PowerEdge 400SC Bios Upgrade

Question

I want to upgrade the bios in my 400SC from A04 to A06. I have a couple of questions.

1. There are three files in the Download section http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/format.aspx?releaseid=R76543&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19
do i need to install all three or just one of the three. I think only One of the three. but would like confirmation.

2. Is A06 th latest version?

3. What is the fastest Processor this bios will work with if I wanted to upgrade from the 2.8 G i currently use?

4. IS there anything else i would need to do besides install the new CPU?

Thank you

Rick sTuve

SloMoShun · Answer

Hi Rick...Since this question has had so many views and no replys, I thought that I might be able to provide some answers and a link to a forum that can answer some other questions that you may have about the PE400SC and the newer PE420SC.

First the link to the forum:
http://www.aaltonen.us/forums/viewforum.php?f=4&sid=47530999a449538c6dbed47f90d84025

The latest BIOS update is A09 and is available here:
http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/format.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&SystemID=PWE_PNT_P4_CEL_400_SC&os=WW1&osl=en&deviceid=159&devlib=1&category=0&releaseid=R92245

It's used to take advantage of the newer Prescott processors with the 1 MB cache and the 3.4 Northwood units.
Since these processors run hotter, you'll need to upgrade the cooling fan and heatsink. Before you do the processor upgrade, do a little research at the aaltonen.us Dell forum to make sure that your motherboard revision code number will allow this upgrade, or talk with the folks at Dell. You'll also find the part numbers for the fan and heatsink there, along with some "how-to's" for other upgrades.

speedstep · Answer

Release Title BIOS: Dell Server System BIOS, English, PowerEdge 400SC, A09
File Name BR92245.exe (589 KB)
File Date 03/07/2005
File Format Floppy
PowerEdge 400SC, BIOS, A09

ftp://ftp.dell.com/bios/BR92245.exe

DOCUMENTATION

Q: Where can I find online documentation for the 400SC?
A:

Q: Where are some pictures of the outside and the innards?
A: http://www.aaltonen.us/gallery/400sc

Q: Is the 400SC loud?
A: Definitely not. With a little ambient noise in the room, I can't even tell if the computer's on or

off without looking at the power LED. If the room were completely quiet, you might be able to hear it...

if you put your ear right next to it!

Q: Are there any front panel connectors?
A: There are 2 USB 2.0 ports and a stereo headphone jack hidden behind the bezel (

http://www.aaltonen.us/gallery/400sc/Picture_134_Medium ). From inside the case you can see the USB

cable attaches to the PCB that controls this unit. After removing the front bezel

, you can access and use the 2 USB 2.0 ports. Unfortunately, there is no audio cable from the

motherboard's connector to the front panel connector, so I do not believe the headphone jack will work

until that's connected. pbox has put together a few pages detailing the layout of the front panel and

control panel.

Q: Will the 400SC work with Windows XP?
A: While, not officially supported by Dell, the 400SC works fine with Windows XP Pro (and forseeably XP

Home as well). You will need no drivers for the install, but after installation download and install the

following:
Audio
http://ftp1.us.dell.com/audio/A01_3600_Audio.exe
Intel Chipset / INF Update (AGP, USB, Core PCI)
ftp://aiedownload.intel.com/df-support/6934/eng/infinst_enu.exe
Network
ftp://aiedownload.intel.com/df-support/4275/eng/pro2kxp.exe
Default Video Card (ATI RAGE XL PCI)
http://www2.ati.com/drivers/wxp-ragexl-5-10-2600-6009.exe

Message Edited by SpeedStep on 05-19-200502:14 PM

Message Edited by SpeedStep on 05-19-2005 02:14 PM

PowerEdge Hardware General

PowerEdge 400SC Bios Upgrade

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