How to change BIOS settings on a mainboard with no monitor or keyboard?

Framework Laptop 13 Linux
1

I’ve got a Cooler Master case which I’m trying to set up as a standalone server, but I don’t have a monitor expansion card nor do I have an extra keyboard lying around. Apparently I need to change a BIOS setting to get this to work? Is there any way of doing that without disassembling my notebook and swapping out the mainboard?

2

Are you sure that you need to do that? On my FW16, any problems with the hardware are noted on a boot screen, and can be acknowledged by clicking the power button.

I don’t know if there’s any way to make changes to the BIOS settings from within an OS though, so that may not help a lot. If it’s for a server, as you indicated, you’ll probably want to get in there and set the BIOS properly, or you won’t be able to reboot it unattended.

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3

I don’t think it’s possible without a keyboard to toggle to the boot usb drive with the BIOS update and it would be to your benefit to have a monitor to see what’s happening (otherwise you are guessing in the dark). You can try hooking it up to a tv. Getting a spare keyboard is a useful thing to have for situations like this.

4

I can get (well, borrow) a keyboard if need be. But I’ve no idea how to hook up a monitor to the mainboard. Unless it’s a USB monitor, I suppose, but I don’t have one handy.

5

I suppose you don’t happen to have an HDMI expansion card on your FW13 that you can just use temporarily.

6

No, and that’s the issue. I just want to set this up in the corner and SSH into it when needed. I don’t need or want a head on it. But apparently I need one for 5 minutes to twiddle a couple settings, and I don’t see any way of getting that without disassembling my existing machine.

7

In that case, I hate to say it but I think you’re going to have to disassemble your existing machine to update the BIOS. It’s the simplest way without adding more parts into the mix that you won’t end up using in the long term. That way you’ll know for sure you’ve updated your BIOS without going in blind.

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8

I don’t suppose you have any usb to HDMI adapters. Perhaps ask around if you can borrow one.

9

If the BIOS setting you are trying to get to is the “standalone” one, then that is actually stored in the EC flash. You can set it with an EC command using an EC CCD.
The reason it is stored in the EC flash is so it is retained even if a battery is removed.
It is probably also setable from ‘ectool’ while running an os.

You also need a CMOS battery attached if you have removed the 55W battery.

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