Abit VL6-E, VL6 User Manual

The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on part of the vendor, who assumes no liability or responsibility for any errors that may appear in this manual.

No warranty or representation, either expressed or implied, is made with respect to the quality, accuracy or fitness for any particular part of this document. In no event shall the manufacturer be liable for direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages arising from any defect or error in this manual or product.

Product names appearing in this manual are for identification purpose only and trademarks and product names or brand names appearing in this document are the property of their respective owners.

This document contains materials protected under International Copyright Laws. All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced, transmitted or transcribed without the expressed written permission of the manufacturer and authors of this manual.

If you do not properly set the motherboard settings causing the motherboard to malfunction or fail, we cannot guarantee any responsibility.

VL6 Motherboard User’s Manual

Index

CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION OF VL6 FEATURES ............ 1-1

1-1. F 1-2. S 1-3. L 1-4. T

EATURES OF THIS MOTHERBOARD

PECIFICATIONS

AYOUT DIAGRAM

HE SYSTEM BLOCK DIAGRAM

...................................................................... 1-2

.................................................................. 1-3

CHAPTER 2. INSTALLING THE MOTHERBOARD.............. 2-1

2-1. I

NSTALLING THE MOTHERBOARD TO THE CHASSIS

2-2. I

NSTALLATION OF THE INTEL® CELERON

ENTIUM®

2-3. I

NSTALLING SYSTEM MEMORY

2-4. C

ONNECTORS

III (FC-PGA)

, H

EADERS AND SWITCHES

PROCESSORS

........................................ 1-1

............................................... 1-4

™

(PPGA & FC-PGA) &

................. 2-1

.................................... 2-2

............................................... 2-3

................................ 2-4

CHAPTER 3. INTRODUCING THE BIOS ................................ 3-1

3-1. CPU S 3-2. S 3-3. A 3-4. A 3-5. I 3-6. P

ETUP

TANDARD

DVANCED

DVANCED CHIPSET FEATURES SETUP MENU

NTEGRATED PERIPHERALS

OWER MANAGEMENT SETUP MENU

3-7. PNP/PCI C 3-8. PC H 3-9. L 3-10. L 3-11. S 3-12. S 3-13. E

EALTH STATUS

OAD FAIL-SAFE DEFAULTS

OAD OPTIMIZED DEFAULTS

ET PASSWORD

& E

AVE

XIT WITHOUT SAVING

XIT SETUP

[SOFT MENU

CMOS F

BIOS F

ONFIGURATIONS SETUP MENU

EATURES SETUP MENU

..................................................................... 3-35

™

II] ............................................. 3-3

EATURES SETUP MENU

........................... 3-7

.......................... 3-11

...................... 3-15

................................................... 3-19

.................................... 3-23

............................ 3-30

.............................................................. 3-33

................................................. 3-34

.............................................................. 3-37

......................................................... 3-38

APPENDIX A. INSTALLING THE VIA SERVICE PACK DRIVERS

FOR WINDOWS

98 SE

APPENDIX B. INSTALLING THE VIA PCI AUDIO DRIVER FOR

WINDOWS

98 SE

APPENDIX C. INSTALLING THE VIA USB FILTER DRIVER FOR

WINDOWS

MN-209-2A0-71 Rev. 1.00

98 SE

APPENDIX D. INSTALLING THE VIA SERVICE PACK DRIVERS

FOR WINDOWS

NT 4.0 SERVER / WORKSTATION

APPENDIX E. INSTALLING THE VIA PCI AUDIO DRIVERS FOR

WINDOWS

NT 4.0 SERVER / WORKSTATION

APPENDIX F. INSTALLING THE VIA SERVICE PACK DRIVERS

FOR WINDOWS

2000

APPENDIX G. INSTALLING THE VIA PCI AUDIO DRIVERS FOR

WINDOWS

2000

APPENDIX H. INSTALLING THE VIA USB FILTER DRIVER FOR

WINDOWS

2000

APPENDIX I. BIOS FLASHING USER INSTRUCTIONS

APPENDIX J. INSTALLING THE VIA HARDWARE MONITOR

SYSTEM

APPENDIX K. TROUBLESHOOTING

(NEED ASSISTANCE?)

APPENDIX L. HOW TO GET TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Introduction of VL6 Features 1-1

Chapter 1. Introduction of VL6 Features

1-1. Features of This Motherboard

This motherboard is designed for Intel’s new generation of Intel® Pentium® III & Celeron processors. It supports the Intel® Pentium® III & Celeron™ processor, with the FC-PGA & PPGA (Plastic Pin Grid Array package) 370-pin design, up to 768MB of memory, newer super I/O, and Green PC functions.

The VL6 uses the VIA Apollo Pro 133 chipset to make the evolutionary move from PC 100 to PC 133, increasing the speed of the system and memory buses from 100 MHz to 133 MHz. It’s 133 MHz memory interface supports the wide range of PC 133 memory devices now on the market. Its 133MHz capable front-side bus delivers a clear upgrade path to the future generation of 133MHz processors.

The VL6 provides you expendability for the USB port. It can give you the maximum four USB ports to connect to USB peripherals. The additional two USB port plugs and cable KIT are an option. VL6 also has a built in AC ‘97 2.1 CODEC onboard. This CODEC has an integrated H/W Sound Blaster Pro best sound quality and compatibility.

