BIOS

Introduction

The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) resides in the Flash Memory on your motherboard, serving as the essential link between hardware and the operating system. When the computer starts, the BIOS takes control, performing the POST (Power-On Self Test) to verify the functionality of hardware components. After detecting and configuring hardware parameters, the BIOS hands over control to the operating system. As the central communication channel between hardware and software, the BIOS ensures system stability and peak performance.

In the BIOS setup menu, various configuration options are available. Below are the navigation keys for modifying these settings:

• Esc: Exit the BIOS Setup.

• Arrow keys (↑↓←→): Navigate through options.

• F10: Save changes and exit the setup.

• Page Up/Page Down or +/-: Modify values for the selected option.

Accessing BIOS

To enter the BIOS Setup:

1. Power on the system and press the Del key immediately.

2. If you miss the initial prompt, restart the system by turning it off and back on, or use Ctrl + Alt + Delete for a soft reboot.

BIOS Menu and Function Keys

The BIOS menu is organized into multiple tabs, each offering distinct configuration options. Use the following keys to navigate and modify settings:

• Navigation:

  • Use ← and → to switch between tabs.

  • Use ↑ and ↓ to highlight menu options.

• Selection and Modification:

  • Press Enter to select options for editing.

  • Adjust values using + or - keys.

• Shortcut Keys:

  • F1: Displays general help.

  • F2: Restores the previous value.

  • F3: Loads optimized default settings.

  • F4: Saves changes and resets the system.

  • Esc: Exits the BIOS Setup.

Menu Tabs Overview

• Main: Adjust basic system settings.

• Advanced: Configure advanced system options.

• Security: Set BIOS passwords for added security.

• Power: Manage ACPI and wake device settings.

• Boot: Control boot sequence and related settings.

• Exit: Save, discard, or restore default settings before exiting.

The selected menu is highlighted for clarity.

BIOS Help

For assistance with BIOS settings, press F1. This displays a detailed help window with information about the highlighted option, the available settings, and navigation tips. Press Esc to close the Help window.

Menu Options

Main Menu

The Main tab displays basic system information and allows you to adjust key settings:

• System Date: Set the system’s date. Use the Tab key to switch between day, month, and year fields.

• System Time: Adjust the system clock. Use Tab to navigate between hour, minute, and second fields.

Advanced BIOS Settings

Graphics Configuration

Manage display settings to optimize the graphics output:

• First Boot Display: Select the primary display for boot. Options include eDP, DDI1 HDMI, DDI2 HDMI (default is HDMI).

• Second Boot Display: Set the secondary display priority. Options include DDI1 HDMI, DDI2 HDMI (default is DP).

PCI Express Configuration

Control the functionality of PCI Express slots:

• PCIe Slots: Enable or disable specific PCI Express slots.

• Speed Settings: Configure the PCIe slot speed. Available options include Auto, Gen1, Gen2, and Gen3.

SATA Drives Configuration

Enable or disable SATA interfaces and manage connected drives:

• SATA1 & NGFF1 M.2 Devices: Toggle the activation of these interfaces for connected storage devices.

SIO Configuration (FINETEK 81804)

Configure serial ports and system recovery settings:

• Serial Ports 1/2: Enable or disable COM1 and COM2 ports. Default is Enabled.

• Base I/O Address / Interrupt: Set custom I/O addresses and IRQs:

  • Default for COM1: IO=3F8h; IRQ=4

  • Default for COM2: IO=2F8h; IRQ=3

• Restore on Power Loss:

  • Last State (default): Restores the previous system state after power is restored.

  • Always On: The system powers on automatically.

  • Always Off: The system remains off after power loss.

Security Settings

Set up passwords to protect BIOS access:

• Supervisor Password: Create or modify a password:

  1. Select “Supervisor Password.”

  2. Enter a password (3–10 characters).

  3. Press Enter to confirm.

Power Management

Configure power-related settings:

• Wake on LAN: Enable the system to wake from S3/S5 states via LAN. Options include S3, S5, S3/S5, and Disabled (default).

• ACPI S3: Enable or disable the ACPI S3 sleep state. Default is Disabled.

Boot Settings

Manage system boot priorities and behavior:

• Boot Type: Supports UEFI Boot only.

• Quiet Boot: Choose whether to display boot messages (Enabled by default).

• PXE Boot Capability: Select the network protocol for PXE boot:

  • Disabled (default), UEFI IPv4, UEFI IPv6.

• EFI Boot Priority: Specify the EFI storage device to boot from, displayed only if EFI is detected.

Exit Options

Choose how to save or discard changes made in the BIOS:

• Exit Saving Changes: Save all changes and reboot the system.

• Save Changes Without Exit: Save changes but remain in the BIOS.

• Exit Discarding Changes: Reboot the system without saving changes.

• Load Optimal Defaults: Restore factory default settings.

• Discard Changes: Cancel all unsaved changes.