HX500 / HX600 BIOS Manual
HX500 / HX600 BIOS Manual
NOTE: To enter the BIOS on Helix systems, hold the ‘Delete’ key on your keyboard during boot.
1 - Front Page
Boot Manager
Type
Menu
BIOS Page
Front Page
Description
Opens the list of detected bootable devices, allowing you to manually select a device to boot, such as an OS or PXE
Device Management
Type
Menu
BIOS Page
Front Page
Description
Opens the Device Manager menu which includes a configuration menu for Intel Rapid Storage Technology and a Network Device List (if RST and Network Stack are enabled)
Boot From File
Type
Menu
BIOS Page
Front Page
Description
Allows you to boot from a UEFI bootable file
Administer Secure Boot
Type
Menu
BIOS Page
Front Page
Description
Opens the Secure Boot configuration menu
Setup Utility
Type
Menu
BIOS Page
Front Page
Description
Opens the primary BIOS configuration menu referenced in sections 2 through 6 of this manual
Intel(R) Management Engine BIOS Extension
Type
Menu
BIOS Page
Front Page
Description
Opens the Intel Management Engine BIOS Extension (MEBx) configuration interface
2 - Main Page
InsydeH2O Version
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Main Page
Description
Displays current InsydeH2O BIOS Framework version
BIOS Version
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Main Page
Description
Displays current BIOS version
Build Date
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Main Page
Description
Displays the BIOS build date in MM/DD/YYYY
Processor Type
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Main Page
Description
Displays model number of installed CPU
CPU Speed
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Main Page
Description
Displays base frequency of installed CPU
Number of Processors
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Main Page
Description
Displays core and thread count of installed CPU
PCH SKU
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Main Page
Description
Displays model number of PCH
Total Memory
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Main Page
Description
Displays total capacity of all memory installed in system
Channel A
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Main Page
Description
Displays capacity of memory installed in Channel A
Channel B
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Main Page
Description
Displays capacity of memory installed in Channel B
Memory Speed
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Main Page
Description
Displays base frequency of installed memory
Language
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Main Page
Description
Selects the current default language used by the BIOS
System Time
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Main Page
Description
Displays the time in HH:MM:SS. Valid range is from 0 to 23, 0 to 59, 0 to 59. Use +/- to increase/decrease
System Date
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Main Page
Description
Displays the date in MM:DD:YYYY. Valid range is from 1 to 12, 1 to 31, 2000 to 2099. Use +/- to increase/decrease
3 - Advanced Page
3.1 - Boot Configuration
Numlock
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > Boot Configuration
Description
Sets state of Num Lock key when system is booted
Default Value
Off
3.2 - SATA Configuration
Serial ATA Port X
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > SATA Configuration
Description
Displays model number of device installed in each SATA Port
3.3 - Chipset Configuration (Intel PTT)
Platform Trust Technology
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > Chipset Configuration (Intel PTT)
Description
Enables or Disables Intel Platform Trust Technology (PTT).
Default Value
Enabled
3.4 - ACPI Table/Features Control
Enable Hibernation
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > ACPI Table/Features Control
Description
Enables or Disables hibernation state (ACPI Sleep State S4) support. This option may not be effective with some OSes
Default Value
[X] (enabled)
ACPI S3 Support
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > ACPI Table/Features Control
Description
Enables or Disables ACPI Sleep State S3 support
Default Value
Enabled
Native PCIE Enable
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > ACPI Table/Features Control
Description
Enables or Disables Native PCIe, allowing the OS to control PCIe configuration
Default Value
Enabled
Native ASPM
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > ACPI Table/Features Control
Description
Enables or Disables Native Active State Power Management (ASPM)
Possible Values
Auto
Enabled - OS Controlled ASPM
Disabled - BIOS Controlled ASPM
Default Value
Auto
Low Power S0 Idle Capability
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > ACPI Table/Features Control
Description
Enable or Disable ACPI Lower Power S0 Idle Capability (mutually exclusive with Smart Connect). While this is enabled, it also disables 8254 timer for SLP_S0 support.
