Acer Altos 19000Pro4 User's Guide

AcerAltos19000Pro4 Series

User’s Guide

Document EDITION PART NUMBER DATE
History First Edition 49.AB555.001 February 1998

Copyright Notice Copyright © 1998 by Acer America Corporation. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be

reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language or computer language, in any form or
by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual or otherwise, without the prior written permission
of Acer America Corporation.

Programs Copyright ©1998 Acer America Corporation.
All rights reserved.

Printed in U.S.A

Trademarks Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Incorporated.

AcerAltos is a trademark of Acer America Corporation and Acer Inc..

Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Pentium Pro is a trademark of Intel Corporation.
Other brand and product names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Disclaimer Acer and its suppliers make no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to the

hereof without obligation to notify any person of such revisions or changes. Acer reserves the right to make changes to the products
described in this manual at any time and without notice.

contents hereof and specifically disclaim any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
Further, Acer reserves the right to revise this publication and to make changes from time to time in the contents

AcerAltos 19000Pro4 Series User’s Guideii

Any software described in this manual is licensed “as is” and Acer and its suppliers disclaim any and all
warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to any warranty of non-infringement of third party
rights, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Acer does not warrant that the operation of the
software will be uninterrupted or error free. Should the programs prove defective, the buyer (and not Acer, its
distributor, or its dealer) assumes the entire cost of all necessary service, repair, and any incidental or
consequential damages resulting from any defect in the software. Please see the Acer Limited Product Warranty
for details of Acer’s limited warranty on hardware products. IN NO EVENT SHALL ACER BE LIABLE FOR
ANY INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOSS OF PROFITS OR DATA, EVEN IF
ACER HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Warranty/Limitation of Liability

Acer grants you a personal, non-transferable, non-exclusive license to use the software that accompanies your
computer system only on a single computer. You may not (a) make copies of the software except for making one
(1) backup copy of the software which will also be subject to this license, (b) reverse engineer, decompile,
disassemble, translate or create derivative works based upon the software, (c) export or re-export the software to
any person or destination which is not authorized to receive them under the export control laws and regulations
of the United States, (d) remove or alter in any way the copyright notices, or other proprietary legends that were
on the software as delivered to you or (e) sublicense or otherwise make the software available to third parties.
The software is the property of Acer or Acer’s supplier and you do not have and shall not gain any proprietary
interest in the software (including any modifications or copies made by or for you) or any related intellectual
property rights. Additional restrictions may apply to certain software titles. Please refer to any software
licenses that accompany such software for details.

Software License

Join Us to Fight Against Piracy

The Acer Group has been implementing a policy to respect and protect legitimate intellectual property rights.
Acer firmly believes that only when each and every one of us abides by such policy, can this industry provide
quality service to the general public.

Acer has become a member of the Technology Committee of the Pacific Basin Economic Council which is
encouraging the protection and enforcement of legitimate intellectual property rights worldwide. Moreover, in
order to ensure quality service to all of our customers, Acer includes an operating system in Acer computer
systems which is duly licensed by the legitimate proprietors and produced with quality.

Acer commits itself and urges all of its customers to join the fight against intellectual property piracy wherever
it may occur. Acer will pursue the enforcement of intellectual property rights and will strive to fight against
piracy.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Read these instructions carefully. Save them for future reference.

2. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.

3. Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners
or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.

4. Do not use this product near water.

5. Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table. The product may fall,
causing serious damage to the product.

6. Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back or bottom are provided for
ventilation; to ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect it from
overheating, these openings must not be blocked or covered. This product should
never be placed near or over a radiator or heat register, or in a built-in installation
unless proper ventilation is provided.

7. This product should be operated from the type of power indicated on the marking
label. If you are not sure of the type of power available, consult your dealer or local
power company.

8. This product is equipped with a 3-wire grounding-type plug, a plug having a third
(grounding) pin. This plug will only fit into a grounding-type power outlet. This is
a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact your
electrician to replace the outlet. Do not defeat the purpose of the grounding-type
plug.

9. Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not locate this product where
persons will walk on the cord.

10. If an extension cord is used with this product, make sure that the total ampere
rating of the equipment plugged into the extension cord does not exceed the
extension cord ampere rating. Also, make sure that the total rating of all products
plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed 15 amperes.

11. Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet slots as they may
touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a fire or
electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.

AcerAltos 19000Pro4 Series User’s Guideiv

12. Do not attempt to service this product yourself, as opening or removing covers may
expose you to dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all servicing to
qualified service personnel.

13. Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service
personnel under the following conditions:

a. When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed
b. If liquid has been spilled into the product
c. If the product has been exposed to rain or water
d. If the product does not operate normally when the operating instructions are

followed. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating
instructions since improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage
and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the

product to normal condition.
e. If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged
f. If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a need for

service

14. Replace the battery with the same type as recommended by Acer. Use of another
battery type may present a risk of fire or explosion. Refer battery replacement to a
qualified service technician.

15. Warning! The battery may explode if handled improperly. Do not recharge,
disassemble or dispose of in fire. Keep away from children and dispose of used
battery promptly.

16. Use only the proper type of power supply cord (provided in your keyboard/manual
accessories box) for this unit. It should be a detachable type: UL listed/CSA
certified, type SVT/SJT, rated 8A 125V minimum. Maximum length is 15 feet (4.6
meters).

FCC Class A Radio Frequency

Interference Statement

Note:

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:

1. Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

2. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

3. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.

4. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for help.

Notice 1:

The changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Notice 2:

Shielded interface cables, if any, must be used in order to comply with the emission
limits.

AcerAltos 19000Pro4 Series User’s Guidevi

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 System Introduction

1.1 Features......................................................................................................1-1

1.1.1 Intel Pentium Pro Microprocessor.................................................1-1

1.1.2 System Architecture .......................................................................1-3

1.1.3 SCSI Backplane Boards..................................................................1-5

1.1.4 Server Management ........................................................................1-5

1.1.5 Redundant Power Supply Subsystem...........................................1-6

1.1.6 Security............................................................................................1-6

1.2 External Configuration..............................................................................1-7

1.2.1 Front Panel ......................................................................................1-7

1.2.2 Rear Panel ......................................................................................1-16

Chapter 2 Setting Up the System

2.1 Pre-installation Requirements...................................................................2-1

2.1.1 Selecting a Site.................................................................................2-1

2.1.2 Checking the Package Contents.....................................................2-1

2.1.3 Preparing the System Unit............................................................. 2-2

2.2 Basic Connections......................................................................................2-4

2.2.1 Keyboard......................................................................................... 2-4

2.2.2 Mouse ..............................................................................................2-5

2.2.3 VGA Monitor ..................................................................................2-6

2.3 System Startup...........................................................................................2-7

2.3.1 Unlocking the Front Panel Security ...............................................2-7

2.3.2 Turning On the System Power.......................................................2-8

2.4 Power-on Problems ...................................................................................2-9

Chapter 3 System Configuration

3.1 System Housing.........................................................................................3-1

3.1.1 Internal Structure............................................................................3-2

3.1.2 Opening and Removing the Housing Doors................................3-4

3.1.3 ESD Precautions............................................................................3-10

3.1.4 Installing External Devices...........................................................3-11

3.1.5 Installing a Hot-swappable SCSI Drive.......................................3-14

3.1.6 Installing an Expansion Board.....................................................3-18

3.1.7 Installing and Removing the Thermal Air Guide.......................3-20

3.2 System Board ...........................................................................................3-23

3.2.1 Layout............................................................................................3-23

3.2.2 Jumpers and Connectors..............................................................3-24

3.2.3 Installing a Pentium Pro CPU......................................................3-29

3.3 Memory Board.........................................................................................3-32

3.3.1 Layout............................................................................................3-32

3.3.2 Memory Configurations...............................................................3-33

3.3.3 Installing a DIMM.........................................................................3-35

3.3.4 Removing a DIMM.......................................................................3-36

3.3.5 Installing the Memory Board.......................................................3-37

3.3.6 Reconfiguring the System ............................................................3-39

3.4 SCSI Backplane Boards............................................................................3-40

3.4.1 Features..........................................................................................3-40

Chapter 4 BIOS Utility

4.1 Entering Setup ............................................................................................4-2

4.2 System Information ................................................................................... 4-3

4.2.1 Processor..........................................................................................4-4

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4.2.2 Processor Speed..............................................................................4-4

