HP N36L Microserver Updated AHCI BIOS Support.

TheBay · 29-09-2011, 6:14 PM

As we know, the HP Microsever only supports AHCI via the 4 internal drive bays and SATA connections 4/5 (Ports start from 0) are IDE mode.

There is a Russian BIOS floating around, but no one is really sure what exactly has been changed on this and also how up to date it is - This BIOS give the option to enable AHCI mode on those ports.

However personally with a device like a server, I wouldn't want to put anything on there that could compromise things and want to keep up to date with the BIOS Updates HP issue.

So I have been modifying my own BIOS files with official tools, I thought I would put a thread up here so I can share/discuss these files with everyone. I will also modify every update so we can keep this functionality.

I have stamped the BIOS files with revision information, including my forum name, which is displayed on POST so you know the BIOS you have has come from here/me.

Can a mod let me know if we can make this sticky and i'll update it with each revision, is there facility to upload the BIOS file here? its 2.0mb. If not what websites are permitted on here that I can upload the file to?

-------------------------------------------
19/10/2011
Updated BIOS
Added FAN Option (Not sure what this does exactly, but have a play)
Simplified AHCI/IDE Setting:
Removed - AHCI Menu for configuration/drive status
- IDE Menu configuration/drive status

30/09/2011

Microserver AHCI BIOS O41072911

Added
- AHCI Support for SATA ports 4/5 (Ports start at 0)
- AHCI Menu for configuration/drive status
- IDE Menu configuration/drive status (for those who use IDE mode)

28/02/2008

Changed to easy installation method,
Unrar file, put USB stick in to PC, within that folder double click on RunMe. Follow instructions on screen, then exit and put the USB stick in the Microserver and reboot to update BIOS.

http://www.mediafire.com/?y6x8rykiemnu201

Working on newer version of Bios, will post soon.

Methanoid · 29-09-2011, 11:06 PM

Mediafire would be fine IMHO

jerrymac · 30-09-2011, 1:39 PM

@TheBay: Link?

TheBay · 30-09-2011, 3:57 PM

I'm waiting on a Mod to get back to me before I post any links on here, as I don't know what sites are permitted.

theronkinator · 30-09-2011, 4:10 PM

Use any doesn't matter.

TheBay · 30-09-2011, 6:01 PM

*updated and removed link*
Added
- AHCI Support for SATA ports 4/5 (Ports start at 0)
- AHCI Menu for configuration/drive status
- IDE Menu configuration/drive status (for those who use IDE mode)

Enjoy.

tezza77 · 30-09-2011, 6:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBay

Latest bios here.

Microserver AHCI BIOS O41 - TheBay.rar

Added
- AHCI Support for SATA ports 4/5 (Ports start at 0)
- AHCI Menu for configuration/drive status
- IDE Menu configuration/drive status (for those who use IDE mode)

Enjoy.

I mean absolutely no disrespect by this but I'm a little nervous about flashing someone else bios image but I figure I do want AHCI for SATA 4 & 5.

Has anyone else flashed this yet and can confirm it working?

Benoe · 30-09-2011, 7:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tezza77

Has anyone else flashed this yet and can confirm it working?

I will and let you know, ok?

tezza77 · 30-09-2011, 8:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benoe

I will and let you know, ok?

Thanks but it doesnt matter now, decided to man up and flash it anyway.

Seems to be working thanks OP

Methanoid · 30-09-2011, 10:21 PM

You also mentioned memory timings and possible over clock options?

TheBay · 30-09-2011, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Methanoid

You also mentioned memory timings and possible over clock options?

Yes, I will have a look in to that, the option is there.
But would have to come with a warning. As the main caveat with the Microserver is a lack of cooling for the main board.

jerrymac · 30-09-2011, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBay

Latest bios here.

Enjoy.

I installed on my two microservers and both working fine one with ESXi 5.0 and the other with Win2008 R2.

TheBay · 01-10-2011, 2:28 AM

Just had a play around with Solaris 11 (text install, no gui) on the Microserver.
Can confirm Solaris 11 Express supports AHCI on the Microserver out of the box, with ALL 6 ports (using this BIOS)

~$ prtconf -D

Code:

  pci103c,1609, instance #0 (driver name: ahci)
            disk, instance #1 (driver name: sd)
            disk, instance #2 (driver name: sd)
            disk, instance #3 (driver name: sd)
            disk, instance #4 (driver name: sd)

That's with 1 disk in the ODD bay (OS Drive) and 3 Disks in the Hot swap bay, i'm getting over 220mb per sec sequential reads using 2x2TB and 1x1TB in Raidz and not even set up properly yet, but it's works and is saturating my gigabit network!.