The VL6 has a built in Ultra ATA/66 function. This means that it can provides speedier HDD throughput that boosts overall system performance. Ultra ATA/66 is the new standard for IDE devices. It enhances existing Ultra ATA/33 technology by increasing both performance and data integrity. This new high-speed interface doubles the Ultra ATA/33 burst data transfer rate to 66.6 Mbytes/sec. The result is maximum disc performance using the current PCI local bus environment. Another benefit is, you can connect another four IDE devices in your system either Ultra ATA/33 IDE devices or Ultra ATA/66 IDE devices. You will have more flexibility to expand your computer system.

The VL6 has one AMR slot onboard, it is called the Audio/Modem Riser Audio/Modem Riser is an open industry-standard specification that defines a hardware scalable Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) motherboard riser board and interface, which supports both audio and modem functions. The specification's main objective is to reduce the baseline implementation cost of audio and modem functionality. In accordance with PC user's demands for feature-rich PCs, combined with the industry's current trend towards lower cost PCs, all of theses functions are built into the motherboard. But motherboard integration of the modem subsystem has been problematic to date, in large part due to FCC and other international telecom certification processes that may delay the introduction of a motherboard. Resolving the homologation / certification issue for modems is one of the AMR specification's key objectives.

In the future, not only OEM motherboards will have an AMR design, the AMR card will appear in the market and you can make a choice in buying this kind of card according to your budget. But your motherboard must have an AMR slot to be able to plug an AMR card. The VL6 insures this expandibility for this issue.

VL6 provides highly flexibility to users building Pentium It provides the option of 66/100 or 100/133MHz CPU and memory bus combinations. You can choose the different combinations and don't need to upgrade many new components to change to this motherboard.



AC ‘97 digital audio controller that can give you the

(AMR)

slot. The



II/III and Celeron™ level systems.

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™

1-2 Chapter1

The VL6 has built-in hardware monitoring functions (you can refer to detailed information), they can monitor and protect your computer insuring a safe computing environment. The motherboard can provide high performance for servers and meets the requirements for desktop systems for multimedia in the future.

Appendix J

for

1-2. Specifications

1. CPU

Supports Intel

Supports Intel PGA package)

Supports 66, 100 and 133MHz CPU external clock speeds

Reserves support for future Intel

2. Chipset

VIA Apollo Pro 133 chipset (VT82C693A and VT82C686A)

Supports Ultra DMA/33 and Ultra DMA/66 IDE protocol

Supports Advanced Configuration and Power Management Interface (ACPI)

Accelerated Graphics Port connector supports AGP 1x and 2x mode (Sideband) 3.3V device

3. Memory (System Memory)

Three 168-pin DIMM sockets support SDRAM modules

Supports up to 768MB MAX. (8, 16, 32, 64, 128, and 256MB SDRAM)

Supports ECC

4. System BIOS

CPU SOFT MENU™ II, can easily set the processor parameters

Award Plug and Play BIOS supports APM and DMI

Write-Protect Anti-Virus function by AWARD BIOS

5. Multi I/O Functions

Two Channels of Bus Master IDE Ports supporting up to four Ultra DMA 33/66 devices

PS/2 keyboard and PS/2 mouse connectors

One floppy port connector ( up to 2.88MB)

One parallel port connector (EPP/ECP)

Two serial ports connectors

Two USB connectors

On board USB header for two extra USB channels

Built-in IrDA TX-RX header

Audio/Game connectors (Line-in, Line-out, MIC-in, and Game Port connectors)

6. Audio CODEC Features

AC ’97 2.1 compliant

Integrated hardware Sound Blaster Pro

7. Miscellaneous

ATX form factor

One AGP slot, five PCI slots, one ISA slot and one AMR slot

Built-in Wake on LAN header

Built-in IrDA TX/RX header

Built-in Wake On Modem header

Built-in SM bus header

Pentium® III 500 ~ 1GHz processors (Based on FC-PGA package)

Celeron™ 300A~733MHz processors (Based on 66MHz PPGA & FC-

Pentium® III processors



AC ‘97 digital audio controller

VL6

Introduction of VL6 Features 1-3

Hardware monitoring：Included fan speed, voltages, CPU and system environment temperature

Board size: 305 * 190mm

"""" Supports Wake On LAN, Modem, but your ATX power supply 5V standby power

must be able to provide at least a 720mA current capacity. Otherwise, the functions may not work normally.

The 66MHz/100MHz/133MHz bus speeds are supported but not guaranteed due to the PCI, processor and chipset specifications.

Specifications and information contained in this manual are subject to change without notice.

Note

All brand names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

1-3. Layout Diagram

Figure 1-2. VL6 Motherboard component location

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1-4 Chapter1

1-4. The System Block Diagram

VL6

Figure 1-3. System diagram of the VIA Apollo Pro 133 chipset

Installing the Motherboard 2-1

Chapter 2. Installing the Motherboard

This VL6 motherboard not only provides all standard equipment for classic personal computers, but also provides great flexibility for meeting future upgrade demands. This chapter will introduce step by step all of the standard equipment and will also present, as completely as possible, future upgrade capabilities. This motherboard is able to support all



Pentium III (FC-PGA) processors and Intel Celeron

Intel processors now on the market. (For details, see specifications in Chapter 1.)

