🛠 Set up reliable storage and network on PICO-PTH4

Objectives

This tutorial guides beginners through the physical installation of an M.2 SSD and basic network configuration on the AAEON PICO-PTH4 card. The goal is to create a stable base for a home server or automation node. We will focus on correctly utilizing the M.2 2280 M-Key PCIe Gen5 x4 slot and Intel I226 controllers to ensure fast and reliable connectivity, respecting the card's hardware constraints.

Required Materials

• AAEON PICO-PTH4 motherboard (Core Ultra 5, 7, or X7 variants).
• 12V DC power supply meeting specifications.
• A compatible NVMe M.2 2280 M-Key SSD (PCIe Gen4 or Gen5 recommended).
• Case or heatsink compatible with Pico-ITX format (100x72mm).
• RJ45 Ethernet cables and a 2.5GbE capable switch.
• Bootable USB drive with recent Linux (e.g., Ubuntu 24.04 LTS).
• Phillips screwdriver suitable for M.2 mounting screws.

Steps

1. Hardware Preparation: Ensure the card is powered off. Gently insert the M.2 SSD into the dedicated slot at a 30-degree angle, then press down to lower it and secure it with the provided screw. Verify the chip is aligned with the M-Key connector.
2. Network Connection: Plug Ethernet cables into the two rear RJ45 ports. These are driven by Intel I226 controllers. Beginners should use Port 1 for the main Internet connection and Port 2 for an isolated local network if needed.
3. System Boot: Connect the 12V DC power and start the card. Press F2 or Del to enter BIOS/UEFI. Check that the M.2 SSD is detected under "Storage". If not, verify boot mode (UEFI recommended).
4. System Installation: Launch Linux installation from the USB drive. During partitioning, select the detected NVMe disk. Format it as ext4. This prepares high-speed storage for future data.
5. Network Configuration: Once installed, open a terminal. Use ip a to identify interfaces (usually enp1s0 and enp2s0). Configure the main interface via Netplan or NetworkManager to obtain a DHCP or static IP based on your needs.

Verification

To validate the installation, run lsblk to confirm the SSD is mounted correctly. Use ethtool enp1s0 to verify the Ethernet link is established at 2500Mb/s (2.5GbE). Test disk read/write speeds with hdparm -Tt /dev/nvme0n1. If speeds are high and connection stable, configuration is successful. Ensure the system does not overheat thanks to the installed heatsink.

Going Further

Once the base is operational, explore the AI capabilities of the X7 358H variant (180 TOPS) for local processing tasks. You can also configure link bonding between the two Ethernet ports to increase redundancy or bandwidth, useful for critical applications requiring maximum availability.