Solaris 11 seems to work well.

MikeK · 01-10-2011, 1:19 PM

One slight caveat that anyone considering Solaris11 should be aware of, is that the latest ZFS pool versions are Oracle only (at least for the moment), so if you build your pools with the default pool version, then you'll be stuck on Solaris11, as nothing else which supports ZFS will support pool versions above 28 AFAIK (sol11express 11-2010 uses pool version 31 by default, and the latest Early Adopter release (EA) uses pool version 33)

Probably best to create your pools using something like pool version 22 (perhaps lower, depending on what pool version your potential target OS supports - FreeNAS8 for instance only supports up to version 15 AFAIK), at least then you could switch to another OS if you want without having to destroy and recreate your pools. You can always upgrade the pool version later if you feel you need any of the features the latest pool versions provide.
However there is no reverse option, you cannot downgrade the pool version - once it's at version 31 or 33 there's no going back to an earlier version (not without destroying and recreating the pool that is)

Benoe · 01-10-2011, 1:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benoe

I will and let you know, ok?

I also made the update, it is working ok. I didn't need to update any settings.

Benoe · 01-10-2011, 1:48 PM

Let me copy my microserver bios wishlist here:

1. S3 suspend
2. shorter bios boot, if the previous one is not possible
3. adjustable fan speed

TheBay · 01-10-2011, 1:58 PM

Let me copy my microserver bios wishlist here:

1. S3 suspend
This doesn't seem possible yet, will keep looking in to it though

2. shorter bios boot, if the previous one is not possible
Might be possible, can disable optional prompts/option bioses

3. adjustable fan speed
To speed up or slow down?

Benoe · 01-10-2011, 2:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBay

3. adjustable fan speed
To speed up or slow down?

Could be both. I also read, that you cannot install some noiseless but powerful fans, because there is a limit in fan speed, the microserver doesn't start below: link

"This is a PWM version of the popular SlipStream series, with a rated maximum speed of 1300 RPM. After the initial full speed burst at turnon, the fan slowed to an extremely slow speed, which caused a fan error message to display and the system to power down immediately. The system wants to see a faster fan."

TheBay · 01-10-2011, 2:06 PM

Thanks for that info MikeK,

Though will probably stay with Solaris 11 but not on the Microserver, in the process of pricing up a SandyBridge Xeon system to do VT-d, will run it on ESXi. Really surprised how well the Microserver copes with ZFS though

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeK

One slight caveat that anyone considering Solaris11 should be aware of, is that the latest ZFS pool versions are Oracle only (at least for the moment), so if you build your pools with the default pool version, then you'll be stuck on Solaris11, as nothing else which supports ZFS will support pool versions above 28 AFAIK (sol11express 11-2010 uses pool version 31 by default, and the latest Early Adopter release (EA) uses pool version 33)

Probably best to create your pools using something like pool version 22 (perhaps lower, depending on what pool version your potential target OS supports - FreeNAS8 for instance only supports up to version 15 AFAIK), at least then you could switch to another OS if you want without having to destroy and recreate your pools. You can always upgrade the pool version later if you feel you need any of the features the latest pool versions provide.
However there is no reverse option, you cannot downgrade the pool version - once it's at version 31 or 33 there's no going back to an earlier version (not without destroying and recreating the pool that is)

It is possible to disable fan control through the BIOS,I will have a play around with that and see if the server will ignore fan speeds?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benoe

Could be both. I also read, that you cannot install some noiseless but powerful fans, because there is a limit in fan speed, the microserver doesn't start below: link

Benoe · 01-10-2011, 8:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBay

It is possible to disable fan control through the BIOS,I will have a play around with that and see if the server will ignore fan speeds?

To tell the truth, currently I'm not planning to replace the fan. But I know that others want to or already had problems with it.
But if there would be an option for the fan to slow it down to become more quiet, and consume less power, I would use it.

I would be happy to have any option that makes the microserver faster to boot (or wake up from sleep), consume less power, make more quiet. Others may have other preferences. (like cpu overclock, running games, etc.)

DIABLOS · 01-10-2011, 10:56 PM

The ability to overclock the CPU by a 100Mhz or 2 would be awesome!

theronkinator · 02-10-2011, 1:13 AM

The main thing I miss is the ability to put the Server to sleep.

gavjbrown · 02-10-2011, 11:42 AM

Once I have flashed this Bios, do I have to change any bios settings.