This chapter is organized according the following features:

2-1

Installing the Motherboard to the Chassis

2-2

Installation of the Intel

2-3

Installing System Memory

2-4

Connectors, Headers and Switches

$$$$

$$$$$$$$

Before you install or unplug any connectors or add-on cards, please remember to turn the ATX power supply switch off (fully turn the +5V standby power off), or take the power cord off. Otherwise, you may cause the motherboard components or add-on cards to malfunction or be damaged.

Our objective is to enable the novice computer user to perform the installation by himself. We have attempted to write this document in a very clear, concise and descriptive manner to help overcome any obstacles you may face during installation. Please read our instructions carefully and follow them step-by-step.



Pentium III (FC-PGA) & Celeron

Before Proceeding with the Installation

User Friendly Instructions

™

(PPGA & FC-PGA)

™

(PPGA & FC-PGA) CPU

$$$$

$$$$$$$$

2-1. Installing the Motherboard to the Chassis

Most computer chassis will have a base on which there will be many mounting holes that allows the motherboard to be securely attached and at the same time, prevents short circuits. There are two ways to attach the motherboard to the base of chassis:

with studs

or with spacers

Please refer to figure 2-1, which shows the studs and spacers. There may be several types, but all look like the figures below:

In principle, the best way to attach the motherboard is with studs. Only if you are unable to do this should you attach the board with spacers. Take a careful look at the motherboard and you will see many mounting holes on it. Line these holes up with the mounting holes on the base. If the holes line up and there are screw holes this means you can attach the

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2-2 Chapter2

motherboard with studs. If the holes line up and there are only slots, this means you can only attach the motherboard with spacers. Take the tip of the spacers and insert them into the slots. After doing this to all the slots, you can slide the motherboard into position aligned with the slots. After the motherboard has been positioned, check to make sure everything is OK before putting the casing back on.

Figure 2-2 shows you the way to affix the motherboard using studs or spacers:

Note

If the motherboard has mounting holes, but they don’t line up with the holes on the base and there are no slots to attach the spacers, don’t worry, you can still attach the spacers to the mounting holes. Just cut the bottom portion of spacers (the spacer they may be a little hard to cut, so be careful with your hands). In this way you can still attach the motherboard to the base without worrying about short circuits. Sometimes you may need to use the plastic springs to isolate the screw from the motherboard PCB surface, because the circuit wire may be near by the hole. Be careful, don’t let the screw contact any the printed circuit wire or parts on the PCB that are near the fixing hole, otherwise it may damage the board or cause board malfunctioning.

2-2. Installation of the Intel® Celeron™ (PPGA & FC-

PGA) & Pentium® III (FC-PGA) processors

The Intel® Celeron™ (PPGA & FC-PGA) & Pentium® III (FC-PGA) package processor installation, is easy, like Socket 7 Pentium 370” ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) socket, it lets you easily fix the processor on to its position firmly. Figure 2-3 shows you what the 370 socket looks like, and how to open the lever. Its pin count is more than socket 7. Therefore, a Pentium level processor cannot be inserted into socket 370.

When you raise the lever, you have to loosen the socket lock. Please raise the lever to the end, and prepare to insert the processor. Next, you need to align the processor pin 1 to the socket pin 1. If you put it in the wrong direction, you will not be able to insert the processor easily, and processor pins will not fully go into the socket. If that is the case, please change the direction, until it easily and fully inserts into the 370 socket. See Figure 2-4.

When you finish the above, push the lever down to its original position, and you should feel the lever lock up the 370 socket. You have then finished the processor installation.

VL6

processors before. Because it uses the “Socket

Installing the Motherboard 2-3

2-3. Installing System Memory

This motherboard provides three 168-pin DIMM sites for memory expansion. The DIMM sockets support 1Mx64 (8MB), 2Mx64 (16MB), 4Mx64 (32MB), 8Mx64 (64MB), 16Mx64 (128MB), and 32Mx64 (256MB) or double sided DIMM modules. Minimum memory size is 8MB and maximum memory size is 768MB SDRAM. There are three Memory module sockets on the system board. (Total six banks)

In order to create a memory array, certain rules must be followed. The following set of rules allows for optimum configurations.

The memory array is 64 or 72 bits wide. (depending on with or without parity)

Those modules can be populated in any order.

Supports single and double density DIMMS.

Table 2-1. Valid Memory Configurations

Bank Memory Module Total Memory

Bank 0, 1 (DIMM1)

Bank 2, 3 (DIMM2)

Bank 4, 5 (DIMM3)

Total System Memory

Figure 2-5 PC100/PC133 Module and

onent Mark

Com

If your module doesn't seem to fit, please do not force it into the socket as you may damage your memory module or DIMM socket.

Figure 2-6. Memory module installation

8MB, 16MB, 32MB,

64MB, 128MB, 256MB

8MB, 16MB, 32MB,

64MB, 128MB, 256MB

8MB, 16MB, 32MB,

64MB, 128MB, 256MB

Generally, installing SDRAM modules to your motherboard is an easy thing to do. You can refer to figure 2-5 to see what a 168-pin PC100 & PC133 SDRAM module looks like.

Unlike installing SIMMs, DIMMs may be "snapped" directly into the socket. Note: Certain DIMM sockets have minor physical differences.

The following procedure will show you how to install a DIMM module into a DIMM socket.

Step 1.

module, please place the computer power switch in the AC power cord from your computer.

Step 2.

cover.

Step 3.

components, make sure you first touch an unpainted, grounded metal object to discharge any static electricity stored on your clothing or body.

