How to Optimize CPU BIOS Settings for Performance and Efficiency

Step 1: Access BIOS Setup

• Restart the HPC node and enter BIOS by pressing the appropriate key (typically DEL, F2, or F10) during startup.

Step 2: Adjust CPU Frequency Settings

• Enable or adjust features like Intel Turbo Boost or AMD Precision Boost to optimize dynamic CPU frequency scaling for improved performance under heavy workloads.

Step 3: Configure Hyper-Threading or SMT

• Enable Hyper-Threading (Intel) or Simultaneous Multithreading (AMD) for improved parallel workload performance, or disable it to reduce contention in latency-sensitive tasks.

Step 4: Adjust CPU Power Management

• Optimize CPU power states (C-states) and performance states (P-states).
• Set power profiles such as "High Performance" or configure custom power policies to balance efficiency with peak performance.

Step 5: Configure Memory and Cache Settings

• Enable optimized memory settings (XMP profiles, memory interleaving, NUMA modes) to reduce latency and improve memory bandwidth utilization.

Step 6: Enable NUMA Optimization

• Configure NUMA (Non-Uniform Memory Access) settings to ensure workloads leverage local memory, reducing cross-node latency.

Step 7: Set CPU Voltage and Thermal Settings

• Adjust voltage control settings conservatively to ensure stability and performance without risking overheating or instability.
• Configure thermal control settings to prevent unnecessary thermal throttling.

Step 8: Disable Unnecessary Features

• Turn off unused BIOS features (like integrated graphics, audio, unused SATA ports) to conserve resources.

Step 9: Save and Validate BIOS Settings

• Save BIOS changes and reboot the system.
• Run benchmarking or stress tests (e.g., LINPACK, stress-ng, Prime95) to verify stability and performance gains.

Step 10: Document Configuration

• Clearly document optimized BIOS settings and their rationale for future reference and easier troubleshooting.