Technical Advisory 1021

Root Cause

This issue appears to be specific to the signaling characteristics between the server board PCIe* 3.0 slot or Storage IO

Module connector and the specific adapters being used. Intel

Server Platforms are designed to meet the PCIe* 3.0

specification and to pass the PCI SIG compliant tests, however it is possible for this issue to occur even when the add-

in card meets the PCIe* 3.0 specification and passes the PCI SIG compliant tests.

Corrective Action / Resolution

Intel is implementing a new BIOS option called “Processor PCIe Link Speed” that allows users to select the appropriate

PCIe* link speed of PCIe slots in platforms employing the Intel

Xeon

E5-26xx V2, E5-24xx V2 or E5-16xx V2 families.

By default, the installed PCIe* 3.0 adapters will run at their maximum native speed, but may be limited to PCIe* 2.0

speeds if desired. Refer to the relevant platform Technical Product Specification (TPS) for more details on this new

BIOS option.

The BIOS option “Processor PCIe Link Speed” will not be visible if the platform employs the Intel

Xeon

Processor E5-

26xx V1, E5-24xx V1, E5-16xx V1, or E5-46xx V1 families, and the BIOS will limit the PCIe slots speed to PCIe* 2.0

speeds unless the add-in adapters have been tested for robust operation at PCIe 3.0 speeds. Refer to the web page of

PCIe* Gen 3 adapter support for Intel® Server Boards S4600/S2600/S2400/S1600/S1400

http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/server/sb/CS-034157.htm for the most up-to-date list of tested PCIe* 3.0

adapters that will run at their maximum native speed.

Intel recommends upgrading your system BIOS to version R02.02.0002 or a subsequent version. The System Upgrade

Package (SUP) including the latest BIOS is available on the Intel web site at http://downloadcenter.intel.com/.

Please contact your Intel Sales Representative if you require more specific information about this issue.

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