Default Value
Disabled
3.5 - CPU Configuration
Type
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > CPU Configuration
Description
Displays model number of installed CPU
ID
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > CPU Configuration
Description
Displays ID of installed CPU
Speed
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > CPU Configuration
Description
Displays base frequency of installed CPU
L1 Data Cache
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > CPU Configuration
Description
Displays capacity of L1 data cache
L1 Instruction Cache
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > CPU Configuration
Description
Displays capacity of L1 instruction cache
L2 Data Cache
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > CPU Configuration
Description
Displays capacity of L2 data cache
L3 Data Cache
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > CPU Configuration
Description
Displays capacity of L3 Data Cache
L4 Data Cache
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > CPU Configuration
Description
Displays capacity of L4 Data Cache
VMX
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > CPU Configuration
Description
Displays whether or not Virtual Machine Extensions (VMX) instruction set is supported
SMX/TXT
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > CPU Configuration
Description
Displays whether or not Safer Mode Extensions (SMX) and Trusted Execution Technology (TXT) are supported
Intel (VMX) Virtualization Technology
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > CPU Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables Intel Virtual Machine Extensions (VMX). When enabled, a VMM can utilize the additional hardware capabilities provided by Vanderpool Technology
Default Value
Enabled
Active Processor Cores
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > CPU Configuration
Description
Sets number of cores to enable in each processor package
Hyper-Threading
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > CPU Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables Hyper-Threading
Default Value
Enabled
AES
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > CPU Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) instruction set
Default Value
Enabled
3.6 - Power & Performance
Boot Performance Mode
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > Power & Performance
Description
Sets the performance state that the BIOS will set starting from the reset vector
Possible Values
Max Non-Turbo Performance, Max Battery, Turbo Performance
Default Value
Max Non-Turbo Performance
Intel(R) SpeedStep(tm)
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > Power & Performance
Description
Enables or Disables support for more than two CPU frequency ranges
Default Value
Enabled
Intel(R) Speed Shift Technology
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > Power & Performance
Description
Enables or Disables Intel(R) Speed Shift Technology support. Enabling will expose the CPPC v2 interface to allow for hardware controlled P-states
Default Value
Enabled
Turbo Mode
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > Power & Performance
Description
Enables or Disables processor Turbo Mode (requires Intel SpeedStep or Intel Speed Shift to be supported and enabled)
Default Value
Enabled
3.7 - Memory Configuration
HOB Buffer Size
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > Memory Configuration
Description
Sets HOB buffer size
Possible Values
Auto, 1B, 1KB, Max (assuming 63KB total HOB size)
Default Value
Auto
ECC Support
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > Memory Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables Error-Correcting Code memory (ECC) support
Default Value
Enabled
Max TOLUD
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > Memory Configuration
Description
Sets maximum value of TOLUD. Dynamic assignment would adjust TOLUD automatically based on the largest MMIO length of the installed graphic controller
Possible Values
Dynamic, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5 (GB)
Default Value
Dynamic
3.8 - System Agent (SA) Configuration
SA PCIe Code Version
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > System Agent (SA) Configuration
Description
Displays SA PCIe Code Version
VT-d
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > System Agent (SA) Configuration
Description
Displays whether or not Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d) is supported
Graphics Configuration
Type
Sub-Menu
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > System Agent (SA) Configuration
Description
Opens Graphics Configuration sub-menu (see section 3.8.1 below)
Stop Grant Configuration
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > System Agent (SA) Configuration
Description
Sets stop grant configuration to automatic or manual
Possible Values
Auto, Manual
Default Value
Auto
PCIe Spread Spectrum Clocking
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > System Agent (SA) Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables PCI Express Spread Spectrum Clocking (SSC) for compliance testing
Default Value
Enabled
VT-d
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > System Agent (SA) Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d) capability
Default Value
Enabled
CHAP Device (B0:D7:F0)
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > System Agent (SA) Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables SA CHAP Device
Default Value
Disabled
Thermal Device (B0:D4:F0)
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > System Agent (SA) Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables SA Thermal Device
Default Value
Disabled
GNA Device (B0:D8:F0)
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > System Agent (SA) Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables SA GNA Device
Default Value
Disabled
CRID Support
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > System Agent (SA) Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables CRID control for Intel Stabled IT Platform Program (SIPP)
Default Value
Disabled
Above 4GB MMIO BIOS assignment
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > System Agent (SA) Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables above 4GB MemoryMappedIO (MMIO) BIOS assignment. This is enabled automatically when Aperture Size is set to 2048MB
Default Value
Disabled
X2APIC Opt Out
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > System Agent (SA) Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables X2APIC_OPT_OUT bit
Default Value
Disabled
IPU Device (B0:D5:F0)
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > System Agent (SA) Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables SA IPU Device. Default value: Disabled
Graphics Configuration
Skip Scanning of External Gfx Card
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > System Agent (SA) Configuration > Graphics Configuration
Description
Sets whether or not the system will skip scanning for external GPUs on all PEG and PCH PCIe ports on boot
Default Value
Disabled (system will scan for external GPUs on boot)
Primary Display
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > System Agent (SA) Configuration > Graphics Configuration
Description
Sets which iGFX/PEG/PCI graphics device should be used for the primary display output. Select SG for Switchable Graphics
Possible Values
Auto, IGFX, PEG, PCI, SG
Default Value
Auto
Internal Graphics
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > System Agent (SA) Configuration > Graphics Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables Integrated Graphics (iGFX). Auto mode will enable or disable based on graphics settings above
Possible Values
Auto, Enabled, Disabled
Default Value
Auto
GTT Size
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > System Agent (SA) Configuration > Graphics Configuration
Description
Sets size of the Graphics Translation Table (GTT)
Possible Values
2MB, 4MB, 8MB
Default Value
8MB
Aperture Size
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > System Agent (SA) Configuration > Graphics Configuration
Description
Sets the Graphics Aperture Size. The Above 4GB MMIO BIOS assignment is automatically enabled when selecting 2048MB aperture. To use this feature, please disable CSM support
Possible Values
128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1024MB, 2048MB
Default Value
256MB
DVMT Pre-Allocated
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > System Agent (SA) Configuration > Graphics Configuration
Description
Sets DVMT 5.0 Pre-Allocated (Fixed) graphics memory size used by the Integrated Graphics (iGFX)
Possible Values
0, 64, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32/F7, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60 (M)
Default Value
32M
DVMT Total Gfx Mem
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > System Agent (SA) Configuration > Graphics Configuration
Description
Select DVMT 5.0 Total Graphic Memory size used by the Integrated Graphics (iGFX)
Possible Values
256M, 128M
Default Value
256M
3.9 - PCH-IO Configuration
PCI Express Configuration
Type
Sub-Menu
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-IO Configuration
Description
Opens the PCI Express Configuration sub-menu (see section 3.9.1 below)
SATA and RST Configuration
Type
Sub-Menu
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-IO Configuration
Description
Opens the SATA Device Options Configuration sub-menu (see section 3.9.2 below)
HD Audio
Type
Sub-Menu
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-IO Configuration
Description
Opens the HD Audio Subsystem Configuration sub-menu (see section 3.9.3 below)
PCH LAN Controller
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-IO Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables UEFI initialization of onboard NICs
Default Value
Enabled
Wake on LAN Enable
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-IO Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables the ability of onboard NICs to wake the system from non-DeepSx states.
