DFI G486VPA User manual (REV. A+)

G486VPA

Rev. A +
System Board
User’s Manual

- D26460327 -

v Copyright 1996 by DFI, Inc.

All rights reserved.
No part of this document may be copied, reproduced in

any form or by any means or used to make any transfor­mation/adaptation without the prior written consent of
DFI, Inc.

DFI, Inc. makes no warranties with respect to this
documentation and disclaims any implied warranties of
merchantability, quality, or fitness for any particular
purpose. The information in this document is subject to
change without notice. DFI, Inc. reserves the right to
make revisions to this publication and to make changes
to any and/or all parts of its content, at any time,
without obligation to notify any person or entity of such
changes. Further, DFI, Inc. assumes no responsibility
for any errors that may appear in this document.

DFI is a registered trademark, and G486VPA is a
trademark of Diamond Flower, Inc. All other product
names mentioned are trademarks or registered trade­marks of their respective companies.

v FCC Statement on Class B

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

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and
the receiver.

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

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio TV
technician for help.

Notice:

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

2. Shielded interface cables must be used in order to
comply with the emission limits.

v Table of Contents v

Introduction ..............................................................................

Features and Specifications .........................................

Package Checklist ........................................................

Installation Overview ...............................................................

Preparing the Area ..............................................................

Handling the System Board ................................................

Tips in Handling the System Board ..............................

Hardware Installation ...........................................................

Memory Installation .......................................................

Installing the Modules ............................................

Board Configuration ......................................................

Jumper Settings for Internal/External Battery,

CMOS Clean, Flash EPROM, PS/2 Mouse

and High Address Decode Setting ...................

Jumper Settings for Super I/O Setting ..................

Jumper Settings for VL-Bus Add-on Boards .........

Jumper Settings for PCI Slots ...............................

Cache Configuration .....................................................

Jumper Settings for Cache Memory ......................

CPU Installation ............................................................

Jumper Settings for CPU .......................................

Installing Upgrade CPUs .......................................

Built-in Ports ........................................................................

Serial Ports ...................................................................

PS/2 Mouse Port ...........................................................

Parallel Port ..................................................................

Floppy Disk Drive Controller .........................................

IDE Hard Disk Connector .............................................

Installing Expansion Cards ..................................................

Installing the System Board ................................................

1-1

1-2
1-5

2-1

2-1
2-2
2-2
2-3
2-3
2-8
2-9

2-10
2-14
2-16
2-18
2-20
2-22
2-29
2-30
2-53
2-58
2-59
2-60
2-61
2-63
2-64
2-67
2-69

Initial Setup Program ..............................................................

Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utilities .....................................

Standard CMOS Setup .................................................

BIOS Features Setup ....................................................

Chipset Features Setup ................................................

Power Management Setup ...........................................

PCI Configuration Setup ...............................................

Load BIOS Defaults ......................................................

Load Setup Defaults .....................................................

Password Setting ..........................................................

Supervisor Password .............................................

User Password .......................................................

IDE HDD Auto Detection ..............................................

Save & Exit Setup .........................................................

Exit Without Saving .......................................................

3-1

3-2
3-2
3-5
3-7
3-8

3-9
3-10
3-10
3-11
3-11
3-12
3-13
3-14
3-14

IDE Device Drivers ..................................................................

Troubleshooting Checklist .....................................................

Appendix A: Types of Modules ..............................................

Appendix B: System Error Report .........................................

Appendix C: Memory & I/O Maps ..........................................

Appendix D: PCI I/O Pin Assignments ..................................

Appendix E: ISA I/O Pin Assignments ..................................

Appendix F: Connector Pin Assignments ............................

Appendix G: Award BIOS Hard Disk Table ...........................

Appendix H: System Overview ..............................................

4-1

5-1

A-1
B-1
C-1
D-1
E-1

F-1

G-1
H-1

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

v Introduction

The G486VPA system board offers several advanced
features integrated into the system board. Its design is
based on the new Peripheral Component Interconnect
(PCI) local bus and Industry Standard Architecture
(ISA) standards.

The G486VPA is an Enetgy Star Compliant system
board that supports the Environmental Protection
Agency's Green PC requirements. It reduces energy
consumption by automatically turning off peripherals
or the entire system when not in use.

