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Dell R630 Configuration

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AJ ONeal edited this page Jan 23, 2026 · 18 revisions

RAM Population

In general:

  • fill all of the white tabs first
  • then black
  • then green

That will interleave channels (meaning you use more channels for better performance).

If you can't fill a color completely, try this:

For a server with only two memory modules per channel populated, the following slots must be populated for a specific channel. A1 & A3 With four memory module, (A1, A3) & (B1, B3) With eight memory module, (A1, A3, B1, B3) & (A2, A4, B2, B4)

B1 and A1 are clearly labeled.

  • A refers to the primary CPU Socket
  • B refers to the secondary CPU socket

Reset Configs

IMPORTANT: The Lifecycle Controller's "Repurpose or Retire" does NOT reset all of the controllers.

  1. If necessary set jumper documented under case to reset BIOS / iDRAC if necessary
    (or remove the coin cell battery near RAM slot B11, across from the PERC for a few minutes)
  2. F2 to enter System Settings
  3. System BIOS
    • tab over to the Default button
    • Finish, confirm
  4. iDRAC Settings
    • down arrow to Reset iDRAC configurations to defaults
    • wait several minutes
  5. Device Settings
    • Go into each device
    • Select the Defaults button
    • You may have to reboot and clear the PERC RAID controller and each drive

Performance for Proxmox

  1. F2 to enter System Settings
  2. System BIOS
  3. Processor Settings
    • Dell Controlled Turbo: Enabled
  4. Boot Settings
    • Boot Mode: UEFI
    • Boot Sequence Retry: Disabled
    • UEFI Boot Settings
    • Uncheck PXE
  5. Network Settings
    • PXE DeviceX: Disabled
  6. Integrated Devices
    • OS Watchdog Timer: Enabled
    • Slot Bifurcation: (if needed for PCIe cards)
  7. Profile Settings
    • Sytem Profile: Performance
    • or Custom
      • CPU Power Management: Max
      • Memory Frequency: Max
      • Turbo Boost: Enabled
      • Energy Efficient Turbo: (if desired)
      • C1E: (if desired) (processors can idle)
      • C States: Disabled (don't allow underclocking, except for idle)
      • Energy Efficiency Policy: Performance
  8. System Security
    • AC Power Recovery Delay: Random
  9. Miscellaneous Settings
    • F1/F2 Prompt on Error: Disabled
    • In-Sytem Characterization: Enabled

iDRAC Settings

  1. Network
    • DNS DRAC Name: idrac-r620-1
    • Static DNS Domain Name: lab1.example.com, i.lab1.localdomain
    • Static IP Address: 10.10.0.31
  2. Alerts
    • Community String: <random for security, same across group of servers>
  3. iDRAC Settings
    • Set LCD Message: User-Defined String
    • User-Defined String: Tardigrade-2
    • Enable Virtual Console Indication
  4. Lifecycle Controller
    • Lifecycle Controller: Disabled
  5. Thermal
    • Thermal Profile: Maximum Performance
  6. User Configuration
    • Change Password

PERC to HBA

  • F2 for System Settings
  • Device Settings
  • PERC
  • Controller Management
  • Advanced Controller Management
  • Set Factory Defaults
  • You MUST REBOOT
  • Switch to HBA Mode (NO EFFECT if Factory Defaults have been reset in this session)
    • OK

Firmware Updates

All of the .bin updates should be possible from an Ubuntu 24.04 LTS live boot disc.

The BIOS can also be updated from the self-booting file.

sudo sh /media/ubuntu/Rx30-USB/BIOS_KM6P8_LN64_2.19.0.BIN
sudo sh /media/ubuntu/Rx30-USB/iDRAC-with-Lifecycle-Controller_Firmware_VWF72_LN64_2.86.86.86_A00.BIN
sudo sh /media/ubuntu/Rx30-USB/SAS-RAID_Firmware_700GG_LN_25.5.9.0001_A17_01.BIN
sudo sh /media/ubuntu/Rx30-USB/Network_Firmware_40NTK_LN_19.5.12_A00.BIN

BIOS

2.19.0 (Mar 2024) is the latest as of Jan 2026

iDRAC

2.86.86.86, A00 (Apr 2024) is the latest as of Jan 2026.

PERC H730

Intel Nic

Intel NIC Family Version 19.5.0 (Feb 2020) Firmware for I350, I354, X520, X540, and X550 adapters

Intel / Solidgm SSD

https://github.com/bnnanet/learn-colocation/wiki/Intel-DC---Solidigm-Datacenter-SSD-Firmware-Update

  1. Download sst install deb
  2. Create and Boot an Ubuntu 24.04 LTS Boot USB
  3. sudo dpkg -i sst-xxxx.deb; sst show -ssd; sst load -ssd 0

Troubleshooting

Lifecycle Controller Boot Loop

Use the reset pins or remove the coin cell battery.

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