DELL XE9640 PowerEdge Rack Server User Manual

June 13, 2024
Dell

DELL XE9640 PowerEdge Rack Server

Product Information

Specifications

  • Model: Dell PowerEdge XE9640
  • Regulatory Model: E100S
  • Regulatory Type: E100S001
  • Release Date: September 2023
  • Revision: A00
  • Processor: 2-socket, 2U server supporting Two 4th Generation Intel Xeon Scalable Processors with up to 56 cores per processor
  • GPUs: Four Intel Data Center Max GPU series 1550 600 W OAM GPUs, Four NVIDIA H100 700 W SXM GPUs
  • Memory: Up to 32 DIMMs (8 DIMMs per processor)
  • PCIe Slots: Up to 4 x16 Gen5 slots
  • Storage: Up to 4 x 2.5-inch NVMe SSD drives, 61.44 TB max
  • Cooling: 100% Liquid cooling system

Product Usage Instructions

1. System Installation

Follow these steps to install the Dell PowerEdge XE9640 system:

  1. Choose a suitable location with proper ventilation.
  2. Ensure all components are unpacked and in good condition.
  3. Connect power and network cables.
  4. Power on the system and follow on-screen instructions for
    initial setup.

2. Component Replacement

When replacing components in the Dell PowerEdge XE9640, follow these guidelines:

  • Refer to the user manual for specific instructions on component replacement.
  • Power off the system before replacing any hardware.
  • Handle components carefully to avoid damage.
  • Ensure all connections are secure after replacement.

3. Cooling System Maintenance

To maintain the liquid cooling system, follow these steps:

  1. Regularly check for any leaks or unusual noises.
  2. Clean dust and debris from cooling vents and fans.
  3. Monitor system temperatures to ensure efficient cooling.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: Can I install non-validated hardware on the Dell PowerEdge XE9640?
    • A: No, installing unauthorized hardware may void the system warranty. Only use components validated by Dell.
  • Q: How many GPUs are supported on the Dell PowerEdge XE9640?
    • A: The system supports Four Intel Data Center Max GPU series 1550 and Four NVIDIA H100 GPUs.
  • Q: Where can I find more information on hot-swapping NVMe SSDs?

Dell PowerEdge XE9640
Installation and Service Manual
Regulatory Model: E100S Regulatory Type: E100S001 September 2023 Rev. A00

Notes, cautions, and warnings
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your product. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem. WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
© 2023 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Dell Technologies, Dell, and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. Other trademarks may be trademarks of their respective owners.

1

About this document

This document provides an overview about the system, information about installing and replacing components, diagnostic tools, and guidelines to be followed while installing certain components.

8

About this document

2

Dell PowerEdge XE9640 system configurations and features

The Dell PowerEdge XE9640 is 2-socket, 2U server that supports: Two 4th Generation Intel Xeon Scalable Processors with up to 56 cores per processor Four Intel Data Center Max GPU series 1550 600 W OAM GPUs, fully interconnected with XeLink with Only 16 DIMM slots
are supported out of 32 DIMMs (with 8 DIMMs per processor), Four NVIDIA H100 700 W SXM GPUs fully interconnected with NVlink with 8 DIMMs, 16 DIMMs and 32 DIMMs for XE9640
NVIDIA GPU supported systems Up to 4 PCIe slots (4 x16 Gen5) 100% Liquid cooling system Up to 4 x 2.5-inch NVMe SSD drives, 61.44 TB max for XE9640 Intel GPU and NVIDIA GPU supported systems
NOTE: For more information about how to hot swap NVMe PCIe SSD U.2 device, see the Dell Express Flash NVMe PCIe SSD User’s Guide at https://www.dell.com/support > Browse all products > Infrastructure > Data Center Infrastructure > Storage Adapters & Controllers > Dell PowerEdge Express Flash NVMe PCIe SSD > Select This Product > Documentation > Manuals and Documents.
NOTE: All instances of SAS, SATA drives are referred to as drives in this document, unless specified otherwise.
CAUTION: Do not install GPUs, network cards, or other PCIe devices on your system that are not validated and tested by Dell. Damage caused by unauthorized and invalidated hardware installation will null and void the system warranty.
Topics:
· System configurations – front view for PowerEdge XE9640 · System configurations – rear view for PowerEdge XE9640 · System configurations – inside view for PowerEdge XE9640 · Air and Liquid Cooling Infrastructure Requirements · Locating the Express Service Code and Service Tag · System information label · Rail sizing and rack compatibility matrix
System configurations – front view for PowerEdge XE9640

Figure 1. 4 x 2.5-inch NVMe SSD drives for XE9640 Intel and NVIDIA GPU configuration

Dell PowerEdge XE9640 system configurations and features

9

Table 1. Features available on the front of the 4 x 2.5-inch NVMe SSD drives for XE9640 Intel and NVIDIA GPU configuration

Item

Ports, panels, and slots

Icon

Description

1

Left control panel

N/A

Contains the system health, system ID, and the status LED indicator.

2

Drives

N/A

Enables you to install drives that are supported on your system.

3

BOSS-N1

N/A

There are two M.2 connectors populated on the board and support

two NVMe drives for boot.

4

Right control panel

N/A

Contains the power button, USB port, iDRAC Direct (Micro-AB USB) port.

5

Express service tag

N/A

The Express Service Tag is a slide-out label panel that contains system information such as Service Tag, NIC, MAC address, and so on. If you have opted for the secure default access to iDRAC, the Information tag will also contain the iDRAC secure default password.

System configurations – rear view for PowerEdge XE9640

Figure 2. XE9640 chassis rear view

Table 2. Rear view of the system

Item Ports, panels, or slots

Icon

1

PCIe expansion card riser 1

NA

(slot 1)

2

NIC Ports

3

PCIe expansion card riser 1

NA

(slot 2)

4

OCP NIC card

N/A

5

System Identification (ID)

button

Description
The expansion card riser enables you to connect PCI Express expansion cards.
The NIC ports are embedded on the LOM card that is connected to the system board.
The expansion card riser enables you to connect PCI Express expansion cards.
The OCP NIC card supports OCP 3.0. The NIC ports are integrated on the OCP card which is connected to the system board.
The System Identification (ID) button is available on the front and back of the system. Press the button to identify a system in a rack by turning on the system ID button. You can also use the system ID button to reset iDRAC and to access BIOS using the step through mode. When pressed, the system ID LED in the back panel blinks until either the front or rear button is pressed again. Press the button to toggle between on or off mode.
NOTE: If the server stops responding during POST, press and hold the System ID button for more than five seconds to enter the BIOS progress mode

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Dell PowerEdge XE9640 system configurations and features

Table 2. Rear view of the system (continued)

Item Ports, panels, or slots

Icon

Description
NOTE: To reset the iDRAC (if not disabled on the iDRAC setup page by pressing F2 during system boot), press and hold the System ID button for more than 15 seconds.

6

PCIe expansion card riser 4

NA

(slot 3)

7

Dedicated iDRAC9 Ethernet

port

8

USB 2.0 port

9

USB 3.0 port

10

PCIe expansion card riser 4

NA

(slot 4)

11

Power supply unit (PSU) 4

N/A

12

Power supply unit (PSU) 3

N/A

13

Power supply unit (PSU) 2

The expansion card riser enables you to connect PCI Express expansion cards.
Enables you to remotely access iDRAC. For more information, see the Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User’s Guide at www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals.
The USB port is 4-pin, 2.0-compliant. This port enables you to connect USB devices to the system.
The USB port is 9-pin and 3.0-compliant. This port enables you to connect USB devices to the system.
The expansion card riser enables you to connect PCI Express expansion cards.
PSU4 is the fourth PSU of the system.
PSU3 is the third PSU of the system.
PSU2 is the secondary PSU of the system.

14

Power supply unit (PSU) 1

PSU1 is the primary PSU of the system.

15

Manifold

NA

The Manifold liquid cooling allows cooling for the GPUs and

processors.

Dell PowerEdge XE9640 system configurations and features

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System configurations – inside view for PowerEdge XE9640

Figure 3. Top layer of the XE9640 system with Intel GPUs – inside the system

1. System handle 3. VSB L (left) 5. Memory modules for processor 1 7. Storage tray with handle 9. Express Service Tag 11. Intrusion switch 13. Fan board 15. Processor 2 with cold plate 17. Riser 4

2. Riser 1 4. Processor 1 with cold plate 6. System board 8. Cable cover 10. Backplane 12. Fan modules 14. Memory modules for processor 2 16. VSB R (Right) 18. System handle

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Dell PowerEdge XE9640 system configurations and features

Figure 4. Bottom layer of the XE9640 system with Intel GPUs – inside the system
1. Manifold Liquid cooling cover 2. Power distribution board (PDB) 3. NA 4. Manifold Liquid cooling tubes 5. Manifold Liquid cooling tray 6. Express service tag 7. Carrier Base Board (CBB) B 8. Intel GPU and cold plate
NOTE: Handle must be removed after the CBB is installed.
9. Carrier Base Board (CBB) A
NOTE: Handle must be removed after the CBB is installed.
10. GPU board 11. PSU

Dell PowerEdge XE9640 system configurations and features

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Figure 5. Top layer of XE9640 with NVIDIA GPUs – inside the system

1. System handle 3. VSB L (left) 5. Memory modules for processor 1 7. Storage tray with handle 9. PDB2 11. Backplane 13. Fan modules 15. Memory modules for processor 2 17. VSB R (Right)

2. Riser 1 4. Processor 1 with cold plate 6. System board 8. Cable cover 10. Express Service Tag 12. Intrusion switch 14. Fan board 16. Processor 2 with cold plate 18. Riser 4

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Dell PowerEdge XE9640 system configurations and features

Figure 6. Bottom layer of the XE9640 system with NVIDIA GPUs – inside the system
1. Manifold Liquid cooling cover 2. Power distribution board (PDB) 3. PCIe switch board (PSB) 4. Manifold Liquid cooling tubes 5. Manifold Liquid cooling tray 6. Express service tag 7. GPU board 8. NVIDIA GPU and cold plate 9. PSB cold plate 10. Cables holder 11. PSU

Dell PowerEdge XE9640 system configurations and features

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Figure 7. XE9640 with processors and NVIDIA GPUs – inside the system
1. System handle 2. Riser 1 3. Processor 1 with cold plate 4. Memory modules for processor 1 5. System board 6. Manifold Liquid cooling tray 7. Express service tag 8. Intel GPU cold plate 9. GPU board 10. Memory modules for processor 2 11. Processor 2 with cold plate 12. Riser 4 13. System handle

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Dell PowerEdge XE9640 system configurations and features

Air and Liquid Cooling Infrastructure Requirements
The PowerEdge XE9640 system has processors and GPUs and a few other minor components with direct liquid cooled 100% of the time while other components like DDR5 DIMMs, PCIe cards, PSUs and storage are air cooled with a max inlet air temperature of 35C.
Water inlet temperature requirement may vary based on several factors on a given deployment. Guidance is that we require 32C primary water temperature but it may be possible to go higher under certain circumstances.
Liquid cooling components in a datacenter include facility water, cooling distribution units (CDU) and rack manifolds (looks like a PDU but for water). The XE9640 has a higher flow-rate requirement. The rack manifold is not shared with the other platforms.
The rack manifold model numbers that are supported with the 42U XE9640 rack manifold and 48U XE9640 rack manifold. Each can handle a full rack of each size.
The CDU’s (Cooling distribution units) available that are supported with the XE9640 are the in-rack CHx80 and CHx200 models, as well as the end-of-row CHx750 which is generally chosen for multi-rack liquid cooling XE9640 environments. Each model number is indicative of the total number of kilowatts of cooling capacity, however there are many variables (T-case of CPUs in your server configuration, flow rate of chilled facility water, temperature of water inlet from facility, etc).
Rack requirements will vary per customer depending on density, number of power supplies per server, PDU choices, and brand preference – however the minimum supportable rack is 750mm wide by 1200mm deep. Standard 600m wide by 1070mm racks are not supported.
Pictured below is a rack full of XE9640 demonstrating an in-rack CDU and the liquid manifold, which always goes on the right side of the rack when facing from the back.

Figure 8. Direct Liquid Cooled Racks
Locating the Express Service Code and Service Tag
The unique Express Service Code and Service Tag is used to identify the system. The information tag is located on the front of the system that includes system information such as Service Tag, Express Service Code, Manufacture date, NIC, MAC address, QRL label, and so on. If you have opted for the secure default access to iDRAC, the Information tag also contains the iDRAC secure default password. If you have opted for iDRAC Quick Sync 2, the Information tag also contains the OpenManage Mobile (OMM) label, where administrators can configure, monitor, and troubleshoot the PowerEdge servers.

Dell PowerEdge XE9640 system configurations and features

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Figure 9. Locating the Express Service Code and Service tag

1. Information tag (front view) 3. OpenManage Mobile (OMM) label 5. Service Tag, Express Service Code, QRL label

2. Information tag (back view) 4. iDRAC MAC address and iDRAC secure password label

The Mini Enterprise Service Tag (MEST) label is located on the rear of the system that includes Service Tag (ST), Express Service Code (Exp Svc Code), and Manufacture Date (Mfg. Date). The Exp Svc Code is used by Dell to route support calls to the appropriate personnel.
Alternatively, the Service Tag information is located on a label on left wall of the chassis.

System information label
The system information label is located on the back side of the system cover.

Figure 10. Service information

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Dell PowerEdge XE9640 system configurations and features

Figure 11. Memory information

Figure 12. Electrical overview

Figure 13. LED behavior, Express Service Tag, Configuration and Layout, Icon Legend

Dell PowerEdge XE9640 system configurations and features

19

Figure 14. Intel GPU configuration with Liquid cooling setup

Figure 15. NVIDIA GPU configuration with Liquid cooling setup
Rail sizing and rack compatibility matrix
For specific information about the rail solutions compatible with your system, see the Dell Enterprise Systems Rail Sizing and Rack Compatibility Matrix available at https://i.dell.com/sites/csdocuments/Business_solutions_engineeringDocs_Documents/en /rail-rack-matrix.pdf. The document provides the information that is listed below: Specific details about rail types and their functionalities. Rail adjustability range for various types of rack mounting flanges. Rail depth with and without cable management accessories. Types of racks supported for various types of rack mounting flanges.

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Dell PowerEdge XE9640 system configurations and features

3

Technical specifications

The technical and environmental specifications of your system are outlined in this section.
Topics:
· Chassis dimensions · System weight · Processor specifications · PSU specifications · Cooling fan specifications · Supported operating systems · System battery specifications · Expansion card riser specifications · Memory specifications · Storage controller specifications · Drives · GPU Specifications · Leakage behavior specifications · Ports and connectors specifications · Video specifications · Environmental specifications
Chassis dimensions

Figure 16. Chassis dimensions

Table 3. Chassis dimension for the PowerEdge XE9640 system

Drives

Xa

Xb

Y

Za

Zb

Zc

4 x 2.5-inch NVMe drives 482 mm

444 mm (17.48 86.8 mm (3.41 35.77 mm (1.4 850 mm (33.46

configuration

(18.97 inches) inches)

inches)

inches)With inches) Ear to

bezel

rear wall

22.0 mm (0.87 inches Without bezel

890.8 mm (35.07 inches) Ear to PSU handle

Technical specifications

21

NOTE: Zb is the nominal rear wall external surface where the system board I/O connectors reside.

System weight

Table 4. Weight for the PowerEdge XE9640 system

System configuration

Maximum weight (with all drives/SSDs)

XE9640 system with Intel GPUs

43.2 kg (95.23 pounds)

XE9640 system with NVIDIA GPUs

46.3 kg (102.07 pounds)

Table 5. PowerEdge system weight handling recommendations

Chassis weight 40 pounds – 70 pounds

Description Recommend two person to lift

70 pounds- 120 pounds

Recommend three person to lift

121 pounds

Recommend to use a server-lift

NOTE: The system is heavy therefore can slide over and cause damage during installation and removal from a higher position on the rack.

Processor specifications

Table 6. PowerEdge XE9640 processor specifications

Supported processor 4th Generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors

Number of processors supported Two

PSU specifications

The PowerEdge XE9640 system supports up to 4 AC or DC power supply units (PSUs) with 2+0 Non redundant, full power with 2x PSUs, 2+1 – N+1 redundancy, 2+2 – N+N redundancy.
NOTE: 1. The wattage capacities of any two PSUs that are present during POST are compared. The larger of the two PSUs is
activated if the PSU wattages don’t match. A PSU mismatch alert is also visible in the BIOS, iDRAC, or on the system LCD. 2. If a second PSU is installed during runtime, its wattage capacity must match that of the first PSU in order for it to be enabled. If not, the second PSU won’t be activated and the PSU will be marked as mismatched in iDRAC.

Table 7. PSU specifications

PSU
2800 W AC

Class

Heat

Frequency

dissipation (Hz)

(maximum

) (BTU/hr)

Titaniu 10165 BTU/

m

hr

50/60

Voltage

High line 240 VDC

200-240 V AC 2800 W

2800 W NA HVDC

10220 BTU/hr

240 V DC

2800 W

NA

Low line 100­120 V

DC Current AC Current

(A)

(A)

NA

NA

15.6 – 12.7 A

NA

13.6 A

NA

NOTE: This system is also designed to connect to the IT power systems with a phase-to-phase voltage not exceeding 240 V.

22

Technical specifications

NOTE: Heat dissipation is calculated using the PSU wattage rating.

NOTE: When selecting or upgrading the system configuration, to ensure optimum power utilization, verify the system power consumption with the Dell Energy Smart Solution Advisor available at Dell.com/ESSA.

Table 8. PSU Efficiency Levels

Efficiency Targets by Load PSU Efficiency Levels

Form Factor

Output

Class

10%

Redundant 86 mm

2800 W (Input Titanium 230 AC)

90.00%

20% 94.00%

50% 96.00%

100% 94.00%

Cooling fan specifications

The PowerEdge XE9640 system supports up to four sets of high-performance gold (HPR) hot-swappable cooling fans. NOTE: XE9640 includes dual fan module form factor. One set of fan module includes two fan body with one fan connector.

Table 9. Cooling fan specifications

Fan type

Abbrev Also known Label color iation as

Label image

High Performance Gold fan

HPR

Very High

High Performance

Performance Gold Grade

Figure 17. HPR fan

NOTE: For more information about the supported fan configuration or matrix, see Thermal Restriction Matrix.
Supported operating systems
The PowerEdge XE9640 supports the following operating systems: Canonical Ubuntu Server LTS Red Hat Enterprise Linux
System battery specifications
The PowerEdge XE9640 system uses one CR 2032 3.0-V lithium coin cell battery.
Expansion card riser specifications
The PowerEdge XE9640 system supports up to four PCI express (PCIe) slots (Gen5 full-height, half-length cards) on the system board.

Technical specifications

23

Table 10. Expansion card slots supported on the system board

Expansion card riser
Riser 1A (R1A) for Intel GPU configurations

PCIe slot 1 2

Processor Connection
Processor 1
Processor 1

PCIe slot height
Full height
Low Profile

Riser 4A (R4A) for Intel

3

GPU configurations

4

Processor 2 Processor 2

Low Profile Full height

Riser 1B (R1B) for NVIDIA GPU configurations

1

Processor 1

Full height

2

Processor 1

Low Profile

Riser 4B (R4B) for NVIDIA GPU configurations

3

Processor 2

Low Profile

4

Processor 2

Full height

PCIe slot length PCIe slot width

Half length

x16

Half length

x16

Half length

x16

Half length

x16

Half length

x16

Half length

x16

Half length

x16

Half length

x16

Memory specifications

The PowerEdge XE9640 system supports the following memory specifications for optimized operation.

Table 11. Total System Memory Capacity Requirement for Intel GPUs

DIMM capacity

64 GB

16 x DIMM sockets population

Total memory: 1 TB

Table 12. Total System Memory Capacity Requirement for NVIDIA GPUs

DIMM 16 GB capaci ty

32 GB

64 GB

Total memory

80 GB GPU

94 GB GPU

Total memor y

80 GB GPU

94 GB GPU Total memor y

80 GB GPU 94 GB GPU

8 x

64 GB

DIMM

sockets

populat

ion

Not supported

Not supported

256 GB Not supported

Not

512 TB Support

supported

Support

16 x

256 GB

DIMM

sockets

populat

ion

Not supported

Not supported

512GB Support

Support

1 TB Support

Support

32 x 512 GB DIMM sockets populat ion

Support

Support

1 TB Support

Support

2 TB Support

Support

Table 13. Memory module sockets
Memory module sockets
Only 16 DIMM slots (288-pin) are supported out of 32 DIMMs (with 8 DIMMs per processor) for XE9640 Intel GPU supported systems
8 DIMMS, 16 DIMMs and 32 DIMMs (288-pin) for XE9640 NVIDIA GPU supported systems

Speed
4800 MT/s (1 DIMM Per Channel), 4400 MT/s (2 DIMMs Per Channel)

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Technical specifications

NOTE: XE9640 supports RDIMM only.
NOTE: Memory DIMM slots are not hot pluggable.
Storage controller specifications
The PowerEdge XE9640 system supports the following controller cards:
Table 14. Storage controller cards Supported storage controller card Internal Boot Boot Optimized Storage Subsystem (BOSS-N1): HWRAID 1, 2 x M.2 SSDs Software RAID S160 pre boot UEFI only
Drives
The PowerEdge XE9640 system supports: Up to 4 x 2.5-inch NVMe SSDs for XE9640 Intel GPU and NVIDIA GPU supported systems.
NOTE: For more information about how to hot swap NVMe PCIe SSD U.2 device, see the Dell Express Flash NVMe PCIe SSD User’s Guide at https://www.dell.com/support >Browse all Products > Data Center Infrastructure

Storage Adapters & Controllers > Dell PowerEdge Express Flash NVMe PCIe SSD Documentation > Manuals and Documents.
GPU Specifications
The PowerEdge XE9640 system supports: 1. NVIDIA H100 SXM 700W NVLINK GPUs 2. Intel Data Center Max GPU Series 1550 OAM 600W Xelink GPUs
Leakage behavior specifications
There are built in leak sensors for the liquid cooling elements in the XE9640. At launch, the platform will provide the appropriate action upon any leak detection in the system Dell recommended action when leak: Processor leakage behavior spec – system report leakage event. Recommend customers to power off the system, unplug
that system’s cooling hose from the rack manifold immediately. Then call Tech support GPU leakage behavior spec ­ system reports leakage event and server shuts down automatically. Recommend customers to
power off the system, unplug that system’s cooling hose from the rack manifold immediately. Then call Tech support.

Technical specifications

25

Ports and connectors specifications

USB ports specifications

Table 15. PowerEdge XE9640 USB specifications

Front

USB port type

No. of ports

USB 2.0-compliant port One

USB port type USB 3.0-compliant port

iDRAC Direct port

One

(Micro-AB USB 2.0-

compliant port)

USB 2.0-compliant ports

Rear
One One

No. of ports

NOTE: The micro USB 2.0 compliant port can only be used as an iDRAC Direct or a management port.

Optional LOM and OCP NIC 3.0 specifications
The PowerEdge XE9640 system supports the shared LOM feature (iDRAC port redirect) on optional 2x1GbE LOM and on optional OCP NIC 3.0 adapters.
NOTE: LOM and OCP are optional and one has to be selected for any configuration.

VGA ports specifications
The PowerEdge XE9640 system supports One DB-15 VGA port on the front panel.

iDRAC9 port specifications
The PowerEdge XE9640 system supports One RJ45 iDRAC9 ethernet port on the rear of the system.

Video specifications

The PowerEdge XE9640 system supports integrated Matrox G200 graphics controller with 16 MB of video frame buffer.

Table 16. Supported video resolution options

Resolution

Refresh rate (Hz)

Color depth (bits)

1024 x 768

60

8, 16, 32

1280 x 800

60

8, 16, 32

1280 x 1024

60

8, 16, 32

1360 x 768

60

8, 16, 32

1440 x 900

60

8, 16, 32

1600 x 900

60

8, 16, 32

1600 x 1200

60

8, 16, 32

1680 x 1050

60

8, 16, 32

1920 x 1080

60 *(RB)

8, 16, 32

1920 x 1200

60 *(RB)

8, 16, 32

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Technical specifications

NOTE: *(RB) – Reduced Blanking for Digital Displays requiring less blank time. This was introduced for Signal Integrity improvements by reducing Pixel Clock rates for VGA- Analog input devices.

Environmental specifications

NOTE: For additional information about environmental certifications, refer to the Product Environmental Datasheet located with the Manuals & Documents on www.dell.com/support/home.

Table 17. Operational climatic range category A2

Temperature

Specifications

Allowable continuous operations

Temperature ranges for altitudes <= 900 m (<= 10­35°C (50­95°F) with no direct sunlight on the equipment 2953 ft)

Humidity percent ranges (non-condensing at all 8% RH with -12°C minimum dew point to 80% RH with 21°C (69.8°F)

times)

maximum dew point

Operational altitude de-rating

Maximum temperature is reduced by 1°C/300 m (33.8°F/984 Ft) above 900 m (2953 Ft)

NOTE: Certain system hardware configurations may require operating temperatures to be less than 28°C. For more information, see the Thermal air restrictions section.

Table 18. Shared requirements across all categories

Temperature

Specifications

Allowable continuous operations

Maximum temperature gradient (applies to both operation and non-operation)

20°C in an hour (36°F in an hour) and 5°C in 15 minutes (41°F in 15 minutes), 5°C in an hour (41°F in an hour) for tape
NOTE: * – Per ASHRAE thermal guidelines for tape hardware, these are
not instantaneous rates of temperature change.

Non-operational temperature limits Non-operational humidity limits Maximum non-operational altitude Maximum operational altitude

-40 to 65°C (-104 to 149°F) 5% to 95% RH with 27°C (80.6°F) maximum dew point 12,000 meters (39,370 feet) 3,048 meters (10,000 feet)

Table 19. Maximum vibration specifications

Maximum vibration Operating Storage

Specifications 0.21 Grms at 5 Hz to 500 Hz (all operation orientations) 1.88 Grms at 10 Hz to 500 Hz for 15 minutes (all six sides tested)

Table 20. Maximum shock pulse specifications

Maximum shock pulse

Specifications

Operating

Six consecutively executed shock pulses in the positive and negative x, y, and z axis of 6 G for up to 11 ms.

Storage

Six consecutiveky executed shock pulses in the positive and negative x, y, and z axis (one pulse on each side o f the system) of 71 G for up to 2 ms.

Technical specifications

27

Particulate and gaseous contamination specifications

The following table defines the limitations that help avoid any equipment damage or failure from particulates and gaseous contamination. If the levels of particulates or gaseous pollution exceed the specified limitations and result in equipment damage or failure, you may need to rectify the environmental conditions. Remediation of environmental conditions is the responsibility of the customer.

Table 21. Particulate contamination specifications

Particulate contamination

Specifications

Conductive dust

Air must be free of conductive dust, zinc whiskers, or other conductive particles
NOTE: This condition applies to data center and non-data center
environments.

Corrosive dust

Air must be free of corrosive dust Residual dust present in the air must have a deliquescent point less
than 60% relative humidity
NOTE: This condition applies to data center and non-data center environments.

Table 22. Gaseous contamination specifications

Gaseous contamination

Specifications

Copper coupon corrosion rate

<300 Å/month per Class G1 as defined by ANSI/ISA71.04-2013

Silver coupon corrosion rate

<200 Å/month as defined by ANSI/ISA71.04-2013

Thermal restriction matrix

Table 23. Commodities thermal restrictions

Commodities

Configuration GPUs

Processors
Memory BOSS PCIe OCP

8468 8480+ 8470Q 8470 8460+ 8452Y 64 GB RDIMM 4800 MT/s

350 W 350 W 350 W 350 W 300 W 300 W 1 DPC/ 2 DPC

2 x NVMe Intel Max 1550 GPU 35° C N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 35° C 35° C 35° C 35° C

4 x NVMe Nvidia H100 GPU chassis
35° C 35° C 35° C 35° C 35° C 35° C 35° C 35° C 35° C 35° C

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Technical specifications

4

Initial system setup and configuration

This section describes the tasks for initial setup and configuration of the Dell system. The section also provides general steps to set up the system and the reference guides for detailed information.
Topics:
· Setting up the system · iDRAC configuration · Resources to install operating system
Setting up the system
Perform the following steps to set up the system:
Steps 1. Unpack the system. 2. Install the system into the rack. For more information, see the rail installation and cable management accessory guides
relevant to your rail and cable management solution at www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals. 3. Connect the peripherals to the system and the system to the electrical outlet. 4. Power on the system.
For more information about setting up the system, see the Getting Started Guide that is shipped with your system. NOTE: For information about managing the basic settings and features of the system, see the Pre-operating system management applications chapter.

iDRAC configuration
The Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) is designed to make you more productive as a system administrator and improve the overall availability of Dell servers. iDRAC alerts you to system issues, helps you to perform remote management, and reduces the need for physical access to the system.

Options to set up iDRAC IP address

To enable communication between your system and iDRAC, you must first configure the network settings based on your network infrastructure. The network settings option is set to DHCP, by default.
NOTE: For static IP configuration, you must request for the settings at the time of purchase.

You can set up the iDRAC IP address using one of the interfaces in the table below. For information about setting up iDRAC IP address, see the documentation links provided in the table below.

Table 24. Interfaces to set up iDRAC IP address Interface iDRAC Settings utility

Documentation links
Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User’s Guide at https://www.dell.com/idracmanuals or for system specific Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User’s Guide, go to https://www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals > Product Support page of your system > Documentation.

Initial system setup and configuration

29

Table 24. Interfaces to set up iDRAC IP address (continued)

Interface

Documentation links

NOTE: To determine the most recent iDRAC release for your platform and for latest documentation version, see KB article https://www.dell.com/support/article/ sln000178115.

OpenManage Deployment Toolkit iDRAC Direct

Dell OpenManage Deployment Toolkit User’s Guide available at https://www.dell.com/openmanagemanuals > Open Manage Deployment Toolkit.
Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User’s Guide at https://www.dell.com/idracmanuals or for system specific Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User’s Guide, go to https://www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals > Product Support page of your system > Documentation.
NOTE: To determine the most recent iDRAC release for your platform and for latest documentation version, see KB article https://www.dell.com/support/article/ sln000178115.

Lifecycle Controller

Dell Lifecycle Controller User’s Guide at https:// www.dell.com/idracmanuals or for system specific Dell Lifecycle Controller User’s Guide, go to https:// www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals > Product Support page of your system > Documentation.
NOTE: To determine the most recent iDRAC release
for your platform and for latest documentation version,
see KB article https://www.dell.com/support/article/
sln000178115.

Server LCD panel iDRAC Direct and Quick Sync 2 (optional)

LCD panel section.
Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User’s Guide at https://www.dell.com/idracmanuals or for system specific Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User’s Guide, go to https://www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals > Product Support page of your system > Documentation.
NOTE: To determine the most recent iDRAC release for your platform and for latest documentation version, see KB article https://www.dell.com/support/article/ sln000178115.

NOTE: To access iDRAC, ensure that you connect the ethernet cable to the iDRAC dedicated network port or use the iDRAC Direct port by using the micro USB (type AB) cable. You can also access iDRAC through the shared LOM mode, if you have opted for a system that has the shared LOM mode enabled.

