AOpen MX6B User Manual

Chapter 1 Overview
Chapter 2 Hardware Installation
Chapter 3 Award BIOS

Chapter 1

Overview

MX6B is a new generation Pentium II / Pentium III based system board that
utilizes Intel 82440ZX/BX AGPset on Micro ATX PCI/ISA platform. This
AGPset is designed for the Pentium II / Pentium III / Celeron CPU, and
supports new architectures such as a high speed AGP graphics port, SDRAM,

Ultra DMA/33, Bus master IDE and USB ports. It has three Dual in-line
Memory Module (DIMM) slots that allow to install SDRAM memory and
expand up to a maximum of 512MB. Since the cache is on the CPU card
(connector SLOT1), there is no secondary level cache onboard. Also, MX6B

uses a 2M bit Flash ROM BIOS to reserve for future new functions.
In addition to the above features, MX6B also implements plenty of special

features as follows.
Jumper-less Design Pentium II / Pentium III / Celeron VID signal and SMbus

clock generator provide CPU voltage auto-detection and allows the user to set
the CPU frequency through the CMOS setup, therefore no jumpers or switches
are used. The correct CPU information is saved into the EEPROM. With these
technologies, the disadvantages of the Pentium based jumper-less designs are
eliminated. There will be no worry of wrong CPU voltage detection and no need
to re-open the housing in case of CMOS battery loss. The only jumper left is to
clear the CMOS, which is a safety hook if you forget the password.

Full-range CPU Core Voltage This motherboard supports a CPU core voltage
from 1.3V to 3.5V, that can be applied to various CPU types in future.

Battery-less Motherboard This motherboard implements EEPROM and a
special circuit (patent applied) that allows you to save your current CPU and
CMOS Setup configurations without the need of a battery. The RTC (real time
clock) can also keep running as long as the 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

1-1

Overview

status, memory image) into hard disk. Note that you have to use VESA
compatible PCI VGA, Sound Blaster compatible sound card with APM driver,
for Suspend to Hard Drive to work properly.

ACPI Suspend to Hard Drive The conventional "Suspend to Hard Drive"
function is a private design of AOpen motherboards, the requirement to run it is
a BIOS revision and correct chipset that supports this function. However,
nowadays "Suspend to Hard Drive" has been become widely known as the "S4

- Hibernation" state defined in the ACPI specification; in this case not only the
BIOS itself but also the operation system (i.e. Windows98) and even the display
card are involved in the execution of this function. With regard to how to
implement this function, please refer to section “1.4 ACPI Suspend to Hard
Drive”.

0V Wake On Modem In conjunction with ATX soft power On/Off, it is possible
to have the system totally power off and wakeup to automatically answer a
phone call to serve as an answering machine or to send/receive a fax. The
most important break through is not only an externally cased modem but also
an internal modem card can be used to support Wake On Modem. The MX6B
and MP56 internal modem card implement a special circuit (patent applied) to
make sure the modem card works properly without any power.

Wake On LAN This feature is very similar as the Wake On Modem feature, but
it is through a local area network. To use the Wake On LAN function, you must
have a network card that supports this feature and have installed proper
network management software.

Wake On RTC Timer The Wake Up Timer is more like an alarm, which wakes
up and powers on your system at a pre-defined time for a specific application. It
can be set to wake up everyday or on specific date within a month. The
date/time is accurate to within a second.

Wake On Keyboard This function allows you to 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 power on the system by clicking a
specified mouse button twice successively.

High Efficiency Synchronous Switching Regulator Most of the current
switching designs are Asynchronous mode, which from a technical point of
view, still consumes very high power and generates heat. This motherboard
implements a high efficient synchronous switching design so that the
temperature of MOS FET is far less than the Schottky diode of the
asynchronous design.

CPU and Housing Fan Monitoring The MX6B has one more "fan monitoring"
function to prevent system overheat. There are two fan connectors. One is for
the CPU and the other can be an extra housing fan. The system will report an

1-2

Overview

alarm fan malfunction through utility software such as Hardware Monitoring
Utility.

CPU Thermal Protection The MX6B has a special thermal detection circuit to
provide warning through application software when the temperature is higher
than a predefined value.

System Voltage Monitoring Further more, the MX6B implements a voltage
monitoring system, As you turn on your system, this smart design will continue
to monitor your system’s working voltage. If any of the system’s voltage is over
the component's standard an alarm will be sounded through utility software
such as a Hardware Monitoring Utility for a warning to user.

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 settings if this item is set to
“Enabled” the system will automatically power-on after AC power resumes.

PC99 Ready For user’s convenience in installing the PC system, AOpen
adopts the recommended PC99 color scheme in all connectors that mount on
this motherboard.

FCC DoC Certificate The MX6B has passed the 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, etc.

Note: This motherboard is battery-less, that means the RTC (real
time clock) can continue running without a battery as long as the
power cord is plugged. But in case of power failure or the power
cord being unplugged, you will need to reset the date and time
from the "Standard CMOS Setup" section of the BIOS Setup. For
more information, please see "Chapter 3 BIOS Setup".

1.1 Specifications

Form Factor
Board Size
CPU
System Memory
Second-level Cache
Chipset

Micro ATX
244 mm x 220 mm
Intel Pentium II / Pentium III / Celeron Processor
SDRAM, 168-pin DIMM x3, maximum 512MB.
On the CPU card (Slot1 connector)
Intel 82440ZX/BX AGPset

1-3

Overview

Onboard Audio
Expansion Slots
Serial Port

Parallel Port

Floppy Interface

IDE Interface

USB Interface

PS/2 Mouse
Keyboard
RTC and Battery

BIOS

ESS Solo-1
ISA x1, PCI x 3 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.
Multi-language versions supported.

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 à Suspend Mode Option, select
"Suspend to Disk".

2. Go into BIOS setup, PNP/PCI Configuration à 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.

Overview

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.

AOpen AW32
AOpen AW35
AOpen MP32
Creative SB 16 Value PnP
Creative SB AWE32 PnP
ESS 1868 PnP
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
à USB Legacy Support. Disable the USB Legacy
function.

1-7

Overview

1.3 ACPI Suspend to Hard Drive

For a detailed installation procedure please refer to the following procedure to
enable ACPI Suspend to Hard Drive on the AOpen MX6B motherboard. First
please check if your system meets the following requirements, then follow the
procedure step by step.

System Requirement

1. AOZVHDD.EXE 1.30b or later (http://www.aopen.com.tw/tech/mbdrv/

default.htm#Suspend to Hard Disk Drivers).

2. Delete config.sys and autoexec.bat.

I. Fresh installation

1. Execute "Setup.exe /p j" to install Windows 98.

2. After Windows 98's installation is completed, go to Control Panel --> Power

Management.

a. Set "Power Schemes -> System Standby" to "Never".
b. Click on "Hibernate" and select "Enable Hibernate Support" then "Apply".
c. Click on the "Advanced" tab, you'll see "Hibernate" on "Power Buttons".

Note that this option will only be seen after step b mentioned above has
been completed, otherwise only "Standby" and "Shutdown" will be
shown. Select "Hibernate" and "Apply".

3. Run AOZVHDD utility.
a. If you assign the whole disk to your Win 98 system (FAT 16 or FAT 32),

please run "aozvhdd /c /file" in DOS mode. Please remember sufficient
free space has to be reserved in the disk, e.g. if you have 64 MB DRAM
and 16 MB VGA card installed, the system needs at least 80 MB free
space. The utility will locate the space automatically.

b. If you assign an individual partition for Win 98, please run "aozvhdd /c

/partition". Of course, the system needs to provide unformatted an empty
partition.

4. Reboot system.

5. You've already implemented ACPI with Suspend-to-Harddisk. Click "Start ->

Shut Down -> Standby" then the screen will go off immediately. And 1
minute or so will be taken for the system to save what's in the memory to the
harddrive; the larger the memory size the longer this process will take.

II. Changing from APM to ACPI (Windows 98 only)

1-8

Overview

1. Run "Regedit.exe"
a. Go through the following path

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
SOFTWARE
MICROSOFT
WINDOWS
CURRENT VERSION

DETECT
b. Select "ADD Binary" and name it as "ACPIOPTION".
c. Right click and select Modify, add "01" after "0000" to make it "0000 01".
d. Save changes.

