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Chapter 4 bios, 1 introduction – SUPER MICRO Computer SUPER X7DB8 User Manual

Page 59

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Chapter 4: BIOS

4-1

Chapter 4

BIOS

4-1 Introduction

This chapter describes the Phoenix BIOS™ Setup utility for the X7DB8/X7DBE.

The Phoenix ROM BIOS is stored in a fl ash chip and can be easily upgraded using

a fl oppy 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 refl ected 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 confi gured with the values stored in

the CMOS Logic by the system BIOS, which gains control at boot up.

How To Change the Confi guration 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

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 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 4-3, 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.

This manual is related to the following products: