spark/context/setup-and-config.md

id	title	status	source_sections	related_topics	key_equations	key_terms	images	examples	open_questions
setup-and-config	Setup and Configuration	established	Web research: NVIDIA DGX OS 7 User Guide, Dell support KB, NVIDIA DGX Spark User Guide, ServeTheHome	[dgx-os-software connectivity physical-specs]	[]	[first-boot setup-wizard grub reinstall dgx-os uefi secure-boot pxe]	[]	[]	[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

3. Post-Setup Configuration

Recommended Steps

• Update all packages and firmware:

  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: Remote management application
• 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