---
id: setup-and-config
title: "Setup and Configuration"
status: provisional
source_sections: "Web research: NVIDIA DGX OS 7 User Guide, Dell support KB"
related_topics: [dgx-os-software, connectivity, physical-specs]
key_equations: []
key_terms: [first-boot, setup-wizard, grub, reinstall, dgx-os]
images: []
examples: []
open_questions:
  - "Full first-boot wizard steps with screenshots"
  - "BIOS/firmware update procedure"
  - "Network boot (PXE) capabilities"
  - "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)

### Physical Setup
1. Place the unit on a stable surface (stackable design allows multiple units)
2. Connect the **280W USB-C power adapter** to the designated power USB-C port
3. Connect a display via **HDMI 2.1b** or **USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode**
4. Connect keyboard and mouse (USB-C or Bluetooth)
5. Optionally connect **10GbE Ethernet** for wired networking

### First Boot Wizard
On first power-on, DGX OS presents a setup wizard:
1. Language and locale selection
2. User account creation
3. Network configuration (Wi-Fi 7 or Ethernet)
4. System preferences
5. Software configuration

The wizard is designed for fast onboarding — the system is ready to use shortly after.

## 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 DGX OS packages: `sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade`
- Verify GPU is detected: `nvidia-smi`
- Verify CUDA toolkit: `nvcc --version`
- Configure SSH for remote access
- Set up development environment (Jupyter, conda/venv, etc.)

### 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

## 4. Troubleshooting

| Symptom                     | Check                                        |
|-----------------------------|----------------------------------------------|
| No display output           | Try both HDMI and USB-C DP Alt Mode          |
| GPU not detected            | Run `nvidia-smi`, check driver installation  |
| Network not connecting      | Verify cable/Wi-Fi config, run `ip addr`     |
| System won't boot           | Access GRUB menu, try OS reinstall           |
| Slow AI performance         | Check `nvidia-smi` for thermal throttling    |

## Key Relationships

- Operating system: [[dgx-os-software]]
- Physical ports: [[connectivity]]
- Hardware: [[physical-specs]]