Modified BIOS for Microserver N40L enables hidden features

[VeGeTa-X]

Hi I just received my HP N40L I want to upgrade bios; are their any links on step by step instructions on how to upgrade bios? Right now I am using linux laptop to create bootable usb flash drives with

UNetbootin but that's to create bootable usb flash drives with particular Os does any use any linux software to create bootable usb flash drives to upgrade bios?

[mR JoLLy]

Gents, I have purchased a Microserver and current configuration is as follows:

 

Upgraded RAM to 8GB (Kingston non ECC)

2 x WD 1GB Green drives

1 x Corsair SSD

 

The plan is to run the 2 WD drives with Raid 1 using the raid controller in the BIOS. The SSD is upstairs in the ODD slot connected to the ATA connecter on the MOBO.

 

OK using the latest standard BIOS from HP (O41072911.ROM) the Optical drive runs at the slower speeds as you all know so I want to ramp it up to the full speed with the "revised" BIOS pointed to us by "DIEHARD" at the top of this thread.

 

Before loading the revised BIOS I did install WHS 2011 onto the SSD no problem and configured the RAID1 after installation. Putting through the new BIOS I have the higher speed for the SSD but the Raid can't be active in the BIOS for the SSD to boot with WHS. BIOS Advanced settings for IDE configuration the SATA controller Mode set to AHCI or IDE I can boot the SSD. With Raid It won't boot. I am checking the boot sequence is correct and ensuring the SSD is the first boot drive.

 

Am I missing something or is it not possible to have the RAID enabled in the BIOS and run the SSD at the higer speeds.

 

Thanks in adcance.

[Joe_Miner]

Hi & Welcome to the Forums!

 

Have you tried to follow the procedure in the HP ProLiant MicroServer Users Guide starting on page 28?

 

According to that documentation, if you are planning to set-up a hardware Raid on the MicroServer you would do it in the BIOS first then create a RAID drivers disk to be able to add the RAID drivers when installing the OS.

 

So it would seem the sequence you would need to do is: (1) Flash the BIOS; (2) Set RAID in the BIOS, then (3) Install the OS.

 

But you’ve installed a SSD for the OS. Before I installed my SSD I flashed the BIOS and set every port (0-5) for high Speed AHCI. You may want/need to go that route.

 

In WHS-2011 you can set RAID 1 (Drive Mirrors) up in the software which may be an option to consider.

[jmwills]

The upgrade/mod (emphasis on MOD) of the BIOS would more than likely break the RAID you created.

[mR JoLLy]

Thanks for the comments. I'll play with those thoughts and start from the beginning. I'd rather play before I put anything useful on the server

 

I am also getting a cable to connect the eSATA to the SSD to see if that is any faster.

 

I have tried installing the OS onto the SSD with AHCI, but then found the BSOD as others have reported trying to move over to make the RAID array in the BIOS. As it is right now I have installed with RAID turned on using the MOD BIOS, created the RAID after installing the OS (in the BIOS) but then notice a dop in performance from the SSD. The difference really is noticable I have to asy and worth having a fight for.

 

I agree that the only practical solution will be a full software RAID. However, I would prefer it to be managed in the BIOS to reduce the load on the OS a little.

 

I'll play on . . .

 

Thanks again

[mR JoLLy]

One Idea I have just had is to run the standard BIOS RAID 1and to purchase a low profile PCIe X1 SATA 3 card with internal ports to connect up the SSD. Only thing is I have the remote access card in the PCIe X1 slot and it won't transfer to the X16 slot (tried it and it does not boot up) . . .Not sure why?? I will get a cheap basic X1 card to test that out in the X16 slot. Bit of a compromise but it fits my needs if it works!

 

Nigel

[ikon]

One Idea I have just had is to run the standard BIOS RAID 1and to purchase a low profile PCIe X1 SATA 3 card with internal ports to connect up the SSD. Only thing is I have the remote access card in the PCIe X1 slot and it won't transfer to the X16 slot (tried it and it does not boot up) . . .Not sure why?? I will get a cheap basic X1 card to test that out in the X16 slot. Bit of a compromise but it fits my needs if it works!

 

Nigel

 

Given the speciality nature of the remote access card, it may be tied to a specific slot on the mobo. I don't have one so I can't say for sure, but something to consider.

[yodafett]

Given the speciality nature of the remote access card, it may be tied to a specific slot on the mobo. I don't have one so I can't say for sure, but something to consider.

yes there is an extra slot that the RAC card uses.

[ikon]

yes there is an extra slot that the RAC card uses.

 

Thanks for that. It just made sense. I remember the days when virtually every slot on a mobo was dedicated for some specific add-in card. It was a royal PITA (talking 70s here now).

[mR JoLLy]

I suspected a special function for the card in the X1 slot when it didn't respond on power up. After power is added it takes a minute to initialize before a green LED starts to flash. This never happened in the X16 slot so attempts to connect diddn't look hopeful (and weren’t) . Back in the X1 slot not and blinking like a good 'n.