Thanks

TheBay · 02-10-2011, 1:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gavjbrown

Once I have flashed this Bios, do I have to change any bios settings.

Thanks

To enable AHCI on all ports, go to Southbridge Config, SATA 4/5 and disable sata 4/5 IDE mode.

gavjbrown · 02-10-2011, 3:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBay

To enable AHCI on all ports, go to Southbridge Config, SATA 4/5 and disable sata 4/5 IDE mode.

Thank you.

gavjbrown · 03-10-2011, 12:03 AM

Could someone tell me what to type at the command prompt when updating with this bios. Thanks

Benoe · 03-10-2011, 9:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gavjbrown

Could someone tell me what to type at the command prompt when updating with this bios. Thanks

Pls read the "AHCI BIOS Installation.txt" wich is packed together with TheBay's bios file.

gavjbrown · 03-10-2011, 9:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benoe

Pls read the "AHCI BIOS Installation.txt" wich is packed together with TheBay's bios file.

I did read the txt file and there is no mention of typing at the command prompt,
so I assume I did something wrong when making the usb stick and I shouldn't be getting that prompt.

Thanks for the reply, just trying to set my backups up now and will have another look at the bios later.

Mysteron17 · 03-10-2011, 3:25 PM

Hi, a quick question. I have already installed WHS2011 on my server using a HDD in the ODD bay (currently IDE mode I assume). If I flash and enable AHCI on this port will I need to do anything or does it just work...only faster? Thx.

Benoe · 03-10-2011, 9:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mysteron17

Hi, a quick question. I have already installed WHS2011 on my server using a HDD in the ODD bay (currently IDE mode I assume). If I flash and enable AHCI on this port will I need to do anything or does it just work...only faster? Thx.

You will probably get an answer in Microservers original topic: link

30-09-2011, 6:01 PM	#6
TheBay Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Thanks: Gave 191, Got 126 Posts: 889	updated and removed link Added - AHCI Support for SATA ports 4/5 (Ports start at 0) - AHCI Menu for configuration/drive status - IDE Menu configuration/drive status (for those who use IDE mode) Enjoy. Last edited by TheBay; 28-02-2013 at 6:55 PM.
	Quote

01-10-2011, 2:28 AM	#13
TheBay Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Thanks: Gave 191, Got 126 Posts: 889	Just had a play around with Solaris 11 (text install, no gui) on the Microserver. Can confirm Solaris 11 Express supports AHCI on the Microserver out of the box, with ALL 6 ports (using this BIOS) ~$ prtconf -D Code: pci103c,1609, instance #0 (driver name: ahci) disk, instance #1 (driver name: sd) disk, instance #2 (driver name: sd) disk, instance #3 (driver name: sd) disk, instance #4 (driver name: sd) That's with 1 disk in the ODD bay (OS Drive) and 3 Disks in the Hot swap bay, i'm getting over 220mb per sec sequential reads using 2x2TB and 1x1TB in Raidz and not even set up properly yet, but it's works and is saturating my gigabit network!. Solaris 11 seems to work well. Last edited by TheBay; 01-10-2011 at 1:56 PM.
	Quote

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29-09-2011, 6:14 PM	#1
TheBay Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Thanks: Gave 191, Got 126 Posts: 889	HP N36L Microserver Updated AHCI BIOS Support. Advertisement Want to Advertise? As we know, the HP Microsever only supports AHCI via the 4 internal drive bays and SATA connections 4/5 (Ports start from 0) are IDE mode. There is a Russian BIOS floating around, but no one is really sure what exactly has been changed on this and also how up to date it is - This BIOS give the option to enable AHCI mode on those ports. However personally with a device like a server, I wouldn't want to put anything on there that could compromise things and want to keep up to date with the BIOS Updates HP issue. So I have been modifying my own BIOS files with official tools, I thought I would put a thread up here so I can share/discuss these files with everyone. I will also modify every update so we can keep this functionality. I have stamped the BIOS files with revision information, including my forum name, which is displayed on POST so you know the BIOS you have has come from here/me. Can a mod let me know if we can make this sticky and i'll update it with each revision, is there facility to upload the BIOS file here? its 2.0mb. If not what websites are permitted on here that I can upload the file to? ------------------------------------------- 19/10/2011 Updated BIOS Added FAN Option (Not sure what this does exactly, but have a play) Simplified AHCI/IDE Setting: Removed - AHCI Menu for configuration/drive status - IDE Menu configuration/drive status 30/09/2011 Microserver AHCI BIOS O41072911 Added - AHCI Support for SATA ports 4/5 (Ports start at 0) - AHCI Menu for configuration/drive status - IDE Menu configuration/drive status (for those who use IDE mode) 28/02/2008 Changed to easy installation method, Unrar file, put USB stick in to PC, within that folder double click on RunMe. Follow instructions on screen, then exit and put the USB stick in the Microserver and reboot to update BIOS. http://www.mediafire.com/?y6x8rykiemnu201 Working on newer version of Bios, will post soon. Last edited by TheBay; 28-02-2013 at 6:59 PM.
	Quote

