How to set bios option of a headless server computer

ss · 2018-06-15 13:23:50

Recently I have converted my full-tower computer into a headless server and moved it out of my sight because it is too loud. Things are working pretty well except when I have to (occasionally) change some bios settings ( stuffs like CPU overclocking). Is there a cleverer way other than bringing a monitor and keyboard and hook them up to the server?

progandy · 2018-06-15 13:58:45

Intel has the Management Engine backdoor in its processors, which can be used for remote access to uefi / bios if some other factors are present.
https://wiki.debian.org/AMT

Last edited by progandy (2018-06-15 14:10:14)

ss · 2018-06-15 14:15:36

progandy wrote:

Intel has the Management Engine backdoor in its processors, which can be used for remote access to uefi / bios if some other factors are present.
https://wiki.debian.org/AMT

I forgot to say that I happen to have an AMD system because it was considerably cheaper than comparable intel products back then at my purchase. But thanks for informing me about this feature of intel

progandy · 2018-06-15 14:28:52

Well, there are KVM over IP devices, but they cost >200$/€.

drcouzelis · 2018-06-15 14:39:23

I don't think it's possible...

But is it really necessary? Is there anything you want to toggle, other than overclock settings? Can you do it in the operating system instead? For example, set the BIOS settings to overclock as high as you want, then in Linux use software to limit the power capabilities when you don't need them?

Trilby · 2018-06-15 14:42:05

My initial thoughts seem supported by the above: there may be "cleverer" ways to manage BIOS settings if clever is defined as really complicated and potentially expensive, but there really is no simpler way than plugging in a monitor and keyboard.

For something you will only rarely need to do, would there be a problem plugging in the montor and keyboard?

If this server is near any other system you use w/ monitor keyboard, you could instead invest $15 in a KVM switch.

ss · 2018-06-15 15:22:35

Thank you guys for the info. "There is no existing easy way to do that" is all I want to know.
I didn't intend to have this "feature" at any cost and would be totally fine if I have to move my monitor and attach some cables when needed. I just want to confirm the fact that it is not possible.

I wish I could access bios without a physically attached monitor because I have just newly set this server up and still in the phase of trying out some stuffs. I only have one monitor at home though, and the server is hidden in a dark corner with some messy cable salat, so it would be nicer if I could just leave it alone.

progandy · 2018-06-15 15:28:57

Buy a cheap used monitor and keyboard off ebay. You won't need a new fast monitor for server administration.

Slithery · 2018-06-15 15:35:11

Just for some extra information this isn't an issue on 'proper' servers, as they have out of band management provided by a BMC (baseboard management controller) chip connected to it's own network port. This usually enables features such as KVM via a browser, mounting of remote images, BIOS GUI's and the like.

ss · 2018-06-15 15:37:00

progandy wrote:

Buy a cheap used monitor and keyboard off ebay. You won't need a new fast monitor for server administration.

I was just about to say that an old monitor would be a lot cheaper than KVM over IP devices. But in my case, the bigger problem is space. I don't really want to add another monitor and keyboard to that tiny dark corner.
It's a shame that all notebooks seem to only have video output, but not input. Otherwise, I can just bring my laptop, which has monitor and keyboard...

ss · 2018-06-15 15:38:38

Slithery wrote:

Just for some extra information this isn't an issue on 'proper' servers, as they have out of band management provided by a BMC (baseboard management controller) chip connected to it's own network port. This usually enables features such as KVM via a browser, mounting of remote images, BIOS GUI's and the like.

Thank you very much for this info. I was actually wondering how real servers were managed by professionals.

Last edited by ss (2018-06-15 15:38:54)

Slithery · 2018-09-29 11:45:13

Abusing my mod powers for a relevant necrobump

A great article all about BMC's...
https://www.servethehome.com/explaining … n-servers/

And the very next article from the same site all about a serious new vulnerability in BMC's...
https://www.servethehome.com/idracula-v … c-servers/

Arch Linux

#1 2018-06-15 13:23:50

How to set bios option of a headless server computer

#2 2018-06-15 13:58:45

Re: How to set bios option of a headless server computer

#3 2018-06-15 14:15:36

Re: How to set bios option of a headless server computer

#4 2018-06-15 14:28:52

Re: How to set bios option of a headless server computer

#5 2018-06-15 14:39:23

Re: How to set bios option of a headless server computer

#6 2018-06-15 14:42:05

Re: How to set bios option of a headless server computer

#7 2018-06-15 15:22:35

Re: How to set bios option of a headless server computer

#8 2018-06-15 15:28:57

Re: How to set bios option of a headless server computer

#9 2018-06-15 15:35:11

Re: How to set bios option of a headless server computer

#10 2018-06-15 15:37:00

Re: How to set bios option of a headless server computer

#11 2018-06-15 15:38:38

Re: How to set bios option of a headless server computer

#12 2018-09-29 11:45:13

Re: How to set bios option of a headless server computer

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