Default Value
Enabled
SLP_LAN# Low on DC Power
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-IO Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables SLP_LAN# Low on DC Power
Default Value
Enabled
EFI Network
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-IO Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables EFI Network support for onboard NICs and/or WiFi module
Possible Values
Disabled, Onboard NIC, WiFi, Onboard NIC & WiFi
Default Value
Disabled
Wake on WLAN and BT Enable
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-IO Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables ability of PCI Express Wireless LAN and Bluetooth to wake the system
Default Value
Disabled
PXE ROM
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-IO Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables PXE Option ROM execution
Default Value
Disabled
Auto Power-On
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-IO Configuration
Description
Sets resume state when the system is restored after a mechanical power-off (ACPI G3 state)
Possible Values
Enabled (System will boot directly as soon as power is applied)
Disabled (System will remain in power-off state until the power button is pressed)
Default Value
Disabled
PCI Express Configuration
PCI Express Clock Gating
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-IO Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables PCI Express Clock Gating
Default Value
Enabled
PCI Express Root Port <n>
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-IO Configuration > PCI Express Configuration
Description
Displays configuration of specified PCI Express Root Port
►PCI Express Root Port <n>
Type
Sub-Menu
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-IO Configuration > PCI Express Configuration
Description
Opens the PCI Express Root Port configuration sub-menu for the selected port (see section 3.9.1.1 below)
PCI Express Root Port Settings
PCI Express Root Port
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-IO Configuration > PCI Express Configuration > PCI Express Root Port Settings
Description
Enables or disables the selected PCI Express Root Port
Default Value
Enabled
ASPM
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-IO Configuration > PCI Express Configuration > PCI Express Root Port Settings
Description
Sets the PCI Express Active State Power Management mode
Possible Values
Auto, Disabled, L0s, L1, L0sL1
Default Value
Auto
PCIE Speed
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-IO Configuration > PCI Express Configuration > PCI Express Root Port Settings
Description
Sets the PCIe Speed of the selected port
Possible Values
Auto, Gen1, Gen2, Gen3
Default Value
Auto
Detect Timeout
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-IO Configuration > PCI Express Configuration > PCI Express Root Port Settings
Description
Sets the number of milliseconds reference code will wait for the link to exit detect state for enabled ports before assuming there is no device and potentially disabling the port
Default Value
0
SATA and RST Configuration
SATA Controllers
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-IO Configuration > SATA and RST Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables the SATA controller and all SATA devices
Default Value
Enabled
SATA Mode Selection
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-IO Configuration > SATA and RST Configuration
Description
Sets the mode of operation of the SATA controller. Setting this to Intel RST Premium With Intel Optane System Acceleration will enabled integrated firmware RAID (see chapter 7 for details)
Note: Setting this to Intel RST Premium will prevent the Linux kernel from properly interacting with SATA disks
Possible Values
AHCI, Intel RST Premium With Intel Optane System Acceleration
Default Value
AHCI
Serial ATA Port <n>
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-IO Configuration > SATA and RST Configuration
Description
Displays the model number of the installed device using the specified port, or “Empty” if no device is detected
Software Preserve
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-IO Configuration > SATA and RST Configuration
Description
Displays whether or not Software Preserve is supported on the specified port
Port <n>
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-IO Configuration > SATA and RST Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables the specified SATA Port
Default Value
Enabled
Hot Plug
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-IO Configuration > SATA and RST Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables SATA Hot Plug support for the specified port
Default Value
Disabled
Configured as eSATA
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-IO Configuration > SATA and RST Configuration
Description
Displays whether or not the specified port is configured as eSATA
External
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-IO Configuration > SATA and RST Configuration
Description
Sets whether or not the specified port is external
Default Value
Disabled
Spin Up Device
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-IO Configuration > SATA and RST Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables Staggered Spin Up. If enabled for any port, Staggered Spin Up will be performed and only the drives which have this option enabled will spin up at boot
Default Value
Disabled
SATA Device Type
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-IO Configuration > SATA and RST Configuration
Description
Sets the type of disk is connected to the specified SATA port. Certain configuration settings are only applied when this is set to Hard Disk Drive
Possible Values
Hard Disk Drive, Solid State Drive
Default Value
Hard Disk Drive
Topology
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-IO Configuration > SATA and RST Configuration
Description
Sets the SATA topology type of the installed device
Possible Values
Unknown, ISATA, Direct Connect, Flex, M2
Default Value
Unknown
HD Audio
HD Audio
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-IO Configuration > HD Audio
Description
Enables or Disables the integrated HD Audio device
Default value: Enabled
Possible Values
Disabled (HDA will be unconditionally disabled)
Enabled (HDA will be unconditionally enabled)
Default Value
Enabled
3.10 - PCH-FW Configuration
