asked on Updating BIOS on server to control noisy fans
Hi Guys,
Recently bought a cheap server which has SE7520BD2 motherboard with SC5300BD2 chassis. Both of the above are INTEL products.
The problem I am having is that the server fans are really noisy. I have checked the connector cables on the fans and they are all good. Came across this post http://communities.intel.com/thread/1881;jsessionid=A00FE95D200888ED2BAFB13DF4D57061 which essentially says that you must have BIOS version 9. Mine is 8.00.0070. The version that I have doesn't have any option for Acoustic control as stated in the above post.
Now the question is -
1. When I try to update the BIOS by using a FLASH DRIVE (http://www.weethet.nl/english/hardware_bootfromusbstick.php), it doesn't wanna detect it and keeps saying please insert boot disk. I did not have access to a floppy drive so I used the WINDOWS 98 disks(http://www.allbootdisks.com) from this website and followed the procedure described above. What am I missing here??
The BIOS version I am trying to install is http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&Inst=Yes&ProductID=1658&DwnldID=11115&strOSs=129&OSFullName=Red%20Hat*%20Enterprise%20Linux%204.0&lang=eng. Any ideas how do I go about it?????
Recently bought a cheap server which has SE7520BD2 motherboard with SC5300BD2 chassis. Both of the above are INTEL products.
The problem I am having is that the server fans are really noisy. I have checked the connector cables on the fans and they are all good. Came across this post http://communities.intel.com/thread/1881;jsessionid=A00FE95D200888ED2BAFB13DF4D57061 which essentially says that you must have BIOS version 9. Mine is 8.00.0070. The version that I have doesn't have any option for Acoustic control as stated in the above post.
Now the question is -
1. When I try to update the BIOS by using a FLASH DRIVE (http://www.weethet.nl/english/hardware_bootfromusbstick.php), it doesn't wanna detect it and keeps saying please insert boot disk. I did not have access to a floppy drive so I used the WINDOWS 98 disks(http://www.allbootdisks.com) from this website and followed the procedure described above. What am I missing here??
The BIOS version I am trying to install is http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&Inst=Yes&ProductID=1658&DwnldID=11115&strOSs=129&OSFullName=Red%20Hat*%20Enterprise%20Linux%204.0&lang=eng. Any ideas how do I go about it?????
ComponentsHardwareWindows Server 2003
Last Comment
KKOS-KS
ASKER
Also wondering if someone could possibly give me the exact procedure on how to revert back to the original BIOS in case something untoward happens
SOLUTION
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Other options is to use a USB floppy , or install
Speedfan program to control fans
http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php
I hope this helps !
Speedfan program to control fans
http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php
I hope this helps !
ASKER
Wirednet,
Can you please give me directions on how I go about installing "Intel systemboard monitoring software ". I cannot find this on the webpage for my motherboard. Kindly point me in the right direction. I cannot call INTEL because the server is old and its a discontinued product and no longer supported by INTEL.
Sorry, not quite sure what you mean by this, please explain in detail -
"If you still want to update the BIOS, prob the easiest thing to do without trying to resolve your flash drive problem, is to just take a floppy drive and cable from another computer and attach it to the server long enough to get the BIOS flashed."
I will get back to you on Active Boot Disk soon...
Can you please give me directions on how I go about installing "Intel systemboard monitoring software ". I cannot find this on the webpage for my motherboard. Kindly point me in the right direction. I cannot call INTEL because the server is old and its a discontinued product and no longer supported by INTEL.
Sorry, not quite sure what you mean by this, please explain in detail -
"If you still want to update the BIOS, prob the easiest thing to do without trying to resolve your flash drive problem, is to just take a floppy drive and cable from another computer and attach it to the server long enough to get the BIOS flashed."
I will get back to you on Active Boot Disk soon...
ASKER
To SysExpert,
I have had a brief look at SPEEDFAN before but it looks a bit complicated to me. Also the server has VMWARE ESX installed on it. Any ideas how I go about using SPEEDFAN on a VMWARE and does it actually work?
