Intel Server - I can't get into the RAID Controller BIOS. How do I fix this?

Problem

On some combinations of hardware RAID card and server or workstation motherboard, when you attempt to go into the RAID Card BIOS Console the system ignores the request and boots normally.

For example, you press CTRL+G during the RAID initialisation screen when an RMS25CB080 is fitted, but unexpectedly the RAID Card BIOS Console does not start when POST completes.

Cause

This is normally caused by a compatibility issues between the RAID card or module and the motherboard.

Resolution

Both a resolution and workaround are available for this issue. For the workaround, scroll down.

To resolve the problem, ensure that both the motherboard BIOS and RAID BIOS are up to date. Usually this can be done on most modern motherboards using the EFI environment, meaning that you don't need to access the RAID BIOS Console to actually perform the update.

Workarounds

Two work arounds are available - Work Around 1 uses the Boot Menu (F6) and Work Around 2 uses the BIOS Setup (F2).

Work Around 1 - Using the Boot Menu (F6)

Do the following:

• Use CTRL+G as normally (or the correct combination for your RAID card) to request the RAID Card BIOS Console as normal.
• In addition, enter the motherboard boot menu. This can usually be done before and/or after the RAID Card initialisation screen has been displayed. On most Intel server boards, the boot menu key is F6.
• Once the motherboard boot menu appears, choose PCI ROM Setup.

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• ​The RAID BIOS Console is then displayed.

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Work Around 2 - Using the BIOS Setup (F2)

Do the following:

• Use CTRL+G as normally (or the correct combination for your RAID card) to request the RAID Card BIOS Console as normal.
• In addition, enter the motherboard BIOS setup. This can usually be done before and/or after the RAID Card initialisation screen has been displayed. On most Intel server boards, the BIOS setup key is F2.
• Once the motherboard BIOS appears, go to the Boot Manager Screen.
• Choose PCI ROM Setup.

• ​The RAID BIOS Console is then displayed.

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​Applies to:

• All Intel Server and Workstation systems with Hardware RAID cards or modules fitted.

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