29-09-2011, 11:06 PM	#2
Methanoid Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Thanks: Gave 9, Got 16 Posts: 708	Mediafire would be fine IMHO
	Quote

30-09-2011, 1:39 PM	#3
jerrymac Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Cork/Ireland Thanks: Gave 40, Got 29 Posts: 246	@TheBay: Link?
	Quote

30-09-2011, 3:57 PM	#4
TheBay Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Thanks: Gave 191, Got 126 Posts: 889	I'm waiting on a Mod to get back to me before I post any links on here, as I don't know what sites are permitted.
	Quote

30-09-2011, 4:10 PM	#5
theronkinator Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Leeds/Newcastle Thanks: Gave 50, Got 95 Posts: 726	Use any doesn't matter.
	Quote

30-09-2011, 10:21 PM	#10
Methanoid Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Thanks: Gave 9, Got 16 Posts: 708	You also mentioned memory timings and possible over clock options?
	Quote

01-10-2011, 1:19 PM	#14
MikeK Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Thanks: Gave 8, Got 320 Posts: 2,231	One slight caveat that anyone considering Solaris11 should be aware of, is that the latest ZFS pool versions are Oracle only (at least for the moment), so if you build your pools with the default pool version, then you'll be stuck on Solaris11, as nothing else which supports ZFS will support pool versions above 28 AFAIK (sol11express 11-2010 uses pool version 31 by default, and the latest Early Adopter release (EA) uses pool version 33) Probably best to create your pools using something like pool version 22 (perhaps lower, depending on what pool version your potential target OS supports - FreeNAS8 for instance only supports up to version 15 AFAIK), at least then you could switch to another OS if you want without having to destroy and recreate your pools. You can always upgrade the pool version later if you feel you need any of the features the latest pool versions provide. However there is no reverse option, you cannot downgrade the pool version - once it's at version 31 or 33 there's no going back to an earlier version (not without destroying and recreating the pool that is)
	Quote

01-10-2011, 1:48 PM	#16
Benoe New Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Thanks: Gave 1, Got 4 Posts: 14	Let me copy my microserver bios wishlist here: 1. S3 suspend 2. shorter bios boot, if the previous one is not possible 3. adjustable fan speed
	Quote

01-10-2011, 1:58 PM	#17
TheBay Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Thanks: Gave 191, Got 126 Posts: 889	Let me copy my microserver bios wishlist here: 1. S3 suspend This doesn't seem possible yet, will keep looking in to it though 2. shorter bios boot, if the previous one is not possible Might be possible, can disable optional prompts/option bioses 3. adjustable fan speed To speed up or slow down?
	Quote

01-10-2011, 10:56 PM	#21
DIABLOS Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Thanks: Gave 0, Got 11 Posts: 40	The ability to overclock the CPU by a 100Mhz or 2 would be awesome!
	Quote

02-10-2011, 1:13 AM	#22
theronkinator Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Leeds/Newcastle Thanks: Gave 50, Got 95 Posts: 726	The main thing I miss is the ability to put the Server to sleep.
	Quote

02-10-2011, 11:42 AM	#23
gavjbrown Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Thanks: Gave 50, Got 12 Posts: 199	Once I have flashed this Bios, do I have to change any bios settings. Thanks
	Quote

03-10-2011, 12:03 AM	#26
gavjbrown Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Thanks: Gave 50, Got 12 Posts: 199	Could someone tell me what to type at the command prompt when updating with this bios. Thanks
	Quote

03-10-2011, 3:25 PM	#29
Mysteron17 New Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Thanks: Gave 0, Got 0 Posts: 2	Hi, a quick question. I have already installed WHS2011 on my server using a HDD in the ODD bay (currently IDE mode I assume). If I flash and enable AHCI on this port will I need to do anything or does it just work...only faster? Thx.
	Quote

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HP N36L Microserver Updated AHCI BIOS Support.