Split read only memory architecture for storage option read only memories

An apparatus for reducing execution time for a power on self test (POST) of an information handling system comprising:

• a split option ROM, the split option ROM including an initiator split option ROM and a completer split option ROM;
• means for executing the initiator split option ROM upon execution of the POST, the initiator split option ROM starting initialization of an option corresponding to the initiator split option ROM;
• means for initializing a remainder of the information handling system;
• and,
• means for executing the completer split option ROM after the remainder of the information handling system is initialized, the completer option ROM completing initialization of the option corresponding to the completer split option ROM.

An information handling system comprising:

• a processor;
• an option coupled to the processor,
• a memory coupled to the processor, the memory including a conventional system option read only memory (ROM) and a split option ROM, the split option ROM including an initiator split option ROM and a completer split option ROM;
• the split option ROM including instructions which upon invocation of a power on self test (POST) start initialization of the option corresponding to the initiator split option ROM;
• a POST module, the POST module including instructions which initialize a remainder of the information handling system;
• and,
• the completer split option ROM including instructions which complete initialization of the option corresponding to the completer split option ROM after initialization of the remainder of the information handling system so as to reduce execution time for the POST.