I have had a brief look at SPEEDFAN before but it looks a bit complicated to me. Also the server has VMWARE ESX installed on it. Any ideas how I go about using SPEEDFAN on a VMWARE and does it actually work?
ASKER
To WiredNet,
Tried the Active USB Boot Disk software that you suggested.
Looks like a great program. Went into command prompt and ran fdd.bat as per release notes of INTEL. Came up with lot of command not found errors.
I think windows needs to be booted into pure DOS mode somehow to upgrade the BIOS.
Also I got this warning - "Please MAKE SURE the BIOS select jumper (J1B1 pin 1-2) is set correctly!" What does this mean?? and how do I make sure that I am doing thing.
To everyone else,
I am still looking to fix this issue with noisy fans by upgrading the BIOS. Please keep posting as I desperately need help here.
Once again the link to the upgrade website is - http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&Inst=Yes&ProductID=1658&DwnldID=11115&strOSs=129&OSFullName=Red%20Hat*%20Enterprise%20Linux%204.0&lang=eng.
In the release notes there is a recovery procedure in case BIOS update fails. Can someone explain to me how that works. I have got no clue and the directions are not very clear to me.
Tried the Active USB Boot Disk software that you suggested.
Looks like a great program. Went into command prompt and ran fdd.bat as per release notes of INTEL. Came up with lot of command not found errors.
I think windows needs to be booted into pure DOS mode somehow to upgrade the BIOS.
Also I got this warning - "Please MAKE SURE the BIOS select jumper (J1B1 pin 1-2) is set correctly!" What does this mean?? and how do I make sure that I am doing thing.
To everyone else,
I am still looking to fix this issue with noisy fans by upgrading the BIOS. Please keep posting as I desperately need help here.
Once again the link to the upgrade website is - http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&Inst=Yes&ProductID=1658&DwnldID=11115&strOSs=129&OSFullName=Red%20Hat*%20Enterprise%20Linux%204.0&lang=eng.
In the release notes there is a recovery procedure in case BIOS update fails. Can someone explain to me how that works. I have got no clue and the directions are not very clear to me.
ASKER
OK guys,
1. Figured out the J1B1 jumper part and all that looks OK. Jumper is connected to pin1 and pin2. Maybe if someone can confirm again it'll be good/
2. Also the jbb.bat(attached) which I ran using ACTIVE BOOT DISK, contains just one command essentially, which is "AFUDOS /isbd2a075.rom /pb /c2 ". I know if I run this command, it might work or it might not, so I need a proper procedure to revert back to the original BIOS in-case something untoward happens.
Raising points to 500 now
1. Figured out the J1B1 jumper part and all that looks OK. Jumper is connected to pin1 and pin2. Maybe if someone can confirm again it'll be good/
2. Also the jbb.bat(attached) which I ran using ACTIVE BOOT DISK, contains just one command essentially, which is "AFUDOS /isbd2a075.rom /pb /c2 ". I know if I run this command, it might work or it might not, so I need a proper procedure to revert back to the original BIOS in-case something untoward happens.
Raising points to 500 now
@echo off
echo .
echo WARNING!!! WARNING!!! WARNING!!!
echo Please MAKE SURE the BIOS select jumper (J1B1 pin 1-2) is set correctly!!
PAUSE
REM + =============================================================== +
REM + = Program all blocks of current BIOS except RB flags and NVRAM +
REM + =============================================================== +
echo.
ECHO Flashing Main BIOS & Boot Block & Non-Critical Block 2
AFUDOS /isbd2a075.rom /pb /c2
echo.
ASKER
Points Raised to 500
SOme BIOS flash programs give you the option to make a backup first.
I would check to see if there are any option in the
AFUDOS
program for this.
I would check to see if there are any option in the
AFUDOS
program for this.
ASKER
Hi SYSexpert,
The Active Boot Disk that I am using is a Windows Vista PE disk. It is very similar to ERD commander, so to speak. I would also like to know if I should be using it to do the UPGRADE or not??
The Active Boot Disk that I am using is a Windows Vista PE disk. It is very similar to ERD commander, so to speak. I would also like to know if I should be using it to do the UPGRADE or not??