2. Select "Add New Hardware" under Control Panel. Allow Windows 98 to
detect new hardware. (It will find "ACPI BIOS" and remove "Plug and Play
BIOS")

3. Reboot system.

4. Clean boot into DOS and run "AOZVHDD.EXE /C /File"

III. Changing from ACPI to APM

1. Run "Regedit.exe"

a. Go through the following path

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
SOFTWARE
MICROSOFT
WINDOWS
CURRENT VERSION
DETECT

ACPI OPTION
b. Right click and select Modify, change "01" to "00" to make it "0000 02".
<Note> "02" means Windows 98 is ACPI acknowledged but disable ACPI

function.
c. Save changes.

2. Select "Add New Hardware" under Control Panel. Allow Windows 98 to
detect new hardware. (It will find "Plug and Play BIOS" and remove "ACPI
BIOS")

1-9

Overview

3. Reboot system.

4. Run "Add New Hardware" again and it will find "Advanced Power
Management Resource".

5. Click "OK".

1.4 Zero Voltage Modem Wake Up

The Wake On Modem discussed here is to wakeup from true power off (defined
as the fan of power supply being off), This motherboard still supports traditional
green PC suspend mode but 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 0V Wake On Modem,
but if you use external modem, you have to keep the box modem always
power-on. AOpen MX6B and internal modem card implement special circuit
(patent applied) and make sure the modem card works properly without any
power. We recommend you choose AOpen modem card (For example, FM56­P, FM56-H, etc.) for 0V Wake On Modem applications.

1-10

InternalModemCardWake

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Externa

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1-11

Overview

For Internal Modem Card (AOpen FM56-P):

1. Go into the BIOS Setup, select Power Management and à 0V Wake On

Modem. Select “Enabled.”

2. Install your application, put into Windows 95 StartUp.

3. Turn the system power off by soft power switch.

4. Connect the 4-pin Wake On Modem cable from FM56-P RING connector to

the MX6B WOM connector.

5. Connect your telephone line to the FM56-P modem. You are now ready to

use Wake On Modem.

For External Box Modem:

1. Go into the BIOS Setup, select Power Management and à 0V Wake On

Modem. Select “Enabled.”

2. Setup your application, put into Windows 95 StartUp.

3. Turn your system power off by soft power switch.

4. Connect your RS232 modem cable from your 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 modem wake up signal is detected through
COM1 or COM2. An internal modem card wake up signal is
detected through a cable from the connector RING (on the
modem card) to WOM (on the mainboard).

Note: If you use an external modem, the power of the
external modem must be kept on to receive a signal from
the telephone line. An internal modem card has no such
limitation.

1.5 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’s working
voltage. If any of the system’s voltage is over the component's standard there

1-12

Overview

will be an alarm through application software such as the Hardware Monitoring
Utility to warn the user. The system voltage monitoring function monitors CPU
core voltage. It is automatically implemented by the BIOS and Hardware
Monitoring Utility (the program’s file name is like aohwxxx.exe, where xxx
means the version number), no hardware installation is needed.

1.6 Fan Monitoring

There are two fan connectors, one is for the CPU, and the other can be a
housing fan. The fan monitoring function is implemented by connecting a fan to
the 3-pin fan connector CPUFAN1 or FAN1 and installing the Hardware
Monitoring Utility.

Note: You need a 3-pin fan that supports SENSE
signal for the fan monitoring function to work
properly.

1.7 CPU Thermal Protection

This motherboard implements special thermal protection circuits. When
temperature is higher than a predefined value, there will be warning through
application software such as the Hardware Monitor utility to notify the user. It is
automatically implemented by the BIOS and the Hardware Monitoring Utility, no
hardware installation is needed.

1-13

Overview

1.8 Battery-less Design

To preserve the earth, this motherboard implements the battery-less
motherboard design. There is no need to have a battery for RTC (real time
clock) and CMOS Setup as long as the ATX power cable is plugged in. In case
the AC power is shutdown or the power cord is removed by accident, the
CMOS Setup and system configuration can be restored from EEPROM, only
the system clock needs to be re-set to current date/time.

For the convenience of the end user, the MX6B still ships with one Lithium
(CR-2032) battery. If you prefer to use a battery, you can still insert it into
battery socket. The RTC will still keep running even when the power cord is
removed.

1-14

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

Hardware Installation

COM1

PRINTER

JP14

VGA

JP28

JP23

2.1 Jumper and Connector Locations

The following figure shows the locations of the jumpers and connectors on the
system board:

MODEM-CN CD-IN

USB

I
S
A
1

PANEL

FAN1

P
C
I
3

BIOS

WOL

WOM

P

P

C

C

I

I

2

1

A
G
P

IDE2

IDE1

IrDA

DIMM1
DIMM2
DIMM3

PWR2

KB2

PS/2 MS

CPUFAN1

FDC

2-2

Hardware Installation

Jumpers:

JP14: Clear CMOS
JP23: AGP Ratio
JP28: Enable/Disable KB/MS Wake Up

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
FAN1: 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

2-3

Hardware Installation

2.2 Jumpers

With the help of Pentium II / Pentium III / Celeron VID signal and SMbus, this
motherboard is jumper-less design.

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 jumper­less 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 à Chipset Features Setup à CPU Clock Frequency

(The possible setting is 66.8, 75, 83.3, 100, 103, 112, 124/31, 124/41, 133/33,
133/44, , 138, 143, 148 and 153 MHz)

BOIS Setup à Chipset Features Setup à 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 = CPU Ratio * CPU FSB

Intel Pentium II
/Pentium III

Pentium II - 233 233MHz = 3.5x 66MHz
Pentium II - 266 266MHz = 4x 66MHz
Pentium II - 300 300MHz = 4.5x 66MHz
Pentium II - 333 333MHz = 5x 66MHz
Pentium II - 350 350MHz= 3.5x 100MHz
Pentium II - 400 400MHz= 4x 100MHz
Pentium II - 450 450MHz= 4.5x 100MHz
Pentium III - 450 450MHz = 4.5x 100MHz
Pentium III - 500 500MHz = 5x 100MHz
Pentium III - 550 550MHz = 5.5x 100MHz

CPU Core Frequency Ratio External Bus Clock

INTEL Celeron CPU Core Frequency Ratio External Bus Clock

2-4

Hardware Installation

3

3

INTEL Celeron CPU Core Frequency Ratio External Bus Clock

Celeron 266 266MHz = 4x 66MHz
Celeron 300 300MHz = 4.5x 66MHz
Celeron 300A 300MHz = 4.5x 66MHz
Celeron 333 333MHz = 5x 66MHz
Celeron 366 366MHz = 5.5x 66MHz
Celeron 400 400MHz = 6x 66MHz
Celeron 433 433MHz = 6.5x 66MHz
Celeron 466 466MHz = 7x 66MHz

Warning: INTEL 440ZX/BX chipset supports a maximum of
100MHz FSB, the higher clock settings are for internal test only.

These settings exceed the specification of ZX/BX chipset,
which may cause serious system damage.

2.2.2 Setting the CPU Voltage

This motherboard supports Pentium II \ Pentium III \ Celeron 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
the procedures as below:

JP14

1
2

Normal Operation

JP14

1
2

Clear CMOS

(default)

2-5

Hardware Installation

1 2 3

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 the default
setting (233MHz or 350MHz).

Tip: If your system hangs or fails to boot because of over-clocking,
simply use <Home> key to restore to the default setting. 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.

2.2.4 KB/MS Wakeup

JP28

1-2
2-3

2-6

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.

JP28

1 2 3

Disabled

JP28

Enabled

2.2.5 AGP Ratio

5

6

5

6

5

6

Hardware Installation

JP23

1-2
3-4
5-6

DC/Host Ratio

Auto (default)
2/3
1/1

To improve system performance, this motherboard
has implemented this jumper for setting the ratio of
the display cache and CPU external frequency.

JP23

1
3

JP23

2
4

1
3

JP23

2
4

1

2

3

4

Auto

2/3

1/1

(Default)

There is a "66/100" signal pin from CPU for ZX/BX chipset to automatically
identify AGP clock, this is important for jumperless design. When a 66MHz
Pentium II CPU is used, the north bridge will synchronize the CPU external
frequency and the AGP bus frequency. Therefore, when you set the CPU
external frequency to 100MHz, the AGP bus will also runs at 100MHz.

With 100MHz Pentium II CPU, the north bridge automatically set AGP frequency
to 2/3 AGP frequency. In other words, the AGP card will still runs at 66MHz while
the CPU is running at 100MHz external frequency.

