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2.5 BIOS Setup

Proper BIOS configuration is critical for optimizing your node's energy consumption and overall performance. Adjusting the settings will ensure that your node machine runs smooth and efficient under various load scenarios and automatically restarts during power failures.

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BIOS settings vary depending on the CPU and motherboard. For further help, please refer to your device’s documentation.

1. Enter BIOS​

  1. Connect your machine to power and attach a keyboard and monitor.
  2. Connect your bootable USB device to the node.
  3. Turn on the node using the power button.
  4. Press F2 on your keyboard during boot to enter the BIOS setup.

2. Power Settings​

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Auto-starts enable your node to restart after a power interruption, reducing downtime and maintaining network participation.

  1. Navigate to Power -> Secondary Power Settings.
  2. Set After Power Failure to Power On.
  3. Set Wake on LAN from S4/S5 to Power On - Normal Boot.

3. CPU Settings​

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These settings optimize performance on load and general energy efficiency. If your node has fans, skip the cooling adjustment.

  1. Go to Cooling and set Fan Control Mode to Fanless (for fanless housing).

  2. Navigate to Performance -> Processor:

    • Set Hyper-Threading to Enabled.
    • Enable Intel Turbo Boost Technology.
    • Set Active Processor Cores to All.
    • Enable Real-Time Performance Tuning.

  3. Navigate to Power:

    • Enable Max Performance Enabled.
    • Set Intel Dynamic Power Technology to Energy Efficient Performance.
    • Set Package Power Limit 1 (Sustained) to 25.
    • Set Package Power Limit 2 (Burst Mode) to 25.
    • Set Package Power Time Window (Tau) to 0.

4. LED Settings​

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For server installations, you might choose to disable the illuminated status indicators.

  1. Go to Power -> Secondary Power Settings.
  2. Set S0 Indicator Brightness (%) to 0.
  3. Set Modern Standby Indicator Brightness (%) to 0.
  4. In RGB LED, set Brightness (%) to 0.
  5. In HDD LED, set Brightness (%) to 0.

5. Boot Order​

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Establishing the correct boot order ensures that your node boots from the correct device after it's USB installation.

  1. Go to Boot -> Boot Priority.
  2. Set Boot Option #1 to your USB device.
  3. Set Boot Option #2 to your internal SSD.

6. Startup​

Once the BIOS settings are correctly configured, you can proceed with the operating system installation. Saving and exiting the BIOS applies your configuration changes, and booting the installation media initiates the operating system setup process.

  1. Press F10 to save changes and exit the BIOS.
  2. Wait for the system to boot from the USB stick.
  3. Choose Try or Install Ubuntu Server.
  4. Allow the installation setup to run through.