8MB ~ 256MB

8MB ~ 768MB

Before you install the memory

off

position and disconnect the

Remove the computer’s chassis

Before touching any electronic

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2-4 Chapter2

Step 4.

Locate your computer’s 168-pin memory expansion DIMM socket.

Step 5.

Insert the DIMM module into the expansion socket as shown in the illustration. Note how the module is keyed to the socket. You can refer to figure 2-6 for the

This insures the DIMM module will be plugged into the socket in one way

details.

only

. Firmly press the DIMM module into the DIMM socket, making certain the

module is completely seated in the DIMM socket.

Step 6.

Once the DIMM module has been installed, the installation is complete and the computer’s cover can be replaced. Or you can continue to install other devices and add-on cards that are mentioned in the following section.

Note

When you install a DIMM module fully into the DIMM socket, the eject tab should be locked into the DIMM module very firmly and fit into its indention on the both sides.

You are hard to make different from its outside look between PC100 and PC133 SDRAM module, the only way you can identify them is to see the sticker on the RAM module. The sticker will show you the RAM module is which kind structure module.

2-4. Connectors, Headers and Switches

Inside the case of any computer several cables and plugs have to be connected. These cables and plugs are usually connected one-by-one to connectors located on the motherboard. You need to carefully pay attention to any connection orientation the cables may have and, if any, notice the position of the first pin of the connector. In the explanations that follow, we will describe the significance of the first pin.

We will show you all of the connectors, headers and switches here, and tell you how to connect them. Please pay attention and read the entire section for necessary information before attempting to finish all of the hardware installation inside the computer chassis.

Figure 2-7 shows you all of the connectors and headers that we’ll discuss in the next section, you can use this diagram to visually locate each connector and header we describe.

All connectors, headers and switches mentioned here, will depend on your system configuration. Some features you may (or may not) have and need to connect or configure depending on the peripheral. If your system doesn't have such add-on cards or switches you can ignore some special feature connectors.

VL6

Installing the Motherboard 2-5

Figure 2-7. All Connectors and Headers for the VL6

First, Let’s see the headers that VL6 uses, and what their functions are.

(1) ATXPWR1: ATX Power Input Connector

Caution

If the power supply connectors are not properly attached to the ATXPWR1 power supply, the power supply or add-on cards may be damaged.

Attach the connector from the power supply to the ATXPWR1 connector here. Remember you have to push the connector from the ATX power supply firmly to the end with the ATXPWR1 connector, insuring that you have a good connection.

Note: Watch the pin position and the orientation

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2-6 Chapter2

(2A)/(2B)/(2C): FAN1, FAN2 & FAN3 header

Attach the connector from the individual CPU fan to the header named FAN1, connector from the chassis fan to the header FAN3 and attach the connector from the power fan to FAN2 header.

You must attach the CPU fan to the processor, or your processor will work abnormally or may be damaged by overheating. Also, if you want the computer case’s internal temperature to be kept steady and not too high, you had better connect the chassis fan to reach this goal.

Note: Watch the pin position and the orientation

(3) IR: IR Header (Infrared)

There is a specific orientation for pins 1 through 5, attach the connector from the IR KIT or IR device to the IR1 header (left row only). This motherboard supports standard IR transfer rates.

Note: Watch the pin position and the orientation

(4) WOM1: Wake On Modem Header

VL6

If you have an internal modem adapter that supports this feature, then you can connect the specific cable from the internal modem adapter to this header. This feature lets you wake up your computer via remote control through the modem.

Note: Watch the pin position and the orientation

Installing the Motherboard 2-7

(5) WOL1: Wake on LAN Header

If you have a network adapter that supports this feature, then you can connect the specific cable from the network adapter to this header. This feature lets you wake up your computer via remote control through a local area network. You may need a specific utility to control the wake up event, like using the PCnet Magic Packet utility or other similar utilities.

Note: Watch the pin position and the orientation

(6) SMB1: System Management Bus Connector

This connector is reserved for system management bus (SM bus). The SM bus is a

specific implementation of an I

C bus. I2C is a multi-master bus, which means that multiple chips can be connected to the same bus and each one can act as a master by initiating a data transfer. If more than one master simultaneously tries to control the bus, an arbitration procedure decides which master gets priority.

Note: Watch the pin position and the orientation

(7A)/(7B): RT1 & RT2 Thermister:

The RT1 thermistor used to detect the CPU temperature.

The RT2 is a thermistor used to detect the system environmental temperature. It may also be called a system temperature detector.

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2-8 Chapter2

(8) USB2 Headers: Additional USB Plugs Header

This header is for connecting the additional USB ports plugs. You can use the special USB port expend cable (option), it can provides you additional two USB plugs, you can fix these USB plugs on the back panel.

Pin number

1NC 2NC 3 VCC0 4 VCC1 5 Data 6 Data1 7 Data + 8 Data1 + 9 Ground

10 Ground

(9) CDIN1: Internal CD-ROM Drive Audio Cable Header

This header is for the internal CD-ROM drive audio cable connection use, and this header are used for specify type of CD audio cable connector. Please check your audio cable attached with the CD-ROM drive to see which type connector you have, then plug it to this header.

(10) CCMOS1: CMOS Discharge Jumper

Jumper CCMOS1 discharge CMOS memory. When you install the motherboard, make sure this jumper is set for normal operation (pin 1 and 2 shorted). See figure 2-8.