Except Auto setting, you may also set this jumper to 2/3 or 1/1. Below is a table
for better understanding:

CPU Type 66/100 signal Bus clock AGP clock JP23

66MHz Low 66MHz 66MHz 1-2
66MHz Low 100MHz 100MHz 1-2
66MHz Low 100MHz 66MHz 3-4
100MHz High 100MHz 66MHz 1-2
100MHz High 100MHz 66MHz 3-4
100MHz High 100MHz 100MHz 5-6
100MHz High 133MHz 88.6MHz 1-2
100MHz High 133MHz 88.6MHz 3-4
100MHz High 133MHz 133MHz 5-6

Warning: The specification of AGP has a maximum of
100Mhz clock. A higher setting may cause the system
damage.

2-7

Hardware Installation

5V SB

GND

2.3 Connectors

2.3.1 Power Cable

The ATX power supply uses 20-pin connector shown below. Make sure you
plug in the right direction.

Caution: Make sure that the power supply is off
before connecting or disconnecting the power cable.

+5V

3.3V

3.3V

+5V

PWR2

2.3.2 Fan

Plug in the fan cable to the 3-pin fan connector onboard. The fan connector is
marked CPUFAN1 and FAN1 on the system board.

+12V

SENSE

CPUFAN1

FAN1

2-8

Hardware Installation

PS/2 Mouse

PS/2 KB

2.3.3 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.

PCB

2.3.4 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

2-9

Hardware Installation

COM1

COM2

PRINTER

2.3.5 Serial Devices

The onboard serial connectors COM1 and COM2 are 9-pin D-type connectors
on the back panel of mainboard.

PCB

2.3.6 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 housing.

2-10

PCB

Hardware Installation

USB

34

33

2.3.7 USB Device

You can attach USB devices to the USB connector. The motherboard
contains two USB connectors, which are marked as USB.

PCB

2.3.8 Floppy Drive

Connect the 34-pin floppy drive cable to the floppy drive connector marked as

FDC on the system board.

2

1

FDC

2.3.9 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

2-11

Hardware Installation

1

40

2

39

1

40

2

39

(1st)

(2nd)

the same channel, and the third and fourth device can be connected on
secondary channel as master and slave mode respectively.

IDE2

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)

2-12

Slave

IDE2 (Second Channel)

Slave
(4th)

Master

Master

(3rd)

2.3.10 Panel Connector

1

11

10

20

+++

+

+

+

Hardware Installation

The Panel (multifunction) connector is
a 20-pin connector marked as PANEL
on the board. Attach the power LED,
keylock, speaker, SPWR, IDE LED
and reset switch to the corresponding
pins as shown in the figure.

If your ATX housing supports ACPI
specification, the ACPI & Power LED
will keep flashing if you have enabled
“suspend mode” item in the BIOS
Setup.

1

11

GND

KEYLOCK

+5V
IDE LED
IDE LED

+5V

+5V

GND

NC

SPEAKER

10 20

PANEL

Keylock

IDE LED

Speaker

PANEL

SPWR
GND
ACPI & POWER LED
GND

+5V

NC
NC
GND
RESET
GND

SPWR

ACPI &
Power LED

Reset

2-13

Hardware Installation

1

2

3

4

5

6

2.3.11 IrDA Connector

The IrDA connector can be configured to support wireless infrared module,
with this module and application software such as Laplink or Win95 Direct
Cable Connection, the user can transfer files to or from laptops, notebooks,
PDA devices and printers. This connector supports HPSIR (115.2Kbps, 2
meters) and ASK-IR (56Kbps).

Install the infrared module onto the IrDA
connector and enable the infrared
function from the BIOS setup, make sure
to have the correct orientation when you
plug in the IrDA connector.

Pin

1
2
3
4
5
6

Description

+5V
NC
IRRX
GND
IRTX
NC

IrDA

2-14

Hardware Installation

2.3.12 Wake On Modem Connector

This motherboard implements special circuit to support
Wake On Modem, both Internal Modem Card (AOpen
MP56) and external box Modem are supported. Since
Internal Modem card consumes no power when system
power is off, it is recommended to use Internal Modem.
To use AOpen MP56, connect 4-pin cable from RING
connector of MP56 to WOM connector on the
mainboard.

1
2
3
4

WOM

2.3.13 Wake On LAN Connector

This mainboard implements a WOL connector. To use
Wake On LAN function, you need a network card that
supports this feature. In addition, you also need to
install a network management software.

Pin

1
2
3
4

Pin

1
2
3

Description

+5V SB
NC
RING
GND

Description

+5V SB
GND
LID

1
2
3

WOL

2-15

Hardware Installation

2.3.14 CD Audio Connector

This connector is used to connect CD audio cable.

1
2
3
4

CD-IN

2.3.15 Mono In/Mic Out Connector

This connector is used to connect Mono In/Mic Out
connector of an internal modem card. The pin 1-2 is
Mono In, and the pin 3-4 is Mic Out. Please note
that there is no standard for this kind of connector
yet, only some internal modem cards implement this
connector.

Please see the pin definitions to connect the cable.

Pin

1
2
3
4

Pin

1
2
3
4

Description

L
GND
GND
R

Description

Mono In
GND
GND
Mic Out

2-16

1
2
3
4

MODEM-CN

Hardware Installation

SPK

MIC

LINE-IN

Tape Deck,

Speakers

Microphone

Headphones

CD Player

2.3.16 Audio Connector

This motherboard comes with an onboard 16-bit audio processor (ESS Solo-1).

Game Port

PCB

To fully utilize the audio functions, you may connect various peripheral devices
that the audio chip supports. The following figure shows the different devices
that you can connect.

Stereo
Amplifier

SPK

Line-in

Mic

Synthesizer,

etc.

The audio drivers and applications are included in the AOpen Bonus Pack CD
disc.

2-17

Hardware Installation

168

2.4 Configuring the System Memory

The DIMM types supported are
SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM) only.
This motherboard has three 168 pin
DIMM sockets (Dual-in-line Memory
Module) that allow you to install system

PIN1

Warning: This motherboard does not support Registered
SDRAMs and EDO DRAMs.

Warning: If you install two double-side SDRAMs, the possible
combinations are DIMM1&DIMM2 or DIMM1&DIMM3.

Warning: The maximum of 512MB can be implemented by
installing two 256MB SDRAM modules.

memory up to 512MB.
In case you install SDRAMs on

DIMM2 and DIMM3 at the same time,
it is crucial to identify single/double
side. For this configuration, only
single-side SDRAMs are acceptable.

I. Size: single side, 1Mx64 (8MB), 2Mx64 (16MB), 4Mx64 (32MB), 8Mx64

(64MB), 16Mx64 (128MB), and double side, 1Mx64x2 (16MB), 2Mx64x2
(32MB), 4Mx64x2 (64MB), 8Mx64x2 (128MB).

Tip: Here is a trick to check if your DIMM is single-side or
double-side -- if there are traces connected to golden finger
pin 114 and pin 129 of the DIMM, the DIMM is probably
double-side; otherwise, it is single-side. The following figure
is for your reference.

Pin 129

2-18

Pin 114

Hardware Installation

II. Speed: Normally marked as -12, which means the clock cycle time is 12ns

and the maximum clock of this SDRAM is 83MHz. Sometimes you can also
find the SDRAM marked as -67, which means maximum clock is 67MHz.

Caution: Some SDRAMs marked as -10 may
work fine with 100 MHz CPU clock, but not all
of these kinds of modules can work properly
under 100MHz external clock. We suggest you
choose and install SDRAMs that match PC 100
specification if 100MHz or above CPU clock is
selected.

III. Buffered and non-buffered: This motherboard supports non-buffered

DIMMs only. You can identify non-buffered DIMMs and buffered DIMMs
according to the position of the notch. The following figure is for your
reference:

Reserved

non-buffered

buffered

Because the positions are different, only non-buffered DIMMs can be inserted
into the DIMM sockets on this motherboard. Although most DIMMs available in
the current market are non-buffered, we still recommend you ask your dealer
for the correct type.

IV. 2-clock and 4-clock signals: Although both 2-clock and 4-clock signals

are supported by this motherboard, we strongly recommend choosing 4­clock SDRAM for its reliability.

Tip: To identify 2-clock and 4-clock SDRAM, you
may check if there are traces connected to the
golden finger pins 79 and 163 of the SDRAM. If
there are traces, the SDRAM is probably 4-clock;
Otherwise, it is 2-clock.

V. Parity: This motherboard supports standard 64 bit wide (without parity)

DIMM modules.

