AOpen AX3L User Manual
Chapter 1
Overview
AX3L is a new generation Socket 370 based system board that utilizes Intel
82440LX AGPset on ATX PCI/ISA platform. This AGPset is designed for
Pentium II CPU, and supports new architectures such as high speed AGP
graphic port, SDRAM, Ultra DMA/33, Bus master IDE and USB port. It has
three Dual in-line Memory Module (DIMM) that allow to install SDRAM
memory and expand up to a maximum of 768MB. Since the cache is on the
Pentium II CPU card (connector SLOT1), there is no second level cache
onboard Also, AX3L uses 2M bit Flash ROM BIOS to reserve for future new
functions.
Not only above features, AX3L also implements many special features as
following.
Jumper-less Design Celeron PPGA VID signal and SMbus clock generator
provide CPU voltage auto-detection and allows user to set CPU frequency
through CMOS setup, no jumper or switch is needed. The correct CPU
information is saved into EEPROM, with these technologies, the
disadvantages of Pentium base jumper-less design are eliminated. There will
be no worry of wrong CPU voltage detection and no need to re-open the
housing if CMOS battery loss. The only jumper left is to clear CMOS, which is
a safety hook if you forget the password.
Battery-less AX3L implements EEPROM and special circuit (patent applied)
that allows you to save your current CPU and CMOS Setup configurations
without the need of battery. The RTC (real time clock) can also keep running
as long as power cord is plugged. If you lose your CMOS data by accident, you
can just reload the CMOS configurations from EEPROM and the system will
recover as usual.
APM Suspend To Hard Drive "Immediately" turns on system and goes back
to the original screen before power down. You can resume your original work
directly from hard disk without go through the Win95 booting process and run
your application again. Suspend to Hard Drive saves your current work
(system status, memory image) into hard disk. Note that you have to use
1-1
Overview
VESA compatible PCI VGA, Sound Blaster compatible sound card with APM
driver, for Suspend to Hard Drive to work properly.
Zero Voltage Wake on Modem In conjunction with ATX soft power On/Off, it
is possible to have system totally power off and wakeup to automatically
answer a phone call such as answering machine or to send/receive fax. The
most important break through is not only external box modem but also internal
modem card can be used to support Wake On Modem. The AX3L and MP56
internal modem card implement special circuit (patent applied) to make sure
the modem card work properly without any power.
Wake on LAN This feature is very similar as Wake On Modem, but it is
through local area network. To use Wake on LAN function, you must have a
network card that supports this feature and also need to install a network
management software.
Wake on RTC Timer The Wake Up Timer is more like an alarm, which
wakes up and power on your system at a pre-defined time for specific
application. It can be set to wake up everyday or on specific date within a
month. The date/time accuracy is second.
Wake on Keyboard This feature allows you power on your system by clicking
the hot key that you specified. Besides, you also may disable the function of
power button and let the system can only be powered on through the preset
keys (like a password).
Wake on Mouse This function allows you wake up the system by clicking
mouse button twice successively.
AC Power Auto Recovery A traditional ATX system should remain at power
off stage when AC power resumes from power failure. This design is
inconvenient for a network server or workstation, without an UPS, that needs
to keep power-on. This motherboard implements an AC Power Auto Recovery
function to solve this problem. In BIOS Setup setting the item to Enabled lets
the system can automatically power-on after AC power resumes.
High Efficient Synchronous Switching Regulator Most of the current
switching designs are Asynchronous mode, which from the technical point of
view, still consumes very high power as well as heat. AX3L implements high
efficient synchronous switching design that the temperature of MOS FET is far
less than Schottky diode of asynchronous design.
Over Current Protection The Over Current Protection was very popular
implemented on the Baby AT or ATX 3.3V/5V/12V switching power supply.
However, the new generation Celeron PPGA CPU uses different voltage that
have regulator to transfer 5V to CPU voltage (for example, 2.0V), and make 5V
over current protection useless. AX3L with switching regulator onboard support
CPU over current protection, in conjunction with 3.3V/5V/12V power supply
provide the full line over current protection.