4.2.3 Bus Frequency.................................................................................4-4

4.2.4 Internal Cache.................................................................................4-4

4.2.5 External Cache ................................................................................4-5

4.2.6 Floppy Drive A ...............................................................................4-5

4.2.7 Floppy Drive B................................................................................4-5

4.2.8 IDE Primary Channel Master.........................................................4-5

4.2.9 IDE Primary Channel Slave ...........................................................4-5

4.2.10 Total Memory..................................................................................4-6

4.2.11 Serial Port 1.....................................................................................4-6

4.2.12 Serial Port 2.....................................................................................4-6

4.2.13 Parallel Port.....................................................................................4-6

4.2.14 Pointing Device...............................................................................4-6

4.3 Product Information.................................................................................. 4-7

4.3.1 Product Name.................................................................................4-7

4.3.2 Main Board ID.................................................................................4-7

4.3.3 Main Board P/N.............................................................................4-8

4.3.4 System BIOS Version......................................................................4-8

4.3.5 System BIOS ID ...............................................................................4-8

4.3.6 BIOS Release Date...........................................................................4-8

4.4 Disk Drives.................................................................................................4-9

4.4.1 Floppy Drives................................................................................4-10

4.4.2 IDE Drives.....................................................................................4-11

4.5 Startup Configuration .............................................................................4-13

4.5.1 System POST Mode......................................................................4-14

4.5.2 Silent Boot......................................................................................4-14

4.5.3 Num Lock After Boot...................................................................4-14

4.5.4 Memory Test.................................................................................4-14

4.5.5 Initialize SCSI Before IDE.............................................................4-15

4.5.6 Boot From IDE CD-ROM.............................................................4-15

4.5.7 System Boot Drive........................................................................4-16

4.5.8 MP Compliant Revision ...............................................................4-16

4.6 Advanced Configuration ........................................................................4-17

4.6.1 Onboard Devices Configuration..................................................4-18

4.6.2 PnP/PCI System Configuration...................................................4-24

4.6.3 Memory/Cache Configuration....................................................4-26

4.6.4 Non-PnP ISA Device Configuration............................................4-27

4.7 System Security Setup .............................................................................4-31

4.7.1 IDE Disk Drive Control ................................................................4-32

4.7.2 Setup Password.............................................................................4-33

4.7.3 Power-on Password ......................................................................4-36

4.8 Date and Time..........................................................................................4-37

4.8.1 Date................................................................................................4-37

4.8.2 Time...............................................................................................4-38

4.9 Remote Diagnostic Configuration..........................................................4-38

4.10 Load Setup Default Settings ...................................................................4-38

4.11 Abort Settings Change.............................................................................4-39

4.12 Reset Non-PnP ISA Device Setting.........................................................4-39

4.13 Leaving Setup...........................................................................................4-40

Chapter 5 Diagnostics and Utilities

5.1 Advanced Server Manager Pro (ASM Pro) .............................................5-1

5.2 Remote Diagnostic Manager (RDM)........................................................ 5-1

5.3 EISA Configuration Utility (ECU)............................................................5-2

5.3.1 Starting the ECU............................................................................. 5-5

5.3.2 ECU Main Menu-Steps in Configuring Your Computer.............5-6

5.3.3 Configuring Your Computer for the First Time.........................5-13

5.3.4 Adding or Removing Boards.......................................................5-16

5.3.5 System Memory............................................................................5-19

5.3.6 Viewing or Editing configuration Details...................................5-19

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5.3.7 What To Do If Your Nonvolatile Memory Is Invalid.................5-21

5.3.8 PCI Devices IRQ Assignment......................................................5-22

5.3.9 Peripheral Device Status ..............................................................5-22

Chapter 6 SCSISelect Configuration Utility

6.1 SCSISelect Configuration Utility Overview ............................................. 6-1

6.1.1 Default Values .................................................................................6-1

6.1.2 When to Use the SCSISelect Utility................................................6-3

6.1.3 Running the SCSISelect Utility.......................................................6-3

6.2 SCSISelect Utility Options .........................................................................6-4

6.2.1 Configure/View Host Adapter Settings Menu............................6-6

6.2.2 SCSI Disk Utilities.........................................................................6-18

6.3 Configuring Multiple SCSI Controllers..................................................6-20

6.4 Disk Drives Over 1 GByte.......................................................................6-21

6.4.1 Extended Translation ...................................................................6-21

6.4.2 The DOS 1 GByte Limit................................................................6-21

6.4.3 When to Use Extended Translation.............................................6-22

6.5 SCSI Troubleshooting Checklist .............................................................6-23

6.6 BIOS Startup Messages ...........................................................................6-24

6.6.1 Device connected, but not ready.................................................6-25

6.6.2 Start unit request failed................................................................6-26

6.6.3 Disk Drive Configuration Problems............................................6-26

AcerAltos 19000Pro4 Series User’s Guidexii

Appendix A System Resources

A.1 Memory Map ............................................................................................A-1

A.2 I/O Address Map.....................................................................................A-2

A.3 Interrupt Channels....................................................................................A-4

Appendix B SCSI Backplane Boards

B.1 Features ..................................................................................................... B-1

B.2 Layout........................................................................................................ B-2

B.3 Jumper Settings......................................................................................... B-3

B.4 Hard Disk ID Switch Settings.................................................................. B-4

B.5 Channel Configuration............................................................................. B-6

B.6 Front Panel Board....................................................................................B-10

B.7 Power Subsystem.....................................................................................B-12

B.8 Installing a New Power Supply Module................................................B-13

B.9 Charger Board and Optional Internal UPS ............................................B-22

B.10 Power Cable Connections.......................................................................B-27

Index

List of Figures

1-1 Pentium Pro Processor Architecture....................................................... 1-2

1-2 System Architecture ................................................................................. 1-3

1-3 Front Panel ................................................................................................ 1-7

1-4 Front Panel Features................................................................................. 1-8

1-5 RDM LED................................................................................................1-15

1-6 Rear Panel................................................................................................1-16

2-1 Front Wheel Lever ....................................................................................2-2

2-2 Connecting the System Power Cable ......................................................2-3

2-3 Connecting a Keyboard............................................................................2-4

2-4 Connecting a Mouse.................................................................................2-5

2-5 Connecting a VGA Monitor..................................................................... 2-6

2-6 Unlocking the Front Panel Security.........................................................2-7

2-7 System Power On......................................................................................2-8

2-8 Microswitch Location.............................................................................2-10

3-1 System Housing........................................................................................3-1

3-2 Left Panel System Components............................................................... 3-2

3-3 Right Panel System Components.............................................................3-3

3-4 Unlocking and Opening the Left Panel Door .........................................3-4

3-5 Unlocking and Opening the Lower Front Door..................................... 3-5

3-6 Unlocking and Opening the Right Panel Door.......................................3-6

3-7 Removing the Right Panel Door.............................................................. 3-8

3-8 Removing the Upper Front Panel Cover ................................................3-9

3-9 Removing the Upper Front Panel Door..................................................3-9

3-10 Removing the Lower Front Panel Door................................................3-10

3-11 Attaching the Drive Guides...................................................................3-12

3-12 Installing an External Device.................................................................3-13

3-13 Unlocking the Drive Tray Switch..........................................................3-14

3-14 Pulling a Hot-swap Drive Tray Out......................................................3-15

AcerAltos 19000Pro4 Series User’s Guidexiv

3-15 Connecting the Drive Cables (Wide SCSI Drive).................................3-16

3-16 Installing a Hot-swap Drive Tray ..........................................................3-17

3-17 Locking the Drive Tray Switch..............................................................3-17

3-18 Removing a Bracket Cover ....................................................................3-18

3-19 Installing a PCI Expansion Board..........................................................3-19

3-20 Removing the Thermal Air Guide.........................................................3-21

3-21 Reinstalling the Thermal Air Guide......................................................3-22

3-22 System Board Layout .............................................................................3-23

3-23 Jumper and Connector Locations..........................................................3-24

3-24 Installing the Hook-Type Heat Sink and Fan .......................................3-30

3-25 Memory Board Layout...........................................................................3-32

3-26 Installing a DIMM...................................................................................3-35

3-27 Removing a DIMM.................................................................................3-36

3-28 Inserting the Memory Board..................................................................3-37

3-29 Attaching the Board Holding Clamp....................................................3-38

5-1 ECU Main Menu-Steps in Configuring Your Computer....................... 5-6

5-2 Important EISA Configuration Information...........................................5-7

5-3 Add or Remove Boards............................................................................5-8

5-4 View or Edit Details ...............................................................................5-10

5-5 Examine Switches or Print Report .........................................................5-11

5-6 Save and Exit...........................................................................................5-12

5-7 Examine Switches or Print Report .........................................................5-13

5-8 Save and Exit...........................................................................................5-15

5-9 Add or Remove Boards..........................................................................5-16

6-1 Options Menu Screen (1 of 2)...................................................................6-4

6-2 Options Menu Screen (2 of 2)...................................................................6-5

6-3 Configure/View Host Adapter Settings Screen.....................................6-6

6-4 Host Adapter SCSI ID Selection Screen for AIC-7880 ...........................6-7

6-5 SCSI Parity Checking Selection ................................................................6-8

6-6 Host Adapter SCSI Termination Selection for AIC-7880 .......................6-9

6-7 Boot Device Options Screen...................................................................6-10

6-8 SCSI Device Configuration Screen for AIC-7880 .................................6-11

6-9 Advanced Configuration Options Screen.............................................6-15

6-10 SCSI Disk Utilities Screen for AIC-7880 ................................................6-18

B-1 SCSI Backplane Board............................................................................. B-2

B-2 Settings for Jumpers J3 and J4................................................................. B-3

B-3 Hard Disk ID Switch Settings (split, dual-channel (default)) .............. B-4

B-3A Hard Disk ID Switch Settings (combine, single-channel) .................... B-5

B-4 Single-Channel Configuration ............................................................... B-6

B-5 Dual-Channel Configuration ................................................................. B-8

B-6 Dual SCSI Configuration for Separate Backplane Boards................... B-9

B-7 Dual SCSI Configuration for Single Backplane Board......................... B-9

B-8 Connecting the Backplane Power Cables.............................................B-10

B-9 Front Panel Board Connections............................................................B-11

B-10 Removing the Metal Bar Screws...........................................................B-14

B-11 Pulling Out the Metal Bar .....................................................................B-15

B-12 Installing a Power Supply Module.......................................................B-16

B-13 Locking the Holding Clips....................................................................B-16

B-14 Reinstalling the Metal Bar.....................................................................B-17