Name or significance of signal

VL6

Figure 2-8. CCMOS1 jumper setting

Installing the Motherboard 2-9

Note

Before you clear the CMOS, you have to first turn the power off (including the +5V standby power). Otherwise, your system may work abnormally or malfunction.

(11) J1 & J2 Headers:

There are two headers to use for selecting the functions for the audio CODEC and/or the AMR card. Please refer to the table below for the proper settings.

J1 J2 AC 97 MC 97

AC 97 & MC 97

For example, if you want to use the onboard audio CODEC, choose the “AC97” settings.

If you want to use the modem CODEC card insertion on the AMR slot, then choose the “MC 97” setting. If you want both to work, choose the “AC 97 & MC 97” setting.

(12) JP1 Header: AMR Function Selection

This header can select whether the AMR

card insertion on the AMR slot is primary or

secondary. When you don’t want to use the

onboard audio CODEC, you have to set JP1

at open. The default setting is short.

Remember that only when using an MC 97

card should you select the JP1 as open.

Otherwise, leave it selected as short.

Items AMR Card

JP1 short

JP1 Open

Short 1-2 Pin Short Open 3-4 Pin Short

Short

1-2 Pin Short 3-4 Pin Short

Secondary

Primary

(13) PN1 and PN2 Headers

PN1 and PN2 are for switches and indicators

for the chassis’s front panel, there are

several functions that come from these two

headers. You have to watch the pin position

and the orientation, or you may cause

system malfunctions. Figure 2-9 shows you

the PN1 and PN2 functions of the pins.

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2-10 Chapter2

Figure 2-9. The definition of PN1 and PN2 pins

PN1 (Pin 1-2-3-4-5): Power LED Headers

There is a specific orientation for pins 1 through 3. Insert the three-threaded power LED cable to pins 1~3. Check to make sure the correct pins go to the correct connectors on the motherboard. If you install them in the wrong direction, the power LED light will not illuminate correctly.

and orientation.

PN1 (Pin 6-7): HDD LED Header

Note: Watch the power LED pin position

Attach the cable from the case’s front panel HDD LED to this header. If you install it in the wrong direction, the LED light will not illuminate correctly.

Note: Watch the HDD LED pin position and the orientation.

PN1 (Pin 8-9): Power on Switch Header

VL6

Attach the cable from the case’s front panel power switch to this header.

Installing the Motherboard 2-11

PN1 (Pin 10-11): Hardware Suspend Switch (SMI Switch) Header

Attach the cable from the case’s front panel

suspend switch (if there is one) to this

header. Use this switch to enable/disable the

power management function by hardware.

Note: If ACPI function in the BIOS setup is

enabled, this function will not work.

PN2 (Pin 1-2): Hardware Reset Switch Header

Attach the cable from the case’s front panel

Reset switch to this header. Press and hold

the reset button for at least one second to

reset the system.

PN2 (Pin 4-5-6-7): Speaker Header

Attach the cable from the system speaker to

this header.

For the PN1 and PN2 pin’s count-name list,

please refer to table 2-2.

Table 2-2. PN1 and PN2 pin count name list

PIN Name Significance of signal PIN Name Significance of signal

PIN 1 +5VDC PIN 1 Ground

PIN 2 No connection PIN 2 Reset input PIN 3 Ground PIN 3 No connection PIN 4 No connection PIN 4 +5VDC PIN 5 No connection PIN 5 Ground

PN1

PIN6 LED power PIN6 Ground PIN 7 HDD active PIN 7 Speaker data PIN 8 Ground PIN 8 No connection PIN 9 Power On/Off signal PIN 9 No connection PIN 10 Ground PIN 10 No connection PIN 11 Suspend signal

Let’s now see the I/O connectors that VL6 uses, and what their functions are.

PN2

PIN 11 No connection

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2-12 Chapter2

(14) FDC1 Connector

This 34-pin connector is called the “

disk drive connector

360K, 5.25”, 1.2M, 5.25”, 720K, 3.5’’,

1.44M, 3.5” or 2.88M, 3.5” floppy disk drive, you can even connect a 3 Mode floppy disk drive (it’s a 3 1/2” drive used in Japanese computer systems).

A floppy disk drive ribbon cable has 34 wires and two connectors to provide the connection of two floppy disk drives. After connecting the single end to the FDC1, connect the two connectors on the other end to the floppy disk drives. In general, people

only install one floppy disk drive on their computer system.

Note

A red mark on a wire typically designates the location of pin 1. You need to align the wire pin 1 to the FDC1 connector pin 1, then insert the wire connector into the FDC1 connector.

(15) IDE1 and IDE2 Connectors

An IDE hard disk drive ribbon cable has 40 wires and two connectors to provide a connection for two IDE hard disk drives. After connecting the single end to the IDE1 (or IDE2), connect the two connectors on the other end to the IDE hard disk drives (or CD-ROM drive, LS-120, etc.).

Before you install a hard disk, there are some things you need to be aware of:

”. You can connect a

floppy

♦

“Primary” refers to the first connector on the motherboard, that is, the IDE1 connector on the motherboard.

♦

“Secondary” refers to the second connector on the motherboard, that is, the IDE2 connector on the motherboard.

♦

Two hard disks can be connected to each connector:

The first HDD is referred to as the “Master”, the second HDD is referred to as the “Slave”.