1-2
Overview
CPU and Housing Fan Monitoring AX3L has one more "fan monitoring"
function to prevent system overheat. There are two fan connectors, one is for
CPU and the other can be an extra housing fan. The system will report and
alarm fan malfunction though utility software such as Hardware Monitor utility
(Small Icon for Hardware Monitoring).
CPU Thermal Protection AX3L has a special thermal detection circuit to have
warning through application software when the temperature is higher than a
predefined value.
System Voltage Monitoring Further more, AX3L implements a voltage
monitoring system, As you turn on your system, this smart design will continue
to monitor your system working voltage. If any of the system voltage is over
the component's standard. There will be alarm though utility software such as
Hardware Monitor utility (Small Icon for Hardware Monitoring) for a warning to
user.
Full-range CPU core voltage This motherboard supports the CPU core
voltage from 1.3V to 2.05V, that can be applied to various CPU type in future.
Resetable Fuse This motherboard implements resetable fuses to prevent any
accidental short circuit caused by keyboard or USB devices hot plug.
FCC DoC certificate AX3L has passed FCC DoC test. The radiation is very
low, you can use any kind of housing.
Powerful Utility Software AOpen Bonus Pack CD disc contains many useful
utilities, such as Norton Antivirus, AOchip, Hardware Monitoring Utility, and
Suspend to Hard Drive utility.
Note: This motherboard is battery-less, that means the RTC
(real time clock) can keep running without battery as long as
the power cord is plugged. But in case of power failure or the
power cord unplugged, you need to reset date and time from
"Standard CMOS Setup" section of BIOS Setup. For more
information, please see "Chapter 3 BIOS Setup".
1.1 Specifications
Form Factor
Board Size
CPU
1-3
ATX
305 mm x 190 mm
Celeron PPGA
Overview
System Memory
Chipset
Expansion Slots
Serial Port
Parallel Port
Floppy Interface
IDE Interface
USB Interface
PS/2 Mouse
Keyboard
RTC and Battery
BIOS
168-pin DIMM x3, maximum 768MB EDO or 384
SDRAM.
Intel 82440LX AGPset
ISA x2, PCI x4 and AGP x1
Two serial ports UART 16C550 compatible, and the
3rd UART for IR function.
One parallel port supports standard parallel port (SPP),
enhanced parallel port (EPP) or extended capabilities
port (ECP).
Floppy interface supports 3.5 inches drives with
720KB, 1.44MB or 2.88MB format or 5.25 inches
drives with 360KB, 1.2MB format.
Dual-channel IDE interface support maximum 4 IDE
hard disks or CDROM, mode 4, bus master hard disk
drives and Ultra DMA/33 mode hard drives are also
supported.
Two USB ports supported by USB bracket, the BIOS
also supports USB driver to simulate legacy keyboard.
Mini-Din PS/2 mouse connector onboard.
Mini-Din PS/2 keyboard connector onboard.
RTC within Intel PIIX4E chipset. Lithium (CR-2032)
battery is an option, no battery is needed if power cord
is plugged.
AWARD Plug-and-Play, 2M bit Flash ROM BIOS.
1.2 APM Suspend to Hard Drive
Suspend to Hard Drive saves your current work (system status, memory and
screen image) into hard disk, and then the system can be totally power off.
Next time, when power is on, you can resume your original work directly from
hard disk within few seconds without go through the Win95 booting process
and run your application again. If your memory is 16MB, normally, you need to
reserve at least 16MB HDD space to save your memory image. Note that you
have to use VESA compatible PCI VGA (AOpen PV70/PT70), Sound Blaster
compatible sound card and sound driver that supports APM (AOpen
AW32/AW35) for Suspend to Hard Drive to work properly. Of course, we
recommend choosing AOpen products for best compatibility.
To use Suspend to Hard Drive:
1-4
Overview
1. Go into BIOS setup, Power Management Æ Suspend Mode Option, select
"Suspend to Disk".
2. Go into BIOS setup, PNP/PCI Configuration Æ PnP OS Installed, select
"No". This can give BIOS the capability to allocate system resources for
Suspend to Hard Drive.
