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    How to fix pfsense on HP EliteDesk 800 G3 SFF won't boot with X520-DA2 10Gb NIC?

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    • DaddyGoD
      DaddyGo @mhweb
      last edited by

      @mhweb said in How to fix pfsense on HP EliteDesk 800 G3 SFF won't boot with X520-DA2 10Gb NIC?:

      do you think it's really worth the shot to update to the latest version

      As a rule of thumb, the BIOS should always be current (latest).
      There are a lot of things being updated like CPU microcode and things you don’t even know about.

      You do not need to install windows for a BIOS update!

      The BIOS, if UEFI, can be easily updated from a flash drive (EFI), if legacy, from DOS mode (Rufus bootable USB drive + BIOS file)

      https://rufus.ie/

      Cats bury it so they can't see it!
      (You know what I mean if you have a cat)

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      • M
        mhweb @DaddyGo
        last edited by

        @daddygo Well, I spent the time and updated to the most up to date BIOS, and it didn't make a difference. I updated using Windows, and the BIOS went well, try booting into pfsense and it worked well. Then I connected the 10gb card, computer won't turn on. I tried removing the 4port 1gb nic, and use only the 10gb, and it didn't work. I installed the 1gb nic and removed the 10gb nic, and everything worked.
        I've never seen such problem. It could be an HP thing, but I'm also thinking it could be card.

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        • B
          biggsy @mhweb
          last edited by

          @mhweb

          Do you have this manual?
          http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c05386798
          Section 7 for LED codes, etc.

          I have an X520-DA1 on an 800 G1 x16 slot and it works fine.

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          • M
            mhweb @biggsy
            last edited by

            @biggsy said in How to fix pfsense on HP EliteDesk 800 G3 SFF won't boot with X520-DA2 10Gb NIC?:

            X520-DA1

            Thanks for this. I got the 3.2 error, so it means: The embedded controller has timed out waiting for BIOS to return from
            memory initialization. Where it says "embedded controller" is it referring to the NIC in my case?

            B 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
            • B
              biggsy @mhweb
              last edited by biggsy

              @mhweb
              I think it's referring to the HP "Sure Start" controller.

              Are you able to modify Sure Start behavior under F10, Security > BIOS Sure Start?

              Edit - Try this manual:
              http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c05163901

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              • M
                mhweb @biggsy
                last edited by

                @biggsy I have disabled pretty much everything from the security tab in the BIOS, and nothing seems to work. I'm using the legacy bios, disabled TPM, physical presence interface, intel software guard extensions, verify boot block on every boot, prompt on network controller configuration change, dynamic runtime scanning of boot block, enhanced hp firmware runtime instruction. I don't know what else to disable to make it work, I'm still getting the 3 red and 2 white lights.

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                • B
                  biggsy @mhweb
                  last edited by

                  @mhweb

                  Sorry, I'm right out of ideas. Maybe the HP support forums is your next stop.

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                  • M
                    mhweb @biggsy
                    last edited by

                    @biggsy I have already posted the question in the HP forums, but after a couple of days no answer. Thank you for the help.
                    The thing I don't get is that when I move the 4port nic to the x16 slot, the device boots fine. I'm wondering if there is a problem with lanes and the card. I really don't know because nothing shows up in the screen.

                    DaddyGoD J 2 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 0
                    • DaddyGoD
                      DaddyGo @mhweb
                      last edited by

                      @mhweb said in How to fix pfsense on HP EliteDesk 800 G3 SFF won't boot with X520-DA2 10Gb NIC?:

                      I really don't know because nothing shows up in the screen.

                      Last idea, if you or an acquaintance has a Dell server, such as a popular Dell PowerEdge R720, you should you can try updating your NIC FW through the server and testing the card at the same time.

                      https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/intel-x520-dual-port-10gb-direct-attach-sfp-server-adapter-full-height/apd/540-bbdr/networking#compatibility_section

                      See the compatibility list, any of these servers can update the NIC FW, of course if FW is available.

                      Cats bury it so they can't see it!
                      (You know what I mean if you have a cat)

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                      • J
                        jeffwestozit @mhweb
                        last edited by

                        @mhweb

                        Did you manage to fix this? I'm having the exact same issue with a HP EliteDesk 800 G2 and the X540-DA2. Freezes on POST with the X540-DA2 installed in either of the PCI slots (x16 or x4). Remove the card and the PC boots fine. Latest 2020 BIOS installed. The card works because i had it working in a Lenovo desktop PC.

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                        • J
                          jeffwestozit @jeffwestozit
                          last edited by

                          @jeffwestozit
                          Quick follow-up. I managed to get it to boot once I modified the boot options. I disabled Network boot as an option in the BIOS and it finally booted into windows. I had the network cable plugged into the on-board 1Gb NIC with no cables in either of the ports on the 10Gb NIC. I will try different combinations and confirm.

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