2.3. Setting BIOS Parameters

Anything that tries to save power by either changing the system clock frequency or by putting the CPU into various sleep states can affect how quickly the system responds to external events.

For best response times, disable power management options in the BIOS.

EDAC units are devices used to detect and correct errors signaled from Error Correcting Code (ECC) memory. Usually EDAC options range from no ECC checking to a periodic scan of all memory nodes for errors. The higher the EDAC level, the more time is spent in BIOS, and the more likely that crucial event deadlines will be missed.

Turn EDAC off if possible. Otherwise, switch to the lowest functional level.

SMIs are a facility used by hardware vendors ensure the system is operating correctly. The SMI interrupt is usually not serviced by the running operating system, but by code in the BIOS. SMIs are typically used for thermal management, remote console management (IPMI), EDAC checks, and various other housekeeping tasks.

If the BIOS contains SMI options, check with the vendor and any relevant documentation to check to what extent it is safe to disable them.