♦

For performance issues, we strongly suggest you not to install CD-ROM drive on the same IDE channel with hard disk. Otherwise, the system performance on this channel may drop. (For dropping how much is depending on your CD-ROM drive performance.)

VL6

Installing the Motherboard 2-13

Note

The Master or Slave status of the hard disk drive is set on the hard disk itself. Please refer to the hard disk drive user’s manual.

A red mark on a wire typically designates the location of pin 1. You need to align the wire pin 1 to the FDC1 connector pin 1, then insert the wire connector into the FDC1 connector.

The VL6 supports the Ultra ATA/66 (Also known as Ultra DMA/66) specification. It enhances existing Ultra ATA/33 technology by increasing both performance and data integrity. This new high-speed interface doubles the Ultra ATA/33 burst data transfer rate to

66.6 Mbytes/sec. The result is maximum disc performance using the current PCI local bus environment. Figure 2-10 shows you the difference between the Ultra ATA/33 and Ultra ATA/66 Conductor Cable.

Figure 2-10. The difference between Ultra ATA/33 and Ultra ATA/66 Conductor Cables

Ultra ATA/66 is backwards compatible with all Ultra ATA/33 systems, but it will be limited in its transfer mode to the Ultra ATA/33 (Ultra DMA Mode 2 - 33 Mbytes/sec) or PIO Mode 4 (16.6 Mbytes/sec). Ultra ATA/66 hard drives are 100 percent backward compatible with both Ultra ATA/33 and DMA and with existing ATA (IDE) hard drives, CD-ROM drives, and host systems. The Ultra ATA/66 protocol and commands are designed to be compatible with existing ATA (IDE) devices and systems. Although a new 40-pin, 80-conductor cable is required for Ultra ATA/66, the chip set pin connector remains the same at 40. Hard drives that support Ultra ATA/66 also support Ultra ATA/33 and legacy ATA (IDE) specifications.

There are four requirements for attaining Ultra ATA/66:

Figure 2-11. Photo of an

Ultra ATA/66 Conductor

*The operating system must support Direct Memory Access (DMA); Microsoft Windows 98 and Windows 95B (OSR2) support DMA.

*The cable must be an 80-pin conductor. The length should not exceed 18 inches. If all of the above requirements are met, you can enjoy the Ultra ATA/66 features of your computer system.

*The drive must support Ultra ATA/66.

*The motherboard and system BIOS (or an add-in controller) must support Ultra ATA/66.

Figure 2-11 shows you a photo of an Ultra ATA/66 Conductor Cable. An Ultra ATA/66-capable cable is a 40-pin, 80-conductor cable with a black connector on one end, a blue connector on the other end and a gray connector in the middle. In addition, line 34 on the cable should be notched or cut (this may be difficult to see).

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2-14 Chapter2

How to install the Ultra ATA/66 Cable Assembly:

BLUE

The into the motherboard or your system will not work.

Each connector on the Ultra ATA/66 cable assembly has a small polarization tab centrally located on the body of the plastic. This fits into the matching slot on the mating plugs on the motherboard and the drives, thus assuring positive mating (pin #1 to pin #1)

Figure 2-12. How to connect an ATA/66

Cable to the Motherboard

the appropriate 40 pin IDE plug on the motherboard.

Attach the BLACK connector to the mating plug on the master hard drive. Attach the GREY connector to the mating plug on the slave drive (secondary hard drive, CD-ROM, or tape drive). Please refer figure 2-12.

The red line on the cable should be aligned with pin #1. On the drives this will result in the red line facing the power connector. Attach the BLUE connector to

connector

MUST

be plugged

Figure 2-13. VL6 back panel connectors

Figure 2-13 shows the VL6 back panel connectors, these connectors are for connection to outside devices to the motherboard. We will describe which devices will attach to these connectors below.

KM1 Lower: PS/2 Keyboard Connector

Attach a PS/2 keyboard connector to this 6pin Din-connector. If you use an AT keyboard, you can go to a computer store to purchase an AT to ATX converter adapter, then you can connect your AT keyboard to this connector. We suggest you use a PS/2 keyboard for best compatibility.

VL6

Installing the Motherboard 2-15

KM1 Upper: PS/2 Mouse Connector

Attach a PS/2 mouse to this 6-pin Din-

USB Port Connectors

This motherboard provides two USB ports. Attach the USB connector from the individual device to these connectors.

You can attach USB devices such as a,

scanner, digital speakers, monitor, mouse, keyboard, hub, digital camera, joystick etc. to one of each USB connector. You must make sure your operating system supports this feature and you may need to install an additional driver for individual devices. Please refer to your device user’s manual for detailed information.

Serial Port COM1 & COM2 Port Connector

This motherboard provides two COM ports,

you can connect an external modem, mouse

or other devices that support this

communication protocol to these

connectors.

You can decide which external devices you

want to connect to COM1 and COM2. Each

COM port can only have one device

connected at a time.

connector.

Parallel Port Connector

This parallel port is also called an “LPT”

port, because it usually connects to the

printer. You can connect other devices that

support this communication protocol, like

an EPP/ECP scanner, etc.

User’s Manual

2-16 Chapter2

Line Out, Line In and Mic In Connector

Line Out connector:

external stereo speaker signal input plug to this connector, or you can connect the plug from here to the stereo audio equipment AUX signal input socket. Remember, the motherboard does not have a built in amplifier to drive the speaker. You must use a speaker that has a built in amplifier. Otherwise, you may not be able to hear any sound or only a small volume of sound from the speaker.