ME Firmware Version
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-FW Configuration
Description
Displays Management Engine firmware version
ME Firmware Mode
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-FW Configuration
Description
Displays Management Engine firmware mode
ME Firmware SKU
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-FW Configuration
Description
Displays Management Engine firmware SKU
ME Firmware Status 1
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-FW Configuration
Description
Displays Management Engine firmware status 1
ME Firmware Status 2
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-FW Configuration
Description
Displays Management Engine firmware status 2
ME State
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-FW Configuration
Description
When Disabled ME will be put into ME Temporarily Disabled Mode. Default value: Enabled
Possible Values
Enabled (Management Engine will act normally)
Disabled (Management Engine will be put into ME Temporarily Disabled Mode)
Default Value
Enabled
Manageability Features State
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-FW Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables Intel Manageability features
Note: This option disables/enables Manageability Features support in FW. Platform must be in an unprovisioned state before disabling ME support
Default Value
Enabled
AMT BIOS Features
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-FW Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables Active Management Technology (AMT) BIOS Features. Disabling this prevents the user from accessing the MEBx configuration
Note: This option does not disable Manageability Features in the firmware
Default Value
Enabled
AMT Configuration
Type
Sub-Menu
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-FW Configuration
Description
Opens the Intel Active Management Technology (AMT) configuration sub-menu (see section 3.10.1 below)
ME Unconfig on RTC Clear
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-FW Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables clearing of Management Engine configuration on CMOS clear
Possible Values
Enabled (ME settings will be cleared on CMOS clear)
Disabled (ME settings will be retained on CMOS clear)
Default Values
Enabled
Comms Hub Support
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-FW Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables support for Comms Hub
Default Value
Disabled
JHI Support
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-FW Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables Intel DAL Host Interface Service (JHI)
Default Value
Disabled
Core BIOS Done Message
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-FW Configuration
Description
Enable or Disable sending Core BIOS Done Message to ME
Default Value
Enabled
Firmware Update Configuration
Type
Sub-Menu
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-FW Configuration
Description
Opens the Management Engine Firmware Update configuration sub-menu (see section 3.10.2 below)
PTT Configuration
Type
Sub-Menu
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-FW Configuration
Description
Opens the Platform Trust Technology (PTT) configuration sub-menu (see section 3.10.3 below)
AMT Configuration
ASF Support
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-FW Configuration > AMT Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables Alert Standard Format support
Default Value
Enabled
USB Provisioning of AMT
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-FW Configuration > AMT Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables Active Management Technology (AMT) USB Provisioning
Default Value
Disabled
CIRA Configuration
Type
Sub-Menu
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-FW Configuration > AMT Configuration
Description
Opens the Client Initiated Remote Assistance (CIRA_ configuration sub-menu (see section 3.10.1.1 below)
ASF Configuration
Type
Sub-Menu
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-FW Configuration > AMT Configuration
Description
Opens the Alert Standard Format (ASF) configuration sub-menu (see section 3.10.1.2 below)
Secure Erase Configuration
Type
Sub-Menu
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-FW Configuration > AMT Configuration
Description
Opens the Secure Erase configuration sub-menu (see section 3.10.1.3 below)
MEBx Resolution Settings
Type
Sub-Menu
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-FW Configuration > AMT Configuration
Description
Opens the Management Engine BIOS Extension (MEBx) configuration sub-menu (see section 3.10.1.4 below)
CIRA Configuration
Activate Remote Assistance Process
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-FW Configuration > AMT Configuration > CIRA Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables the Client Initiated Remote Assistance boot process
Default Value
[ ] (disabled)
CIRA Timeout
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-FW Configuration > AMT Configuration > CIRA Configuration
Description
Sets the timeout for the CIRA remote assistance connection to be established
Note: This setting is only available if the Activate Remote Assistance Process setting is enabled
Possible Values
0 to 255 (0 for default timeout of 60 seconds, 255 for no timeout)
Default Value
0
ASF Configuration
PET Progress
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-FW Configuration > AMT Configuration > ASF Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables the ability to receive Platform Event Trap (PET) events
Default Value
Enabled
WatchDog
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-FW Configuration > AMT Configuration > ASF Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables the Watchdog Timer
Default Value
Disabled
OS Timer
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-FW Configuration > AMT Configuration > ASF Configuration
Description
Sets the WatchDog Timer duration in seconds so that an OS can interact with it
Note: This setting is only available if the WatchDog setting is enabled
Default Value
0
BIOS Timer
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-FW Configuration > AMT Configuration > ASF Configuration
Description
Sets the WatchDog Timer duration in seconds at the BIOS level. This timer will reset the system if it fails to POST within the duration