B-15 Securing the Metal Bar with Screws.....................................................B-18

B-16 Unlocking the Power Supply Holding Clips.......................................B-19

B-17 Removing the Power Supply Module..................................................B-20

B-18 Installing the Power Supply Compartment Metal Cover...................B-21

B-19 Removing the Charger Compartment Metal Cover ...........................B-23

B-20 Installing a Charger Board....................................................................B-24

B-21 Locking the Charger Board ...................................................................B-24

B-22 Installing an Optional Internal UPS .....................................................B-25

B-23 Attaching the Charger Compartment Metal Cover............................B-26

B-24 Removing an Optional Internal UPS....................................................B-27

B-25 System Board Power Connections .......................................................B-28

AcerAltos 19000Pro4 Series User’s Guidexvi

B-26 System Boards and Power Subsystem Interconnections....................B-29

List of Tables

1-1 LED Indicator Description......................................................................1-10

1-2 LCD Messages..........................................................................................1-13

3-1 Removing the Housing Doors ..................................................................3-7

3-2 Jumper Settings........................................................................................3-25

3-3 CPU Frequency Ratio (JP3) .....................................................................3-26

3-4 Connector Functions ................................................................................3-27

3-5 Memory Configurations..........................................................................3-33

4-1 Parallel Port Operation Mode Settings ..................................................4-22

4-2 Drive Control Settings.............................................................................4-32

5-1 Keyboard Function Keys...........................................................................5-3

6-1 Default Settings for SCSI Controller and All Devices.............................6-2

A-1 System Memory Map...............................................................................A-1

A-2 System I/O Address Map........................................................................A-2

A-3 Interrupt Channels....................................................................................A-4

B-1 Terminator Settings for Single-Channel Configuration......................... B-7

B-2 Terminator Settings for Dual-Channel Configuration........................... B-8

B-3 Power Subsystem Configuration............................................................B-12

About this Manual

Purpose

This system guide aims to give you all the necessary information to enable you to set up
and operate the AcerAltos 19000Pro4 system.

Manual Structure

This system guide consists of six chapters and two appendixes.

Chapter 1 System Introduction

This chapter generally describes the system’s unique features and powerful architecture.
It includes a brief introduction of the new generation Intel Pentium Pro CPU that forms
the heart of the AcerAltos 19000Pro4 system.

Chapter 2 Setting Up the System

This chapter helps you get started. It illustrates how to prepare the system for
installation, connect the cables, and start the system.

Chapter 3 System Configuration

This chapter describes the six major system components that include the system
housing, system board, memory board, front panel board, SCSI backplane boards, and
power supply.

Chapter 4 BIOS Utility

This chapter explains the BIOS parameter functions. It tells how to configure the system
by setting the parameters.

AcerAltos 19000Pro4 Series User’s Guidexviii

Chapter 5 Diagnostics and Utilities

This chapter gives a brief description of Advanced Server Manager Pro (ASM Pro) and
Remote Diagnostic Manager (RDM) and explains how to use the EISA Configuration
Utility (ECU).

Chapter 6 SCSISelect Configuration Utility

This chapter describes the SCSISelect Configuration Utility that allows you to change
SCSI controller settings without opening the computer or changing jumpers.

Appendix A System Resources

This appendix contains two tables: system memory map and system I/O address map.

Appendix B SCSI Backplane Boards

This appendix describes the two standard SCSI backplane boards, including features,
layout, jumper settings, Hard Disk ID switch settings, and channel configuration.

Appendix B also describes the front panel board that serves as an interface to the
internal system components. It also contains information about the power subsystem,
including how to install a new power supply module, charger board, and optional
internal UPS.

At the end of the appendix is a section describing the system power cable connections.

Conventions

The following are the conventions used in this manual:

Screen messages

, , , etc. Represent the actual keys that you

Denotes actual messages that
appear onscreen.

have to press on the keyboard.

NOTE

Gives bits and pieces of additional
information related to the current
topic.

WARNING

Alerts you to any damage that
might result from doing or not
doing specific actions.

CAUTION

Gives precautionary measures to
avoid possible hardware or
software problems.

IMPORTANT

Reminds you to do specific actions
relevant to the accomplishment of
procedures.

TIP

Tells how to accomplish a
procedure with minimum steps
through little shortcuts.

AcerAltos 19000Pro4 Series User’s Guidexx

Chapter 1 System Introduction

1.1 Features

The AcerAltos 19000Pro4 is a powerful 64-bit quad-processor capable system loaded
with a host of new and innovative features. The system offers a new standard for
flexible productivity ideal for local area networks and multiuser server environments.

1.1.1 Intel Pentium Pro Microprocessor

The Intel Pentium Pro processor is the heart of the AcerAltos 19000Pro4 system.
Designed to work with the Intel 450GX chipset composed of a PCI bridge and memory
controller, the Pentium Pro running at 200 MHz carries a new generation of power not
present in its predecessors.

The system board has four CPU sockets to accommodate up to four Intel Pentium Pro
processors. This configuration significantly increases efficiency and reliability thereby
upgrading overall system performance. The Pentium Pro processor supports a wide
range of applications running under SMP network operating systems such as Windows
NT, UNIX, NetWare, etc.

The Pentium Pro processor also incorporates the first-level (L1) and second-level (L2)
caches, the advanced peripheral interrupt controller (APIC), and the system bus
controller. Figure 1-1 shows the CPU architecture.

Chapter 1 - System Introduction 1-1

First-level and Second-level Cache

The Pentium Pro processor has a 16-KB first-level and either 512 or 1024-KB second­level cache. These caches produce a high hit rate that reduces the processor’s external
memory bandwidth requirements.

Advanced Peripheral Interrupt Controller (APIC)

The APIC unit inside the CPU along with the I/O APIC unit facilitate multiprocessor
interrupt management. The APIC works with multiple I/O subsystems where each
subsystem have its own interrupts that help minimize centralized system overhead.

Bus Controller

The bus controller integrated in the Pentium Pro processor controls the system bus to
make it perform its functions efficiently. It ensures that the bus serves as a reliable
interconnection between one or two CPUs, I/O bridge, and memory controllers.

Pentium Pro Processor Architecture

256/512/1024-KB 4-way L2 Cache

Figure 1-1 Pentium Pro processor Architecture

AcerAltos 19000Pro4 Series User’s Guide

1.1.2 System Architecture

The system bus, PCI buses, EISA bus, Intel 450GX PCI bridge (OPB), Intel 450GX
memory controller (OMC), PCI/EISA Bridge (PCEB), and EISA system controller (ESC)
comprise the basic system architecture.

450GX

Figure 1-2 System Architecture

450GX 450GX

Chapter 1 - System Introduction 1-3

System Bus

The system bus is the CPU’s major connection to all the system devices, primarily the
PCI and EISA bridges, and the memory controllers. It can handle as many as eight
outstanding transactions at a time through the transaction pipelining feature in which
consecutive tasks from the CPU are queued in and transported to the designated
devices on a first-in first-out basis. Pipelining allows for transaction overlapping in
different phases as the CPU does not have to wait for each transaction to complete
before it issues the next transaction. This produces significant improvement on overall
system performance.

The bus architecture supports a number of features that ensure high reliability. It has an
8-bit error correction code (ECC) that protects the data lines and a 2-bit parity code that
protects the address lines.

The bus uses the gunning transceiver logic (GTL+), a synchronous latched bus protocol
that simplifies timing constraints. This protocol supports higher frequency system
designs but requires a low voltage that reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI)
resulting in a lower power consumption.

PCI and EISA Buses

The system supports two PCI buses created by the two PCI bridge chipsets (OPB). The
PCI buses serve as the links between the PCI bridges and the PCI devices onboard. The
presence of two buses instead of one reduces the I/O bottleneck and matches the higher
bandwidth of the CPU for faster data transfers.

The EISA bus connects the EISA devices to the other system devices through the
PCI/EISA bridge (PCEB) and the EISA system controller (ESC). The use of the PCEB
and ESC maintains compatibility with the EISA environment.

AcerAltos 19000Pro4 Series User’s Guide

Intel 450GX PCI Bridge

The Intel 450GX PCI bridge is a low-cost I/O subsystem solution for high-performance
systems. The bridge translates transactions between the system bus and the PCI buses
using 32-byte buffers for inbound and outbound postings. The use of two bridges in the
system creates an architecture that allows faster data transfers.

Intel 450GX Memory Controller

The Intel 450GX memory controller acts as an interface between the system bus and the
system memory. It consists of the DRAM control (DC) chip and the data path (DP)
chip. The controller relates to the DRAM array through four memory interface
controller (MIC) chips. The controller supports 256-bit 4-way memory interleaving
resulting in a more efficient memory traffic management.

1.1.3 SCSI Backplane Boards

The system supports an array of 14 hot-swappable disk drive trays with two 7-slot SCSI
backplane boards. The trays accommodate ultra wide hard disks. With the AIC-7880
SCSI controller onboard, the transfer rate reaches up to 40 MB per second.

1.1.4 Server Management

The system comes with Advanced Server Manager Pro (ASM Pro) that allows voltage
stability and CPU thermal monitoring, prevents data loss by prompt ECC memory error
reporting, maximizes system resources by indicating the PCI bus utilization, and
promotes efficiency by minimizing system downtime.

A related feature of ASM Pro is Remote Diagnostic Manager (RDM) that permits system
diagnosis from a remote site through a modem. RDM facilitates fixing detected
problems, changing system configurations or rebooting in the event of system failure.