3. Boot up your system into DOS command prompt. If you are Win'95 user,
Please restart your Windows 95 under "Command Prompt" by pressing
"F8" while system shows "Windows 95 Starting ...". Choose "Safe Mode
Command Prompt Only" from selection so that system will start in DOS
command prompt.
4. Copy AOZVHDD.EXE to the root directory of your C: drive.
5. Option 1: Use /file switch (applied to FAT16 file system):
Please use following command to create a hidden file in the root directory
of your hard disk for Suspend to Hard Drive to save the system status and
memory image.
C:>AOZVHDD /c /file
Please make sure that you have enough continuous HDD space for
creating this hidden file. For example, if you have 32MB of system memory
and 4MB of VGA memory, you need at least 36MB (32MB + 4MB) of
continuous HDD space. If AOZVHDD failed to allocate the HDD space, you
may run "DEFRAG" Utility or "Disk Defragmenter" which come with MSDOS or Win'95 to free HDD space.
1-5
Overview
Option2: Use /partition switch (applied to FAT16/FAT32 file system):
To create a separate partition for Suspend to Hard Drive, please make sure
you have reserved a free partition. We suggest you reserve the free
partition which space is appropriate for your future memory expansion. For
example, if you have 32MB of system memory and 4MB of VGA memory
currently, but you plan to upgrade system memory to 64MB in the near
future, then you may reserve a 68MB (64MB+4MB) space by using a disk
utility (such as fdisk). Next, use following command to create a suspend
partition:
C:>AOZVHDD /c /partition
If there is no extra free partition and you don't want your data lost, please
do not use this partition method.
6. After creating above partition or hidden file, please reboot your system.
7. Push suspend switch (momentary mode) or use Win95 Suspend icon to
force system goes into Suspend to Hard Drive mode and then turn system
power off by power switch of your power supply.
8. Next time when you turn on your system, it will resume to your original work
automatically.
Warning: Note that Intel Bus Master and Ultra DMA/33
IDE driver are not fully compatible with Suspend to Hard
Drive function, installing these drivers may cause the
system unstable. Under this situation, please uninstall the
drivers.
1-6
Warning: This function does not support SCSI hard disks.
Tip: The following VGA cards have been tested &
recognized as VESA compatible VGA device.
AOpen PV90 (Trident 9680)
AOpen PT60 (S3 Virge/BIOS R1.00-01)
AOpen PV60 (S3 Tiro64V+)
AOpen PT70 (S3 Virge/DX)
ProLink Trident GD-5440
ProLink Cirrus GD-5430
ProLink Cirrus GD-5446
ATI Mach 64 GX
ATI 3D RAGE II
Diamond Stealth64D (S3 868)
Diamond Stealth64V (S3 968)
KuoWei ET-6000
ATI 3D RAGE PRO 2x (AGP)
PLOTECH 3D IMAGE 9850 (AGP)
CARDEX S3 Virge/GX (AGP)
Tip: The following sound cards have been tested OK
for Suspend to Hard Drive.
Creative Sound Blaster PCI 64
Creative Ensoniq
Creative Sound Blaster PCI 128
Videologic Sonic Storm
Overview
If your sound card can not work after resume from
Suspend to Hard Drive, check your sound card vendor see
if there is driver to support APM, and install it again.
Note: The USB function has not been tested for
Suspend to Hard Drive. If you find any unstable
problem, please go into BIOS, Integrated Peripherals
Æ
USB Legacy Support. Disable the USB Legacy
function.
1-7
Overview
p
(
)
p
1.3 Zero Voltage Wake on Modem
The Wake on Modem discussed here is to wakeup from true power off
(identified by fan of power supply is off), This motherboard still supports
traditional green PC suspend mode but it is not discussed here.
With the help ATX soft power On/Off, it is possible to have system totally
power off (The traditional suspend mode of power management function does
not really turn off the system power supply), and wakeup to automatically
answer a phone call such as answering machine or to send/receive fax. You
may identify the true power off by checking fan of your power supply. Both
external box modem and internal modem card can be used to support Wake
on Modem, but if you use external modem, you have to keep the box modem
always power-on. AOpen AX3L and internal modem card implement special
circuit (patent applied) and make sure the modem card works properly without
any power. We recommend choosing AOpen modem card (MP56) for Wake
on Modem applications.