Note: This setting is only available if the WatchDog setting is enabled
Default Value
0
ASF Sensors Table
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-FW Configuration > AMT Configuration > ASF Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables adding the ASF Sensor Table to the ASF ACPI Table
Default Value
Disabled
Secure Erase Configuration
Secure Erase Mode
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-FW Configuration > AMT Configuration > Secure Erase Configuration
Description
Sets the behavior of the Secure Erase module
Possible Values
- Simulated (performs the Secure Erase process without erasing disks)
- Real (performs the Secure Erase process, erasing disks)
Default Value
Simulated
Force Secure Erase
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-FW Configuration > AMT Configuration > Secure Erase Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables forcing the Secure Erase process to occur on next boot
Default Value
Disabled
MEBx Resolution Settings
Non-UI Mode Resolution
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-FW Configuration > AMT Configuration > MEBx Resolution Settings
Description
Sets the resolution for the non-UI text-based MEBx mode
Possible Values
Auto, 80x25, 100x31
Default Value
Auto
UI Mode Resolution
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-FW Configuration > AMT Configuration > MEBx Resolution Settings
Description
Sets the resolution for the UI text-based MEBx mode
Possible Values
Auto, 80x25, 100x31
Default Value
Auto
Graphics Mode Resolution
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-FW Configuration > AMT Configuration > MEBx Resolution Settings
Description
Sets the resolution for the Graphical MEBx mode
Possible Values
Auto, 640x480, 800x600, 1024x768
Default Value
Auto
Firmware Update Configuration
ME Firmware Re-Flash
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-FW Configuration > Firmware Update Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables Management Engine Firmware Image Re-Flash function
Default Value
Disabled
PTT Configuration
PTT Capability / State
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > PCH-FW Configuration > PTT Configuration
Description
Displays Platform Trust Technology (PTT) Capability / Enablement State
3.11 - Thermal Configuration
Automatic Thermal Reporting
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > Thermal Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables automatic configuration of _CRT, _PSV and _AC0 based on values recommended in BWG’s Thermal Reporting for Thermal Management settings
Possible Values
Enabled (automatic configuration)
Disabled (manual configuration)
Default Value
Disabled
Critical Trip Point
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > Thermal Configuration
Description
Sets the temperature value of the ACPI Critical Trip Point (the point at which the system will shut off.)
Note: 119C is the Plan Of Record (POR) for all Intel processors.
Possible Values
15, 23, 31, 39, 47, 55, 63, 71, 79, 87, 95, 100, 103, 111, 119, 127 (C)
Default Value
119 C (POR)
Active Trip Point 0
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > Thermal Configuration
Description
Sets the temperature value of the ACPI Active Trip Point 0 (the point at which the OS will set the processor fan to Active Trip Point 0 Fan Speed)
Possible Values
15, 23, 31, 39, 47, 55, 63, 71, 79, 87, 95, 100, 111, 127 (C)
Default Value
71 C
Active Trip Point 0 Fan Speed
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > Thermal Configuration
Description
Sets Active Trip Point 0 Fan Speed percentage (the percentage of maximum speed at which the fan will run when Active Trip Point 0 is crossed)
Possible Values
0 to 100
Default Value
100
Active Trip Point 1
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > Thermal Configuration
Description
Sets the temperature value of the ACPI Active Trip Point 1 (the point at which the OS will set the processor fan to Active Trip Point 1 Fan Speed)
Possible Values
15, 23, 31, 39, 47, 55, 63, 71, 79, 87, 95, 100, 111, 127 (C)
Default Value
55 C
Active Trip Point 1 Fan Speed
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > Thermal Configuration
Description
Sets Active Trip Point 1 Fan Speed percentage (the percentage of maximum speed at which the fan will run when Active Trip Point 1 is crossed)
Possible Values
0 to 100
Default Value
75
Passive Trip Point
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > Thermal Configuration
Description
Sets the temperature value of the ACPI Passive Trip Point (the point in which the OS will begin throttling the processor frequency)
Possible Values
15, 23, 31, 39, 47, 55, 63, 71, 79, 87, 100, 103, 111, 119 (POR), 127 (C)
Default Value
95 C
Passive TC1 Value
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > Thermal Configuration
Description
Sets the TC1 value for the ACPI Passive Cooling Formula
Possible Values
1 to 16
Default Value
1
Passive TC2 Value
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > Thermal Configuration
Description
Sets the TC2 value for the ACPI Passive Cooling Formula
Possible Values
1 to 16
Default Value
5
Passive TSP Value
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > Thermal Configuration
Description
Sets the TSP value for the ACPI Passive Cooling Formula. This value represents how often (in tenths of a second) the OS will read the temperature when passive cooling is enabled
Possible Values
2 to 32
Default Value
10
Active Trip Points
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > Thermal Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables Active Trip Points
Default Value
Enabled
Passive Trip Points
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > Thermal Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables Passive Trip Points
Default Value
Disabled
Critical Trip Points
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > Thermal Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables Critical Trip Points
Default Value
Enabled
Active Trip Points
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > Thermal Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables Active Trip Points
Default Value
Enabled
PCH Temp Read
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > Thermal Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables reading of PCH temperature
Default Value
[X] (enabled)
CPU Energy Read