Chapter 1 - System Introduction 1-5

1.1.5 Redundant Power Supply Subsystem

The system comes with a power backplane that has two 400-watt power supply
modules, upgradable to three. The power subsystem supports a redundant
configuration such that even if one power supply fails, the remaining two continues to
work together to supply the 800-watt requirement for a fully-configured system.

Two important segments of the power subsystem configuration are the charger board
and optional Internal UPS. Together, these two components function like an
uninterruptible power supply (UPS). Providing an additional support to the three 400­watt power supply modules, the battery automatically charges whenever the system is
on. The battery gives a fully-configured system the ability to run continuously through
short interruptions in wall power or for a maximum of six minutes in the event of total
AC power shutdown.

1.1.6 Security

The system housing comes with mechanical security locks on both the front panel and
the side panel preventing unauthorized access to the internal components and system
use.

The system BIOS secures the CMOS data and other system software with power-on
password, keyboard password, setup control, disk drive control, and monitor control.

AcerAltos 19000Pro4 Series User’s Guide

1.2 External Configuration

1.2.1 Front Panel

The system front panel is divided into two sections. The upper front panel consists of
the diskette/CD-ROM/tape drive bays, keylock, power switch, LED indicators, LCD
display screen, and an embedded reset switch.

The lower part contains the externally accessible hard disk drive bays with 14 drive
trays for wide SCSI drives. (The basic system consists of 14 drive trays.)

Figure 1-3 Front Panel

One pair of system keys and one pair of
power switch keylocks are hung inside the
upper front door. Additional duplicate keys

can be found at the back of the system.

Chapter 1 - System Introduction 1-7

Front Panel Features

Figure 1-4 gives a closer look at the upper front panel features.

LCD Display Screen

Power Switch
Reset Switch

(embedded)

5.25-inch
Drive Bays

CD-ROM Drive

3.5-inch Diskette
Drive

LED Indicators

Keylock

Figure 1-4 Front Panel Features

CD-ROM Drive

The basic system comes with a SCSI CD-ROM drive already installed.

3.5-inch Diskette Drive

A 3.5-inch diskette drive is also standard.

5.25-inch Drive Bays

Two empty 5.25-inch drive bays allow installation of additional devices.

AcerAltos 19000Pro4 Series User’s Guide

Power Switch

The power switch allows you to turn the system power on or off.

Reset Switch

Pressing the reset switch generates a hardware reset pulse that restarts the system
initializing all the registers, buffers, and memory subsystems.

Keylock

The keylock gives security to the system against unauthorized users. Turning the
keylock to the unlocked position enables the power and reset switches. Turning the
keylock to the locked position disables both switches whether the system is on or off.
Supposing the system is on and you intend to reset or turn it off, make sure that the
keylock is unlocked. Otherwise, the switches do not respond.

Chapter 1 - System Introduction 1-9

LED Indicators

Table 1-1 LED Indicator Description

LED Icons Description

Power Status Green Indicates that power is on. This color also

denotes that the system is running on a
good supply of AC power.

Red Indicates that power is on. The AC power

supply fails and the system is running on
battery power.

Battery Status

UPS

Green Indicates that a battery is present and in

good condition. The battery LED shows
this color during normal system operation,
during which the battery automatically
charges.

When the power status LED is red, a green
battery LED also indicates that the system is
running on battery power. When this
happens, shutdown the system immediately
because the battery keeps a fully-configured
system running only for about six minutes.

AcerAltos 19000Pro4 Series User’s Guide

Table 1-1 LED Indicator Description (continued)

LED Icons Description

Battery Status
(continued)

Hard Disk Busy Green Indicates that at least one of the hard disks

Red Normally, this color indicates that the

battery is bad. However, there are times
when the battery LED turns red for a few
seconds due to other factors and NOT
because the battery is bad. See below.

is currently accessing.

Hard Disk
Failure

Green Indicates that all the hard disks installed on

the backplane board are in good condition.

Red Indicates that one of the hard disks installed

on the backplane board is bad.

Chapter 1 - System Introduction 1-11

In these instances, the battery LED may turn red for a few seconds but DOES NOT
necessarily indicate that the battery is bad.

• System Startup
At system power on, the battery LED shows red light when the system performs

initialization and self-tests. The red light should remain for only a few seconds and
eventually turn to green.

• Resumption of AC power supply while the system is running on battery power.
When AC power is cut-off, the battery automatically supplies the system power.

The sudden return of AC power at this time when the system is running on battery
may cause the battery LED to change to red. Simultaneously, the message "Battery
Fails !" may appear on the LCD screen. When this happens, allow the battery to
recover for a while. Wait for the battery LED to return to green and the LCD
message to disappear.

If the battery LED remains red for several
seconds and the message “Battery Fails !” still
shows on the LCD screen, change the battery
or call your dealer or a technician for
assistance.

LCD Display Screen

The LCD display is a two-line by 16-character screen that indicates the boot status as
well as any BIOS check point errors encountered upon system initialization. Normally,
the system BIOS and the microcontroller firmware send the LCD display messages that
appear on the screen. However, if you hooked up a special purpose driver to control
the LCD module, this driver defines the messages.

AcerAltos 19000Pro4 Series User’s Guide

Table 1-2 lists the LCD messages from the system BIOS and the microcontroller at

tests (POST), the LCD screen shows which

After POST, the microcontroller checks the

power subsystem status. If it detects that

If the microcontroller detects that power

supply module 2 is bad, this message

If the microcontroller detects that power

supply module 3 is bad, this message

power on.

Table 1-2 LCD Messages

Message Description

Hello! Welcome !

POST Checkpoints

Power #1 Fails !

Power #2 Fails !

Power #3 Fails !

This is the first message that appears on the
LCD screen. This message indicates that the
microcontroller works fine.

During the system power-on self­POST check-point is currently being tested.

power supply module 1 is bad, this message
appears on the LCD screen.

appears on the LCD screen.

appears on the LCD screen.

Chapter 1 - System Introduction 1-13

Table 1-2 LCD Messages (continued)

Normally, this message indicates that the

battery is bad and must be replaced with a

There are times when this message appears

for a few seconds but do not necessarily

mean that the battery is bad. Refer to the

Message Description

Battery Fails !

new one.

previous page for these instances.

AC Power Fails ! This message indicates that there is no

power coming from the AC line and the
system is currently running only on battery
power.

The system
is running well !

This message appears after POST and other
tests. It shows that the system has passed
all the tests and is running fine.

AcerAltos 19000Pro4 Series User’s Guide

RDM LED

The RDM LED located on the lower right panel enables the remote diagnostic
management feature. Refer to the Remote Diagnostic Manager (RDM) User’s Guide for
information on the RDM feature.

RDM Icon

Figure 1-5 RDM LED

RDM LED

Chapter 1 - System Introduction 1-15

1.2.2 Rear Panel

The rear panel includes the connectors for the keyboard, mouse, VGA monitor, printer,
and serial devices. Below the connectors are the slot openings for expansion boards.
On the lower left is the socket for the system power cable.

Keyboard Port

Mouse Port

Serial Port 1

Video Port

Parallel Port

Serial Port 2

Narrow SCSI
Knockout

Figure 1-6 Rear Panel

AcerAltos 19000Pro4 Series User’s Guide

Expansion Slot Brackets

Power Socket

Chapter 2 Setting up the System

This chapter tells how to install and set up the system. It gives instructions on how to
select a site for the system, prepare the system for use, connect basic peripherals, and
start up the system.

2.1 Pre-installation Requirements

2.1.1 Selecting a Site

Before unpacking and installing the system, select a suitable site for the system for
maximum efficiency. The system is suitable to set up in an office environment.

• Consider the following factors when choosing a site for the system:

• Near a grounded power outlet

• Clean and dust-free

• Sturdy surface free from vibration

• Well-ventilated and away from sources of heat

• Secluded from electromagnetic fields produced by electrical devices such as air

conditioners, radio and TV transmitters, etc.

2.1.2 Checking the Package Contents

Unpack the contents of the system box, following the instructions enclosed with the
system unit. The System Contents sheet, located inside the box, lists what is in the
accessory tray for the system.

If any items are damaged or missing, contact your dealer immediately.
Save the boxes and packing materials for future use.

2.1.3 Preparing the System Unit

Do the following to begin setting up the system:

1. Unlock the front wheels and move the system to your desired site.
The system housing design allows for easy transport in spite of its size. It comes

with four wheels that facilitate short-distance transits. The two front wheels each
include a lever to lock the wheels after you have positioned the system into place.

Front Wheel Lever

Unlock

Lock

Figure 2-1 Front Wheel Lever

2. After moving, lock the wheels by pressing down the levers.

Be sure to unlock the wheels when you want to
move the system again.

3. Connect the system power cable into the socket below the fan outlets on the rear
panel.

System Power Cable

Figure 2-2 Connecting the System Power Cable

2.2 Basic Connections

The system unit, keyboard, mouse, and monitor constitute the basic system. Before
connecting any other peripherals, connect these peripherals first to test that the basic
system is running properly.

2.2.1 Keyboard

Figure 2-3 Connecting a Keyboard

2.2.2 Mouse

Figure 2-4 Connecting a Mouse

2.2.3 VGA Monitor

Figure 2-5 Connecting a VGA Monitor

2.3 System Startup

After making sure that you have set up the system properly and connected all the
required cables, you may now apply power to the system.

2.3.1 Unlocking the Front Panel Security

The system has a keylock on the front panel to prevent unauthorized use. Before power
on, open the lock with the key that comes with the system. (The system keys are
attached inside the upper front door.)

To unlock, insert the key and turn it counter-clockwise until it reaches the unlocked
icon.

Locked Icon

Unlocked Icon

Figure 2-6 Unlocking the Front Panel Security

After locking or unlocking, remove the key
from the front panel to prevent unauthorized
users from tampering with the system.

2.3.2 Turning On the System Power

To power on the system, press the power switch on the front panel. The system starts

messages on the LCD display screen. The POST messages indicate if the system is
running well or failed any of the tests. See Table 1-1 for a list of the LCD messages.

If the system does not turn on or boot after
pressing the power switch, go to the next
section for the possible causes of the boot
failure.

Power Switch

Figure 2-7 System Power On

Aside from the self-test messages, you can determine if the system is in good condition
by checking if the following occurred:

• Power indicator LED on the front panel lights up

• Power, Num Lock, and Caps Lock LED indicators on the keyboard light up

2.4 Power-on Problems

If the system does not boot after you have applied power, check the following factors
that might have caused the boot failure.

If the system does not boot after you have applied power, check the following factors
that might have caused the boot failure.

The pointing symbol ( * ) indicates a possible cause of the problem. The check mark (

4 ) tells you how to correct the problem.

* The front panel security is not completely unlocked.
4 Insert the front panel key and turn it counter-clockwise until it points to the

unlocked icon. See Figure 1-4.

* The external power cable may be loosely connected.
4 Check the power cable connection from the power source to the power socket on the

rear panel. Make sure that the cable is properly connected.

* No power comes from the grounded power outlet.
4 Have an electrician check your power outlet.

* The right panel or left panel door, or both, may be ajar.
4 Close the panel door/s completely.

The system has two microswitches located right inside the lower front corners of
the housing. The microswitches connect to the power backplane and are in direct
contact with the left and right panel doors. When you open either one of the panel
doors, the microswitch goes off thereby cutting off the system power. This
provides additional system safety.

See Figure 2-8 for the microswitch location.

J14 from the
Power Backplane

Microswitch Cable

Figure 2-8 Microswitch Location

Microswitch

* Loose or improperly connected internal power cables.
4 Refer to section 3.6 in Chapter 3 for the power cable connections and check the

internal cable connections. If you are not confident that you can perform this step,
ask a qualified technician to help you.

If you have gone through the preceding
actions and the system still fails to boot, ask
your dealer or a qualified technician for
assistance.

Chapter 3 System Configuration

The system hardware consists of six major components: housing, system board,
memory board, front panel board, SCSI backplane boards, and power supply
subsystem. This chapter discusses the system hardware configuration in detail.

3.1 System Housing

The system housing is heavy-duty steel chassis in a twin-tower design. The spacious
housing boasts high expansion capability and configuration flexibility.

Figure 3-1 System Housing

Chapter 3 - System Configuration

3.1.1 Internal Structure

The housing is symmetrically divided into left and right panels. The system internal
components are accessible through the panels.

Left Panel

The main part of the left panel houses the system board, memory board, and expansion
boards. At the back of the left panel are the keyboard, mouse, video, parallel, and serial
ports, and the slot openings for installation of EISA and PCI expansion boards.

The upper front section of the left panel accommodates a 3.5-inch and three 5.25-inch
drives while the lower section holds the seven hot-swappable SCSI drive trays. These
devices on the front section are externally accessible. Right behind the drives is a seven­slot SCSI backplane board that connects the drives to the SCSI interface.

Figure 3-2 shows the left panel components.

5.25-inch Drive Bays

Slot Openings

System Board

Figure 3-2 Left Panel System Components

AcerAltos 19000Pro4 Series User’s Guide

3.5-inch Drive Bay

SCSI Drive Trays

Backplane Board

Right Panel

UPS

The power subsystem fills up most of the rear right panel. It consists of a power
backplane and a metal rack that holds up to three 400-watt power supply modules. In
the bottom compartment of the power supply rack are the charger board and the
optional internal UPS. The rear section contains the three built-in power supply fans
that cool down the components and regulate the air flow inside each power supply. See
section 3.6 for details about the power subsystem.

The front panel board occupies the upper front section of the right panel. The lower
section allows installation of a second SCSI backplane board and another set of seven
hot-swappable SCSI drive trays.

Figure 3-3 shows the right panel components.

Front Panel Board

Power Supply Modules

SCSI Drive Trays

Figure 3-3 Right Panel System Components

Optional Charger
Board

Backplane Board

Chapter 3 - System Configuration

Optional Internal

3.1.2 Opening and Removing the Housing Doors

The system housing has four doors, two on the front, one on the left panel, and one on
the right panel. The housing includes security locks to prevent unauthorized access to
the internal components.

Opening the Left Panel Door

To open the left panel door, insert the key into the lock then turn it counter-clockwise
until it reaches the unlocked icon. Pull the door open by the hollow holder.

Figure 3-4 Unlocking and Opening the Left Panel Door

AcerAltos 19000Pro4 Series User’s Guide

Opening the Lower Front and Right Panel Doors

There are two security locks on the right panel door. One secures the lower front door
to protect the SCSI hard disks, and the other one secures the right panel internal
components.

When you want to access the SCSI hard disks, insert the key into the lower lock and
turn it clockwise until it points to the unlocked icon. Pull open the lower front door.

Figure 3-5 Unlocking and Opening the Lower Front Door

Chapter 3 - System Configuration

When accessing the components inside the right panel, open the lower lock then the
upper lock on the right panel door. Pull the door open by the hollow holder.

Figure 3-6 Unlocking and Opening the Right Panel Door

AcerAltos 19000Pro4 Series User’s Guide

Removing the Doors

When installing components, unlock and remove the door or doors that hinder your
way. Table 3-1 tells you which door to remove in specific instances to facilitate
component installation.

Turn OFF the system power and unplug the
power cord and all peripherals before
opening the system or connecting or
removing any peripheral device.

Table 3-1 Removing the Housing Doors

When Remove

Installing or removing external 3.5-inch
or 5.25-inch devices

Installing or removing a SCSI backplane
board (left side)

Installing or removing a SCSI backplane
board (right side)

Installing or removing hot-swappable
SCSI hard disks

Installing or removing the system board,
memory board, or expansion boards

Installing or removing the power supply
modules, UPS, or battery charger

Connecting or arranging cables ÊLeft panel door

ÊUpper front door plus

the upper front panel
cover

ËLeft panel door
ÊLower front door
ËLeft panel door
ÊLower front door
ËRight panel door
ÌThermal air guide
ÊLower front door
ËSPS dummy cover
ÊLeft panel door

ÊRight panel door

or
Right panel door

Chapter 3 - System Configuration

The doors are attached to the main housing by screwless hinges. Follow these steps to
remove a door.

1. Unlock the door with the key (when necessary).

2. Open it to more than a 45° angle.

3. Lift it up about an inch, then move it away from the housing.

Figures 3-7 to 3-10 show how to remove the housing doors and upper front panel cover.

Figure 3-7 Removing the Right Panel Door

Follow the same steps to remove the left panel door.

AcerAltos 19000Pro4 Series User’s Guide

Figure 3-8 Removing the Upper Front Panel Cover

Figure 3-9 Removing the Upper Front Panel Door

Chapter 3 - System Configuration

Figure 3-10 Removing the Lower Front Panel Door

3.1.3 ESD Precautions

Always observe the following ESD (electrostatic discharge) precautions before installing
any system component:

1. Do not remove any system component from its packaging unless you are ready to
install it.

2. Wear a wrist grounding strap before handling electronic components. Wrist
grounding straps are available at most electronic component stores.

AcerAltos 19000Pro4 Series User’s Guide

DO NOT attempt the procedures in the
following sections unless you are confident of
your capability to perform them. Otherwise,
ask a service technician for assistance.

Turn OFF the system power and unplug the
power cord and all peripherals before
opening the system or connecting or
removing any peripheral device.

3.1.4 Installing External Devices

The housing supports one 3.5-inch and three 5.25-inch external devices. The empty
drive bays on the upper front panel allow you install additional external devices such as
a CD-ROM drive, digital audio tape (DAT) drive or another hard disk drive.

Your system comes with a CD-ROM drive
and a 3.5-inch diskette drive already
installed.

Follow these steps to install an external device:

1. Remove the upper front panel door and the front panel cover. See Figures 3-5 and
3-6 for illustrations.

Chapter 3 - System Configuration

2. Attach the drive guides on the sides of the external device that you wish to install.

Figure 3-11 Attaching the Drive Guides

If you are installing a SCSI device, set its
SCSI ID. Set the terminator if the SCSI
device is the last one on a SCSI bus.

AcerAltos 19000Pro4 Series User’s Guide

3. Insert the drive into the bay.

Figure 3-12 Installing an External Device

4. Connect the drive power and signal cables.

Chapter 3 - System Configuration

3.1.5 Installing a Hot-swappable SCSI Drive

The system supports three kinds of hot-swappable drive trays, one with wide SCSI
interface board and one with narrow SCSI interface board. The third is the single
connector architecture (SCA) type. The installation steps for the wide and narrow SCSI
drives are basically the same except for connecting the wide SCSI drive ID cable.

Follow these steps to install a hot-swap SCSI drive:

1. Open the lower front door.

2. Push the drive tray switch to the Unlock/Power Off position.

Unlock/Power Off

Figure 3-13 Unlocking the Drive Tray Switch

3. Hold the handle of a drive tray. Pull it upward until it is at a 90-degree angle with
the tray and you hear a click. You may need to exert force to pull the tray handle
up.

