Troubleshoot your Asus motherboard.
Motherboards are among the most complex and sensitive components in a computer. The Asus P7F-M is no exception. Designed as small office server board, the P7F-M uses a relatively diminutive architecture -- 9.6 inches by 9.6 inches -- but it uses operation technologies that make it capable of handling a wide array of server-based tasks. It comes equipped with a central processing unit socket able to house the most sophisticated of the Intel "i" line of CPUs as well as the Celeron and the Xeon products. If problems arise with the P7F-M, you can troubleshoot them.
Asus Optional ASMB4-iKVM
The ASMB4-iKVM card installs on the P7F-M motherboard and employs a Kernel-based Virtual Machine monitoring system that allows you to access the P7F-M from anywhere in the world that has an Internet connection. The motherboard also requires an Internet connect which together allows you to troubleshoot the P7F-M as if you were sitting in front of it. At the time of publication, this unit sold online for between $25 and $75.
Checking the Connections
Making sure all the plugs are secure is one thing that cannot be done from a distance with a KVM interface. Go over the motherboard starting with the memory chips. Make certain each board is snug in its socket and the bracing clips on either end are in the fixed and locked position. Check the hard drive and power connections as well. If any of these are loose, it could cause an interruption in service. Lastly, check the jumper settings to see if they have been moved. If so, reset them to the proper position.
The CMOS and the BIOS
The basic input/output system controls the start-up functions of the server and resides in a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor memory chip on the P7F-M motherboard directly across from the CPU. Make certain the BIOS firmware is current by comparing your version found at the top of the BIOS file with the Asus BIOS versions on its website. You can use the KVM interface to open the BIOS settings page and reset the system to factory defaults if you do not observe any specific, correctable problems on the various BIOS file pages. If the BIOS cannot be accessed, you should check the real time clock for accuracy. If it does not appear to display the correct time, the battery and power supply should be checked for proper operation.
Download Diagnostic Software
Any number of free or low-cost versions of diagnostic software turns up in a search on the Internet. Find one that refers to your specific problem or ask the Asus Help desk for a recommendation. Most server operating systems also have diagnostic tools available to you. Check your server operating system website for details and recommendations.
Tags: BIOS file, Make certain, P7F-M motherboard, server operating