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > Thermal Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables reading of CPU power draw
Default Value
[X] (enabled)
CPU Temp Read
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > Thermal Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables reading of CPU temperatures
Default Value
[X] (enabled)
Alert Enable Lock
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > Thermal Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables locking of all Alert Enable settings
Default Value
Disabled
CPU Temp
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > Thermal Configuration
Description
Sets the Fail Safe temperature that the embedded controller will use if the OS is hung
Default Value
75
CPU Fan Speed
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > Thermal Configuration
Description
Sets the fan speed that the embedded controller will use if the OS is hung
Possible Values
0-100%
Default Value
65%
3.12 - SIO NCT5524D
UART Port 1 Configuration
Type
Sub-Menu
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > SIO NCT5524D Chip
Description
Opens the UART Port 1 (COM1) configuration sub-menu (see section 3.12.1 below)
UART Port 2 Configuration
Type
Sub-Menu
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > SIO NCT5524D Chip
Description
Opens the UART Port 2 (COM2) configuration sub-menu (see section 3.12.1 below)
Fan Control
Type
Sub-Menu
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > SIO NCT5524D Chip
Description
Opens the Fan Control configuration sub-menu (see section 3.12.2 below)
Hardware Monitor
Type
Sub-Menu
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > SIO NCT5524D Chip
Description
Opens the Hardware Monitor sub-menu to display hardware monitoring values (see section 3.12.6 below)
UART Port 1/2 Configuration
UART Port <n>
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > SIO NCT5524D Chip > UART Port X Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables selected COM port
Default Value
Enabled
Power Over Cable
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > SIO NCT5524D Chip > UART Port X Configuration
Description
Enables or Disables DC power on pin 9 of selected COM port
Mode Select
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > SIO NCT5524D Chip > UART Port X Configuration
Description
Sets the communication protocol of the selected COM port
Possible Values
- Pure RS-232
- RS-422 Full Duplex
- RS-485 Half Duplex (TX ENABLE Low Active)
- RS-422 Full Duplex (with termination resistor and bias resistor)
- Pure RS-232 (co-exists with RS485)
- RS-485 Half Duplex (with termination resistor and bias resistor)
- Low Power Shutdown*
*This option puts the transceiver into a low-power mode, deactivating the serial communications to minimize power draw. When selected, the serial ports will not be usable
Default Value
Pure RS-232
Fan Control
CPUFANIN
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > SIO NCT5524D > Fan Control
Description
Displays current CPU Fan RPM
CPUTIN
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > SIO NCT5524D > Fan Control
Description
Displays current CPU package temperature
Mode
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > SIO NCT5524D > Fan Control
Description
Sets fan control mode. Certain modes will add or remove settings that only pertain to that mode; see sections 3.12.2.1 through 3.12.2.3 for mode-specific configuration options
Possible Values
Manual, Thermal Cruise, Speed Cruise, Smart Fan IV
Default Value
Smart Fan IV
PWM/DC Output
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > SIO NCT5524D > Fan Control
Description
Sets the type of fan control signal
Possible Values
PWM Duty Cycle (%), DC Voltage (%)
Default Value
PWM Duty Cycle (%)
Output Buffer Type
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > SIO NCT5524D > Fan Control
Description
Sets the characteristics of the output buffer
Note: This setting is only available if the PWM/DC Output option is set to PWM Duty Cycle (%)
Possible Values
Open-Drain, Push-Pull
Default Value
Open-Drain
PWM Duty Cycle (%)
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > SIO NCT5524D > Fan Control
Description
Sets the duty cycle percentage for the fan control PWM signal
Note: This setting is only available if the PWM/DC Output option is set to PWM Duty Cycle (%)
Possible Values
0 to 100
Default Value
50
PWM Duty Cycle (%)
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > SIO NCT5524D > Fan Control (with Mode option set to Manual)
Description
Sets the DC voltage percentage for the fan control signal
Note: This setting is only available if the Mode option is set to Manual and the PWM/DC Output option is set to DC Voltage (%)
Possible Values
0 to 100
Default Value
50
Fan Control (Thermal Cruise Mode)
The following settings are only available if the Mode option above is set to Thermal Cruise.
Target Temperature (°C)
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > SIO NCT5524D > Fan Control (with Mode option set to Thermal Cruise)
Description
Sets the target CPU temperature in degrees Celsius that the fan control will adjust to maintain
Default Value
0
Tolerance (°C)
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > SIO NCT5524D > Fan Control (with Mode option set to Thermal Cruise)
Description
Sets the temperature tolerance in degrees Celsius for the Target Temperature set above
Default Value
0
Fan Control (Speed Cruise Mode)
Target Fan Speed
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > SIO NCT5524D > Fan Control (with Mode option set to Speed Cruise)
Description
Sets the target fan speed that the fan control will adjust to maintain
Default Value
0
Tolerance
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > SIO NCT5524D > Fan Control (with Mode option set to Thermal Cruise)
Description
Sets the tolerance for the target fan speed set above
Default Value
0
Fan Control (Smart Fan IV Mode)
Boundary 0 (°C)
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > SIO NCT5524D Chip > Fan Control (with Mode option set to Smart Fan IV)
Description
Sets the temperature at which the fan speed will be set to the value specified in the Output 0 option
Default Value
30
Output 0 (%)
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > SIO NCT5524D Chip > Fan Control (with Mode option set to Smart Fan IV)
Description