4. Pull the drive tray out.

Figure 3-14 Pulling a Hot-swap Drive Tray Out

5. Remove the terminators and the drive ID on the wide SCSI drive that you wish to
install.

Make sure that you have closed J4 P3 pins
on the backplane board for additional SCSI
IDs. See section 3.4 for information on
setting the drive ID.

6. Place the drive on the tray and connect the SCSI cable, drive ID cable (for wide SCSI
only), and power cable. Make sure that all cables are properly and completely
connected.

Drive ID Cable

Power Cable

Wide SCSI Cable

LED Cable

Figure 3-15 Connecting the Drive Cables (Wide SCSI Drive)

7. Install the tray into the drive bay, pushing it gently until it reaches the connector on
the backplane board.

Be sure to hold the drive tray handle out
when inserting the tray back into the bay.
Otherwise, the tray will not fit completely.

8. Push the drive handle into place.

Figure 3-16 Installing a Hot-swap Drive Tray

9. Push the drive tray switch to the Lock/Power On position.

Lock/Power On

Figure 3-17 Locking the Drive Tray Switch

3.1.6 Installing an Expansion Board

Follow these steps to install a PCI expansion board:

1. Remove the bracket cover opposite an empty PCI slot. Save the screw for later use.

Figure 3-18 Removing a Bracket Cover

2. Align the board with the slot.

3. Insert the board into the slot until it fits completely.

4. Secure the board with a screw.

Figure 3-19 Installing a PCI Expansion Board

5. Follow the same steps when installing an EISA board. Just make sure that you
remove the bracket cover opposite an EISA slot.

If you installed an EISA board, run the EISA
configuration utility (ECU) to reconfigure the
system. See Chapter 5 for information on
the ECU.

3.1.7 Installing and Removing the Thermal Air Guide

On the right side of the housing, a metal thermal air guide directs the hot air from the
disk drives to the fan exhausts on the rear of the housing. The air guide helps maintain
good air circulation within the housing.

You have to remove the thermal air guide to access the right backplane board or the
power backplane connectors.

To avoid electric shock and damage to the
system, DO NOT perform the following
procedure while the system is ON.

Removing the Thermal Air Guide

Follow these steps to remove the metal thermal air guide.

1. Unplug all power cables from the wall socket.

2. Open the right panel door. Refer to section 3.1.2 for instructions on opening the
door.

3. Remove all the screws (about nine screws) that secure the air guide to the housing.
Save the screws.

4. Carefully take the air guide out of the housing and set it aside.

See Figure 3-20 on the next page for an illustration of the above procedure.

Figure 3-20 Removing the Thermal Air Guide

Reinstalling the Thermal Air Guide

Follow these steps to replace the thermal air guide in the housing:

1. Position the air guide in its place between the hard disk drives and the power
supply rack.

2. Make sure that the air guide fits properly.

3. Secure the air guide with screws.

4. Close and lock the right panel door.

The following figure illustrates the above procedure.

Figure 3-21 Reinstalling the Thermal Air Guide

3.2 System Board

The system board carries all the major system components including the two sockets for
the Intel Pentium Pro CPUs. Figure 3-22 shows the major components on the system
board.

3.2.1 Layout

6

31

32

30

29

7

5

4

3

2

1

28

27

26

25

24

23

22

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

1. VRM connector 1

2. Pentium Pro CPU socket 1

3. VRM connector 3

4. Pentium Pro CPU socket 3

5. BIOS

6. Battery

7. +12V, +5V downside power connector

8. Buzzer

9. Narrow SCSI interface

10. Wide SCSI interface 1

11. Wide SCSI interface 2

12. PCI slots

13. EISA slots

14. Keyboard controller

15. Pentium Pro CPU socket 4

16. Parallel port

Figure 3-22 System Board Layout

17. Video port

18. Serial port 1

19. Serial port 2

20. Mouse port

21. Keyboard port

22. VRM connector 4

23. VRM connector 2

24. RDM connectors

25. Pentium Pro CPU socket 2

26. ±12V, ±5V power connector

27. +12V, +5V power connector

28. VCC3 power connector

29. Memory board slot

30. IDE connector

31. Front Panel Connector

32. Diskette drive connector

Rear Heat Sink Hook

3.2.2 Jumpers and Connectors

Thermal Sensor Cable

Fan Power Cable

Front Heat Sink Hook (locking hook)

CPU Socket Base

CPU Socket Lever

Figure 3-23 shows the jumper and connector locations on the system board.

Figure 3-23 Jumper and Connector Locations

In this figure, the blackened pin of a jumper
represents pin 1.

Jumper Settings

Table 3-2 Jumper Settings

Jumper Setting Function

JP1 Reserved
JP2 Reserved (Open)
JP4 1-2* Reserved
JP5 1-2* Reserved
JP6 1-2* Reserved
JP7 1-2* Reserved
JP8 1-2* Reserved
JP9 1-2* Reserved

JP10 1-2*

2-3

JP11 1-2

2-3*

JP12 Reserved

JP13 1-2*

2-3

JP14 Reserved

JP15 1-2

2-3*
Open

JPX1 1-2

2-3* Reserved

JPX2 1-2

2-3* Reserved

JPX3 1-2

2-3* Reserved

* Default Setting

Acer BIOS
Reserved

Password Security

Check password
Bypass password

Onboard VGA

Enabled
Disabled

CPU Bus Frequency

60 MHz
66 MHz
50 MHz

DO NOT change the settings of the reserved
jumpers. Doing so may cause system
malfunction.

The following sections describe and illustrate the jumpers that are not listed in the above
table.

CPU Frequency Jumper

Table 3-3 CPU Frequency Ratios (JP3)

JP3 Settings

1-2 3-4 5-6 7-8

C C C C 2
C C O C 3
C C C O 4
C C O O 5
O C C C 2.5
O C O C 3.5

C = Closed (Processor pin connected to Vss)
O = Open

DO NOT change JP3 settings unless you are
qualified to do so. Ask a technician if you
need help when configuring the jumper.

Core/Bus

Connector List

Table 3-4 Connector Functions

Connector Function

CN1 Power connector for ±12V, ±5V
CN2 Power connector for ±12V, ±5V
CN3 Power connector for VCC3
CN4 Power switch connector
CN5 Front panel connector
CN6 Power connector for ±12V, ±5V
CN7 System fan connector
CN8 System fan connector
CN9 System fan connector
CN10 System fan connector
CN11 Diskette drive connector
CN12 RDM LED connector
CN13 RDM connector (to FP11 on the front panel board)
CN14 RDM connector (to FP11 on the front panel board)
CN15 IDE connector
CN16 CPU2 fan connector
CN17 CPU1 fan connector
CN18 CPU2 temp. connector
CN19 CPU1 temp. connector
CN20 Voltage regulator module 2 (VRM2)
CN21 Voltage regulator module 1 (VRM1)
CN22 Keyboard/mouse connector
CN23 Serial ports 1 and 2
CN24 Video port/Parallel port
CN25 Voltage regulator module 4 (VRM4)

Table 3-4 Connector Functions (continued)

Connector Function

CN26 Voltage regulator module 3 (VRM3)
CN27 CPU4 temp. connector
CN28 CPU4 fan connector
CN29 CPU3 fan connector
CN30 CPU3 temp. connector
CN31 ITP connector
CN32 System fan connector
CN33 System fan connector
CN34 System fan connector
CN35 HDD LED connector
CN36 Extended controller connector
CN37 Redundant power signal connector
CN38 Intel feature connector
CN39 Reserved
CN40 Narrow SCSI connector
CN41 Reserved
CN42 Wide SCSI connector 2
CN43 Wide SCSI connector 1
CN44 Down-side power connector for +12V, +5V

3.2.3 Installing a Pentium Pro CPU

The basic system includes two Intel Pentium Pro CPUs installed in CPU sockets 1 and 2
(CPU1 and CPU2). Two other second zero-insertion force (ZIF) CPU sockets come with
the system board for a multiprocessor configuration. Your CPU package includes a
hook-type heat sink. The following sections describe the installation procedures.

Do not mix Pentium Pro 200/512K cache and
Pentium Pro 200/1MB cache CPUs.

Installation with Hook-Type Heat Sink

Follow these installation steps:

1. Lift up the CPU socket lever.

2. Look at the underside of the CPU and note the area where the pins are denser or
closely embedded. Gently insert the CPU pins into the socket, matching the denser
pins with the denser holes on the socket.

3. Push the socket lever down.

4. Place the heat sink and fan over the CPU so that the rear heat sink hook matches the
holding tab on the socket base, and the front heat sink hook (locking hook) matches
the tab on the front of the socket. See the figure on the following page.

Rear Heat Sink Hook

Thermal Sensor Cable

CPU Socket Base

Fan Power Cable

CPU Socket Lever

Front Heat Sink Hook (locking hook)

Figure 3-24 Installing the Hook-Type Heat Sink and Fan

5. Link the rear heat sink hook to the holding tab at the base of the socket, then the
front hook to the holding tab on the front. This locks the heat sink and fan to the
CPU socket.

Be sure that the heat sink is in full contact
with the CPU. Check that there is no gap
between the CPU and heat sink.

To remove the heat sink and fan, simply
press the upper part of the front heat sink
hook inward.

6. Connect the CPU fan cable to connector CN17 (for CPU 1) on the system board. See
Table 3-5 for the correct fan connector when installing other CPUs.

7. Connect the thermal sensor cable to CN19 (for CPU1) on the system board. See
Table 3-5 for the correct thermal sensor connector when installing other CPUs.

8. A VRM module is also required for each CPU. Refer to Figure 3-22 and Table 3-5
for the location and connector for each VRM module.

3.3 Memory Board

The memory board comes already installed with the basic system. A total of 16 168-pin
DIMM sockets reside on the board. The system supports 32, 64, and 128MB ECC/EDO
DIMMs and 256MB FPM DIMMs for a maximum total of 4GB of main memory.

3.3.1 Layout

Figure 3-25 Memory Board Layout

3.3.2 Memory Configurations

Some possible memory configurations are shown in the table below.

Table 3-5 Memory Configurations

Bank 1 Bank 2 Bank 3-4 Bank 5-8 Bank 9-12 Bank 13-16

32MB * 1 32MB
32MB * 1 32MB * 1 64MB
32MB * 1 32MB * 1 32MB * 2 128MB
32MB * 1 32MB * 1 32MB * 2 32MB * 4 256MB
32MB * 1 32MB * 1 32MB * 2 32MB * 4 32MB * 4 384MB
32MB * 1 32MB * 1 32MB * 2 32MB * 4 32MB * 4 32MB * 4 512MB
32MB * 1 32MB * 1 32MB * 2 32MB * 4 64MB * 4 512MB
32MB * 1 32MB * 1 32MB * 2 32MB * 4 64MB * 4 64MB * 4 768MB
32MB * 1 32MB * 1 32MB * 2 32MB * 4 128MB * 4 768MB
32MB * 1 32MB * 1 32MB * 2 32MB * 4 128MB * 4 128MB * 4 1280MB
32MB * 1 32MB * 1 32MB * 2 32MB * 4 256MB * 4 1280MB
32MB * 1 32MB * 1 32MB * 2 32MB * 4 256MB * 4 256MB * 4 2304MB
64MB * 1 64MB
64MB * 1 64MB * 1 128MB
64MB * 1 64MB * 1 64MB * 2 256MB
64MB * 1 64MB * 1 64MB * 2 64MB * 4 512MB
64MB * 1 64MB * 1 64MB * 2 64MB * 4 32MB * 4 640MB
64MB * 1 64MB * 1 64MB * 2 64MB * 4 32MB * 4 32MB * 4 768MB
64MB * 1 64MB * 1 64MB * 2 64MB * 4 64MB * 4 768MB
64MB * 1 64MB * 1 64MB * 2 64MB * 4 64MB * 4 64MB * 4 1024MB
64MB * 1 64MB * 1 64MB * 2 64MB * 4 128MB * 4 1024MB
64MB * 1 64MB * 1 64MB * 2 64MB * 4 128MB * 4 128MB * 4 1536MB
64MB * 1 64MB * 1 64MB * 2 64MB * 4 256MB * 4 1536MB
64MB * 1 64MB * 1 64MB * 2 64MB * 4 256MB * 4 256MB * 4 2560MB
128MB * 1 128MB
128MB * 1 128MB * 1 256MB
128MB * 1 128MB * 1 128MB * 2 512MB
128MB * 1 128MB * 1 128MB * 2 128MB * 4 1024MB
128MB * 1 128MB * 1 128MB * 2 128MB * 4 32MB * 4 1152MB
128MB * 1 128MB * 1 128MB * 2 128MB * 4 32MB * 4 32MB * 4 1280MB
128MB * 1 128MB * 1 128MB * 2 128MB * 4 64MB * 4 1280MB
128MB * 1 128MB * 1 128MB * 2 128MB * 4 64MB * 4 64MB * 4 1536MB

Total

Memory

Table 3-5 Memory Configurations (continued)

Bank 1 Bank 2 Bank 3-4 Bank 5-8 Bank 9-12 Bank 13-16

128MB * 1 128MB * 1 128MB * 2 128MB * 4 128MB * 4 1536MB
128MB * 1 128MB * 1 128MB * 2 128MB * 4 128MB * 4 128MB * 4 2048MB
128MB * 1 128MB * 1 128MB * 2 128MB * 4 256MB * 4 2048MB
128MB * 1 128MB * 1 128MB * 2 128MB * 4 256MB * 4 256MB * 4 3072MB
256MB * 1 256MB
256MB * 1 256MB * 1 512MB
256MB * 1 256MB * 1 256MB * 2 1024MB
256MB * 1 256MB * 1 256MB * 2 256MB * 4 2048MB
256MB * 1 256MB * 1 256MB * 2 256MB * 4 32MB * 4 2176MB
256MB * 1 256MB * 1 256MB * 2 256MB * 4 32MB * 4 32MB * 4 2304MB
256MB * 1 256MB * 1 256MB * 2 256MB * 4 64MB * 4 2304MB
256MB * 1 256MB * 1 256MB * 2 256MB * 4 64MB * 4 64MB * 4 2560MB
256MB * 1 256MB * 1 256MB * 2 256MB * 4 128MB * 4 2560MB
256MB * 1 256MB * 1 256MB * 2 256MB * 4 128MB * 4 128MB * 4 3072MB
256MB * 1 256MB * 1 256MB * 2 256MB * 4 256MB * 4 3072MB
256MB * 1 256MB * 1 256MB * 2 256MB * 4 256MB * 4 256MB * 4 4096MB

Total

Memory

Rules for Adding Memory

• Memory banks 5-16 must be sequentially populated in groups of four banks. For
example, either banks 5-8, and/or 9-12, and/or 13-16.

Exception: In the first group (first four banks) you can have 1, 2, or 4 DIMMS.

• Each group of four banks must be populated with the same type, size, vendor, and
speed of memory.

• The system supports 32, 64, and 128MB ECC/EDO DIMMs and 256MB FPM
DIMMs.

3.3.3 Installing a DIMM

To install a DIMM, align it with the socket and press it down until the holding clips
secure the DIMM in place.

The DIMM socket is slotted to ensure proper
installation. If the DIMM does not completely
fit, you may have inserted it the wrong way.

Reverse the orientation of the DIMM.

Figure 3-26 Installing a DIMM

3.3.4 Removing a DIMM

To remove a DIMM, press the holding clips on both sides of the socket outward to
release the DIMM.

Place your forefingers on the top of the
DIMM before you press the holding clips to
gently disengage the DIMM from the socket.

Figure 3-27 Removing a DIMM

3.3.5 Installing the Memory Board

Follow these steps to install the memory board:

1. Align the memory board with the memory board slot on the system board. See
Figure 3-22 for the location of the memory board slot.

Install the memory board with the component
side up.

2. Insert the board into the slot until it fits into place.

Figure 3-28 Inserting the Memory Board

3. Insert one end of the board holding clamp into the hole on the bracket behind the
disk drives.

4. Align the clamp rail with the board edge.

5. Insert the other end of the clamp into the hole on the rear panel bracket.

Make sure to install the holding clamp
properly. It protects the memory board and
keeps it in place

Figure 3-29 Attaching the Board Holding Clamp

3.3.6 Reconfiguring the System

You must enter Setup (see section 4.1) after installing or removing DIMMs to
reconfigure the system.

Follow these steps to reconfigure the system:

1. Turn the system on. A memory error message appears, indicating that the total
memory does not match the value stored in CMOS.

2. Press + + to enter Setup. A warning message appears indicating an
incorrect memory configuration.

3. Press twice to exit and reboot the system.

The system boots with the new memory configuration.

For some operating systems, it may be
necessary to run the EISA Configuration
Utility after changing the memory size.
Please refer to the documentation that
comes with the operating system.

3.4 SCSI Backplane Boards

The two standard SCSI backplane boards provide a convenient interface between the
SCSI drives and the system board. Each backplane board includes seven SCSI drive
slots to accommodate the drive trays and two SCSI channels to connect to the system
board or SCSI controller board. Refer to Appendix B for a detailed discussion.

3.4.1 Features

The backplane boards have the following major features:

• “Hot-swap” capability that allows replacement of a defective hard drive even while
the system is in full operation.

This feature requires an optional RAID
controller board and appropriate RAID
drivers.

• Indicates hard disk drive failure through a front panel board LED

• Supports 16-bit wide SCSI disk drives

• Allows ‘split’ (default) and ‘combine’ SCSI-channel configurations

• SCSI ID strapping that allows wide SCSI HDD ID configuration through the

backplane switches instead of configuring the individual drive IDs

Chapter 4 BIOS Utility

Most systems are already configured by the manufacturer or the dealer. There is no need to run
Setup when starting the computer unless you get a Run Setup message.

If you repeatedly receive Run Setup messages,
the battery may be bad. In this case, the
system cannot retain configuration values in
CMOS. Ask a qualified technician for
assistance.

Before you run Setup, make sure that you have saved all open files. The system reboots
immediately after you exit Setup.

Chapter 4 - BIOS Utility

4.1 Entering Setup

To enter Setup, press the key combination + +

.

You must press + + while the

system is booting. This key combination does
not work during any other time.

The BIOS Utility main menu then appears:

BIOS Utility

System Information

Product Information

Disk Drives

Startup Configuration

Advanced Configuration

System Security

Remote Diagnostic Configuration

Reset Non-Pnp ISA Device Setting

↑↓ = Move Highlight Bar, ↵ = Select, Esc = Exit and Reboot

Date and Time

Load Default Settings
Abort Settings Change

The parameters on the following screens show

default values. These values may not be the same
as those in your system.

The system as you receive it may have had the

default settings changed.

AcerAltos 19000Pro4 Series User’s Guide

4.2 System Information

The following screen shows the items that appear when you select System Information from the
main menu.

System Information Page 1/1

Processor ................. Pentium Pro

Processor Speed ........... 200 MHz

Bus Frequency ............. 66 MHz

Internal Cache ............ 16 KB, Enabled

External Cache ............ 512 KB, Enabled

Floppy Drive A ............ 1.44 MB, 3.5-inch

Floppy Drive B ............ None

IDE Primary Channel Master. None
IDE Primary Channel Slave.. None

Total Memory .............. xx MB

Serial Port 1 ............. 3F8h, IRQ 4

Serial Port 2 ............. 2E8h, IRQ 3

Parallel Port ............. 378h, IRQ 7

Pointing Device ........... Installed

Note: New values after change will not be displayed until

next reboot

PgUp PgDn = Move Screen, Esc = Back to Main Menu

The System Information menu shows the current basic configuration of your system.
The command line at the bottom of the menu tells you how to move from one screen to another

and return to the main menu.
Press to move to the next page or to return to the previous page.

Press to return to the main menu.

Chapter 4 - BIOS Utility

The following sections explain the parameters.

The parameters on the screens show default
values. These values may not be the same
as those in your system.

The grayed items on the screens have fixed
settings and are not user-configurable.

4.2.1 Processor

The Processor parameter specifies the type of processor currently installed in your system. The
system is designed to support the Intel Pentium Pro CPU.

4.2.2 Processor Speed

The Processor Speed parameter specifies the speed of the CPU currently installed in your
system. The system supports Intel Pentium Pro CPU running at 200 MHz.

4.2.3 Bus Frequency

The Bus Frequency parameter specifies the system external clock. The bus frequency can be
either 50, 60 or 66 MHz.

4.2.4 Internal Cache

This parameter specifies the first-level or the internal memory size (i.e., the memory integrated
into the CPU), and whether it is enabled or disabled. For information on how to configure the
system memory, see section 3.3.3.

AcerAltos 19000Pro4 Series User’s Guide

4.2.5 External Cache

This parameter specifies the second-level cache memory size currently supported by the system,
and whether it is enabled or disabled. For information on how to configure the system memory,
see section 3.3.3.

4.2.6 Floppy Drive A

This parameter specifies the type of drive designated as Floppy Drive A. For information on
how to configure the floppy drives, see section 4.4.1.

4.2.7 Floppy Drive B

This parameter specifies the system’s current floppy drive B settings. For information on hbow
to configure the floppy drives, see section 4.4.1.

4.2.8 IDE Primary Channel Master

This parameter specifies the current configuration of the IDE device connected to the master
port of the primary IDE channel. For information on how to configure IDE devices, see section

4.4.2.

4.2.9 IDE Primary Channel Slave

This parameter specifies the current configuration of the IDE device connected to the slave port
of the primary IDE channel. For information on how to configure IDE devices, see section 4.4.2.

Chapter 4 - BIOS Utility

4.2.10 Total Memory

This parameter specifies the total system memory. The memory size is automatically detected
by BIOS during the POST. If you install additional memory, the system automatically adjusts
this parameter to display the new memory size.

4.2.11 Serial Port 1

This parameter indicates the serial port 1 address and IRQ setting.

4.2.12 Serial Port 2

This parameter indicates the serial port 2 address and IRQ setting.

4.2.13 Parallel Port

This parameter indicates the parallel port address and IRQ setting.

4.2.14 Pointing Device

The BIOS utility automatically detects if there is a mouse connected to the system. If there is,
this parameter displays the Installed setting. Otherwise, this is set to None.

AcerAltos 19000Pro4 Series User’s Guide

4.3 Product Information

The Product Information screen contains general data about the system. It includes the product
name, main board ID, main board P/N, system BIOS version, etc. This information is necessary
for troubleshooting and may be required when asking for technical support.

The following screen shows the Product Information items.

Product Information Page 1/1

Product Name ............. 91.AB555.202

Main Board ID ............ X3

Main Board P/N ........... 55.59901.001

System BIOS Version ...... V3.0

System BIOS ID ........... R01-B0

BIOS Release Date ........ Nov 06, ‘97

Esc = Back to Main Menu

4.3.1 Product Name

This parameter specifies the product part number.

4.3.2 Main Board ID

This parameter specifies the system board model.

Chapter 4 - BIOS Utility

4.3.3 Main Board P/N

This parameter specifies the system board’s part number.

4.3.4 System BIOS Version

This parameter specifies the system BIOS version.

4.3.5 System BIOS ID

This parameter specifies the system BIOS release number.

4.3.6 BIOS Release Date

This parameter specifies the official release date of the system BIOS.

AcerAltos 19000Pro4 Series User’s Guide

4.4 Disk Drives

The Disk Drives menu lets you configure the IDE hard disk and disk drive settings.
The following screen shows the Disk Drives parameters and their default settings:

Disk Drives Page 1/1

Floppy Drive A ........... [1.44-MB, 3.5-inch]

Floppy Drive B ........... [None]

IDE Primary Channel Master

8

IDE Primary Channel Slave

8

↑↓ = Move Highlight Bar, → ← = Change Setting, F1 = Help

The triangle mark that precedes an item
within a menu indicates that there is a
detailed menu for that particular item. Select
the item to display the menu.

From the Disk Drives screen, select the IDE Primary Channel Master and IDE Primary Channel
Slave items to display their respective menus. The screen on the next page shows the menu.

Chapter 4 - BIOS Utility

IDE Primary Channel Master Page 1/1

Type.................................. [Auto]

Cylinder .......................... [ 0 ]

Head .............................. [ 0 ]

Sector ............................ [ 0 ]

Size .............................. [ 0 ] MB

Hard Disk Block Mode ................. [Auto]

Hard Disk Size > 504MB ............... [Auto]

↑↓ = Move Highlight Bar, ← → = Change Setting, F1 = Help

The parameters for the IDE Primary Channel Slave menu are the same as in the above screen.

4.4.1 Floppy Drives

To configure the first floppy drive (drive A), highlight the Floppy Drive A parameter. Press
or key to view the options, then select the appropriate value.

Possible settings for the Floppy Drive parameters:

• [ None ]

• [360 KB, 5.25-inch]

• [1.2 MB, 5.25-inch]

• [720 KB, 3.5-inch]

• [1.44 MB, 3.5-inch]

• [2.88 MB, 3.5-inch]

Follow the same procedure to configure floppy drive B. Choose None if you do not have a
second floppy drive.

AcerAltos 19000Pro4 Series User’s Guide

4.4.2 IDE Drives

There are two IDE drive option items under the Disk Drives menu. Select the IDE Primary
Channel Master if you want to configure an IDE device set as master. Select the IDE Primary
Channel Slave if you want to configure an IDE device set as slave.

To configure an IDE device designated as master:

1. Select the IDE Primary Channel Master option to display its menu.

2. Highlight the parameter Type, then press or to display the IDE drive types with their
respective values for cylinder, head, sector, and size.

You may do any of the following:

• Select the type that corresponds to your IDE hard disk drive.

• If you do not know the exact type of your IDE device, select the Auto option to let the

BIOS utility automatically detect the installed IDE drive type.

• You may save the values under the option User. The next time you boot the system, the

BIOS utility does not have to auto-configure your IDE drive as it detects the saved disk
information during POST.

Copy the IDE disk drive values and keep
them in a safe place in case you have to
reconfigure the disk in the future.

• If you have installed an IDE hard disk that was previously formatted but does not use

the disk native parameters or structure, i.e., the disk may be formatted according to the
user-specified number of cylinders, heads, and sectors, select the User option. Then
enter the appropriate drive information.

• If there is no device connected, choose None.

To configure an IDE device designated as slave:

Chapter 4 - BIOS Utility

1. Select the IDE Primary Channel Slave option to display its menu.

2. Follow step 2 of the procedure when configuring a master device.

Hard Disk Block Mode

This function enhances disk performance depending on the hard disk in use. If you set this
parameter to Auto, the BIOS utility automatically detects if the installed hard disk drive
supports the Block Mode function. If supported, it allows data transfer in block (multiple
sectors) at a rate of 256 bytes per cycle. To disregard the feature, change the setting to Disabled
.

Hard Disk Size > 504 MB

When set to Auto, the BIOS utility automatically detects if the installed hard disk supports the
function. If supported, it allows you to use a hard disk with a capacity of more than 504 MB.
This is made possible through the Logical Block Address (LBA) mode translation. However,
enhanced IDE feature works only under DOS and Windows 3.x, 95 environment. Other
operating systems require this parameter to be set to Disabled.

AcerAltos 19000Pro4 Series User’s Guide

4.5 Startup Configuration

The Startup Configuration allows you to specify your preferred setting for bootup.
The following screen appears if you select the Startup Configuration option from the main

menu:

Startup Configuration Page 1/1

System POST Mode .......................[ Normal ]

Silent Boot ............................[Disabled]

Num Lock After Boot ....................[Enabled ]

Memory Test ............................[Disabled]

Initialize SCSI Before IDE .............[Disabled]

Boot From IDE CD-ROM ...................[Disabled]

System Boot Drive ......................[Drive A Then C]

MP Compliant Revision ..................[ V1.4 ]

↑↓ = Move Highlight Bar, ← → = Change Setting, F1 = Help

Chapter 4 - BIOS Utility