Supermicro

I’ve recently recently built a new storage server (post coming up). This being the first time I’ve had access to a server board, I had some problems accessing the IP management interface that is provided by Supermicro mainboards. This IP management interface (IPMI for short) allows you to do all sorts of nifty things, like powering the server on or off remotely, or configuring the BIOS without having to connect a screen and keyboard. There’s some old information on the internet, and I also wanted to write down the detailed instructions, so others don’t have to go to the same trouble as I did. ...

I’ve recently bought hardware for a new NAS server build. Some of that is still in the throes of shipping (postal services have been pretty unreliable as of late), but most of it has arrived: A Supermicro mainboard, case, M.2 SSD and a PSU allows me to get started on the build. As I like to live dangerously, I also upgraded the BIOS on the mainboard1. Since the process was somewhat involved, I’m documenting it here. Also note: As alluded to by the subtitle, you could always buy a license from Supermicro to install a BIOS update via the out-of-band management engine. I didn’t want to spend another 30 bucks on a license, so I did it the cheap/hard way. ...