--- id: setup-and-config title: "Setup and Configuration" status: established source_sections: "Web research: NVIDIA DGX OS 7 User Guide, Dell support KB, NVIDIA DGX Spark User Guide, ServeTheHome" related_topics: [dgx-os-software, connectivity, physical-specs] key_equations: [] key_terms: [first-boot, setup-wizard, grub, reinstall, dgx-os, uefi, secure-boot, pxe] images: [] examples: [] open_questions: - "Remote management / BMC / IPMI availability" - "Factory reset procedure beyond OS reinstall" --- # Setup and Configuration Guide for initial setup, configuration, and recovery of the Dell Pro Max GB10. ## 1. Initial Setup (First Boot) ### Important: Device Powers On Immediately **The system starts up immediately when power is applied** — there is no separate power button press needed on first connection. Connect all peripherals before plugging in power. ### Physical Setup 1. Place the unit on a stable surface (stackable design allows multiple units) 2. Connect a display via **HDMI** or **USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode** - If USB-C/DP shows no display, try HDMI instead (known compatibility issue) 3. Connect keyboard and mouse (USB-C or Bluetooth) 4. Optionally connect **10GbE Ethernet** for wired networking (recommended for faster setup) 5. Connect the **280W USB-C power adapter** (Dell) — system boots immediately ### Access Methods **Local setup:** Connect keyboard, mouse, and display directly. Follow on-screen wizard. **Network setup:** The device creates a Wi-Fi hotspot on first boot. Credentials are on the Quick Start Guide sticker. Connect from another computer's web browser to configure remotely. ### First Boot Wizard (T1 Documented, NVIDIA DGX Spark User Guide) 1. **Language and time zone** selection 2. **Keyboard layout** (local setup only) 3. **Terms and conditions** acceptance 4. **User account creation** (username and password) 5. **Information sharing settings** (optional analytics/crash reporting) 6. **Wi-Fi network selection** (skipped if Ethernet connected) 7. **Wi-Fi password** entry 8. **Network connection** to home network 9. **Software download and installation** (up to 10 minutes; system may reboot multiple times) 10. **Automatic reboot** upon completion **WARNING:** Do not shut down or reboot during the software update step. The installation cannot be interrupted once the download begins — powering down during updates can cause system damage. ## 2. OS Reinstallation If you need to reinstall DGX OS from scratch: 1. Power on or reboot the system 2. Access the **GRUB boot menu** 3. Navigate to **DGX Spark Installation Options** 4. Select **"Install DGX OS 7.2.1 for DGX Spark"** 5. Follow on-screen prompts 6. Installation takes approximately **25-30 minutes** Source: [Dell Support — How to Reinstall DGX OS](https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000382042/how-to-reinstall-the-nvidia-dgx-operating-system-on-dell-pro-max-with-grace-blackwell-systems) ## 3. Post-Setup Configuration ### Recommended Steps - Update all packages and firmware: ```bash sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade sudo fwupdmgr refresh && sudo fwupdmgr upgrade ``` - Verify GPU is detected: `nvidia-smi` - Verify CUDA toolkit: `nvcc --version` - Configure SSH for remote access - Access DGX Dashboard (web UI with integrated JupyterLab) - Browse tutorials at https://build.nvidia.com/spark ### Network Configuration - **Wi-Fi 7:** Configure via Network Manager or `nmcli` - **10GbE Ethernet:** Auto-configured via DHCP or manual static IP - **QSFP ports:** For [[multi-unit-stacking]] configuration ### Access Methods (Post-Setup) - **Local:** Keyboard, mouse, monitor directly connected - **SSH:** Standard SSH remote access - **NVIDIA Sync:** Cross-platform desktop app (macOS/Windows/Linux) that automates SSH key setup, launches VS Code/Cursor/Terminal/Dashboard remotely, and supports