Sets the fan speed percentage that will be used when the temperature hits the threshold specified in the Boundary 0 option
Possible Values
0 to 100
Default Value
25
Boundary 1 (°C)
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > SIO NCT5524D Chip > Fan Control (with Mode option set to Smart Fan IV)
Description
Sets the temperature in degrees Celsius at which the fan speed will be set to the value specified in the Output 1 option
Default Value
40
Output 1 (%)
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > SIO NCT5524D Chip > Fan Control (with Mode option set to Smart Fan IV)
Description
Sets the fan speed percentage that will be used when the temperature hits the threshold specified in the Boundary 1 option
Possible Values
0 to 100
Default Value
50
Boundary 2 (°C)
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > SIO NCT5524D Chip > Fan Control (with Mode option set to Smart Fan IV)
Description
Sets the temperature in degrees Celsius at which the fan speed will be set to the value specified in the Output 2 option
Default Value
50
Output 2 (%)
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > SIO NCT5524D Chip > Fan Control (with Mode option set to Smart Fan IV)
Description
Sets the fan speed percentage that will be used when the temperature hits the threshold specified in the Boundary 2 option
Possible Values
0 to 100
Default Value
75
Boundary 3 (°C)
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > SIO NCT5524D Chip > Fan Control (with Mode option set to Smart Fan IV)
Description
Sets the temperature in degrees Celsius at which the fan speed will be set to the value specified in the Output 3 option
Default Value
60
Output 3 (%)
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > SIO NCT5524D Chip > Fan Control (with Mode option set to Smart Fan IV)
Description
Sets the fan speed percentage that will be used when the temperature hits the threshold specified in the Boundary 3 option
Possible Values
0 to 100
Default Value
100
Hardware Monitor
Refresh Cycle
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Advanced Page > SIO NCT5524D Chip > Hardware Monitor
Description
Sets the interval in seconds at which the monitor updates values
Possible Values
0 to 15 (setting to 0 stops the monitor from updating values)
Default Value
1
4 - Security Page
Current TPM Device
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Security Page
Description
Displays current TPM device
TPM State
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Security Page
Description
Displays current TPM state
TPM Active PCR Hash Algorithm
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Security Page
Description
Displays active PCR hash algorithm
TPM Hardware Supported Hash Algorithm
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Security Page
Description
Displays hardware supported hash algorithm
BIOS Supported Hash Algorithm
Type
Information
BIOS Page
Security Page
Description
Displays BIOS supported hash algorithm
TrEE Protocol Version
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Security Page
Description
Sets the TrEE Protocol Version: 1.0 or 1.1. Possible values: 1.1, 1.0. Default value: 1.1
Possible Values
1.1, 1.0
Default Value
1.1
TPM Availability
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Security Page
Description
Enables or Disables the TPM hardware
Possible Values
Available (enabled), Hidden (disabled)
Default Value
Available
TPM Operation
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Security Page
Description
Sets the TPM2 operation state
Possible Values
- No Operation
- Enable
- SetPCRBanks(Algorithm)
- LogAllDigests
- SetPPRequiredForClear_True
- SetPPRequiredForClear_False
- SetPPRequiredForTurnOn_False
- SetPPRequiredForTurnOn_True
- SetPPRequiredForTurnOff_False
- SetPPRequiredForTurnOff_True
- SetPPRequiredForChangePCRs_False
- SetPPRequriedForChangePCRs_True
- SetPPRequiredForChangeEPS_False
- SetPPRequiredForChangeEPS_True
- ChangeEPS
Default Value
No Operation
Clear TPM
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Security Page
Description
Enables or Disables clearing TPM user data such as passwords, certificates, and keys
Default Value
[ ] (disabled)
Set Supervisor Password
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Security Page
Description
Sets or Changes the supervisor password
Note: The password must be more than one character in length
5 - Boot Page
Boot Type
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Boot Page
Description
Sets the boot mode
Possible Values
UEFI Boot Type, Legacy Boot Type, Dual Boot Type
Default Value
UEFI Boot Type
Network Stack
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Boot Page
Description
Enables or Disables the onboard NICs before UEFI handoff
Default value: Disabled
Default Value
Disabled
PXE Boot Capability
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Boot Page
Description
Sets the PXE Boot mode
Note: This setting is unavailable unless Network Stack is Enabled
Possible Values
- Disabled
- UEFI: IPv4
- UEFI: IPv6
- UEFI: IPv4/IPv6
Default Value
Disabled
Add Boot Options
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Boot Page
Description
Sets which device in the boot order list the system will attempt to boot first and the direction it will move through the list (see section 5.1 below)
Possible Values
- Auto (boot order is not configurable, uses the system default)
- First (system moves through the boot order list top to bottom)
- Last (system moves through the boot order list bottom to top)
Default Value
Auto
USB Boot
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Boot Page
Description
Enables or Disables booting from USB devices
Default Value
Enabled
UEFI OS Fast Boot
Type
Configurable Setting
BIOS Page
Boot Page
Description
Enables or Disables Fast Boot mode. When enabled, the BIOS will not initialize the keyboard during boot or watch for the BIOS menu keypress
Default Value
Disabled
EFI
Type
Sub-Menu
BIOS Page
Boot Page
Description
Opens the EFI Boot Order sub-menu (see section 5.1 below)
5.1 - EFI
Note: The EFI boot order configuration in this menu can only be changed if the Add Boot Options option above is set to First or Last.
In this menu, you set which devices the system can boot to, as well as change the order in which it attempts to boot. Highlight a boot device and press Enter to enable or disable booting to it. Use the F5 and F6 keys to move the boot device up and down the list.
6 - Exit Page
Exit Saving Changes
Type
Exit Mode
BIOS Page
Exit Page
Description
Saves your changes and exits the BIOS setup menu
Save Change Without Exit
Type
Exit Mode
BIOS Page
Exit Page
Description
Saves your changes, but does not exit the BIOS setup menu
Exit Discarding Changes
Type
Selectable
BIOS Page
Exit Page
Description
Exits the BIOS setup menu without saving your changes
Load Optimal Defaults
Type
Selectable
BIOS Page
Exit Page
Description
Loads the firmware’s optimal default settings
Load Custom Defaults
Type
Selectable
BIOS Page
Exit Page
Description
Loads user-specified set of default settings
Save Custom Defaults
Type
Selectable
BIOS Page
Exit Page
Description
Saves current settings as user-specified set
Discard Changes
Type
Selectable
BIOS Page
Exit Page
Description
Discards all changes, but does not exit the BIOS setup menu
7 - RAID Configuration
7.1 - RAID Overview
RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is a technology used to stitch multiple storage drives together into a single volume for a variety of purposes. The Intel Q470 chipset on the Helix platform features Intel Rapid Storage Technology (RST), an integrated firmware-level RAID utility for SATA disks. Intel RST on Comet Lake chipsets is only supported in Windows; Linux users will need to use a dedicated hardware RAID solution or a software-level RAID utility such as mdadm.
Because the RAID volumes are maintained at the firmware level, the disks in an array do not need to match perfectly. However, the timing parameters of all disks in a certain array, such as write speed, will be limited by the chipset to the lowest value among those disks.
On the Helix platform, the M.2 B-Key, M.2 M-Key, and both cabled SATA connectors can be configured in RAID arrays.
Different types of RAID arrays are referred to as “levels”. Intel RST on the Helix platform supports four RAID levels:
RAID 0 (Striped): In a RAID 0 array, data written to the volume is split between two or more disks. Each disk’s storage space is divided into blocks, the size of which can be set by the user. When writing data to the volume, the SATA controller will rotate block-by-block between the disks. This methodology can provide noticeable improvements to read and write speeds; however, if one disk in a RAID 0 array fails, the data on the entire volume will be lost.
RAID 1 (Mirrored): In a RAID 1 array, the SATA controller mirrors all data between two or more disks. The primary benefit of this methodology is that if a drive in the array is disconnected or fails altogether, the volume will continue to function as normal. If an OS is installed on the volume, it will not be interrupted by a failing drive. A drive can then be reconnected or replaced, at which time the SATA controller will rebuild the volume (note that the rebuild process can take several hours or even days for larger volumes). This RAID configuration has no noticeable effect on write speeds but typically improves read speeds, as the system can read from multiple disks simultaneously.
RAID 5 (Striped with Parity): A RAID 5 array functions similarly to a RAID 0 array in that it stripes data across multiple disks; however, for each set of blocks, it also writes a block of parity data that can be used to recover a block on another disk if it loses that data. Thus, you can achieve some of the performance gains of a RAID 0 array while being able to withstand a single disk failure. This methodology requires at least three disks.
RAID 10 (Striped and Mirrored): A RAID 10 array combines two RAID 1 arrays in a RAID 0 array. This allows you to achieve the performance gains of a RAID 0 array while still maintaining the fault tolerance of a RAID 1 array. Data is striped between the two RAID 1 volumes, which are able to withstand and rebuild after a failed disk. This methodology requires at least four disks. This RAID level is also sometimes referred to as RAID 1+0.
Recovery: Intel Rapid Recovery Technology creates a special RAID 1 array where instead of two equivalent disks, one disk is designated the “primary” and the other the “secondary”. Data is written to the primary drive, then copied to the secondary drive as a backup. This allows you to decide if you would like the mirroring to occur continuously or only on request; in addition, the time it takes to rebuild the array after a disk failure is decreased. However, the read speed improvements of a typical RAID 1 array are not seen here, as the SATA controller will typically only read from the primary drive.
Note: Creating a new RAID array will erase all filesystems and data on all the disks used.
7.2 - Creating and Managing RAID Volumes with Intel RST
7.2.1 - Device Management Menu
From the main menu, select “Device Management”. You will be greeted with the Device Manager options pictured below. Select “Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology” to continue.
Note: The Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology menu will only appear if you have set the SATA Mode Selection option to Intel RST Premium With Intel Optane System Acceleration. This option is located in the main BIOS setup under Advanced > PCH-IO Configuration > SATA And RST Configuration.
7.2.2 - Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology Menu
This menu will list all existing RAID arrays, as well as all SATA disks that are not currently in an array. Select “Create RAID Volume” to continue.
7.2.3 - Creating a New RAID Array
The following menu will give you the option to specify the name of your RAID volume, the RAID level of the configuration, and which disks will become part of the array. Begin by specifying the name of the volume if desired and selecting a RAID Level.
Then, select which SATA disks will be used to create the array. Note that any disks being used in a different RAID array will not be selectable. If you are creating an array with the RAID level “Recovery”, you will need to select which drive is the primary (M) and which is the secondary (R).
For RAID 0, 5, and 10 configurations, you can specify the strip size if desired. The strip size options vary depending on the RAID level of the configuration. In addition, you can set the capacity of the volume if you would like it smaller than the maximum available. If you are creating a “Recovery” array, you can also select if the slave drive is synchronized with the master continuously or only on request.
Select “Create Volume” to return to the Device Manager menu. You should now see your new volume listed in the menu; hit F10 to save your new settings and Escape to return to the main BIOS menu.
Your RAID array is now created and ready for use.
8 - BIOS Updates
The latest BIOS updates are available within Software & Firmware section of the HX500 / HX600 Product Documentation space.
Revision History
Revision History
Date
First release of HX500/HX600 BIOS Manual
07/16/2020
Add link to BIOS Updates support page
12/15/2020
Last updated