TEL Line
COM port
External Box Modem
External Modem WakeU
TEL Line
Internal Modem Card WakeU
1-8
such as MP56
Overview
For Internal Modem Card (AOpen MP56):
1. Go into BIOS setup, Power Management Æ 0V W ake on Modem, select
Enable.
2. Setup your application, put into Windows 95 StartUp or use Suspend to
Hard Drive function.
3. Turn system power off by soft power switch.
4. Connect 4-pin Wake On Modem cable from MP56 RING connector to
AX3L WOM connector.
5. Connect telephone line to MP56. You are now ready to use Wake On
Modem.
For External Box Modem:
1. Go into BIOS setup, Power Management Æ 0V W ake on Modem, select
Enable.
2. Setup your application, put into Windows 95 StartUp or use Suspend to
Hard Drive function.
3. Turn system power off by soft power switch.
4. Connect RS232 cable of external box Modem to COM1 or COM2.
5. Connect telephone line to external box Modem. Turn on Modem power
(you must keep Modem power always on). You are now ready to use Wake
On Modem.
Tip: External Wake on Modem signal is detected through
COM1 or COM2. Internal modem card wake up signal is
detected through cable from connector RING (on modem card)
to WOM (on mainboard).
Note: If you use external modem, the power of external modem
must be kept on to receive signal from telephone line. Internal
modem card has no such limitation.
1.4 System Voltage Monitoring
This motherboard implements a voltage monitoring system. As you turn on
your system, this smart design will continue to monitor your system working
voltage. If any of the system voltage is over the component's standard. There
will be alarm through application software such as Hardware Monitoring Utility
for a warning to user. System voltage monitoring function monitors CPU core
1-9
Overview
voltage. It is automatically implemented by BIOS and Hardware Monitoring
Utility (the file name is like aohw100.exe, where 100 means the version
number), no hardware installation is needed.
1.5 Fan Monitoring
There are three fan connectors, two is for CPU, the other can be connected to
a housing fan. The fan monitoring function is implemented by connecting fan
to 3-pin fan connector CPUFAN1 or FAN and installing Hardware Monitoring
Utility.
Note: You need 3-pin fan that supports SENSE signal
for fan monitoring function to work properly.
1.6 CPU Thermal Protection
This mainboard implements special thermal protection circuits. When
temperature is higher than a predefined value, there will be warning through
application software such as Hardware Monitoring Utility to notify user. It is
automatically implemented by BIOS and Hardware Monitoring Utility, no extra
hardware installation is needed.
1-10
Overview
1.7 Battery-less Design
To preserve the earth, AOpen AX3L implements the battery-less motherboard
design. There is no need to have battery for RTC (real time clock) and CMOS
Setup as long as ATX power cable is plugged. In case of the AC power is
shutdown or power cord is removed by accident, the CMOS Setup and system
configuration can be restored from EEPROM, only the system clock needed to
be re-set to current date/time.
For the convenience of end user, AX3L still shipped with one Lithium (CR-
2032) battery. If you prefer to use battery, you can still insert it into battery
socket. The RTC will still keep running even power cord is removed.
1-11
Chapter 2
Hardware Installation
This chapter gives you a step-by-step procedure on how to install your system.
Follow each section accordingly.
Caution: Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can
damage your processor, disk drives,
expansion boards, and other components.
Always observe the following precautions
before you install a system component.
1. Do not remove a component from its
protective packaging until you are ready
to install it.
2. Wear a wrist ground strap and attach it to
a metal part of the system unit before
handling a component. If a wrist strap is
not available, maintain contact with the
system unit throughout any procedure
requiring ESD protection.
