A systems administrator installs two newer-stepping Intel Xeon processors in a three-year-old dual-socket rack server. When the system is powered on, POST halts with the message:
"Unsupported processor detected - BIOS does not contain required microcode for installed CPU. System halted."
An identical pair of processors works normally in a newer chassis of the same server model. Which action is the MOST appropriate first step to bring the upgraded server online?
Replace the power supply with a higher-wattage unit that provides a larger 12 V rail.
Increase the CPU core voltage in the firmware setup utility to match the new processors' specification.
Clear the motherboard's CMOS to reset all firmware settings to their factory defaults.
Download and apply the latest BIOS/UEFI firmware package from the server vendor.
The POST message indicates that the system firmware (BIOS/UEFI) lacks the microcode needed to initialize the newer-stepping CPUs. Updating the server's BIOS/UEFI to the latest revision supplied by the manufacturer loads the correct microcode and resolves the incompatibility. Adjusting voltages, replacing the power supply, or clearing the CMOS will not add the missing microcode, so those steps will not allow the system to boot with the new processors.
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What is a BIOS/UEFI firmware package, and why is it important for hardware compatibility?
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What is microcode, and what role does it play in CPU and firmware interaction?
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Why does updating the BIOS/UEFI firmware resolve this specific processor compatibility issue?