2022.02.23

BIOS settings for mining rigs, OS installation procedures, etc.

shige

After I built my mining rig, I had trouble installing the OS and had to install the OS several times, so I put this together as a reminder. I hope this will be helpful for those who are about to build their own rigs.

How to build a mining rig

DOS/V POWER REPORT January 2018 issue

Pages 29 through 34 are helpful.
Note that
In this magazine, the procedure is to connect the display to the graphics card even before installing the OS.
BIOSTAR TB250-BTC PRO Install Guide
https://www.aiuto-jp.co.jp/products/page_54.php
In the
“When installing the OS, use only the onboard graphics capabilities and do not connect a graphics card.”
This is true.
Until the BIOS is set up and the OS is installed, it is recommended that the graphics card is not connected to the motherboard and the display is connected directly to the motherboard.

Prepare the installation media

First things first.
Since we will be installing a Windows OS, we will need to Create the installation media on a USB memory stick.

The installation media is created using the “Media Creation Tool”.
Of course, you will also need a product key to install the OS.

From the Microsoft Web site
https://www.microsoft.com/ja-jp/software-download/windows10
Click “Download Tool Now” to download.
Connect the USB flash drive to your computer and launch the Media Creation Tool.

I referred to this page for the procedure to create the installation media.
https://www.ipentec.com/document/windows-create-windows-10-usb-install-media

BIOS settings for the motherboard

Next, I turned on the mining rig.
Before installing the OS, you need to set up the BIOS of the motherboard, but before that, check the following.

Are all devices and cables connected except for the graphics card?
Are the keyboard and mouse connected?
Is the display connected?

First, check the BIOS version.
Turn on the power and press the “Del” key to check the BIOS version on the BIOS settings (UEFL Setup) screen.

If your BIOS is not up to date, update it to the latest version; the BIOS update should be done before installing the OS.

・TB250 BIOS Download
https://www.biostar.com.tw/app/jp/mb/introduction.php?S_ID=865#download

Save the downloaded file to a USB memory stick and insert it into your motherboard.
Press the power switch to turn on the power.
On the BIOS setting screen, press the “F12” key.
The BIOS update will start and reboot when it is complete.
After rebooting, perform the following (UEFL setup).

When the screen comes on, press “Del” on the keyboard.
The BIOS setup (UEFL setup) screen will appear.

From here, the reviews on Amazon were helpful.
Amazon TB250-BTC （Review by clad_d5.）
The settings are as follows

Change CSM Support in Boot to [Enabled].
Change Boot’s Video to UEFI.
Save the settings and reboot.
After rebooting, change CSM Support in Boot to [Disabled].
Change the Mining Mode to [Enabled].
Save the settings and reboot.

Install the operating system (Windows 10)

OS installation must be booted from a USB flash drive.

Change the Boot option Priorities in Boot on the UEFL setup screen to USB memory.
After connecting the USB memory stick to the motherboard and rebooting, Windows 10 installation will begin.
Installing the OS from USB.
After installation, confirm that Windows 10 starts.
If it’s working fine, shut it down and try again.
Connect the graphics card to the mining rig, and connect the display to the graphics card.
Turn on the power and start Windows.
Install graphics card drivers.
Install other necessary drivers.