custom port forwarding. Discovers device via mDNS (`spark-abcd.local`) or IP. See [[dgx-os-software]] §8 for full details. - **Remote desktop:** Supported - **Hybrid:** Local + network access simultaneously ## 4. UEFI/BIOS Settings (T0 Spec, Dell Owner's Manual + NVIDIA DGX Spark User Guide) ### Entering BIOS - **BIOS Setup:** Restart and press **Delete** key at Dell logo (T0 Spec, Dell Owner's Manual) - **One-time boot menu:** Restart and press **F7** at Dell logo (T0 Spec, Dell Owner's Manual) ### Navigation Keys | Key | Action | |------------|---------------------------| | Up/Down | Move between fields | | Left/Right | Move between menus | | Enter | Select value / follow link| | F1 | General help | | F2 | Restore previous values | | F3 | Apply optimized defaults | | F4 | Save and exit | | ESC | Exit without saving | ### BIOS Menu Structure (T0 Spec, Dell Owner's Manual) **Main:** BIOS info, system language, date/time **Advanced:** - Trusted Computing (Security Device Support) - Serial Port Console Redirection (COM0) - Network Stack Configuration (IPv4/IPv6 PXE, HTTP boot, PXE wait time) - NVMe Configuration (model, size, device self-test) - TLS Auth Configuration (Server CA, Client Cert) - Platform Configuration: **iGPU Memory Carveout**, **DRAM Encryption**, DRAM Voltage Level, Watchdog Timer - VLAN Configuration - MAC IPv4/IPv6 Network Configuration (DHCP, static IP) **Security:** - Administrator and User passwords (policy: 1 lower, 1 upper, 1 number, 1 special char) - Media Sanitization - Secure Boot (default: Enabled; supports Expert Key Management, Factory Keys) - TCG Storage Security (Opal SED management) **Boot:** - Boot Option Priorities, Fast Boot, Quiet Boot - Add/Delete Boot Options - Bootup Numlock State **Save & Exit:** - Save/discard changes, restore defaults, boot override ### Key Settings Quick Reference | Setting | Location | Notes | |---------------------------|---------------------------------------------|--------------------------------| | Wi-Fi & Bluetooth | Advanced → IO Port Access | Enable/disable together | | Boot order | Boot → Boot Option Priorities | Configure boot device order | | One-time USB boot | Press F7 at Dell logo, or Save & Exit menu | Temporary boot override | | Secure Boot | Security → Secure Boot | Default: Enabled | | Network Stack (PXE) | Advanced → Network Stack Configuration | IPv4/IPv6 PXE/HTTP support | | iGPU Memory Carveout | Advanced → Platform Configuration | GPU memory allocation | | DRAM Encryption | Advanced → Platform Configuration | Memory encryption toggle | | NVMe Self-Test | Advanced → NVMe Configuration | Short and extended self-test | | Media Sanitization | Security → Media Sanitization | Secure drive wipe | | Clear passwords | Contact Dell technical support | Cannot be done in BIOS alone | ## 5. Troubleshooting | Symptom | Check | |-----------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | No display on USB-C | Try HDMI instead (known DP Alt Mode issue) | | No display at all | Try both HDMI and USB-C DP Alt Mode | | GPU not detected | Run `nvidia-smi`, check driver installation | | Network not connecting | Network power cycle (see below) | | System won't boot | Access GRUB menu (Delete key), try OS reinstall | | Slow AI performance | Check `nvidia-smi` for thermal throttling | | Firmware update needed | Run `sudo fwupdmgr refresh && upgrade` | | Force shutdown needed | Press and hold power button 4 seconds | | NVMe health check | BIOS → Advanced → NVMe Configuration → Self Test | ### Network Power Cycle (T0 Spec, Dell Owner's Manual) If unable to access the Internet: 1. Turn off the computer 2. Turn off the modem 3. Turn off the wireless router 4. Wait 30 seconds 5. Turn on the wireless router 6. Turn on the modem 7. Turn on the computer ## Key Relationships - Operating system: [[dgx-os-software]] - Physical ports: [[connectivity]] - Hardware: [[physical-specs]]