ASKER
Ok guys,
Here is the progress so far -
1. Active boot disk did not work, because one needs to boot into pure dos mode(not PXE mode) to flash the bios.
2. The tool I used to create a bootable DOS USB disk was from HP and is called HP USB DISK STORAGE FORMAT TOOL. Once downloaded followed these steps to create a bootable disk.
"a. Use HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool with DOS611 files to make your USB Stick Bootable.
b. Copy all the files from DOS611 to your USB Stick. Note DO NOT OVERWRITE THE EXISTING FILES.
c. Copy All the files from win98 to your USB Stick. Note DO NOT OVERWRITE THE EXISTING FILES.
d. Restart the computer and boot from USB. Note select boot device from BIOS or use shortcut key Esc or F12 and e.t.c"
3. Now I put all the BIOS update files afudos and .ROM file in the root folder of the USB.
4.Booted off the USB and typed the following command to copy the existing BIOS into the USB disk, in case I need to go to original BIOS. the command is afudos /oAMIBOOT.ROM
5. Next to update the BIOS, I ran the following command - AFUDOS /isbd2a075.rom /pb /c2
6. Bios update went smoothly and the BIOS is now the new version but FAN NOISE is still not cured.
Intel suggests doing an FRUSDR upgrade but when I do it, I get the following error - " Error, insufficient memory", any ideas??
Here is the progress so far -
1. Active boot disk did not work, because one needs to boot into pure dos mode(not PXE mode) to flash the bios.
2. The tool I used to create a bootable DOS USB disk was from HP and is called HP USB DISK STORAGE FORMAT TOOL. Once downloaded followed these steps to create a bootable disk.
"a. Use HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool with DOS611 files to make your USB Stick Bootable.
b. Copy all the files from DOS611 to your USB Stick. Note DO NOT OVERWRITE THE EXISTING FILES.
c. Copy All the files from win98 to your USB Stick. Note DO NOT OVERWRITE THE EXISTING FILES.
d. Restart the computer and boot from USB. Note select boot device from BIOS or use shortcut key Esc or F12 and e.t.c"
3. Now I put all the BIOS update files afudos and .ROM file in the root folder of the USB.
4.Booted off the USB and typed the following command to copy the existing BIOS into the USB disk, in case I need to go to original BIOS. the command is afudos /oAMIBOOT.ROM
5. Next to update the BIOS, I ran the following command - AFUDOS /isbd2a075.rom /pb /c2
6. Bios update went smoothly and the BIOS is now the new version but FAN NOISE is still not cured.
Intel suggests doing an FRUSDR upgrade but when I do it, I get the following error - " Error, insufficient memory", any ideas??
TO reduce memory usage,
1) USE XP DOS
or use emm386 and the loadhi commands in config.sys etc to minimize the RAM footprrint of DOS
DEVICE=\HIMEM.SYS
DEVICEHIGH=\EMM386.EXE NOEMS
or
DEVICE=a:\HIMEM.SYS
DEVICEHIGH=a:\COMMAND\EBD\
DOS=HIGH,UMB
I hope this helps !
1) USE XP DOS
or use emm386 and the loadhi commands in config.sys etc to minimize the RAM footprrint of DOS
DEVICE=\HIMEM.SYS
DEVICEHIGH=\EMM386.EXE NOEMS
or
DEVICE=a:\HIMEM.SYS
DEVICEHIGH=a:\COMMAND\EBD\
DOS=HIGH,UMB
I hope this helps !
ASKER
Sorry sysexpert,
Not very clear, could you explain what I need to do and why I should do it??
Not very clear, could you explain what I need to do and why I should do it??
ASKER
Also is there any chance that updating the FRUSDR can stuff up my motherboard. I have got no idea what it does.??
ASKER
The config.sys I have looks like below -
DEVICE=HIMEM.SYS /testmem:off
FILES=30
BUFFERS=20
DEVICE=cd1.SYS /D:banana
rem DEVICE=cd1.SYS /D:banana /P:1f0,14
rem DEVICE=cd1.SYS /D:banana /P:170,15
rem DEVICE=cd1.SYS /D:banana /P:170,10
rem DEVICE=cd1.SYS /D:banana /P:1e8,12
rem DEVICE=cd1.SYS /D:banana /P:1e8,11
rem DEVICE=cd1.SYS /D:banana /P:168,10
rem DEVICE=cd1.SYS /D:banana /P:168,9
LASTDRIVE=Z
Sorry, had been away for a while.