VI. SPD support: The BIOS will automatically detect DIMMs with SPD, and set

to the appropriate timing. DIMMs without SPD are still able to work fine on
this board, but the BIOS POST screen will give you a warning message that
you use a DIMM without SPD.

2-19

Hardware Installation

There is no jumper setting required for the memory size or type. It is
automatically detected by the system BIOS, and the total memory size is all of
them added together.

Total Memory Size = Size of DIMM1 + Size of DIMM2 + Size of DIMM3

The following table lists the recommended SDRAM combinations of DIMM:

DIMM
Data chip

1M by 16 1Mx64 x1 4 8MB Yes
1M by 16 1Mx64 x2 8 16MB Yes
2M by 8 2Mx64 x1 8 16MB Yes
2M by 8 2Mx64 x2 16 32MB Yes
4M by 16 4Mx64 x1 4 32MB Yes
4M by 16 4Mx64 x2 8 64MB Yes
8M by 8 8Mx64 x1 8 64MB Yes.
8M by 8 8Mx64 x2 16 128MB Yes.

DIMM
Data chip

2M by 32 2Mx64 x1 2 16MB Yes, but not tested.
2M by 32 2Mx64 x2 4 32MB Yes, but not tested.

Bit size
per side

Bit size
per side

Single/
Double side

Single/
Double side

Chip
count

Chip
count

DIMM size Recommended

DIMM size Recommended

The following table lists possible SDRAM combinations that is NOT
recommended:

DIMM
Data chip

4M by 4 4Mx64 x1 16 32MB No
4M by 4 4Mx64 x2 32 64MB No
16M by 4 16Mx64 x1 16 128MB No

Bit size
per side

Single/
Double side

Chip
count

DIMM size Recommended

2-20

Chapter 3

Award BIOS

This chapter tells how to configure the system parameters. You may update
your BIOS via AWARD Flash Utility.

Important: Because the BIOS code is the most
often changed part of the mainboard design, the
BIOS information contained in this chapter
(especially the Chipset Setup parameters) may be
a little different compared to the actual BIOS that
came with your mainboard.

3-1

AWARD BIOS

3.1 Entering the Award BIOS Setup Menu

The BIOS setup utility is a segment of codes/routines residing in the BIOS
Flash ROM. This routine allows you to configure the system parameters and
save the configuration into the 128 byte CMOS area, (normally in the RTC chip

or directly in the main chipset). To enter the BIOS Setup, press during
POST (Power-On Self Test). The BIOS Setup Main Menu appears as follows.

Tip: Choose "Load Setup Defaults" for
recommended optimal performance. Choose
"Load Turbo Defaults" for best performance
with light system loading. Refer to section 3.7.

The section at the bottom of the screen tells how to control the screen. Use the
arrow keys to move between items, F9 to change language, ESC to exit, and
F10 to save the changes before exiting. Another section at the bottom of the
screen displays a brief description of the highlighted item.

After selecting an item, press Enter to select or enter a submenu.

3-2

AWARD BIOS

3.2 Standard CMOS Setup

The "Standard CMOS Setup" sets the basic system parameters such as the
date, time, and the hard disk type. Use the arrow keys to highlight an item and

or to select the value for each item.

Standard CMOS à Date

To set the date, highlight the Date parameter. Press or to set the
current date. The date format is month, date, and year.

Standard CMOS à Time

To set the time, highlight the Time parameter. Press or to set the
current time in hour, minute, and second format. The time is based on the 24
hour military clock.

3-3

AWARD BIOS

Standard CMOS à Primary Master à Type
Standard CMOS à Primary Slave à Type
Standard CMOS à Secondary Master à Type
Standard CMOS à Secondary Slave à Type

Type

Auto
User
None

This item lets you select the IDE hard disk parameters that
your system supports. These parameters are Size, Number
of Cylinder, Number of Head, Start Cylinder for Pre­compensation, Cylinder number of Head Landing Zone and
Number of Sector per Track. The default setting is Auto,
which enables BIOS to automatically detect the parameters
of installed HDD (Hard Disk Drive) at POST (Power-On Self
Test). If you prefer to enter HDD parameters manually,
select User. Select None if no HDD is connected to the
system.

The IDE CDROM is always automatically detected.

Tip: For an IDE hard disk, we recommend that
you use the "IDE HDD Auto Detection" to enter
the drive specifications automatically. See the
section "IDE HDD Auto Detection".

Standard CMOS à Primary Master à Mode
Standard CMOS à Primary Slave à Mode
Standard CMOS à Secondary Master à Mode
Standard CMOS à Secondary Slave à Mode

Mode

Auto
Normal
LBA
Large

The enhanced IDE feature allows the system to use a hard
disk with a capacity of more than 528MB. This is made
possible through the Logical Block Address (LBA) mode
translation. The LBA is now considered a standard feature
of current IDE hard disk on the market because of its
capability to support capacity larger than 528MB. Note that
if a HDD is formatted with LBA On, it will not be able to boot
with LBA Off.

3-4

Standard CMOS à Drive A
Standard CMOS à Drive B

AWARD BIOS

Drive A

None
360KB 5.25"

1.2MB 5.25"
720KB 3.5"

1.44MB 3.5"

2.88MB 3.5"

These items select the floppy drive type. The available
settings and types supported by the mainboard are listed to
the left.

Standard CMOS à Video

Video

EGA/VGA
CGA40
CGA80
Mono

This item specifies the type of video card in use. The default
setting is VGA/EGA. Since current PCs use VGA only, this
function is almost useless and may be disregarded in the
future.

Standard CMOS à Halt On

Halt On

No Errors
All Errors
All, But Keyboard
All, But Diskette
All, But Disk/Key

This parameter enables you to control the system stops in
case of Power-On Self Test (POST) error.

3-5

AWARD BIOS

3.3 BIOS Features Setup

This screen appears when you select the option "BIOS Features Setup" from
the main menu.

BIOS Features à Virus Warning

Virus Warning

Enabled
Disabled

Type "Y" to accept write, or "N" to abort write

3-6

Set this parameter to Enabled to activate the warning
message. This feature protects the boot sector and
partition table of your hard disk from virus intrusion. Any
attempt during boot up to write to the boot sector of the hard
disk drive stops the system and the following warning
message appears on the screen. Run an anti-virus program
to locate the problem.

! WARNING !

Disk Boot Sector is to be modified

Award Software, Inc.

BIOS Features à External Cache

AWARD BIOS

External Cache

Enabled
Disabled

Enabling this parameter activates the secondary cache
(currently, PBSRAM cache). Disabling the parameter
slows down the system. Therefore, we recommend
that you leave it enabled unless you are
troubleshooting a problem.

BIOS Features à CPU L2 Cache ECC Checking

CPU L2 Cache
ECC Checking

Enabled
Disabled

This item lets you enable or disable L2 Cache ECC
checking.

BIOS Features à Processor Number Feature

Processor Number
Feature

Enabled
Disabled

This item is used to enable or disable Pentium III CPU
Number Feature.

BIOS Features à Quick Power On Self Test

Quick Power on
Self test

Enable
Disabled

This parameter speeds up POST by skipping some
items that are normally checked.

BIOS Features à Boot From LAN First

Boot From LAN
First

Enable
Disabled

This item is used to boot the system from a network
server.

3-7

AWARD BIOS

BIOS Features à Boot Sequence

Boot Sequence

A,C,SCSI
C,A,SCSI
C,CDROM,A
CDROM,C,A
CDROM,A,C
D,A,SCSI
E,A,SCSI
F,A,SCSI
SCSI,A,C
SCSI,C,A
C only
LS/ZIP,C

This parameter allows you to specify the system boot
up search sequence. The hard disk ID are listed below:

C: Primary master
D: Primary slave
E: Secondary master
F: Secondary slave
LS: LS120
Zip: IOMEGA ZIP Drive

BIOS Features à Swap Floppy Drive

Swap Floppy Drive

Enabled
Disabled

This item allows you to swap floppy drives. For
example, if you have two floppy drives (A and B), you
can assign the first drive as drive B and the second
drive as drive A or vice-versa.

BIOS Features à Boot Up NumLock Status

Boot Up NumLock
Status

On
Off

Setting this parameter to On enables the numeric
function of the numeric keypad. Set this parameter to
Off to disregard the function. Disabling the numeric
function allows you to use the numeric keypad for
cursor control.

BIOS Features à Boot Up System Speed

Boot Up System
Speed

High
Low

3-8

Select High or Low system speed after boot.

BIOS Features à Typematic Rate Setting

AWARD BIOS

Typematic Rate
Setting

Enabled
Disabled

Set this parameter to Enable/Disable the keyboard
repeat function. When enabled, continually holding
down a key on the keyboard will generate repeatedly
keystrokes.

BIOS Features à Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec)

Typematic Rate

6
8
10
12
15
20
24
30

This item allows you to control the speed of repeated
keystrokes. The default is 30 characters/sec.

BIOS Features à Typematic Delay (Msec)

Typematic Delay

250
500
750
1000

This parameter allows you to control the delay time
between the first and the second keystroke (where the
repeated keystrokes begin). The typematic delay
settings are 250, 500, 750, and 1000 msec.

BIOS Features à Security Option

Security Option

Setup
System

The System option limits access to both the System
boot and BIOS setup. A prompt asking you to enter
your password appears on the screen every time you
boot the system.

The Setup option limits access only to BIOS setup.
To disable the security option, select Password Setting

from the main menu, don't type anything and just press
<Enter>.

3-9

AWARD BIOS

BIOS Features à PCI/VGA Palette Snoop

PCI/VGA Palette
Snoop

Enabled
Disabled

Enabling this item informs the PCI VGA card to keep
silent (and to prevent conflict) when palette register is
updated (i.e., accepts data without responding any
communication signals). This is useful only when two
display cards use the same palette address and
plugged in the PCI bus at the same time (such as
MPEQ or Video capture). In such case, PCI VGA is
silent while MPEQ/Video capture is set to function
normally.

BIOS Features à OS Select for DRAM > 64MB

OS Select for
DRAM > 64MB

OS/2
Non-OS/2

Set to OS/2 if your system is utilizing an OS/2 operating
system and has a memory size of more than 64 MB.

BIOS Features à Show Logo On Screen

Show Logo On
Screen

Enabled
Disabled

This item lets you show or hide AOpen logo on the
POST screen.

BIOS Features à Video BIOS Shadow

Video BIOS
Shadow

Enabled
Disabled

3-10

VGA BIOS Shadowing means to copy video display
card BIOS into the DRAM area. This enhances system
performance because DRAM access time is faster than
ROM.

BIOS Features à C800-CBFF Shadow
BIOS Features à CC00-CFFF Shadow
BIOS Features à D000-D3FF Shadow
BIOS Features à D400-D7FF Shadow
BIOS Features à D800-DBFF Shadow
BIOS Features à DC00-DFFF Shadow

AWARD BIOS

C8000-CBFFF
Shadow

Enabled
Disabled

These six items are for shadowing ROM code on other
expansion cards. Before you set these parameters, you
need to know the specific addresses of that ROM code.
If you do not know this information, enable all the ROM
shadow settings.

Note: The F000 and E000 segments are
always shadowed because BIOS code
occupies these areas.

3-11

AWARD BIOS

3.4 Chipset Features Setup

The "Chipset Features Setup" includes settings for the chipset dependent
features. These features are related to system performance.

3-12

Caution: Make sure you fully understand the

items contained in this menu before you try to
change anything. You may change the
parameter settings to improve system
performance. However, it may cause your
system to be unstable if the setting is not
correct for your system configuration.

AWARD BIOS

Chipset Features à SDRAM CAS Latency
Chipset Features à SDRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay

SDRAM CAS
Latency

2T
3T

Auto

These are timing of SDRAM CAS Latency and RAS
to CAS Delay, calculated by clocks. They are
important parameters affects SDRAM performance,
default is Auto. If you install DIMMs with SPD and
set this item to Auto, BIOS will automatically detect
your DIMMs and then set to a appropriate timing; If
you use DIMMs without SPD and set this item to
Auto, BIOS will set it to 3/3.To make sure all of these
settings in BIOS are correct, it is recommended to
use DIMMs with SPD.

Chipset Features à SDRAM RAS# Precharge

SDRAM RAS#
precharge

2T
3T

Auto

The RAS Precharge means the timing to inactive
RAS and the timing for DRAM to do precharge
before next RAS can be issued. RAS is the address
latch control signal of DRAM row address. The
default setting is Auto.

Chipset Features à System BIOS Cacheable

System BIOS
Cacheable

Enabled
Disabled

Enabling this item allows you to cache the system
BIOS to further enhance system performance.

Chipset Features à Video BIOS Cacheable

Video BIOS
Cacheable

Enabled
Disabled

This item lets you cache Video RAM C000.

Chipset Features à Video RAM Cacheable

Video RAM
Cacheable

Enabled
Disabled

This item lets you cache Video RAM A000 and B000.

3-13

AWARD BIOS

Chipset Features à 8 Bit I/O Recovery Time

8 Bit I/O Recovery
Time

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
NA

For some old I/O chips, after the execution of an I/O
command, the device requires a certain amount of
time (recovery time) before the execution of the next
I/O command. Because of new generation CPU and
mainboard chipset, the assertion of I/O command is
faster, and sometimes shorter than specified I/O
recovery time of old I/O devices. This item lets you
specify the delay of 8-bit I/O command by count of
ISA bus clock. If you find any unstable 8-bit I/O card,
you may try to extend the I/O recovery time via this
item. The BIOS default value is 4 ISA clock. If set to
NA, the chipset will insert 3.5 system clocks.

Chipset Features à 16 Bit I/O Recovery Time

16 Bit I/O Recovery
Time

1
2
3
4
NA

The same as 16-bit I/O recovery time. This item lets
you specify the recovery time for the execution of 16­bit I/O commands by count of ISA bus clock. If you
find any of the installed 16-bit I/O cards unstable, try
extending the I/O recovery time via this item. The
BIOS default value is 1 ISA clocks. If set to NA, the
chipset will automatically insert 3.5 system clocks.

Chipset Features à Memory Hole At 15M-16M

Memory Hole At
15M-16M

Enabled
Disabled

This option lets you reserve system memory area for
special ISA cards. The chipset accesses code/data
of these areas from the ISA bus directly. Normally,
these areas are reserved for memory mapped I/O
card.

Chipset Features à Passive Release

Passive Release

Enabled
Disabled

3-14

This item lets you control the Passive Release
function of the PIIX4E chipset (Intel PCI to ISA
bridge). This function is used to meet latency of ISA
bus master. Try to enable or disable it, if you have
ISA card compatibility problem.

Chipset Features à Delayed Transaction

AWARD BIOS

Delayed Transaction

Enabled
Disabled

This item lets you control the Delayed Transaction
function of the PIIX4E chipset (Intel PCI to ISA
bridge). This function is used to meet latency of PCI
cycles to or from ISA bus. Try to enable or disable it,
if you have ISA card compatibility problem.

Chipset Features à AGP Aperture Size (MB)

AGP Aperture Size
(MB)

4
8
16
32
64
128
256

This item lets you determine the effective size of the
AGP Graphic Aperture.

Chipset Features à Pentium II Micro Codes

Pentium II Micro
Codes

Enabled
Disabled

The micro codes are used to fix bugs of Pentium II
CPU, we strongly recommend to enable this item for
system reliability reason. However, this microcode
may slightly reduce CPU performance. We provide
this option for your convenience if you like to test it.

Chipset Features à Manufacture Frequency Default

Manufacture
Frequency Default

Depends on the CPU
type

This item only reminds you of the actual CPU
frequency while clearing CMOS or pressing "Home”
key. The default setting is 233 MHz, you can modify it
to match the actual CPU frequency by using the utility

- flash.exe.

Chipset Features à Clock Spread Spectrum

Clock Spread
Spectrum

On
Off

This item is used to set clock spread spectrum for
EMI testing. Normally, you don’t need to change the
default setting.

3-15

AWARD BIOS

Chipset Features à CPU Clock Frequency

CPU Clock Frequency

66.8 MHz

68.5 MHz

75.0 MHz

83.3 MHz
100 MHz
103 MHz
112 MHz
117 MHz
124 MHz
129 MHz

133.3 MHz
138 MHz
143 MHz
148 MHz
153 MHz

This item lets you set external clock (bus clock).
The correct setting may vary because of different
CPU products, refer to your CPU specification for
more details.

Chipset Features à CPU Clock Ratio

CPU Clock Ratio

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

3.5

4.0

4.5

5.0

5.5

6.0

6.5

7.0

7.5

8.0

Intel Pentium II is designed to have different Internal
(Core) and External (Bus) frequency. This item lets
you select the ratio of Core/Bus frequency. The
default value is 3.5x.