You can connect an

Line In Connector:

TV adapter audio output signal, or external audio sources, like a CD walkman, video camcorder, VHS recorder audio output

software can control the input level for the line-in signal.

Mic In Connector:

this connector. Do not connect other audio (or signal) sources to this connector.

MIDI/GAME Port Connector

This chapter contains many color drawing diagram and photos, we strongly recommend you to read this chapter use the PDF file we gave you that store in the CD-Title. It will provide you the better look and clearly color identify.

signal plug to this connector. Your audio

You can connect the plug from the microphone to

You can connect your joystick, game pad, or other simulation hardware device DIN 15pin plugs to this connector. Please refer to the further connection notes of the device’s user's manual for further detailed information.

Note

You can connect the

VL6

Introduction of the BIOS 3-1

Chapter 3. Introducing the BIOS

The BIOS is a program located on a Flash Memory chip on the motherboard. This program

will not be lost when you turn the computer off. This program is also referred to as the boot

program. It is the only channel the hardware circuit has to communicate with the operating

system. Its main function is to manage the setup of the motherboard and interface card

parameters, including simple parameters such as time, date, hard disk drive, as well as more

complex parameters such as hardware synchronization, device operating mode,

MENU™ II

operate at its best, only if all of these parameters are correctly configured through the BIOS.

&&&&

The parameters inside the BIOS are used to setup the hardware synchronization or the

device-operating mode. If the parameters are not correct, they will produce errors, the

computer will crash, and sometimes you will even not be able to boot the computer after

it has crashed. We recommend that you do not change the parameters inside the BIOS

unless you are very familiar with them. If you are not able to boot your computer

anymore, please refer to the section “Erase CMOS data” in Chapter 2.

When you start the computer, the BIOS program controls it. The BIOS first operates an

auto-diagnostic test called POST (Power On Self Test) for all of the necessary hardware. It

then configures the parameters of the hardware synchronization, and detects all of the

hardware. Only when these tasks are completed does it give up control of the computer to

the program to the next level, which is the operating system (OS). Since the BIOS is the only

channel for hardware and software to communicate, it is the key factor for system stability,

and in insuring that your system performs at its best. After the BIOS has achieved the

auto-diagnostic and auto-detection operations, it will display the following message:

features and setup of CPU speed. The computer will operate normally, or will

Don’t change the parameters inside the BIOS unless you fully understand

their meanings and consequences

CPU SOFT

PRESS DEL TO ENTER SETUP

The message will be displayed for three to five seconds, if you press the <

access the BIOS Setup menu. At that moment, the BIOS will display the following screen:

Del

> key, you will

User’s Manual

3-2 Chapter 3

Figure 3-1. CMOS Setup Utility

In the BIOS Setup main menu of Figure 3-1, you can see several options. We will explain

these options step by step in the following pages of this chapter, but let us first see a short

description of the function keys you may use here:

Esc

Press

to confirm or to modify.

Press

parameters and to exit the BIOS Setup menu.

to quit the BIOS Setup.

↑↓←→

F10

(up, down, left, right) to choose, in the main menu, the option you want

when you have completed the setup of BIOS parameters to save these

Press Page Up/Page Down or +/- keys when you want to modify the BIOS parameters for

the active option.

Computer Knowledge: CMOS Data

Maybe you have heard somebody saying that his or her CMOS DATA was lost. What is

the CMOS? Is it important? The CMOS is the memory used to store the BIOS

parameters that you have configured. This memory is passive. You can read its data, and

you can also store data in it. But this memory has to be powered by a battery, in order to

avoid any loss of its data when the computer is turned off. Since you may have to change

the CMOS battery when it is out of power and if doing so, you will loose all CMOS data,

therefore, we recommend that you write down all the parameters of your hardware, or to

put a label with these parameters on your hard disk.

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Introduction of the BIOS 3-3

3-1. CPU Setup [SOFT MENU™ II]

The CPU can be setup through a programmable switch (

CPU SOFT MENU

™

), that

replaces the traditional manual hardware configuration. This feature allows the user to more

easily complete the installation procedures. You can install the CPU without configuring any

jumpers or switches. The CPU must be setup according to its specifications.

In the first option, you can press <Enter> at any time to display all the items that can be

chosen for that option.

Figure 3-2. CPU SOFT MENU™ II

CPU Name Is:

➤

Intel Celeron

➤

Intel Pentium III MMX

MMX

CPU Operating Speed:

This option sets the CPU speed. In this field, the CPU speed is indicated like this: CPU

speed = External clock * Multiplier factor, select the CPU speed according the type and the

speed of your CPU. For Intel Pentium® III and Celeron™ MMX processors, you can choose

the following settings:

➤

300 (66)

➤

433 (66)

➤

533 (66)

➤

600 (100)

➤

700 (66)

➤

800 (133)

➤

1000 (133)➤User Define

➤

333 (66)

➤

450 (100)➤466 (66)

➤

533 (133)➤550 (100)➤566 (66)

➤

600 (133)➤650 (100)➤667 (66)

➤

700 (100)➤733 (133)➤750 (100)➤800 (100)

➤

850 (100)➤866 (133)➤900 (100)➤933 (133)

➤

366 (66)

➤

400 (66)

➤

500(66)

➤

400 (100)

➤

500 (100)

➤

600 (66)

➤

667 (133)

User’s Manual

3-4 Chapter 3

User defined external clock and multiplier factor:

➤➤➤➤ User Defined

$$$$

$$$$$$$$

The wrong settings of the multiplier and external clock in certain circumstances may cause CPU damage. Setting the working frequency higher than the PCI chipset or processor specs, may cause abnormal memory module functioning, system hangs, hard disk drive data lose, abnormal functioning of the VGA card, or abnormal functioning with other add-on cards. Using non-specification settings for your CPU is not the intention of this explanation. These should be used for engineering testing, not for normal applications.