2.1 Jumper and Connector Locations
The following figure shows the locations of the jumpers and connectors on the
system board:
2-1
Hardware Installation
CDIN1
JP12
FAN
I
S
A
2
PANEL
WOL
S
A
P
1
P
C
C
I
I
4
3
BIOS
I
WOM
P
C
I
2
MODEM-CN
P
C
I
1
JP14
A
G
P
IrDA
IDE2
COM2
FDC
PRINTER
IDE1
COM1
USB
CPU FAN2
DIMM1
DIMM2
DIMM3
JP28
CPU FAN1
KB
PS/2
PWR2
2-2
Hardware Installation
Jumpers:
JP12: Enable/Disable Sound
JP14: Clear CMOS
JP28: KB/MS-WKUP
Connectors:
PS2: PS/2 mouse connector
KB: PS/2 keyboard connector
COM1: COM1 connector
COM2: COM2 connector
PRINTER: Printer connector
PWR2: ATX power connector
USB: USB connector
FDC: Floppy drive connector
IDE1: IDE1 primary channel
IDE2: IDE2 secondary channel
CPUFAN1: CPU fan connector
CDUFAN2: CPU fan connector
FAN: Housing Fan Connector
IrDA: IrDA (Infrared) connector
PANEL: Front panel (Multifunction) connector
CD-IN: CD-audio connector
MODEM-CN: Mono in (Pin 1-2) and Mic out (Pin 3-4)
WOM: Wake On Modem connector
WOL: Wake On LAN connector
2.2 Jumpers
With the help of Celeron PPGA VID signal and SMbus, this motherboard is
jumper-less design.
2-3
Hardware Installation
2.2.1 Selecting the CPU Frequency
Celeron PPGA VID signal and SMbus clock generator provide CPU voltage
auto-detection and allow user to set CPU frequency through CMOS setup, no
jumper or switch is needed. The correct CPU information is saved into
EEPROM, with these technologies, the disadvantages of Pentium base
jumper-less design are eliminated. There will be no worry of wrong CPU
voltage detection and no need to re-open the housing if CMOS battery loss.
The CPU frequency selection is set by going into:
BOIS Setup Æ Chipset Features Setup Æ CPU Clock Frequency
(The possible setting is 66.8, 68.5, 70, 73.8, 75, 78.5, 83.3 MHz)
BOIS Setup Æ Chipset Features Setup Æ CPU Clock Ratio
(The possible setting is 1.5x, 2x, 2.5x, 3x, 3.5x, 4x, 4.5x, 5x, 5.5x, 6x, 6.5x, 7x, 7.5x,
and 8x)
Core frequency = Ratio * External bus clock
INTEL Celeron PPGA CPU Core Frequency Ratio External Bus Clock
Celeron PPGA 300A 300MHz= 4.5x 66MHz
Celeron PPGA 333 333MHz= 5x 66MHz
Celeron PPGA 366 366MHz= 5.5x 66MHz
Celeron PPGA 400 400MHz= 6x 66MHz
Celeron PPGA 433 433MHz= 6.5x 66MHz
Warning: INTEL 440LX chipset supports maximum 66MHz external
CPU bus clock, the higher clock settings are for internal test only. These
settings exceed the specification of LX chipset, which may cause
serious system damage.
2-4
Hardware Installation
2.2.2 Setting the CPU Voltage
This motherboard supports Celeron PPGA VID function, the CPU core voltage
is automatically detected, the range is from 1.3V to 3.5V.
2.2.3 Clearing the CMOS
JP14
1-2
2-3
Clear CMOS
Normal operation
(default)
Clear CMOS
You need to clear the CMOS if you forget your
system password. To clear the CMOS, follow
below procedures:
JP14
1
2
3
Normal Operation
(default)
The procedure to clear CMOS:
1. Turn off the system and unplug the AC power.
2. Remove ATX power cable from connector PWR2.
3. Locate JP14 and short pins 2-3 for a few seconds.
4. Return JP14 to its normal setting by shorting pins 1-2.
5. Connect ATX power cable back to connector PWR2.
6. Turn on the system power.
7. Press
during bootup to enter the BIOS Setup Utility and specify a
new password, if needed.
Tip: If your system hangs or fails to boot because of over-clocking,
please clear CMOS and the system will go back to default setting
(300MHz).
Tip: If your system hangs or fails to boot because of over-clocking,
simply use <Home> key to restore to the default setting (300MHz).
By this smart design, it would be more convenient to clear CPU
frequency setting. For using this function, you just need to press
<Home> key first and then press Power button at the same time.
Note that do not release <Home> key until POST screen appearing.
