</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Boot</strong></td><td>Controls the boot process, including boot device order and UEFI/Legacy boot modes.</td><td>Boot Option Priorities, UEFI/Legacy Boot Mode</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Save &#x26; Exit</strong></td><td>Provides options for saving or discarding changes, loading default settings, and overriding the boot device.</td><td>Save Changes and Reset, Discard Changes and Exit, Load Optimized Defaults, Boot Override</td></tr></tbody></table>

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