After updating the BIOS, did you go back into the BIOS setup and check for settings that control the fan speed? On some computers, there are a couple different settings that give you the option of always on, or temperature controlled.
Another thing, maybe someone worked on this server and swapped out the motherboard at one time?
If this is the case, make sure that the fans are connnected via the systemboard fan power connectors and do not have the fans attached directly to the power supply connectors.
Of course, if there are several fans, you will not have an option to attach all the fans to the systemboard as there will only be a limited number of connectors.
After updating the BIOS, did you go back into the BIOS setup and check for settings that control the fan speed? On some computers, there are a couple different settings that give you the option of always on, or temperature controlled.
Another thing, maybe someone worked on this server and swapped out the motherboard at one time?
If this is the case, make sure that the fans are connnected via the systemboard fan power connectors and do not have the fans attached directly to the power supply connectors.
Of course, if there are several fans, you will not have an option to attach all the fans to the systemboard as there will only be a limited number of connectors.
Looking at the manual for that systemboard: looks like there are 8 connectors:
Six multi-speed system fan headers.
Two single-speed CPU fan headers.
From the manual:
--------------------------
System Cooling Fans Do Not Rotate Properly
If the system cooling fans are not operating properly, it is an indication of possible system
component failure.
Check the following:
À‰ Is the power-on light lit?
À‰ If your system has LED lights for the fans, is one or more of these LEDs lit?
À‰ Are any other front panel LEDs lit?
À‰ Have any of the fan motors stopped? Use the server management subsystem to check the fan
status.
À‰ Have your fans speeded up in response to an overheating situation?
À‰ Have your fans speeded up in response to a fan that has failed?
À‰ Are the fan power connectors properly connected to the server board?
À‰ Is the cable from the front panel board connected to both the front panel board and the server
board?
À‰ Are the power supply cables properly connected to the server board?
À‰ Are there any shorted wires caused by pinched-cables or have power connector plugs been
forced into power connector sockets the wrong way?
--------------------------
More info from technical manual from Intel for that board:
4.3.3 Fan Speed Control
Server board hardware implements an external ambient-temperature-based fan speed control
that is part of normal system operation with the mBMC and an internally ambient temperature
with the Sahalee BMC. With one exception, the management controller does not participate in
fan speed control. The feature allows the server board to drive different fan speeds based on
various temperature measurements in order to lower the acoustic noise of the system.
The ambient-temperature thresholds at which the Fan Speed increases does not correspond to
a non-critical (warning) condition for the fan because the fans state is still OK from the
systems point-of-view.
The server board has two analog fan speed signals that are driven by pulse-width modulator
(PWM) circuits by the server board hardware. These signals can be driven to several levels
according to temperature measurements. Multiple bytes of a Sensor Initialization Table are used
to hold parameters that set the temperature thresholds and corresponding PWM duty cycles.
This SDR or table is loaded as part of the server board configuration.
The management controller firmware expects to find an LM30 temperature sensor on the front
panel board. Thus, the ambient temperature-based fan speed control capability is not enabled
by default for the Server Board SE7520BD2 as a baseboard-only product, but can be enabled
via a management controller configuration change.
4.3.3.1 Fan Kick Start
Some fans may not begin rotating unless started at high speed. To ensure that the fans start,
the server board hardware starts and run the fans at high speed for a brief interval following
system power up.
Here are the download links for those manuals:
http://support.intel.com/support/motherboards/server/se7520bd2/sb/cs-013534.htm
http://support.intel.com/support/motherboards/server/se7520bd2/sb/CS-010682.htm
Six multi-speed system fan headers.
Two single-speed CPU fan headers.
From the manual:
--------------------------
System Cooling Fans Do Not Rotate Properly
If the system cooling fans are not operating properly, it is an indication of possible system
component failure.
Check the following:
À‰ Is the power-on light lit?
À‰ If your system has LED lights for the fans, is one or more of these LEDs lit?
À‰ Are any other front panel LEDs lit?
À‰ Have any of the fan motors stopped? Use the server management subsystem to check the fan
status.
À‰ Have your fans speeded up in response to an overheating situation?
À‰ Have your fans speeded up in response to a fan that has failed?
À‰ Are the fan power connectors properly connected to the server board?
À‰ Is the cable from the front panel board connected to both the front panel board and the server
board?
À‰ Are the power supply cables properly connected to the server board?
À‰ Are there any shorted wires caused by pinched-cables or have power connector plugs been
forced into power connector sockets the wrong way?
--------------------------
More info from technical manual from Intel for that board:
4.3.3 Fan Speed Control
Server board hardware implements an external ambient-temperature-based fan speed control
that is part of normal system operation with the mBMC and an internally ambient temperature
with the Sahalee BMC. With one exception, the management controller does not participate in
fan speed control. The feature allows the server board to drive different fan speeds based on
various temperature measurements in order to lower the acoustic noise of the system.
The ambient-temperature thresholds at which the Fan Speed increases does not correspond to
a non-critical (warning) condition for the fan because the fans state is still OK from the
systems point-of-view.
The server board has two analog fan speed signals that are driven by pulse-width modulator
(PWM) circuits by the server board hardware. These signals can be driven to several levels
according to temperature measurements. Multiple bytes of a Sensor Initialization Table are used
to hold parameters that set the temperature thresholds and corresponding PWM duty cycles.
This SDR or table is loaded as part of the server board configuration.
The management controller firmware expects to find an LM30 temperature sensor on the front
panel board. Thus, the ambient temperature-based fan speed control capability is not enabled
by default for the Server Board SE7520BD2 as a baseboard-only product, but can be enabled
via a management controller configuration change.
4.3.3.1 Fan Kick Start
Some fans may not begin rotating unless started at high speed. To ensure that the fans start,
the server board hardware starts and run the fans at high speed for a brief interval following
system power up.
Here are the download links for those manuals:
http://support.intel.com/support/motherboards/server/se7520bd2/sb/cs-013534.htm
http://support.intel.com/support/motherboards/server/se7520bd2/sb/CS-010682.htm
Hard to say, but it is their recommendation.
What version of DOS ?
if win98 then add
DOS=HIGH,UMB
I hope this helps !
What version of DOS ?
if win98 then add
DOS=HIGH,UMB
I hope this helps !
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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View this solution by signing up for a free trial.
Members can start a 7-Day free trial and enjoy unlimited access to the platform.
Quote,
"Pause!! Pause!! Now here comes the nervous part where I did not know what to answer but it went well as you will soon find out "
haha, this is the exact reason I no longer work as an admin/network support, and have retired to the easy life of desktop support!!! =D
"Pause!! Pause!! Now here comes the nervous part where I did not know what to answer but it went well as you will soon find out "
haha, this is the exact reason I no longer work as an admin/network support, and have retired to the easy life of desktop support!!! =D
ASKER
To Administrators,
I am not sure if I closed the question properly but when you close the question, please put the following IDs as solutions 23908215, 23928895, 23938724. Wierdnet's post ( 23908215) to be awarded 100 points with A+ grade please..
I am not sure if I closed the question properly but when you close the question, please put the following IDs as solutions 23908215, 23928895, 23938724. Wierdnet's post ( 23908215) to be awarded 100 points with A+ grade please..
Happy to see that this was long-since solved for you.
I have a great deal of experience with the SC5300 Server System w/SE7520BD2xxxx boards.
Correct, for some reason we must update the FRU/SDR records from floppy as opposed to a bootable flash - even if the bootable flash in question is loaded with the same system files. I haven't tried to load up himem.sys, etc. Just always did it from a floppy.
And THE definitive reason why your fans are running full-throttle while running (normally a burst at POST time) is because if it expects fan(s) to be attached to all connectors. If the board gets no tachometer signal on any given one (ie no fan present) - then it will drive ALL the fan outputs at full-bore.
In the FRU/SDR update you were questioned as to whether or not a fan was present on FAN1, FAN2, FAN3 & so forth. You must answere these correctly & precisely.
It's helpful to have a printout of the board fan connectors in hand (or pasted to the side panel) as you're doing this. In my case, I have only two main (center) fans in use through the airduct on adjacent connectors - but they are attached to FAN1 & FAN3. Hence answering yes for ONLY those two fan connectors being used.
Notes:
MPS tables are out of date for the DDR1 SKU board. You will have major problems with modern PCI-Express graphics cards (I'm using a 16x to 8x adapter) unless you use BIOS version 9.0 - the latest for DDR1 version of the SE7520BD2.
For the DDR2 version board, I believe BIOS version v3.0 is the latest, but disregard the wide gap in version numbers. It was released just days apart from the v9.0 BIOS for the DDR1 board & SHOULD have the up-to-date MPS tables.
I have a great deal of experience with the SC5300 Server System w/SE7520BD2xxxx boards.
Correct, for some reason we must update the FRU/SDR records from floppy as opposed to a bootable flash - even if the bootable flash in question is loaded with the same system files. I haven't tried to load up himem.sys, etc. Just always did it from a floppy.
And THE definitive reason why your fans are running full-throttle while running (normally a burst at POST time) is because if it expects fan(s) to be attached to all connectors. If the board gets no tachometer signal on any given one (ie no fan present) - then it will drive ALL the fan outputs at full-bore.
In the FRU/SDR update you were questioned as to whether or not a fan was present on FAN1, FAN2, FAN3 & so forth. You must answere these correctly & precisely.
It's helpful to have a printout of the board fan connectors in hand (or pasted to the side panel) as you're doing this. In my case, I have only two main (center) fans in use through the airduct on adjacent connectors - but they are attached to FAN1 & FAN3. Hence answering yes for ONLY those two fan connectors being used.
Notes:
MPS tables are out of date for the DDR1 SKU board. You will have major problems with modern PCI-Express graphics cards (I'm using a 16x to 8x adapter) unless you use BIOS version 9.0 - the latest for DDR1 version of the SE7520BD2.
For the DDR2 version board, I believe BIOS version v3.0 is the latest, but disregard the wide gap in version numbers. It was released just days apart from the v9.0 BIOS for the DDR1 board & SHOULD have the up-to-date MPS tables.
And without using a PCI-Express 16x to 8x riser/lane adapter, you're limited to the ATI ES1000 onboard video
OR
nvidia Quadro NVS290 1x 256MB Graphics Adapter (rare)
And I challenge you to get the ATI drivers working properly under any operating system newer than Windows Server 2003 (R1). You won't, be it with x86 or x64 versions.
Aftermarket graphics adapter is a must - if you intend to run anything newer than it's 'native' operating system (for which is was originally built in mind with).
Note that it only have PCI-Express 8x & 4x slots. And 8x/4x graphics adapters cannot be had. Only a few 1x adapters. If you need to do anything serious with the machine or use it in a workstation capacity, you'll have to use a lane adapter on either the 4x or 8x slots (both are physically 8x). And if you do that, you'll have to obtain a very long course thread screw & nylon spacers, etc to secure it AND cut a portion of the lower air duct to accomodate the hightened graphics adapter.
:D
OR
nvidia Quadro NVS290 1x 256MB Graphics Adapter (rare)
And I challenge you to get the ATI drivers working properly under any operating system newer than Windows Server 2003 (R1). You won't, be it with x86 or x64 versions.
Aftermarket graphics adapter is a must - if you intend to run anything newer than it's 'native' operating system (for which is was originally built in mind with).
Note that it only have PCI-Express 8x & 4x slots. And 8x/4x graphics adapters cannot be had. Only a few 1x adapters. If you need to do anything serious with the machine or use it in a workstation capacity, you'll have to use a lane adapter on either the 4x or 8x slots (both are physically 8x). And if you do that, you'll have to obtain a very long course thread screw & nylon spacers, etc to secure it AND cut a portion of the lower air duct to accomodate the hightened graphics adapter.
:D