Remove BIOS ROM from LSI card

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Table of Contents

Remove BIOS ROM from LSI card

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Why Remove the BIOS ROM?
  3. Different Methods to Remove the BIOS ROM
    • Method 1: Erasing the Entire Flash
    • Method 2: Using LSI Util
    • Method 3: Booting FreeDOS and Using DOS Version of SASS
  4. Requirements for the Method I'm Going to Show You Today
  5. Downloading and Installing LSI Util
    • Compiling the Code
    • Downloading the Statically Linked Version
  6. Steps to Remove the BIOS ROM Using LSI Util
    • Step 1: Running LSI Util with the -s Option
    • Step 2: Determining the Port Number
    • Step 3: Accessing the BIOS ROM Section
    • Step 4: Erasing the BIOS ROM
    • Step 5: Confirming the Erase
  7. Verifying the Removal of the BIOS ROM
  8. Pros and Cons of Removing the BIOS ROM
  9. Conclusion
  10. Additional Resources

Introduction

Welcome to the art server! In today's video, I will be demonstrating how to remove the BIOS ROM from an LSI HBA card. While some users prefer to have the BIOS ROM program available on their HP cards, there are several reasons why you might want to remove it. This can help speed up the post time during boot and overcome conflicts with motherboards that prevent the system from booting.

Why Remove the BIOS ROM?

Removing the BIOS ROM can offer several advantages. It can significantly reduce the boot time by eliminating the need for the system to load the BIOS ROM program. Additionally, it can resolve conflicts with certain motherboards that hinder the boot process. However, it's important to consider the trade-offs before proceeding.

Different Methods to Remove the BIOS ROM

There are various methods available to remove the BIOS ROM, and I will explain three of the most common ones in this article.

Method 1: Erasing the Entire Flash

One method suggested on the internet involves erasing the entire flash and then reflashing the firmware without flashing the BIOS ROM. This approach requires using commands like sass -flash -OH -e6 to erase the card and omitting the -B option for the BIOS during the flashing process. While effective, this method can be time-consuming and may require additional steps.

Method 2: Using LSI Util

In this guide, I will demonstrate a simpler and shorter method using a program called LSI Util. It eliminates the need to erase the entire flash and reflash the firmware. This method can be followed by users of Linux or unwrite. Unfortunately, it is not compatible with FreeBSD or freed Nass systems.

Method 3: Booting FreeDOS and Using DOS Version of SASS

Another method involves booting into FreeDOS and using the DOS version of the SASS to flash utility. This utility allows you to erase specific regions of the flash, including the BIOS ROM section. While this method can be effective, it requires booting into a different operating system and using command-line tools.

Requirements for the Method I'm Going to Show You Today

To follow the method I will demonstrate using LSI Util, you will need a Linux or unwrite system. If you are using FreeBSD or freed Nass, you will need to boot into a live Linux distro to use this method effectively.

Downloading and Installing LSI Util

LSI Util is the program we will be using to remove the BIOS ROM. You can find various versions of this program on the internet, but I recommend using version 1.7. This version requires you to compile the code to create an executable program. However, if you are not comfortable with that, you can download a statically linked version from my website. You can find the download link in the description of the video.

To compile the code, follow these steps:

  1. Download the source code for LSI Util from the internet.
  2. Extract the downloaded file to a directory on your system.
  3. Open a terminal and navigate to the directory containing the extracted files.
  4. Run the command make to build the executable program.

If you prefer an easier approach, you can download the statically linked version from my website and skip the compilation process.

Steps to Remove the BIOS ROM Using LSI Util

Now, let's get into the steps to remove the BIOS ROM using LSI Util. Follow along with the instructions below:

Step 1: Running LSI Util with the -s Option

Open a terminal and navigate to the directory where you have LSI Util installed. Run the following command to list all the LSI controllers detected on your system: LSIUtil -s. This command provides a listing of all the LSI controllers that the program can detect on your system.

Step 2: Determining the Port Number

The output of the previous command will display the detected LSI controllers. Each controller is assigned a port number, starting from one and incrementing sequentially. Note down the port number of the LSI controller you want to modify.

Step 3: Accessing the BIOS ROM Section

Next, run the following command to access the special menu in LSI Util that allows you to manipulate the BIOS ROM section:

LSIUtil -P [port number] -E 4

Replace [port number] with the actual port number of your LSI controller.

Step 4: Erasing the BIOS ROM

The program will Prompt you for the BIOS ROM file name. In this case, since we want to erase the BIOS ROM, simply enter an empty file name and press enter. The program will then ask if you want to preserve the current BIOS. Since we want to remove the BIOS ROM, choose "no" when prompted.

Repeat the same steps for the F code file name and the EFI BIOS file name, entering empty file names and choosing "no" when asked to preserve the current versions.

Step 5: Confirming the Erase

Finally, the program will ask for confirmation to continue with the selected options. Type "yes" and press enter to start the erase process. While it may display "downloading image," it is actually erasing the BIOS ROM based on the input provided.

Verifying the Removal of the BIOS ROM

To verify that the BIOS ROM has been successfully removed, run the following command in the terminal:

SASFlash -list

This command will display the BIOS ROM and UEFI version as "na" or "not available."

Pros and Cons of Removing the BIOS ROM

Before deciding to remove the BIOS ROM, it's important to weigh the pros and cons. Here are a few points to consider:

Pros:

  • Faster boot time.
  • Resolution of conflicts with certain motherboards.

Cons:

  • Inability to boot from a device connected to the LSI HBA.
  • Loss of SAS topology view in the BIOS ROM program.
  • Inability to adjust drive spin-up timings and other parameters.

Conclusion

Removing the BIOS ROM from an LSI HBA card can be done using various methods. The approach I've demonstrated using LSI Util offers a simpler and shorter process. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can remove the BIOS ROM and potentially speed up your system's boot time. However, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons before deciding to remove the BIOS ROM.

Additional Resources

Highlights

  • Learn how to remove the BIOS ROM from an LSI HBA card.
  • Understand the reasons why you might want to remove the BIOS ROM.
  • Explore different methods to remove the BIOS ROM, including erasing the entire flash and using LSI Util.
  • Follow a step-by-step guide to remove the BIOS ROM using LSI Util.
  • Verify the success of the removal process.
  • Consider the pros and cons of removing the BIOS ROM.
  • Find additional resources for further exploration.

FAQ

Q: How does removing the BIOS ROM speed up the boot time? A: By removing the BIOS ROM, the system no longer needs to load the program during boot, resulting in faster startup times.

Q: Can I still boot from devices connected to the LSI HBA after removing the BIOS ROM? A: No, removing the BIOS ROM disables the ability to boot from devices connected to the LSI HBA.

Q: Are there any drawbacks to removing the BIOS ROM? A: Yes, removing the BIOS ROM means you lose the SAS topology view, cannot adjust drive spin-up timings, and may encounter compatibility issues with certain motherboards.

Q: Is LSI Util compatible with FreeBSD or freed Nass systems? A: No, LSI Util is not compatible with FreeBSD or freed Nass systems. Users of these systems will need to use an alternative method, such as booting into a live Linux distro.

Q: How can I verify if the BIOS ROM has been successfully removed? A: You can use the SASFlash command with the -list option to check the status of the BIOS ROM. If it displays "na" or "not available," the BIOS ROM has been successfully removed.

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