Options to log in to iDRAC
To log in to the iDRAC Web User Interface, open a browser and enter the IP address.
You can log in to iDRAC as:
iDRAC user Microsoft Active Directory user Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) user In the login screen displayed, if you have opted for secure default access to iDRAC, the default username is root and enter the iDRAC secure default password available on back of the Information Tag. If you opted for legacy password, use the iDRAC legacy username and password – root and calvin, the iDRAC default password will be blank on the information tag. Then you

30

Initial system setup and configuration

will be prompted and required to create a password of your choice before proceeding. You can also log in by using your Single Sign-On or Smart Card.
NOTE: Ensure that you change the default username and password after setting up the iDRAC IP address.
For more information about logging in to the iDRAC and iDRAC licenses, see the latest Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User’s Guide at www.dell.com/idracmanuals.
NOTE: To determine the most recent iDRAC release for your platform and for latest documentation version, see KB article https://www.dell.com/support/article/sln000178115.
You can also access iDRAC using command-line protocol – RACADM. For more information, see the Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller RACADM CLI Guide available at https://www.dell.com/idracmanuals.
You can also access iDRAC using automation tool – Redfish API. For more information, see the Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User’s Guide Redfish API Guide available at https://developer.dell.com.

Resources to install operating system

If the system is shipped without an operating system, you can install a supported operating system by using one of the resources provided in the table below. For information about how to install the operating system, see the documentation links provided in the table below.

Table 25. Resources to install the operating system

Resource

Documentation links

iDRAC

Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User’s Guide at https://www.dell.com/idracmanuals or for system specific Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User’s Guide, go to https://www.dell.com/ poweredgemanuals > Product Support page of your system > Documentation.
NOTE: To determine the most recent iDRAC release for your platform and for latest
documentation version, see KB article at https://www.dell.com/support/article/sln000178115.

Lifecycle Controller

Dell Lifecycle Controller User’s Guide at https://www.dell.com/idracmanuals or for system specific Dell Lifecycle Controller User’s Guide, go to https://www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals > Product Support page of your system > Documentation. Dell recommends using Lifecycle Controller to install the OS, since all required drivers are installed on the system.
NOTE: To determine the most recent iDRAC release for your platform and for latest
documentation version, see KB article at https://www.dell.com/support/article/sln000178115.

OpenManage Deployment Toolkit

www.dell.com/openmanagemanuals > OpenManage Deployment Toolkit

Dell certified VMware www.dell.com/virtualizationsolutions ESXi

NOTE: For more information about installation and how-to videos for operating systems supported on PowerEdge systems, see Supported Operating Systems for Dell PowerEdge systems.

Options to download drivers and firmware

You can download firmware from the Dell support site. For information about downloading firmware, see the Downloading drivers and firmware section.
You can also choose any one of the following options to download the firmware. For information about how to download the firmware, see the documentation links provided in the table below.

Table 26. Options to download firmware
Option
Using Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller Lifecycle Controller (iDRAC with LC)

Documentation link www.dell.com/idracmanuals

Initial system setup and configuration

31

Table 26. Options to download firmware (continued)

Option Using Dell Repository Manager (DRM)

Documentation link www.dell.com/openmanagemanuals > Repository Manager

Using Dell Server Update Utility (SUU)

www.dell.com/openmanagemanuals > Server Update Utility

Using Dell OpenManage Deployment Toolkit (DTK)

www.dell.com/openmanagemanuals > OpenManage Deployment Toolkit

Using iDRAC virtual media

www.dell.com/idracmanuals

Options to download and install OS drivers

You can choose any one of the following options to download and install OS drivers. For information about how to download or install OS drivers, see the documentation links provided in the table below.

Table 27. Options to download and install OS drivers

Option

Documentation

Dell support site

Downloading drivers and firmware section.

iDRAC virtual media

Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User’s Guide or for system specific, go to Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User’s Guide > Product Support page of your system > Documentation .
NOTE: To determine the most recent iDRAC release for
your platform and for latest documentation version, see
www.dell.com/support/article/sln000178115.

Downloading drivers and firmware
It is recommended that you download and install the latest BIOS, drivers, and systems management firmware on the system.
Prerequisites Ensure that you clear the web browser cache before downloading the drivers and firmware.
Steps 1. Go to www.dell.com/support/drivers. 2. Enter the Service Tag of the system in the Enter a Dell Service Tag, Dell Product ID or Model field, and then press
Enter. NOTE: If you do not have the Service Tag, click Browse all products, and navigate to your product.
3. On the displayed product page, click Drivers & Downloads. On the Drivers & Downloads page, all drivers that are applicable to the system are displayed.
4. Download the drivers to a USB drive, CD, or DVD.

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5

Pre-operating system management applications

You can manage basic settings and features of a system without booting to the operating system by using the system firmware.
Options to manage the pre-operating system applications
You can use any one of the following options to manage the pre-operating system applications: System Setup Dell Lifecycle Controller Boot Manager Preboot Execution Environment (PXE)
Topics:
· System Setup · Dell Lifecycle Controller · Boot Manager · PXE boot

System Setup

Using the System Setup option, you can configure the BIOS settings, iDRAC settings, and device settings of the system.
You can access system setup by using any one of the following interfaces:
Graphical User interface — To access go to iDRAC Dashboard, click Configurations > BIOS Settings. Text browser — To enable the text browser, use the Console Redirection.
To view System Setup, power on the system, press F2, and click System Setup Main Menu.
NOTE: If the operating system begins to load before you press F2, wait for the system to finish booting, and then restart the system and try again.

The options on the System Setup Main Menu screen are described in the following table:

Table 28. System Setup Main Menu Option System BIOS iDRAC Settings

Description
Enables you to configure the BIOS settings.
Enables you to configure the iDRAC settings. The iDRAC settings utility is an interface to set up and configure the iDRAC parameters by using UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface). You can enable or disable various iDRAC parameters by using the iDRAC settings utility. For more information about this utility, see Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User’s Guide at www.dell.com/ poweredgemanuals.

Pre-operating system management applications

33

Table 28. System Setup Main Menu (continued) Option Device Settings
Service Tag Settings

Description
Enables you to configure device settings for devices such as storage controllers or network cards.
Enables you to configure the System Service Tag.

System BIOS

To view the System BIOS screen, power on the system, press F2, and click System Setup Main Menu > System BIOS.

Table 29. System BIOS details Option System Information Memory Settings Processor Settings SATA Settings NVMe Settings
Boot Settings Network Settings

Description
Provides information about the system such as the system model name, BIOS version, and Service Tag.
Specifies information and options related to the installed memory.
Specifies information and options related to the processor such as speed and cache size.
Specifies options to enable or disable the integrated SATA controller and ports.
Specifies options to change the NVMe settings. If the system contains the NVMe drives that you want to configure in a RAID array, you must set both this field and the Embedded SATA field on the SATA Settings menu to RAID mode. You might also need to change the Boot Mode setting to UEFI. Otherwise, you should set this field to Non-RAID mode.
Specifies the Boot mode as UEFI.
Specifies options to manage the UEFI network settings and boot protocols.
Legacy network settings are managed from the Device Settings menu.

NOTE: Network Settings are not supported in BIOS boot mode.

Integrated Devices Serial Communication System Profile Settings System Security
Redundant OS Control Miscellaneous Settings

Specifies options to manage integrated device controllers and ports, specifies related features, and options.
Specifies options to manage the serial ports, its related features, and options.
Specifies options to change the processor power management settings, memory frequency.
Specifies options to configure the system security settings, such as system password, setup password, Trusted Platform Module (TPM) security, and UEFI secure boot. It also manages the power button on the system.
Sets the redundant OS information for redundant OS control.
Specifies options to change the system date and time.

System Information

To view the System Information screen, power on the system, press F2, and click System Setup Main Menu > System BIOS > System Information.

Table 30. System Information details Option System Model Name

Description Specifies the system model name.

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Table 30. System Information details (continued)

Option System BIOS Version

Description Specifies the BIOS version installed on the system.

System Management Engine Version

Specifies the current version of the Management Engine firmware.

System Service Tag

Specifies the system Service Tag.

System Manufacturer

Specifies the name of the system manufacturer.

System Manufacturer Contact Information

Specifies the contact information of the system manufacturer.

System CPLD Version

Specifies the current version of the system Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD) firmware.

UEFI Compliance Version

Specifies the UEFI compliance level of the system firmware.

Memory Settings

To view the Memory Settings screen, power on the system, press F2, and click System Setup Main Menu > System BIOS > Memory Settings.

Table 31. Memory Settings details Option System Memory Size System Memory Type System Memory Speed Video Memory System Memory Testing Memory Operating Mode
Current State of Memory Operating Mode Node Interleaving
Memory training

Description
Specifies the size of the system memory.
Specifies the type of memory installed in the system.
Specifies the speed of the system memory.
Specifies the size video memory.
Specifies whether the system memory tests are run during system boot. The two options available are Enabled and Disabled. This option is set to Disabled by default.
This field selects the memory operating mode. This feature is active only if a valid memory configuration is detected. When Optimizer Mode is enabled, the DRAM controllers operate independently in 64-bit mode and provide optimized memory performance. When Dell Fault Resilient Mode (FRM) is enabled, a percentage of the total installed memory is configured to create a fault resilient zone starting from lowest system memory address for use by select hypervisors for host virtualization resilience. Specify the FRM percentage by using the Fault Resilient Mode Memory Size[%] feature. When Dell NUMA Fault Resilient Mode (FRM) is enabled, a percentage of the installed memory in every NUMA node is configured to create a fault resilient zone for use by select hypervisors for host virtualization resilience. Specify the FRM percentage by using the Fault Resilient Mode Memory Size[%] feature.
Specifies the current state of the memory operating mode.
Enables or disables the Node interleaving option. Specifies if the NonUniform Memory Architecture (NUMA) is supported. If this field is set to Enabled, memory interleaving is supported if a symmetric memory configuration is installed. If the field is set to Disabled, the system supports NUMA (asymmetric) memory configurations. This option is set to Disabled by default.
When option is set to Fast and memory configuration is not changed, the system uses previously saved memory training parameters to train the memory subsystems and system boot time is also reduced. If memory configuration is changed, the system automatically enables Retrain at Next boot to force one- time full memory training steps, and then go back to Fast afterward.

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35

Table 31. Memory Settings details (continued)

Option

Description

When option is set to Retrain at Next boot, the system performs the force one- time full memory training steps at next power on and boot time is slowed on next boot.
When option is set to Enable, the system performs the force full memory training steps on every power on and boot time is slowed on every boot.

DIMM Self Healing (Post Package Repair) on Uncorrectable Memory Error Correctable Error Logging
Memory Paging Policy Memory Map Out

Enables or disables Post Packing Repair (PPR) on uncorrectable memory error. This option is set to Enabled by default.
Enables or disables correctable error logging. This option is set to Disabled by default.
Sets the Memory Paging Policy.
This option controls DIMMs slots on the system. This option is set to Enabled by default. It allows to disable system installed DIMMs.

Processor Settings

To view the Processor Settings screen, power on the system, press F2, and click System Setup Main Menu > System BIOS > Processor Settings.

Table 32. Processor Settings details Option Logical Processor
CPU Interconnect Speed

Description
Each processor core supports up to two logical processors. If this option is set to Enabled, the BIOS displays all the logical processors. If this option is set to Disabled, the BIOS displays only one logical processor per core. This option is set to Enabled by default.
Enables you to govern the frequency of the communication links among the processors in the system.
NOTE: The standard and basic bin processors support lower link frequencies.
The options available are Maximum data rate, 16 GT/s, 14.4 GT/s, and 12.8 GT/s. This option is set to Maximum data rate by default.
Maximum data rate indicates that the BIOS runs the communication links at the maximum frequency supported by the processors. You can also select specific frequencies that the processors support, which can vary.
For best performance, you should select Maximum data rate. Any reduction in the communication link frequency affects the performance of nonlocal memory access and cache coherency traffic. In addition, it can slow access to non- local I/O devices from a particular processor.
However, if power saving considerations outweigh performance, reduce the frequency of the processor communication links. Before reducing the frequency, you must localize the memory and I/O access to the nearest NUMA node to minimize the impact to system performance.

Virtualization Technology

Enables or disables the virtualization technology for the processor. This option is set to Enabled by default.

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Table 32. Processor Settings details (continued) Option Kernel DMA Protection
Directory Mode Adjacent Cache Line Prefetch
Hardware Prefetcher DCU Streamer Prefetcher DCU IP Prefetcher Sub NUMA Cluster MADT Core Enumeration
UMA Based Clustering UPI Prefetch
XPT Prefetch LLC Prefetch Dead Line LLC Alloc
Directory AtoS AVX P1

Description
This option is set to Disabled by default. When option is set to Enabled, BIOS and Operating System will enable direct memory access protection for DMA capable peripheral devices using virtualization technology.
Enables or disables the directory mode. This option is set to Enabled by default.
Optimizes the system for applications that need high utilization of sequential memory access. This option is set to Enabled by default. You can disable this option for applications that need high utilization of random memory access.
Enables or disables the hardware prefetcher. This option is set to Enabled by default.
Enables or disables the Data Cache Unit (DCU) streamer prefetcher. This option is set to Enabled by default.
Enables or disables the Data Cache Unit (DCU) IP prefetcher. This option is set to Enabled by default.
Enables or disables the Sub NUMA Cluster. This option is set to Disabled by default.
Specifies the MADT Core Enumeration. This option is set to default in Round Robin. Linear option supports industry core enumeration whereas, Round Robin option supports Dell optimized core enumeration.
It is a read-only field and displays as Quadrant , when Sub NUMA Cluster is disabled or displays as Disabled, when Sub NUMA Cluster is either 2-way or 4-way.
Enables you to get the memory read started early on DDR bus. The Ultra Path Interconnect (UPI) Rx path spawns the speculative memory that is read to Integrated Memory Controller (iMC) directly. This option is set to Enabled by default.
This option is set to Enabled by default.
Enables or disables the LLC Prefetch on all threads. This option is set to Enabled by default.
Enables or disables the Dead Line LLC Alloc. This option is set to Enabled by default. You can enable this option to enter the dead lines in LLC or disable the option to not enter the dead lines in LLC.
Enables or disables the Directory AtoS. AtoS optimization reduces remote read latencies for repeat read accesses without intervening writes. This option is set to Disabled by default.
Enables you to reconfigure the processor Thermal Design Power (TDP) levels during POST based on the power and thermal delivery capabilities of the system. TDP verifies the maximum heat the cooling system is must dissipate. This option is set to Normal by default.
NOTE: This option is only available on certain stock keeping units (SKUs) of the processors.

Dynamic SST-Performance Profile

Enables you to reconfigure the processor using Dynamic or Static Speed Select Technology. This option is set to Disabled by default.
Operating Point n | P1:1.8 Ghz, TDP:185w, Core Count:32

Pre-operating system management applications

37

Table 32. Processor Settings details (continued) Option SST-Performance Profile Intel SST-BF
Intel SST-CP
x2APIC Mode

Description
Enables you to reconfigure the processor using Speed Select Technology.
Enables Intel SST-BF. This option is displayed if Performance Per Watt (operating system) or Custom (when OSPM is enabled) system profiles are selected. This option is set to Disabled by default.
Enables Intel SST-CP. This option is displayed if Performance Per Watt (operating system) or Custom (when OSPM is enabled) system profiles are selected. This option is displayed and selectable for each system profile mode. This option is set to Disabled by default.
Enables or disables x2APIC mode. This option is set to Enabled by default.
NOTE: For two processors 64 cores configuration, x2APIC mode is not switchable if 256 threads are enabled (BIOS settings: All CCD, cores, and logical processors enabled).

AVX ICCP Pre-Grant License
Dell Controlled Turbo Dell Controlled Turbo Settings

Enables or disables AVX ICCP Pre-Grant License. This option is set to Disabled by default.
Controls the turbo engagement. Enable this option only when System Profile is set to Performance or Custom, and CPU Power Management is set to Performance. This item can be selected for each system profile mode. This option is set to Disabled by default.
NOTE: Depending on the number of installed processors, there might be up to two processor listings.

Dell AVX Scaling Technology
Optimizer Mode Number of Cores per Processor CPU Physical Address Limit AMP Prefetch Homeless Prefetch Uncore Frequency RAPL
Processor Core Speed Processor Bus Speed

Enables you to configure the Dell AVX scaling technology. This option is set to 0 by default. Enter the value from 0 to 12 bins. The value that is entered decreases the Dell AVX Scaling Technology frequency when the Dell-controlled Turbo feature is enabled.
Controls the Dell Controlled Turbo settings.
Controls the number of enabled cores in each processor. This option is set to All by default.
Limit CPU physical address to 46 bits to support older Hyper-V. If enabled, automatically disables TME-MT. This option is set to Enabled by default.
This option enables one of the Mid-Level Cache (MLC) AMP hardware Prefetcher. This option is set to Disabled by default.
This option allows L1 Data Cache Unit (DCU) to prefetech, when the Fill Buffers (FB) is full. Auto maps to hardware default setting. This option is set to Auto by default.
This setting controls whether the Running Average Power Limit (RAPL) balancer is enabled or not. If enabled, it activates the uncore power budgeting. This option is set to Enabled by default.
Specifies the maximum core frequency of the processor.
Specifies the bus speed of the processor. NOTE: The processor bus speed option displays only when both processors are installed.

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Table 32. Processor Settings details (continued) Option Local Machine Check Exception
CPU Crash Log Support Processor n

Description
Enables or disables the local machine check exception. This is an extension of the MCA Recovery mechanism providing the capability to deliver Uncorrected Recoverable (UCR) Software Recoverable Action Required (SRAR) errors to one or more specific logical processors threads receiving previously poisoned or corrupted data. When enabled, the UCR SRAR Machine Check Exception is delivered only to the affected thread rather than broadcast to all threads in the system. The feature supports operating system recovery for cases of multiple recoverable faults that are detected close, which would otherwise result in a fatal machine check event. The feature is available only on Advanced RAS processors. This option is set to Enabled by default.
This field controls Intel CPU Crash Log feature for collection of previous crash data from shared SRAM of Out-of -Band Management Service Module at post reset. This option is set to Disabled by default.
NOTE: Depending on the number of processors, there might be up to n processors listed.
The following settings are displayed for each processor:

Table 33. Processor n details Option Family-Model-Stepping
Brand Level 2 Cache Level 3 Cache Number of Cores Microcode

Description Specifies the family, model, and stepping of the processor as defined by Intel. Specifies the brand name. Specifies the total L2 cache. Specifies the total L3 cache. Specifies the number of cores per processor. Specifies the processor microcode version.

SATA Settings

To view the SATA Settings screen, power on the system, press F2, and click System Setup Main Menu > System BIOS > SATA Settings.

Table 34. SATA Settings details

Option

Description

Embedded SATA

Enables the embedded SATA option to be set to Off, AHCI mode , or RAID modes. This option is set to AHCI Mode by default.
NOTE:
1. You might also need to change the Boot Mode setting to UEFI. Otherwise, you should set the field to Non-RAID mode.
2. No ESXi and Ubuntu OS support under RAID mode.

Security Freeze Lock Write Cache

Sends Security Freeze Lock command to the embedded SATA drives during POST. This option is applicable only for AHCI Mode. This option is set to Enabled by default.
Enables or disables the command for the embedded SATA drives during POST. This option is set to Disabled by default.

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39

NVMe Settings

This option sets the NVMe drive mode. If the system contains NVMe drives that you want to configure in a RAID array, you must set both this field and the Embedded SATA field on the SATA settings menu to RAID Mode. You may also need to change the Boot Mode setting to UEFI.
To view the NVMe Settings screen, power on the system, press F2, and click System Setup Main Menu > System BIOS > NVMe Settings.

Table 35. NVMe Settings details

Option

Description

NVMe mode

Enables or disables the boot mode. The option is set to Non-RAID mode by default.

BIOS NVMe Driver

Sets the drive type to boot the NVMe driver. The available options are Dell Qualified Drives and All Drives. This option is set to Dell Qualified Drives by default.

Boot Settings

The Boot Settings only support UEFI mode.
UEFI: The Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) is a new interface between operating systems and platform firmware. The interface consists of data tables with platform related information, boot and runtime service calls that are available to the operating system and its loader. The following benefits are available when the Boot Mode is set to UEFI: Support for drive partitions larger than 2 TB. Enhanced security (e.g., UEFI Secure Boot). Faster boot time.
To view the Boot Settings screen, power on the system, press F2, and click System Setup Main Menu > System BIOS > Boot Settings.

Table 36. Boot Settings details

Option

Description

Boot Mode

Specifies the boot mode of the system. This option is set to UEFI by default.

Boot Sequence Retry

Enables or disables the Boot sequence retry feature or resets the system. When this option is set to Enabled and the system fails to boot, the system re- attempts the boot sequence after 30 seconds. When this option is set to Reset and the system fails to boot, the system reboots immediately. This option is set to Enabled by default.

Hard-disk Failover

Enables or disables the Hard-disk failover. This option is set to Disabled by default.

Generic USB Boot

Enables or disables the generic USB boot placeholder. This option is set to Disabled by default.

Hard-disk Drive Placeholder

Enables or disables the Hard-disk drive placeholder. This option is set to Disabled by default.

Clean all Sysprep variables and order

When this option is set to None, BIOS will do nothing. When set to Yes, BIOS will delete variables of SysPrep #### and SysPrepOrder this option is a onetime option, will reset to none when deleting variables. This setting is only available in UEFI Boot Mode. This option is set to None by default.

UEFI Boot Settings

Specifies the UEFI boot sequence. Enables or disables UEFI Boot options. NOTE: This option controls the UEFI boot order. The first option in the list will be attempted first.

Table 37. UEFI Boot Settings Option UEFI Boot Sequence Boot Options Enable/Disable

Description Enables you to change the boot device order. Enables you to select the enabled or disabled boot devices

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Choosing system boot mode
System Setup enables you to specify one of the following boot modes for installing your operating system: UEFI boot mode (the default), is an enhanced 64-bit boot interface. If you have configured your system to boot to UEFI
mode, it replaces the system BIOS. 1. From the System Setup Main Menu, click Boot Settings, and select Boot Mode. 2. Select the UEFI boot mode you want the system to boot into.
CAUTION: Switching the boot mode may prevent the system from booting if the operating system is not installed in the same boot mode. 3. After the system boots in the specified boot mode, proceed to install your operating system from that mode. NOTE: Operating systems must be UEFI-compatible to be installed from the UEFI boot mode. DOS and 32-bit operating systems do not support UEFI and can only be installed from the BIOS boot mode.
NOTE: For the latest information about supported operating systems, go to www.dell.com/ossupport.
Changing boot order
About this task You may have to change the boot order if you want to boot from a USB key or an optical drive. The following instructions may vary if you have selected BIOS for Boot Mode.
NOTE: Changing the drive boot sequence is only supported in BIOS boot mode.
Steps 1. On the System Setup Main Menu screen, click System BIOS > Boot Settings > UEFI Boot Settings > UEFI Boot
Sequence. 2. Use the arrow keys to select a boot device, and use the plus (+) and minus (-) sign keys to move the device down or up in
the order. 3. Click Exit, and then click Yes to save the settings on exit.
NOTE: You can also enable or disable boot order devices as needed.

Network Settings

To view the Network Settings screen, power on the system, press F2, and click System Setup Main Menu > System BIOS > Network Settings.
NOTE: Network Settings are not supported in BIOS boot mode.

Table 38. Network Settings details Option UEFI PXE Settings Number of PXE Devices
PXE Device n (n = 1 to 4)
PXE Device n Settings(n = 1 to 4) UEFI HTTP Settings HTTP Device n (n = 1 to 4)
HTTP Device n Settings (n = 1 to 4) UEFI iSCSI Settings

Description
Enables you to control the configuration of the UEFI PXE device.
This field specifies the number of PXE devices. This option is set to 4 by default.
Enables or disables the device. When enabled, a UEFI PXE boot option is created for the device.
Enables you to control the configuration of the PXE device.
Enables you to control the configuration of the UEFI HTTP device.
Enables or disables the device. When enabled, a UEFI HTTP boot option is created for the device.
Enables you to control the configuration of the HTTP device.
Enables you to control the configuration of the iSCSI device.

Pre-operating system management applications

41

Table 38. Network Settings details (continued)

Option iSCSI Initiator Name

Description Specifies the name of the iSCSI initiator in IQN format.

iSCSI Device1

Enables or disables the iSCSI device. When disabled, a UEFI boot option is created for the iSCSI device automatically. This is set to Disabled by default.

iSCSI Device1 Settings

Enables you to control the configuration of the iSCSI device.

UEFI NVMe-oF Settings

Enables you to control the configuration of the NVMe-oF devices.

NVMe-oF

Enables or disables the NVMe-oF feature. When enabled, it allows to configure the host and target parameters needed for fabric connection. This is set to Disabled by default.

NVMe-oF Host NQN

This field specifies the name of the NVMe-oF host NQN. Allowed input is in the following format: nqn.yyyy-mm.:. Leave it empty to use system generated value with following format: nqn.1988-11.com.dell:...

NVMe-oF Host Id

This field specifies a 16 bytes value of the NVMe-oF host identifier that uniquely identifies this host with the controller in the NVM subsystem. Allowed input is a hexadecimal-encoded string in this format: 00112233-4455-6677-8899-aabbccddeeff. Leave it empty to use system generated value. A value of all FF is not allowed.

Host Security Key Path

This field specifies the Host security key path.

NVMe-oF SubSystem Settings

This field controls the parameters for the NVMe-oF subsystem n connections.

Table 39. PXE Device n Settings details

Option

Description

Interface

Specifies NIC interface used for the PXE device.

Protocol

Specifies Protocol used for PXE device. This option is set to IPv4 or IPv6. This option is set to IPv4 by default.

Vlan

Enables Vlan for PXE device. This option is set to Enabled or Disabled. This option is set to Disabled by default.

Vlan ID

Shows the Vlan ID for the PXE device

Vlan Priority

Shows the Vlan Priority for the PXE device.

Table 40. HTTP Device n Settings details

Option

Description

Interface

Specifies NIC interface used for the HTTP device.

Protocol

Specifies Protocol used for HTTP device. This option is set to IPv4 or IPv6. This option is set to IPv4 by default.

Vlan

Enables Vlan for HTTP device. This option is set to Enable or Disable. This option is set to Disable by default.

Vlan ID

Shows the Vlan ID for the HTTP device

Vlan Priority

Shows the Vlan Priority for the HTTP device.

DHCP

Enables or disables DHCP for this HTTP device. This option is set to Enabled by default.

IP Address

Specifies IP address for the HTTP device.

Subnet Mask

Specifies subnet mask for the HTTP device.

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Table 40. HTTP Device n Settings details (continued)

Option Gateway

Description Specifies gateway for the HTTP device.

DNS info via DHCP

Enables or disables DNS Information from DHCP. This option is set to Enabled by default.

Primary DNS

Specifies the primary DNS server IP address for the HTTP Device.

Secondary DNS

Specifies the secondary DNS server IP address for the HTTP Device.

URI

Obtain URI from the DHCP server if not specified

TLS Authentication Configuration

Specifies the option for TLS authentication configuration.

Table 41. ISCSI Device1 Settings screen details

Option Connection 1

Description Enables or disables the iSCSI connection. This option is set to Disabled by default.

Connection 2

Enables or disables the iSCSI connection. This option is set to Disabled by default.

Connection 1 Settings

Enables you to control the configuration for the iSCSI connection.

Connection 2 Settings

Enables you to control the configuration for the iSCSI connection.

Connection Order

Enables you to control the order for which the iSCSI connections will be attempted.

Table 42. HTTP Device and Settings details

Option

Description

Interface

Specifies NIC interface used for the HTTP device.

Protocol

Specifies Protocol used for HTTP device. This option is set to IPv4 or IPv6. This option is set to IPv4 by default.

Vlan

Enables Vlan for HTTP device. This option is set to Enable or Disable. This option is set to Disable by default.

Vlan ID

Shows the Vlan ID for the HTTP device

Vlan Priority

Shows the Vlan Priority for the HTTP device.

DHCP

Enables or disables DHCP for this HTTP device. This option is set to Enable by default.

IP Address

Specifies IP address for the HTTP device.

Subnet Mask

Specifies subnet mask for the HTTP device.

Gateway

Specifies gateway for the HTTP device.

DNS info via DHCP

Enables or disables DNS Information from DHCP. This option is set to Enable by default.

Primary DNS

Specifies the primary DNS server IP address for the HTTP Device.

Secondary DNS

Specifies the secondary DNS server IP address for the HTTP Device.

URI

Obtain URI from the DHCP server if not specified.

TLS Authentication Configuration

Specifies the option for TLS authentication configuration.

Table 43. TLS Authentication Configuration screen details

Option

Description

TLS Authentication Mode

View or modify the device’s boot TLS Authentication Mode. This option is set to One Way by default. None means the HTTP server and the client will not authenticate each other for this boot.

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Table 43. TLS Authentication Configuration screen details (continued)

Option Root Certificate Configuration

Description Import, delete, or export the root certificate.

Table 44. UEFI iSCSI Settings screen details

Option

Description

iSCSI Initiator Name

Specifies the name of the iSCSI initiator in IQN format.

iSCSI Device1

Enables or disables the iSCSI device. When disabled, a UEFI boot option is created for the iSCSI device automatically. This is set to Disabled by default.

iSCSI Device1 Settings

Enables you to control the configuration of the iSCSI device.

Table 45. NVMe-oF SubSystem Settings screen details

Option

Description

NVMe-oF SubSystem n (n = 1 to 4)

Enables or disables NVMe-oF SubSystem. This option is set to Disabled by default.

NVMe-oF SubSystem n Settings (n = 1 Enables you to control the configuration of the NVMe-oF SubSystem, if Enabled. to 4)

Table 46. NVMe-oF SubSystem n Settings

Option

Description

Interface

NIC interface used for NVMe-oF connections. This option is set to Embedded NIC 1 Port 1 Partition 1 by default.

Transport Type

This field sets the value of transport type for NVMe-oF connection. This option is set to TCP by default.

Protocol

This field sets the value of protocol type for NVMe-oF connection. This option is set to IPv4 by default.

VLAN

Enables or disables VLAN for this NVMe-oF connections. This option is set to Disabled by default.

VLAN Id

Specifies the VLAN Id for this NVMe-oF connection. This option is set to 1 by default.

VLAN Priority

Specifies the VLAN priority for this NVMe-oF connection. This option is set to 0 by default.

Retry Count

Specifies the retry count for this NVMe-oF connection. This option is set to 3 by default.

Timeout

Specifies the time out for this NVMe-oF connection. This option is set to 10000 by default.

DHCP

Enables and disables the DHCP for this NVMe-oF connection. This option is set to Disabled by default.

Host IP Address

Specifies the Host IP Address for this NVMe-oF connection.

Host Subnet Mask

Specifies the Host Subnet Mask for this NVMe-oF connection.

Host Gateway

Specifies the Host Gateway for this NVMe-oF connection.

NVMe-oF subsystem info via DHCP

Enables and disables the NVMe-oF subsystem’s DHCP for this connection. This option is set to Disabled by default.

NVMe-oF subsystem NQN

Specifies the NVMe-oF subsystem’s NQN for this connection.

NVMe-oF subsystem Address

Specifies the NVMe-oF subsystem’s IP address for this connection.

NVMe-oF subsystem Port

Specifies the NVMe-oF subsystem’s port for this connection. This option is set to 4420 by default.

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Table 46. NVMe-oF SubSystem n Settings (continued)

Option NVMe-oF subsystem NID

Description Specifies the NamespaceID (NID) for this NVMe-oF connection.

NVMe-oF subsystem Controller ID

Specifies the NVMe-oF subsystem’s Controller ID for this connection. This option is set to 0 by default.

Security

Enables or disables the security option for this NVMe-oF connection. This option is set to Disabled by default.

Authentication Type

Specifies the authentication type for this NVMe-oF connection. This option is set to None by default.

Securitykeypath

Specifies the Securitykeypath for this NVMe-oF connection.

Integrated Devices

To view the Integrated Devices screen, power on the system, press F2, and click System Setup Main Menu > System BIOS > Integrated Devices.

Table 47. Integrated Devices details Option User Accessible USB Ports
iDRAC Direct USB Port Integrated Network Card1

Description
Configures the user accessible USB ports. Selecting Only Back Ports On disables the front USB ports; selecting All Ports Off disables all front and back USB ports.; selecting All Ports Off (Dynamic) disables all front and back USB ports during POST. and front ports can be enabled or disabled dynamically by authorized user without resetting the system. This option is set to All Ports On by default.
The USB keyboard and mouse still function in certain USB ports during the boot process, depending on the selection. After the boot process is complete, the USB ports will be enabled or disabled as per the setting.
The iDRAC Direct USB port is managed by iDRAC exclusively with no host visibility. This option is set to ON or OFF. When set to OFF, iDRAC does not detect any USB devices installed in this managed port. This option is set to On by default.
This option is seen only if OCP is installed. Enables or disables the integrated network card. When this option is set to Enabled, the card is not available to the operating system. This option is set to On by default.
NOTE: If set to Disabled (operating system), the Integrated NICs might still be available for shared network access by iDRAC.

Embedded NIC1 and NIC2 I/OAT DMA Engine Embedded Video Controller

Enables or disables the OS interface of the Embedded NIC1 and NIC2 controller. If set to Disabled (OS) , the NIC may still be available for shared network access by the embedded management controller.
Configure the Embedded NIC1 and NIC2 option by using the NIC management utilities of the system. This option is set to Enabled by default.
Enables or disables the I/O Acceleration Technology (I/OAT) option. I/OAT is a set of DMA features designed to accelerate network traffic and lower CPU utilization. Enable only if the hardware and software support the feature. This option is set to Disabled by default.
Enables or disables the use of Embedded Video Controller as the primary display. When set to Enabled, the Embedded Video Controller will be the primary display even if add-in graphic cards are installed. When set to Disabled, an add-in graphics card is used as the primary display. BIOS will output displays to both the primary add-in video and the embedded video during POST and preboot environment. The embedded video will then be

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Table 47. Integrated Devices details (continued)

Option

Description
disabled right before the operating system boots. This option is set to Enabled by default.
NOTE: When there are multiple add-in graphic cards installed in the system, the first card discovered during PCI enumeration is selected as the primary video. You might have to rearrange the cards in the slots in order to control which card is the primary video.

I/O Snoop HoldOff Response
Current State of Embedded Video Controller SR-IOV Global Enable OS Watchdog Timer Empty Slot Unhide Slot Disablement
Slot Bifurcation

Selects the number of cycles PCI I/O can withhold snoop requests, from the CPU, to allow time to complete its own write to LLC. This setting can help improve performance on workloads where throughput and latency are critical. The options available are 256 Cycles, 512 Cycles, 1K Cycles, 2K Cycles, 4K Cycles, 8K Cycles, 16K Cycles, 32K Cycles, 64K Cycles and 128K Cycles.This option is set to 2K Cycles by default.
Displays the current state of the embedded video controller. The Current State of Embedded Video Controller option is a read-only field. If the Embedded Video Controller is the only display capability in the system (that is, no add-in graphics card is installed), then the Embedded Video Controller is automatically used as the primary display even if the Embedded Video Controller setting is set to Disabled.
Enables or disables the BIOS configuration of Single Root I/O Virtualization (SR-IOV) devices. This option is set to Disabled by default.
If your system stops responding, this watchdog timer aids in the recovery of your operating system. When this option is set to Enabled, the operating system initializes the timer. When this option is set to Disabled (the default), the timer does not have any effect on the system.
Enables or disables the root ports of all the empty slots that are accessible to the BIOS and operating system. This option is set to Disabled by default.
Enables or boot driver disables the available PCIe slots on your system. The slot disablement feature controls the configuration of the PCIe cards installed in the specified slot. Slots must be disabled only when the installed peripheral card prevents booting into the operating system or causes delays in system startup. When this option is set to boot driver disabled, both the Option ROM and UEFI driver from the slot will not run during POST. The system will not boot from the card and its pre-boot services will not be available. However, the card is available to the operating system.
Slot n: Enables or only the boot driver is disabled for the PCIe slot n. This option is set to Enabled by default.
Auto Discovery Bifurcation Settings allows Platform Default Bifurcation and Manual bifurcation Control.
This option is set to Platform Default Bifurcation by default. The slot bifurcation field is accessible when set to Manual bifurcation Control and is grayed out when set to Platform Default Bifurcation.
NOTE: The slot bifurcation supports on PCIe slot only, does not support slot type from Paddle card to Riser and Slimline connector to Riser.

Serial Communication
To view the Serial Communication screen, power on the system, press F2, and click System Setup Main Menu > System BIOS > Serial Communication.
NOTE: The serial port is optional for the PowerEdge XE9640 system. The Serial Communication option is applicable only if the serial COM port is installed in the system.

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Table 48. Serial Communication details

Option Serial Communication

Description
Enables the serial communication options. Selects serial communication devices (Serial Device 1 and Serial Device 2) in BIOS. BIOS console redirection can also be enabled, and the port address can be specified.

The options available for System without serial COM port (DB9) are On without Console Redirection, On with Console Redirection, Off. This option is set to On without Console Redirection by default.

Serial Port Address

Enables you to set the port address for serial devices. This option is set to either COM1 or COM2 for the serial device (COM1=0x3F8,COM2=0x2F8)and set to COM1 by default.
NOTE: You can use only Serial Device 2 for the Serial Over LAN (SOL) feature. To use console redirection by SOL, configure the same port address for console redirection and the serial device.
NOTE: Every time the system boots, the BIOS syncs the serial MUX setting that is saved in iDRAC. The serial MUX setting can independently be changed in iDRAC. Loading the BIOS default settings from within the BIOS setup utility may not always revert the serial MUX setting to the default setting of Serial Device 1.

External Serial Connector

Enables you to associate the External Serial Connector to Serial Device 1, Serial Device 2, or the Remote Access Device by using this option. This option is set to Serial Device 1 by default.
NOTE: Only Serial Device 2 can be used for Serial Over LAN (SOL). To use console redirection by SOL, configure the same port address for console redirection and the serial device.
NOTE: Every time the system boots, the BIOS syncs the serial MUX setting saved in iDRAC. The serial MUX setting can independently be changed in iDRAC. Loading the BIOS default settings from within the BIOS setup utility may not always revert this setting to the default setting of Serial Device 1.

Failsafe Baud Rate
Remote Terminal Type Redirection After Boot

Specifies the failsafe baud rate for console redirection. The BIOS attempts to determine the baud rate automatically. This failsafe baud rate is used only if the attempt fails, and the value must not be changed. This option is set to 115200 by default.
Sets the remote console terminal type. This option is set to VT100/VT220 by default.
Enables or disables the BIOS console redirection when the operating system is loaded. This option is set to Enabled by default.

System Profile Settings

To view the System Profile Settings screen, power on the system, press F2, and click System Setup Main Menu > System BIOS > System Profile Settings.

Table 49. System Profile Settings details

Option

Description

System Profile

Sets the system profile. If you set the System Profile option to a mode other than Performance Per Watt (DAPC), the BIOS automatically sets the rest of the options. You can only change the rest of the options if the mode is set to Custom. This option is set to Performance Per Watt (DAPC) by default. Other options include Custom, Performance, Performance Per Watt (OS) and Workstation Performnce.

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Table 49. System Profile Settings details (continued)

Option

Description

NOTE: All the parameters on the system profile setting screen are available only when the System Profile option is set to Custom.

Optimized Power Mode
CPU Power Management Memory Frequency Turbo Boost Enery Efficient Turbo C1E C States
Memory Patrol Scrub Memory Refresh Rate Uncore Frequency
Dynamic Load Line Switch

When this option is set to Enabled, processor is tuned for lower power consumption. Also sets C1E to Enabled, sets processor power management to System DBPM mode, sets Energy Efficient Policy to Performance, sets Uncore frequency to Dynamic, and sets Dynamic Load Line Switch to Enabled.
Sets the CPU power management. This option is set to System DBPM (DAPC) by default. Other option includes Maximum Performance, OS DBPM.
Sets the speed of the system memory. You can select Maximum Performance, Maximum Reliability or a specific speed. This option is set to Maximum Performance by default.
Enables or disables the processor to operate in the turbo boost mode. This option is set to Enabled by default.
Energy Efficient Turbo (EET) is a mode of operation where a processor’s core frequency is adjusted within the turbo range based on workload. This option is set to Enabled by default.
Enables or disables the processor to switch to a minimum performance state when it is idle. This option is set to Enabled by default.
Enables or disables the processor to operate in all available power states. C States allow the processor to enter lower power states when idle. When set to Enabled (OS controlled) or when set to Autonomous (if hardware controlled is supported), the processor can operate in all available Power States to save power, but may increase memory latency and frequency jitter. This option is set to Enabled by default.
Sets the memory patrol scrub mode. This option is set to Standard by default.
Sets the memory refresh rate to either 1x or 2x. This option is set to 1x by default.
Enables you to select the Uncore Frequency option. Dynamic mode enables the processor to optimize power resources across cores and uncores during runtime. The optimization of the uncore frequency to either save power or optimize performance is influenced by the setting of the Energy Efficiency Policy option.
The Dynamic Load Line Switch is a Power Management feature, which dynamically switches to the performance mode during periods of high CPU utilization. This setting is read-only and set to Enabled when Optimized Power mode is Enabled.
NOTE: This option can be disabled when System Profile is set to Custom.

Energy Efficient Policy Monitor/Mwait

Enables you to select the Energy Efficient Policy option. The CPU uses the setting to manipulate the internal behavior of the processor and determines whether to target higher performance or better power savings. This option is set to Balanced Performance by default.
Enables the Monitor/Mwait instructions in the processor. This option is set to Enabled for all system profiles, except Custom by default.
NOTE: This option can be disabled when System Profile is set to Custom.
NOTE: When C States is set to Enabled in the Custom mode, changing the Monitor/ Mwait setting does not impact the system power or performance.

Workload Profile
CPU Interconnect Bus Link Power Management PCI ASPM L1 Link Power Management

This option allows the user to specify the targeted workload of a server. It allows optimization of performance based on the workload type. This option is set to Not Configured by default.
Enables or disables the CPU Interconnect Bus Link Power Management. This option is set to Enabled by default.
Enables or disables the PCI ASPM L1 Link Power Management. This option is set to Enabled by default.

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Table 49. System Profile Settings details (continued)

Option Workload Configuration

Description
This field controls the Energy Performance BIAS settings to allow BIOS to choose a configuration that improve performance on the certain workloads. This option is set to Balanace by default.
NOTE: This option can be disabled when System Profile is set to Custom.

System Security

To view the System Security screen, power on the system, press F2, and click System Setup Main Menu > System BIOS > System Security.

Table 50. System Security details

Option

Description

CPU AES-NI

Improves the speed of applications by performing encryption and decryption by using the Advanced Encryption Standard Instruction Set (AES-NI). This option is set to Enabled by default.

System Password

Sets the system password. This option is set to Enabled by default and is read-only if the password jumper is not installed in the system.

Setup Password

Sets the setup password. This option is read-only if the password jumper is not installed in the system.

Password Status

Locks the system password. This option is set to Unlocked by default.

TPM Information

Indicates the type of Trusted Platform Module, if present.

Table 51. TPM 2.0 security information

Option

Description

TPM Information

TPM Security

NOTE: The TPM menu is available only when the TPM module is installed.

Enables you to control the reporting mode of the TPM. When set to Off, the presence of the TPM is not reported to the OS. When set to On, the presence of the TPM is reported to the OS. The TPM Security option is set to Off by default.
When TPM 2.0 is installed, the TPM Security option is set to On or Off. This option is set to Off by default.

TPM Information TPM Firmware

Indicates the type of Trusted Platform Module, if present. Indicates the firmware version of the TPM.

TPM Hierarcy

Enables, disables, or clears the storage and endorsement hierarchies. When set to Enabled, the storage and endorsement hierarchies can be used.

When set to Disabled, the storage and endorsement hierarchies cannot be used.

When set to Clear, the storage and endorsement hierarchies are cleared of any values, and then reset to Enabled.

TPM Advanced Settings

Specifies TPM Advanced Settings details.

Table 52. System Security details

Option

Description

Intel(R) TXT

Enables you to set the Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT) option. To enable the Intel TXT option, virtualization technology and TPM Security must be enabled with

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Table 52. System Security details (continued)

Option Memory Encryption

Description
Pre-boot measurements. This option is set to Off by default. It is set On for Secure Launch (Firmware Protection) support on Windows 2022.
Enables or disables the Intel Total Memory Encryption (TME) and Multi-Tenant (Intel® TME-MT). When option is set to Disabled, BIOS disables both TME and MK-TME technology. When option is set to Single Key BIOS enables the TME technology. When option is set to Multiple Keys, BIOS enables the TME-MT technology. This option is set to Disabled by default.

Global Memory Integrity TME Encryption Bypass

Enables or disables the Global Memory Integrity.
Allows the option to bypass the Intel Total Memory Encryption. This option is set to Disabled by default.

Intel(R) SGX

Enables you to set the Intel Software Guard Extension (SGX) option. To enable the Intel SGX option, processor must be SGX capable, memory population must be compatible (minimum x8 identical DIMM1 to DIMM8 per CPU socket, not support on persistent memory configuration), memory operating mode must be set at optimizer mode, memory encryption must be enabled and node interleaving must be disabled. This option is set to Off by default. When this option is to Off, BIOS disables the SGX technology. When this option is to On, BIOS enables the SGX technology.

Power Button

Enables or disables the power button on the front of the system. This option is set to Enabled by default.

AC Power Recovery

Sets how the system behaves after AC power is restored to the system. This option is set to Last by default.
NOTE: The host system will not power on up until iDRAC Root of Trust (RoT) is
completed, host power on will be delayed by minimum 90 seconds after the AC
applied.

AC Power Recovery Delay

Sets the time delay for the system to power up after AC power is restored to the system. This option is set to Immediate by default. When this option is set to Immediate, there is no delay for power up. When this option is set to Random, the system creates a random delay for power up. When this option is set to User Defined, the system delay time is manually to power up.

User Defined Delay (120 s to 600 Sets the User Defined Delay option when the User Defined option for AC Power

s)

Recovery Delay is selected. The actual AC recovery time needs to add iDRAC root of

trust time (around 50 seconds).

UEFI Variable Access

Provides varying degrees of securing UEFI variables. When set to Standard (the default), UEFI variables are accessible in the operating system per the UEFI specification. When set to Controlled, selected UEFI variables are protected in the environment and new UEFI boot entries are forced to be at the end of the current boot order.

In-Band Manageability Interface

When set to Disabled , this setting hides the Management Engine’s (ME), HECI devices, and the system’s IPMI devices from the operating system. This prevents the operating system from changing the ME power capping settings, and blocks access to all inband management tools. All management should be managed through out-of-band. This option is set to Enabled by default.
NOTE: BIOS update requires HECI devices to be operational and DUP updates
require IPMI interface to be operational. This setting needs to be set to Enabled to
avoid updating errors.

SMM Security Migration Secure Boot Secure Boot Policy

Enables or disables the UEFI SMM security migration protections. It is set to Disabled by default.
Enables Secure Boot, where the BIOS authenticates each pre-boot image by using the certificates in the Secure Boot Policy. Secure Boot is set to Disabled by default.
When Secure Boot policy is set to Standard, the BIOS uses the system manufacturer’s key and certificates to authenticate pre-boot images. When Secure Boot policy is set to

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Table 52. System Security details (continued)

Option

Description
Custom, the BIOS uses the user-defined key and certificates. When Secure Boot policy is set to Linux(R) Boot, VMware(R) Boot or Microsoft(R) Boot the Secure Boot Policy includes only certificates necessary for the corresponding operating systems. Secure Boot policy is set to Standard by default.

Secure Boot Mode

Configures how the BIOS uses the Secure Boot Policy Objects (PK, KEK, db, dbx).

If the current mode is set to Deployed Mode, the available options are User Mode and Deployed Mode. If the current mode is set to User Mode, the available options are User Mode, Audit Mode, and Deployed Mode.

Below are the details of different boot modes available in the Secure Boot Mode option.

User Mode

In User Mode, PK must be installed, and BIOS performs signature verification on programmatic attempts to update policy objects. The BIOS allows unauthenticated programmatic transitions between modes.

Audit mode

In Audit Mode, PK is not present. BIOS does not authenticate programmatic update to the policy objects and transitions between modes. The BIOS performs a signature verification on pre-boot images and logs the results in the image Execution Information Table, but executes the images whether they pass or fail verification. Audit Mode is useful for programmatic determination of a working set of policy objects.

Deployed Mode

Deployed Mode is the most secure mode. In Deployed Mode, PK must be installed and the BIOS performs signature verification on programmatic attempts to update policy objects. Deployed Mode restricts the programmatic mode transitions.

Secure Boot Policy Summary
Secure Boot Custom Policy Settings

Specifies the list of certificates and hashes that secure boot uses to authenticate images.
Configures the Secure Boot Custom Policy. To enable this option, set the Secure Boot Policy to Custom option.

Creating a system and setup password
Prerequisites Ensure that the password jumper is enabled. The password jumper enables or disables the system password and setup password features. For more information, see the System board jumper settings section.
NOTE: If the password jumper setting is disabled, the existing system password and setup password are deleted and you need not provide the system password to boot the system.
Steps 1. To enter System Setup, press F2 immediately after turning on or rebooting your system. 2. On the System Setup Main Menu screen, click System BIOS > System Security. 3. On the System Security screen, verify that Password Status is set to Unlocked. 4. In the System Password field, type your system password, and press Enter or Tab.
Use the following guidelines to assign the system password: A password can have up to 32 characters. A message prompts you to reenter the system password. 5. Reenter the system password, and click OK. 6. In the Setup Password field, type your setup password and press Enter or Tab. A message prompts you to reenter the setup password.

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7. Reenter the setup password, and click OK. 8. Press Esc to return to the System BIOS screen. Press Esc again.
A message prompts you to save the changes. NOTE: Password protection does not take effect until the system reboots.
Using your system password to secure your system
About this task If you have assigned a setup password, the system accepts your setup password as an alternate system password.
Steps 1. Turn on or reboot your system. 2. Type the system password and press Enter.
Next steps When Password Status is set to Locked, type the system password and press Enter when prompted at reboot.
NOTE: If an incorrect system password is typed, the system displays a message and prompts you to reenter your password. You have three attempts to type the correct password. After the third unsuccessful attempt, the system displays an error message that the system has stopped functioning and must be turned off. Even after you turn off and restart the system, the error message is displayed until the correct password is entered.
Deleting or changing system and setup password
Prerequisites NOTE: You cannot delete or change an existing system or setup password if the Password Status is set to Locked.
Steps 1. To enter System Setup, press F2 immediately after turning on or restarting your system. 2. On the System Setup Main Menu screen, click System BIOS > System Security. 3. On the System Security screen, ensure that Password Status is set to Unlocked. 4. In the System Password field, alter or delete the existing system password, and then press Enter or Tab. 5. In the Setup Password field, alter or delete the existing setup password, and then press Enter or Tab.
If you change the system and setup password, a message prompts you to reenter the new password. If you delete the system and setup password, a message prompts you to confirm the deletion. 6. Press Esc to return to the System BIOS screen. Press Esc again, and a message prompts you to save the changes. 7. Select Setup Password, change, or delete the existing setup password and press Enter or Tab.
NOTE: If you change the system password or setup password, a message prompts you to reenter the new password. If you delete the system password or setup password, a message prompts you to confirm the deletion.
Operating with setup password enabled
If Setup Password is set to Enabled, type the correct setup password before modifying the system setup options. If you do not type the correct password in three attempts, the system displays the following message:
Invalid Password! Number of unsuccessful password attempts: System Halted! Must power down.
Even after you power off and restart the system, the error message is displayed until the correct password is typed. The following options are exceptions:

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Pre-operating system management applications

If System Password is not set to Enabled and is not locked through the Password Status option, you can assign a system password. For more information, see the System Security Settings screen section.
You cannot disable or change an existing system password. NOTE: You can use the passwo

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