JP14
1
2
3
Clear CMOS
2-5
Hardware Installation
2.2.4 Onboard Audio
JP12
1-2
2-3
Onboard Audio
Enabled (default)
Disabled
If you want to install another sound card, you have
to disable the onboard audio by setting this
jumper to Disabled.
2.2.5 KB/MS Wakeup
JP28
1-2
2-3
KB/MS Wakeup
Disabled
Enabled
This jumper is used to enable or disable
Keyboard/Mouse Power ON function. If you select
Enabled, you may decide the wakeup mode from
BIOS Setup. To implement this function, the 5V
Stand By current must be greater than 800mA.
Note that only PS/2 mouse supports Wake On
Mouse function.
Enabled (default)
JP12
1 2 3
JP28
1 2 3
Disabled
JP12
1 2 3
Disabled
Enabled
JP28
1 2 3
2.3 Connectors
2.3.1 Power Cable
The ATX power supply uses 20-pin connector shown below. Make sure you
2-6
plug in the right direction.
Caution: Make sure that the power supply is off before
connecting or disconnecting the power cable.
Hardware Installation
+5V
3.3V
5V SB
3.3V
+5V
PWR2
2.3.3 Fan
Plug in the fan cable to the fan connectors onboard. The fan connectors are
marked CPUFAN1, CPUFAN2 and FAN on the system board. You can plug
the CPU fan cable to both the 2-pin fan connector CPUFAN1 and the 3-pin fan
connector CPUFAN2. FAN can be reserved for the housing fan. Note that only
CPUFAN2 and FAN support the fan monitoring function, because 3-pin fan
has an extra pin called SENSE, which periodically sends fan signal out.
SENSE
+12V
GND
CPUFAN1 & FAN
GND
+12V
CPUFAN2
2.3.4 PS/2 Mouse
The onboard PS/2 mouse connector is a 6-pin Mini-Din connector marked
PS2. The view angle of drawing shown here is from back panel of the housing.
2-7
Hardware Installation
PCB
PS/2 Mouse
2.3.5 Keyboard
The onboard PS/2 keyboard connector is a 6-pin Mini-Din connector marked
KB2. The view angle of drawing shown here is from back panel of the housing.
PCB
PS/2 KB
2.3.6 Serial Devices (COM1/COM2)
The onboard serial connectors are 9-pin D-type connectors on the back panel
of mainboard. The serial port 1 connector is marked as COM1 and the serial
port 2 connector is marked as COM2.
PCB
COM1
COM2
2.3.7 Printer
The onboard printer connector is a 25-pin D-type connector marked
PRINTER. The view angle of drawing shown here is from back panel of the
2-8
Hardware Installation
housing.
PRINTER
PCB
2.3.8 USB Device
You can attach USB devices to the USB connector. The motherboard
contains two USB connectors, which are marked as USB.
PCB
USB
2.3.9 Floppy Drive
Connect the 34-pin floppy drive cable to the floppy drive connector marked as
FDC on the system board.
342
1
FDC
33
2-9
Hardware Installation
(
)
(
)
2.3.10 IDE Hard Disk and CD ROM
This mainboard supports two 40 pin IDE connectors marked as IDE1 and
IDE2. IDE1 is also known as primary channel and IDE2 as secondary
channel, each channel supports two IDE devices that make total of four
devices.
In order to work together, the two devices on each channel must be set
differently to master and slave mode, either one can be hard disk or CDROM.
The setting as master or slave mode depends on the jumper on your IDE
device, please refer to your hard disk and CDROM manual accordingly.
Connect your first IDE hard disk to master mode of the primary channel. If
you have second IDE device to install in your system, connect it as slave
mode on the same channel, and the third and fourth device can be connected
on secondary channel as master and slave mode respectively.
1
IDE2
402
39
402
2-10
1
IDE1
Caution: The specification of IDE cable is
maximum 46cm (18 inches), make sure your cable
does not excess this length.
Caution: For better signal quality, it is
recommended to set far end side device to master
mode and follow the suggested sequence to install
your new device. Please refer to the following
figure.
IDE1 (Primary Channel)
Slave
2nd
IDE2 (Second Channel)
Slave
(4th)
39
Master
1st
Master
(3rd)
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