Chipset Features à Setup CPU Speed

Setup CPU Speed

3-16

The CPU Speed is derived from the product of “CPU
Clock Frequency” and “CPU Clock Ratio”.

Chipset Features à Y2K CMOS Update

AWARD BIOS

Y2K CMOS Update

Enabled
Disabled

This item is designed for some Y2K testing programs,
for example, Check It 98. If you are using this kind of
program to test your system and fails, enable this
item and redo the test again.

3-17

AWARD BIOS

3.5 Power Management Setup

The Power Management Setup screen enables you to control the mainboard
green features. See the following screen.

Power Management à ACPI Function

ACPI Function

Enabled
Disabled

If your OS is ACPI enabled you have to set this item
to Enabled, or there may be unexpected errors. If
your OS is APM mode, you can remain the Disabled
setting.

Power Management à Power Management

Power Management

Max Saving
Mix Saving
User Define
Disabled

3-18

This function allows you to set the default parameters
of power-saving modes. Set to Disable to turn off the
power management function. Set to User Define to
choose your own parameters.

AWARD BIOS

Mode Doze Standby Suspend HDD Power Down

Min Saving 1 hour 1 hour 1 hour 15 min
Max Saving 1 min 1 min 1 min 1 min

Power Management à PM Controlled by APM

PM Controlled by
APM

Yes
No

If "Max Saving" is selected, you can turn on this
item, transfer power management control to APM
(Advanced Power Management) and enhance
power saving function. For example, stop CPU
internal clock.

Power Management à Video Off Method

Video Off Method

V/H SYNC + Blank
DPMS
Blank Screen

This determines the way that the monitor is off.
Blank Screen writes blanks to video buffer. V/H
SYNC + Blank allows BIOS to control VSYNC and
HSYNC signals. This function applies only for
DPMS (Display Power Management Standard)
monitor. The DPMS mode uses DPMS functions
provided by the VGA card.

Power Management à Video Off After

Video Off After

N/A
Doze
Standby
Suspend

To turn off video monitor at which power down
mode.

3-19

AWARD BIOS

Power Management à Standby Mode

Standby Mode

Disabled
1 Min
2 Min
4 Min
8 Min
12 Min
20 Min
30 Min
40 Min
1 Hour

This item lets you set the period of time after which
the system enters into Standby mode. In this mode,
the monitor power-saving feature activates. Any
activity detected returns the system to full power. The
system activity (or event) is detected by monitoring
the IRQ signals or other events (such as I/O).

Power Management à Suspend Mode

Suspend Mode

Disabled
1 Min
2 Min
4 Min
8 Min
12 Min
20 Min
30 Min
40 Min
1 Hour

This item lets you set the period of time after which
the system enters into Suspend mode. The Suspend
mode can be Power On Suspend or Suspend to Hard
Drive, selected by "Suspend Mode Option".

Power Management à HDD Power Down

HDD Power Down

Disabled
1 Min

.....

15 Min

This option lets you specify the IDE HDD idle time
before the device enters the power down state. This
item is independent from the power states previously
described in this section (Standby and Suspend).

Power Management à 0V Wake On Modem

0V Wake On Modem

Enabled
Disabled

3-20

This option lets you specify enable or disable Wake
On Modem function.

Power Management à Wake On LAN

AWARD BIOS

Wake On LAN

Enabled
Disabled

This option lets you specify enable or disable Wake
On LAN function.

Power Management à Suspend Mode Option

Suspend Mode
Option

PowerOn Suspend
Suspend to Disk

You can select suspend mode by this item. Power
On Suspend is the traditional Green PC suspend

mode, the CPU clock is stop, all other devices are
shut off. But power must be kept On to detect
activities from modem, keyboard/mouse and returns
the system to full power. The system activities is
detected by monitoring the IRQ signals or I/O.
Suspend to Hard Drive saves system status,
memory and screen image into hard disk, then the
power can be totally Off. Next time, when power is
turned On, the system goes back to your original work
within just few seconds, which depending on your
memory size. You need utility AOZVHDD to reserve
disk space.

Power Management à Throttle Duty Cycle

Throttle Duty Cycle

12.5 %

25.0 %

37.5 %

50.0 %

62.5 %

75.0 %

87.5 %

Clock Throttling means at the Doze/Standby state,
the CPU clock count in a given time (not the
frequency) is reduced to the ratio specified in this
parameter. Actually, the period per CPU clock is not
changed. For example, a 66MHz CPU clock remains
the same 30ns clock period when system goes into
Doze/Suspend. The chipset generates the STPCLK
(stop clock) signal periodically to prevent CPU for
accepting clock from clock generator. For full power
on, the CPU can receive 66M count in one second. If
the Slow Clock Ratio is set to 50%, the CPU will only
receive 33M clock count in one second. This will
effectively reduce CPU speed as well as CPU power.

3-21

AWARD BIOS

Power Management à VGA Active Monitor

VGA Active Monitor

Enabled
Disabled

To enable or disable the detection of VGA activity for
power down state transition.

Power Management à Soft-Off by PWR-BTTN

Soft-Off by PWR­BTTN

Delay 4 sec.
Instant-Off

This is a specification of ACPI and supported by
hardware. When Delay 4 sec. is selected, the soft
power switch on the front panel can be used to
control power On, Suspend and Off. If the switch is
pressed for less than 4 seconds during power On,
the system will go into Suspend mode. If the switch is
pressed for longer than 4 seconds, the system will be
turned Off. The default setting is Instant-Off. If
Instant-Off is selected the soft power switch is only
used to control On and Off, so there is no need to
press it for 4 seconds, and there is no Suspend.

Power Management à Wake On RTC Timer

Wake On RTC Timer

By Date
By Week
Disabled

This option lets you enable or disable the RTC Wake
Up function.

Power Management à Date (of Month)

Date (of Month)

0
1

.....

31

3-22

This item is displayed when you enable the Wake On
RTC Timer option. Here you can specify what date
you want to wake up the system. For Example, setting
to 15 will wake up the system on the 15th day of
every month.

Note: Setting this item to 0 will wake up the
system on the specified time (which can be
set in the Wake On RTC Timer ) every day.

Power Management à Time (hh:mm:ss)

AWARD BIOS

Time (hh:mm:ss)

hh:mm:ss

This item is displayed when you enable the Wake On
RTC Timer option. Here you can specify what time
you want to wake up the system.

Power Management à IRQ 8 Clock Event

IRQ 8 Clock Event

Enabled
Disabled

To enable or disable the detection of IRQ8 (RTC)
event for power down state transition. OS2 has
periodically IRQ8 (RTC) interruptions, If IRQ8 is not
set to Disabled, OS/2 may fail to go into
Doze/Standby/Suspend mode.

Power Management à IRQ [3-7,9-15],NMI

IRQ [3-7,9-15],NMI

Enabled
Disabled

To enable or disable the detection of IRQ3-7, IRQ9­15 or NMI interrupt events for power down state
transition.

Power Management à Primary IDE 0
Power Management à Primary IDE 1
Power Management à Secondary IDE 0
Power Management à Secondary IDE 1
Power Management à Floppy Disk
Power Management à Serial Port
Power Management à Parallel Port

Primary IDE 0

Enabled
Disabled

These items enable or disable the detection of IDE,
floppy, serial and parallel port activities for power
down state transition. Actually it detects the read/write
to/from I/O port.

3-23

AWARD BIOS

3.6 PNP/PCI Configuration Setup

The PNP/PCI Configuration Setup allows you to configure the ISA and PCI
devices installed in your system. The following screen appears if you select the
option "PNP/PCI Configuration Setup" from the main menu.

PNP/PCI Configuration à PnP OS Installed

PnP OS Installed

Yes
No

Normally, the PnP resources are allocated by BIOS
during POST (Power-On Self Test). If you are using
a PnP operating system (such as Windows 95), set
this item to Yes to inform BIOS to configure only the
resources needed for booting (VGA/IDE or SCSI).
The rest of system resources will be allocated by PnP
operating system.

PNP/PCI Configuration à Resources Controlled By

Resources Controlled
by

Auto
Manual

3-24

Setting this option to Manual allows you to individually
assign the IRQs and DMAs to the ISA and PCI
devices. Set this to Auto to enable the auto­configuration function.

AWARD BIOS

PNP/PCI Configuration à Reset Configuration Data

Reset Configuration
Data

Enabled
Disabled

In case conflict occurs after you assign the IRQs or
after you configure your system, you can enable this
function, allow your system to automatically reset your
configuration and reassign the IRQs, DMAs, and I/O
address.

PNP/PCI Configuration à IRQ3 (COM2)
PNP/PCI Configuration à IRQ4 (COM1)
PNP/PCI Configuration à IRQ5 (Network/Sound or Others)
PNP/PCI Configuration à IRQ7 (Printer or Others)
PNP/PCI Configuration à IRQ9 (Video or Others)
PNP/PCI Configuration à IRQ10 (SCSI or Others)
PNP/PCI Configuration à IRQ11 (SCSI or Others)
PNP/PCI Configuration à IRQ12 (PS/2 Mouse)
PNP/PCI Configuration à IRQ14 (IDE1)
PNP/PCI Configuration à IRQ15 (IDE2)

IRQ 3

Legacy ISA
PCI/ISA PnP

If your ISA card is not PnP compatible and requires a
special IRQ to support its function, set the selected
IRQ to Legacy ISA. This setting informs the PnP
BIOS to reserve the selected IRQ for the installed
legacy ISA card. The default is PCI/ISA PnP. Take
note that PCI cards are always PnP compatible
(except old PCI IDE card).

PNP/PCI Configuration à DMA 0
PNP/PCI Configuration à DMA 1
PNP/PCI Configuration à DMA 3
PNP/PCI Configuration à DMA 5
PNP/PCI Configuration à DMA 6
PNP/PCI Configuration à DMA 7

DMA 0

Legacy ISA
PCI/ISA PnP

If your ISA card is not PnP compatible and requires a
special DMA channel to support its function, set the
selected DMA channel to Legacy ISA. This setting informs
the PnP BIOS to reserve the selected DMA channel for the
installed legacy ISA card. The default is PCI/ISA PnP.
Take note that PCI card does not require DMA channel.

3-25

AWARD BIOS

PNP/PCI Configuration à PCI IDE IRQ Map To

PCI IDE IRQ Map
To

ISA
PCI-Slot1
PCI-Slot2
PCI-Slot3
PCI-Slot4
PCI-Auto

Some old PCI IDE add-on cards are not fully PnP
compatible. These cards require you to specify the
slot in use to enable BIOS to properly configure the
PnP resources. This function allows you to select the
PCI slot for any PCI IDE add-on card present in your
system. Set this item to Auto to allow BIOS to
automatically configure the installed PCI IDE card(s).

PNP/PCI Configuration à Primary IDE INT#
PNP/PCI Configuration à Secondary IDE INT#

Primary IDE INT#

A
B
C
D

These two items, in conjunction with item "PCI IDE
IRQ Map To", specify the IRQ routing of the primary
or secondary channel of the PCI IDE add-on card (not
the onboard IDE). Each PCI slot has four PCI
interrupts aligned as listed in the table below. You
must specify the slot in the "PCI IDE IRQ Map To",
and set the PCI interrupt (INTx) here according to the
interrupt connection on the card.

3-26

AWARD BIOS

PCI Slot Location 1

(pin A6)

Slot 1 INTA INTB INTC INTD
Slot 2 INTB INTC INTD INTA
Slot 3 INTC INTD INTA INTB
Slot 4 INTD INTA INTB INTC
Slot 5 (if any) INTD INTA INTB INTC

Location 2
(pin B7)

Location 3
(pin A7)

Location 4
(pin B8)

PNP/PCI Configuration à Modem Use IRQ

Modem Use IRQ

N/A
3
4
5
7
9
10
11

This item lets you set an IRQ for the modem.

PNP/PCI Configuration à Used MEM Base Addr

Used MEM Base
Addr

N/A
C800
CC00
D000
D400
D800
DC00

This item, in conjunction with the "Used MEM
Length", lets you set a memory space for non-PnP
compatible ISA card. This item specifies the
memory base (start address) of the reserved
memory space. The memory size is specified in the
"Used MEM Length".

3-27

AWARD BIOS

PNP/PCI Configuration à Used MEM Length

Used MEM Length

8K
16K
32K
64K

If your ISA card is not PnP compatible and requires
special memory space to support its function, specify
the memory size in this parameter to inform the PnP
BIOS to reserve the specified memory space for
installed legacy ISA card.

PNP/PCI Configuration à PCI Slot1 IRQ (Right)
PNP/PCI Configuration à PCI Slot2 IRQ
PNP/PCI Configuration à PCI Slot3 IRQ

PCI Slot1 IRQ

3
4
5
7
9
10
11
12
14
15
Auto

This item is reserved for engineering purpose to let
you assign an IRQ manually to the add-on card on
each PCI slot. If you select Auto, system will
automatically assign an available value to the device.

It is suggested to use default setting, which is Auto, in
order to comply with PnP specification completely.

3-28

AWARD BIOS

3.7 Load Setup Defaults

The "Load Setup Defaults" option loads optimized settings for optimum system
performance. Optimal settings are relatively safer than the Turbo settings. All
the product verification, compatibility/reliability test report and manufacture
quality control are based on "Load Setup Defaults". We recommend you to use
this settings for normal operation. "Load Setup Defaults" is not the slowest
setting for this motherboard. If you need to verify an unstable problem, you
may manually set the parameter in the "BIOS Features Setup" and "Chipset
Features Setup" to get slowest and safer setting.

3.8 Load Turbo Defaults

The "Load Turbo Defaults" option gives better performance than "Load Setup
Defaults". It is provided for the convenience of power user who wants to push
the motherboard to get better performance. Turbo setting does not go though
all the detail reliability and compatibility test, it is tested only with limited
configuration and loading (for example, a system that contains only a VGA card
and two DIMMs). Use Turbo setting only when you fully understand the items in
Chipset Setup menu. The performance improvement of Turbo setting is
normally around 3% to 5%, depending on the chipset and the application.

3-29

AWARD BIOS

3.9 Integrated Peripherals

The following screen appears if you select the option "Integrated Peripherals"
from the main menu. This option allows you to configure the I/O features.

Integrated Peripherals à IDE HDD Block Mode

IDE HDD Block
Mode

Enabled
Disabled

3-30

This feature enhances disk performance by allowing
multisector data transfers and eliminates the interrupt
handling time for each sector. Most IDE drives,
except with old designs, can support this feature.

AWARD BIOS

Integrated Peripherals à IDE Primary Master UDMA
Integrated Peripherals à IDE Primary Slave UDMA
Integrated Peripherals à IDE Secondary Master UDMA
Integrated Peripherals à IDE Secondary Slave UDMA

IDE Primary Master
UDMA

Auto
Disabled

This item allows you to set the Ultra DMA/33 mode
supported by the hard disk drive connected to your
primary IDE connector.

Integrated Peripherals à On-Chip Primary PCI IDE
Integrated Peripherals à On-Chip Secondary PCI IDE

On-Chip Primary
PCI IDE

Enabled
Disabled

This parameter lets you enable or disable the IDE
device connected to the primary IDE connector.

Integrated Peripherals à USB Keyboard Support

USB Keyboard
Support

Enabled
Disabled

This item lets you enable or disable the USB
keyboard driver within the onboard BIOS. The
keyboard driver simulates legacy keyboard command
and let you use USB keyboard during POST or after
boot if you don't have USB driver in the operating
system.

Caution: You can not use both USB driver
and USB legacy keyboard at the same time.
Disable "USB Keyboard Support" if you have
USB driver in the operating system.

Integrated Peripherals à Init Display First

Init Display First

PCI
AGP

If you installed a PCI VGA card and an AGP card at
the same time, this item lets you decide which one is
the initial display card.

3-31

AWARD BIOS

Integrated Peripherals à Power On Function

Power On Function

Button Only
Keyboard 98
Password
Hot Key
Mouse Left
Mouse Right

This item is used to select Wake on Keyboard/Mouse
mode.

Button Only: Disable Wake on KB/MS function. You
can boot up your system by power button only.
Keyboard 98: If selecting this option, you can boot
up the system by power button and the “Wake” key
on keyboard which complies to Keyboard 98
standard.
Password: Disable the function of power button and
let the system can only be powered on through the
preset keys (like a password).
Hot Key: If selecting this option, you also need to
specify the hot key from “Hot Key Power On” item.
Mouse Left: This function allows you wake up the
system by clicking left mouse button twice
successively. Note that the mouse can’t be moved
while double clicking.
Mouse Right: This function allows you wake up the
system by clicking right mouse button twice
successively. Note that the mouse can’t be moved
while double clicking.

Caution: Whenever you change this item, it will only
take effect after you restart the system and successfully
boot the Windows or DOS.

Caution: To implement Wake On Keyboard/Mouse
function, you must set JP28 to Enabled.

Caution: Wake On Mouse function applies to PS/2
mouse only.

Caution: If you set a Password but forget it, please
clear CMOS.

Caution: If you want to use Wake On Mouse function in
DOS, it is necessary to install the DOS driver of the
mouse.

3-32

AWARD BIOS

Integrated Peripherals à KB Power On Password

KB Power On
Password

You can specify 1-5 keys as a password.

Note: Before setting a password you have to
make sure JP28 has been enabled, or your
system cannot be boot up properly any more.
Under this situation, the only solution is to
clear CMOS.

Integrated Peripherals à Hot Key Power On

Hot Key Power On

Ctrl-F1
Ctrl-F2
Ctrl-F3
Ctrl-F4
Ctrl-F5
Ctrl-F6
Ctrl-F7
Ctrl-F8
Ctrl-F9
Ctrl-F10
Ctrl-F11
Ctrl-F12

If you select “Hot Key” option in “Power On Function”
Item, you need to specify a hot key here.

3-33

AWARD BIOS

Power Management à AC PWR Auto Recovery

AC PWR Auto
Recovey

Former-Sts
On
Off

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 item is used to solve this problem.
Selecting On lets the system can automatically
power-on after AC power resumes; in the other hand,
the system will power-off if you select Off. If Former­Sts option is selected, the system will power-on or
power-off based on the original state.

Integrated Peripherals à Onboard FDC Controller

Onboard FDC
Controller

Enabled
Disabled

Setting this parameter to Enabled allows you to
connect your floppy disk drives to the onboard floppy
disk connector instead of a separate controller card.
Change the setting to Disabled if you want to use a
separate controller card.

Integrated Peripherals à Onboard Serial Port 1
Integrated Peripherals à Onboard Serial Port 2

Onboard Serial Port 1

Auto
3F8/IRQ4
2F8/IRQ3
3E8/IRQ4
2E8/IRQ3
Disabled

This item allow you to assign address and interrupt
for the board serial port. Default is Auto.

3-34

Note: If you are using a network card, make

sure that the interrupt does not conflict.

Integrated Peripherals à UART Mode Select

AWARD BIOS

UART Mode Select

Standard
HPSIR
ASKIR

This item is configurable only if the "Onboard UART
2" is enabled. This allows you to specify the mode
of serial port2. The available mode selections are:

• Standard - Sets serial port 2 to operate in normal mode. This is the

default setting.

• HPSIR - Select this setting if you installed an Infrared module in your

system via IrDA connector (refer to section 2.3 "Connectors"). This
setting allows infrared serial communication at a maximum baud rate of
115K baud.

• ASKIR - Select this setting if you installed an Infrared module via IrDA

connector (refer to section 2.3 "Connectors"). This setting allows infrared
serial communication at a maximum baud rate of 19.2K baud.

Integrated Peripherals à RxD, TxD Active

RxD, TxD Active

Hi, Hi
Hi, Lo,
Lo, Hi
Lo, Lo

This item is used to select RxD (Receive Data) and
TxD (Transmit Data) mode for UART, for instance, IR
device, modem, etc. Normally, we suggest you keep
the default setting. Please see the documentation that
comes with your device.

Integrated Peripherals à IR Transmission Delay

IR Transmission
Delay

Enabled
Disabled

If Enabled is selected, there will be a 4 character
delay when SIR is changed from TX mode to RX
mode.

3-35

AWARD BIOS

Integrated Peripherals à Onboard Parallel Port

Onboard Parallel
Port

3BC/IRQ7
378/IRQ7
278/IRQ5
Disabled

This item controls the onboard parallel port address
and interrupt.

Note: If you are using an I/O card with a
parallel port, make sure that the addresses
and IRQ do not conflict.

Integrated Peripherals à Parallel Port Mode

Parallel Port Mode

SPP
EPP
ECP
ECP + EPP

This item lets you set the parallel port mode. The
mode options are SPP (Standard and Bidirection
Parallel Port), EPP (Enhanced Parallel Port) and ECP
(Extended Parallel Port). SPP is the IBM AT and
PS/2 compatible mode. EPP enhances the parallel
port throughput by directly writing/reading data to/from
parallel port without latch. ECP supports DMA and
RLE (Run Length Encoded) compression and
decompression.

Integrated Peripherals à ECP Mode Use DMA

ECP Mode Use DMA

3
1

This item lets you set the DMA channel of ECP mode.

Integrated Peripherals à EPP Mode Select

EPP Mode Select

EPP1.7
EPP1.9

3-36

This item lets you select EPP mode.

Integrated Peripherals à Onboard Sound Chip

AWARD BIOS

Onboard Sound
Chip

Enabled
Disabled

This item lets you enable or disable the onboard
sound chip.

3-37

AWARD BIOS

3.10 Password Setting

Password prevents unauthorized use of your computer. If you set a password,
the system prompts for the correct password before boot or access to Setup.

To set a password:

1. At the prompt, type your password. Your password can be up to 8
alphanumeric characters. When you type the characters, they appear as
asterisks on the password screen box.

2. After typing the password, press.

3. At the next prompt, re-type your password and press again to confirm the
new password. After the password entry, the screen automatically reverts
to the main screen.

To disable the password, press when prompted to enter the password. The
screen displays a message confirming that the password has been disabled.

3.11 IDE HDD Auto Detection

If your system has an IDE hard drive, you can use this function to detect its
parameters and enter them into the "Standard CMOS Setup" automatically.

This routine only detects one set of parameters for your IDE hard drive. Some
IDE drives can use more than one set of parameters. If your hard disk is
formatted using different parameters than those detected, you have to enter the
parameters manually. If the parameters listed do not match the ones used to
format the disk, the information on that disk will not be accessible. If the auto­detected parameters displayed do not match those that used for your drive,
ignore them. Type N to reject the values and enter the correct ones manually

from the Standard CMOS Setup screen.

3.12 Save & Exit Setup

This function automatically saves all CMOS values before leaving Setup.

3-38

AWARD BIOS

3.13 Load EEPROM Default

Except "Load Setup Default" and "Load Turbo Default", you may also use
"Save EEPROM Default " to save your own settings into EEPROM, and reload
by using this item. Note that you must make sure you’ve already executed
“Save EEPROM Default” before choosing this command, otherwise, the system
is likely to boot improperly.

3.14 Save EEPROM Default

You may use this item to save your own settings into EEPROM. Then, if the
data in CMOS is lost or you forget the previous settings, you may use "Load
EEPROM Default " to reload.

3.15 Exit without Saving

Use this function to exit Setup without saving the CMOS value changes. Do
not use this option if you want to save the new configuration.

3.16 NCR SCSI BIOS and Drivers

The NCR 53C810 SCSI BIOS resides in the same flash memory chip as the
system BIOS. The onboard NCR SCSI BIOS is used to support NCR 53C810
SCSI control card without BIOS code.

The NCR SCSI BIOS directly supports DOS, Windows 3.1 and OS/2. For
better system performance, you may use the drivers that come with the NCR
SCSI card or with your operating system. For details, refer to the installation
manual of your NCR 53C810 SCSI card.

3-39

AWARD BIOS

3.17 How to Upgrade the BIOS

AOpen Easy Flash is more user friendly than traditional flash method. The
BIOS binary file and flash routine are combined together and you simply run a
single file to complete the flash process.

1. Get new BIOS upgrade program from AOpen's web site. For example, 6BC

200.EXE. It is recommended to save it to a bootable DOS floppy diskette
for error recovery.

2. Reboot the system to DOS mode without loading any memory handler

(such as EMM386) or device driver. It needs around 520K free memory
space.

3. Execute A:> 6BC200

DO NOT turn off the power during FLASH PROCESS.

4. Reboot the system by turn off the power after flash is completed.

5. Reload the "BIOS SETUP DEFAULT" and reconfigure other items as

previous set. Save & Exit. Done!

Note: If you encounter BIOS flash fail, use
PCI VGA card to check if it can be boot from
floppy and flash again.

3-40

Note: The upgrade of new BIOS will

permanently replace your original BIOS
content after flashing. The original BIOS
setting and Win95/Win98 PnP information will
be refreshed and you probably need to re­configure your system.