If you use non-specification settings for normal operation, your system may not be stable, and may effect system reliability. Also, we do not guarantee the stability and compatibility for settings that are not within specification, and any damage of any elements on the motherboard or peripherals, is not our responsibility.

Ext. Clock (PCI):

✏

➤

66MHz (1/2)➤100MHz (1/3)➤133MHz (1/4)

➤

140MHz (1/4)➤105MHz (1/3)➤110MHz (1/3)

➤

120MHz (1/3)➤112MHz (1/3)➤103MHz (1/3)

➤

75MHz (1/2)➤124MHz (1/3)

Warni ng

Note

$$$$

$$$$$$$$

➤

150MHz(1/4)

➤

115MHz (1/3)

➤

83MHz (1/2)

CPU bus speed above 66MHz/100MHz/133MHz supported but not guaranteed due to the PCI, processor and chipset specs.

Multiplier Factor:

✏

You can choose the following multiplier factors:

➤ ➤ ➤

However, differences will exist because of the various brands and types available.

According to Celeron™ PPGA MMX processor types, some Celeron™ PPGA MMX processors will have the multiplier factor locked and the signal disabled. In this situation, there is no way to choose a higher multiplier factor.

Speed Error Hold:

✏

The default setting is “Disabled”. If you change the setting to “Enabled” when the

CPU speed setting is wrong, the system will hold.

VL6

6.5

➤

2.5

➤

11.5➤ 12

➤

7.5➤ 8

➤

3.5➤ 4

Note

➤

8.5➤ 9

➤

4.5➤ 5

➤

5.5➤ 6

➤

9.5➤ 10➤ 10.5

Introduction of the BIOS 3-5

Normally, we do not recommend that you use the “User Define” option to setup CPU

speed and multiplier factors. This option is for setup of future CPUs whose

specifications are still unknown. The specifications of all present CPUs are included

in the default settings. Unless you are very familiar with all CPU parameters, it is

very easy to make mistakes when you define the external clock and the multiplier

factor by yourself.

Solution in case of booting problem due to invalid clock setup:

Normally, if the CPU clock setup is wrong, you will not be able to boot. In this case, turn the

system off then on again. The CPU will automatically use its standard parameters to boot.

You can then enter the BIOS Setup again and set up the CPU clock. If you can’t enter the

BIOS setup, you must try turning the system on a few times (3~4 times) or press

“INSERT“ key when turning on and the system will automatically use its standard

parameters to boot. You can then enter BIOS SETUP again and set up the new parameters.

When you change your CPU:

This motherboard has been designed in such a way that you can turn the system on after

having inserted a CPU in the socket without having to configure any jumpers or DIP

switches. But if you change your CPU, normally you just have to turn off the power supply,

change the CPU and then, set up the CPU parameters through

SOFT MENU

™

II. However,

if the new CPU is slower than the old one (and is same brand and type), we offer you two

methods to successfully complete the CPU change operation.

Method 1: Setup up the CPU for the lowest speed for its brand. Turn the power supply off

and change the CPU. Then turn the system on again, and set up the CPU

™

parameters through

SOFT MENU

Method 2: Since you have to open the computer case when you change the CPU, it could be

a good idea to use the CCMOS jumper to erase the parameters of the original

CPU and to enter BIOS Setup to set up CPU parameters again.

Attention

After setting up the parameters and leaving the BIOS SETUP, and having verified that the system can be booted, do not press the Reset button or turn off the power supply. Otherwise the BIOS will not read correctly, the parameters will fail and you must enter

SOFT MENU™ II

again to set up the parameters all over again.

CPU Power Supply:

This option allows you to switch between CPU default and user-defined voltages.

User’s Manual

3-6 Chapter 3

➤➤➤➤CPU Default:

➤➤➤➤User Define:

Spread Spectrum:

Two options are available: Disabled ' Enabled. The default setting is

(Electro-Magnetic Compatibility Test) testing you may need to adjust these options for

optimal results, we do not recommend you change the default, except for special reasons.

Some values you select may cause system instability under some situations, please be

careful.

CPU Hardwired IOQ:

Two options are available: 1 Level ' 4 Level. The default setting is

will effect the pipeline depth between the processor and chipset Choose level 4 to get faster

performance, and level 1 to get better stability.

The system will detect the CPU type and select the proper voltage

automatically. When it is enabled, the option “

the current voltage setting that is defined by the CPU and this will not be

changeable. We recommend using this CPU default setting and not

changing it unless the current CPU type and voltage setting can not be

detected or is not correct.

This option lets the user select the voltage manually. You can change

values of the “

Down keys.

Core Voltage

” option lists by using the Page Up and Page

Core Voltage

Disabled

4 Level

” will show

. For EMC

. This option

VL6

+ 82 hidden pages

Abit VL6-E, VL6 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual