3/6/2016

UsingtheEmbeddedMultimediaCard(eMMC)StorageDeviceonIntel...

Using the Embedded Multimedia Card (eMMC)

Storage Device on Intel NUCs
Article ID: 000006602

Last Reviewed: 19-Feb-2016

The 4 GB embedded multimedia card (eMMC) storage device can be used for small-footprint
operating systems (OS), typically used for thin-client and light-embedded applications. To
enable eMMC settings, update your Intel NUC to BIOS version 0024 or later.

Refer to these guidelines if you plan to install Linux*, or other small-footprint OS, on the
eMMC storage device.
Make sure the Linux OS* supports the mmc_block kernel module, most modern
distributions do.
The eMMC storage device is identified in the Linux environment as: /dev/mmcblk0.
Caution As a flash-based storage device, excessive drive access, particularly write
commands, reduces its useful life. Therefore, it is strongly suggested to NOT
create a swap partition on the eMMC device.
Other installation considerations:
Stock releases, installing directly from a distribution ISO image:
OS size after installation must be small enough to fit as-is on a 4 GB device, such
as Linux Lite NUC Edition
(http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/boards-andkits/000007151.html)* or Debian,
with low-footprint graphical environments.
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The OS installer must allow package selection in order to reduce installed image
footprint.
Custom builds, preparing a custom image:
Stock OS releases, requiring more than 4 GB of storage, must be initially installed
on another drive or system, then customized. The size must be reduced and

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confirmed to support the mmc_block kernel module, and imaged onto the 4 GB
device.
Custom image builds, using Yocto Project or Android*, are better performed on a
separate build host, with higher processing performance, and larger storage.
Creating a single root / partition on the eMMC device results in a maximum amount
Note of storage space for the OS installation. As a reference, product testing was done
with a single root / partition, formatted with ext4fs, and no swap partition.
Before beginning the OS installation, set the Visual BIOS as follows:
1. Press F2 during boot to enter Intel Visual BIOS.
2. Go to Boot > Boot Configuration.
3. Set OS Selection to Linux. This option automatically enables the eMMC device.
4. Press F10 to save and exit.

Accessing the eMMC storage from Windows 8.x*

The eMMC storage device is not large enough for any Windows 8, 8.1, or 8 embedded
installation. But, you can enable the device to be accessible for extra storage space.
1. Press F2 during boot to enter Intel Visual BIOS.

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2. Go to Advanced > Devices and Peripherals > Onboard Devices.

3. Select Enable 4 GB eMMC Built-in Storage.
4. Press F10 to save and exit.

Accessing the eMMC storage from Windows 7*

Windows 7 does not include any driver support for eMMC devices. If you select Windows 7
as your OS selection in BIOS, the eMMC device is disabled and grayed out.

This article applies to:

Intel NUC Board DE3815TYBE (/content/www/us/en/support/boards-and-kits/intel-nuc-boards/int

Intel NUC Kit DE3815TYKHE (/content/www/us/en/support/boards-and-kits/intel-nuc-kits/intel-nu

Need more help?

Contact support (/content/www/us/en/support/contact-support.html)
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