Enabling UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) boot on your SuperMicro system typically involves accessing the BIOS settings via either the IPMI console or a direct physical connection to the server, then configuring the boot mode to UEFI.
UEFI is the modern standard for firmware interfaces, offering significant advantages over the older BIOS (Basic Input/Output System), including support for larger hard drives (over 2TB), faster boot times, enhanced security features like Secure Boot, and improved system stability. Switching to UEFI can optimize performance and expand the capabilities of your SuperMicro server.
Methods to Access and Configure BIOS
You have two primary ways to access the BIOS settings on a SuperMicro server to enable UEFI:
- IPMI (Intelligent Platform Management Interface) Console: This is the most common method for remote management of SuperMicro servers, allowing you to control the server's power, monitor hardware, and access the BIOS as if you were physically present.
- Direct Server Access: Connecting a monitor, keyboard, and mouse directly to the server allows you to interact with the system's BIOS during startup.
Step-by-Step Guide: Enabling UEFI Boot
No matter which access method you choose, the core steps within the BIOS menu remain similar.
1. Via IPMI Console (Remote Access)
The IPMI console provides a virtual KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) interface, allowing you to manage the server remotely.
- Access the IPMI Web Interface: Open a web browser and navigate to the IP address of your SuperMicro server's IPMI port. Log in with your IPMI credentials.
- Launch iKVM/Java Applet: Look for an option like "Remote Console," "iKVM/HTML5," or "Java iKVM." Click on it to launch the remote console. You may need to install a Java applet or ensure your browser supports HTML5 KVM.
- Reboot the Server: Within the iKVM console, power cycle or reboot the server. As it starts up, watch for prompts to enter the BIOS setup.
- Enter BIOS Setup: Repeatedly press the designated key (usually DEL or F2) during the boot process to enter the BIOS/UEFI setup utility.
- Navigate to Boot Settings: Once in the BIOS, use the arrow keys to navigate to the "Boot" or "BIOS Features" section.
- Configure UEFI Mode:
- Look for an option like "Boot Mode Select," "BIOS/Legacy Settings," or "OS Type."
- Change this setting from "Legacy BIOS" or "CSM (Compatibility Support Module)" to "UEFI" or "EFI".
- You might also find a specific "Boot Mode" option that needs to be set to "UEFI".
- Save and Exit: Go to the "Exit" tab, select "Save Changes and Exit," and confirm. The server will reboot with UEFI enabled.
2. Via Direct Server Access (Physical Connection)
This method requires physical access to your SuperMicro server.
- Connect Peripherals: Ensure a monitor, keyboard, and mouse are connected to the server.
- Power On/Reboot: Power on or reboot the server.
- Enter BIOS Setup: As the server boots, repeatedly press the designated key (commonly DEL or F2) to enter the BIOS/UEFI setup utility. The specific key is usually displayed on the screen during the initial boot sequence.
- Navigate to Boot Settings: Use the arrow keys to navigate through the BIOS menus. Look for sections such as "Boot," "BIOS Features," or "Advanced."
- Configure UEFI Mode:
- Locate the option that controls the boot mode, often labeled "Boot Mode Select," "BIOS/Legacy," or "OS Type."
- Change the setting from "Legacy BIOS" or "CSM" to "UEFI" or "EFI".
- Ensure the "Boot Mode" is explicitly set to "UEFI" if there's a separate option.
- Save and Exit: Navigate to the "Exit" menu, choose "Save Changes and Exit," and confirm your choice. The server will restart with UEFI boot mode active.
Key BIOS Settings to Look For
While menus can vary slightly between SuperMicro motherboard models, here are common areas and settings:
| Category | Common Setting Names | Desired Value | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boot Mode | Boot Mode Select, OS Type, BIOS/Legacy | UEFI (or EFI) | Primary setting to switch from traditional BIOS to UEFI. |
| CSM (if present) | Compatibility Support Module | Disabled | Disabling CSM ensures the system operates purely in UEFI mode. |
| Secure Boot | Secure Boot, Secure Boot Mode | Enabled (Optional) | UEFI feature for enhanced security; requires a compatible OS. |
| Boot Option Priorities | Boot Option #1, Boot Priority, Hard Drive BBS Priorities | UEFI: [Your Drive] | After enabling UEFI, ensure your target boot drive is listed with a "UEFI:" prefix. |
Important Considerations
- Operating System Compatibility: Your operating system must be installed in UEFI mode. If you're switching from Legacy BIOS, you might need to reinstall your OS, ensuring it uses the GPT (GUID Partition Table) partitioning scheme, which is required for UEFI, instead of MBR (Master Boot Record).
- Secure Boot: Once UEFI is enabled, you might also be able to enable Secure Boot, a security feature that helps prevent malicious software from loading during the boot process. This also requires OS compatibility.
- Firmware Updates: Ensure your SuperMicro server's BIOS/UEFI firmware is up to date, as newer versions often improve compatibility and add features.
- Backup: Before making significant BIOS changes, it's always a good practice to back up critical data.
By following these steps, you can successfully enable UEFI boot on your SuperMicro system, unlocking its modern capabilities. For more detailed information specific to your motherboard model, consult the official SuperMicro manual or visit their support page.