The G486VPA system board supports a 237-pin Zero
Insertion Force (ZIF) CPU socket that allows users to
easily upgrade their CPUs. It also supports a Flash
EPROM for easy BIOS upgrades. Flash EPROM is a
memory chip for the storage of BIOS which can be
erased in bulk or modified using a software utility.

The G486VPA is equipped with three PCI slots, three
ISA slots, one shared PCI/ISA slot and one VL-Bus slot.

Equipped with one built-in VL-Bus IDE connector and
one ISA IDE connector, the G486VPA system board can
control four drives and supports fast Mode 3 hard drives
and hard drives larger than 528MB under DOS. The
system board is also equipped with two serial ports, an
ECP/EPP parallel port, a floppy disk drive controller,
and an optional mini-DIN-6 connector for the PS/2
mouse.

The G486VPA can support 1MB to 128MB of memory
using 256Kx36, 512Kx36, 1Mx36, 2Mx36, 4Mx36,
8Mx36 and 16Mx36 72-pin SIM modules.

1-1 u Introduction

Features and Specifications

Processor

• 5V CPUs
Intel 486SX/DX/DX2 (full series) and Pentium
OverDrive Processor
AMD 486DX/DXL/DXL2 (full series)
Cyrix 486SX/DX/DX2 (full series)

• 3.3V CPUs
Intel 486DX4-75/100
AMD 486DX2-66/80NV8T,

486DX4-75/100NV8T,
486DX2-66/80 SV8B,
486DX4-75/100 SV8B

Cyrix 486DX2V-50/66/80

Chipset

• VIA - VT82C496G - system and cache controller

VT82C505 - VL-PCI bridge
VT82C406 - peripheral chip

Power Management

• Supports System Management Mode (SMM) and
CPU stopped clock

• Hardware provides flexible event-driven power
management scheme and easy CPU transition state:
Ready, Doze and Suspend

• Microsoft APM compliant

• EPA Energy Star compliant design

G486VPA

BIOS

• Award system BIOS (Flash EPROM or EPROM)

• Supports IDE HDDs larger than 528MB under DOS
(LBA mode only)

• System and EGA/VGA BIOS shadow

Introduction u 1-2

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

Super I/O Interface and Fast IDE

• Two NS16C550 compatible serial ports

• One parallel port with EPP and ECP support

• Supports 360K, 720K, 1.2M, 1.44M and 2.88MB
floppy drives

• Two fast IDE connectors:

Primary IDE connector provides a VL-Bus IDE
Interface to support up to two Mode 3
enhanced HDDs
Secondary IDE connector provides an ISA IDE
Interface to support an ATAPI Compliant
CD-ROM and a tape drive

• PS/2 mouse port (optional)

Cache Memory

• 128K, 256K, 512K or 1MB

• Supports Level 1 and Level 2 write-back/
write-through cache

Memory Onboard

• 1MB to 128MB

• Four 72-pin SIMM sockets

• Supports memory parity check function

• 256Kx36, 1Mx36, 4Mx36, and 16Mx36 (four
banks)

• 512Kx36, 2Mx36 and 8Mx36 (two banks)

Expansion Slots

• Three dedicated PCI slots

• One shared PCI/ISA slot

• Two dedicated 16-bit ISA slots

• One VL-Bus slot that also functions as a 16-bit ISA
slot

1-3 u Introduction

Due to the size of the CPU with its accompanying
heatsink/fan component, the following are the slot
limitations:

PCI/ISA shared slot and PCI slot 2 will be limited
to 2/3 length PCI cards.

ZIF Socket

• 237-pin ZIF socket (Intel Socket 3)

Board Dimensions

• 28cm (11.02") x 22cm (8.58")
Baby AT form factor

PCB

• 4 layers

G486VPA

Introduction u 1-4

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

Package Checklist

The G486VPA package contains the following items:

• The G486VPA system board

• The G486VPA user’s manual

• One IDE driver diskette

• One 34-pin floppy disk drive cable

• Two 40-pin IDE hard disk cables

• One 25-pin printer port cable for chassis mounting

• One card-edge bracket and two serial port cables

• One mouse port cable (optional)
If any of these items are missing or damaged, please

contact your dealer or sales representative for assistance.

1-5 u Introduction

v Installation Overview

This chapter summarizes the steps in installing the
G486VPA system board into your system unit. It also
includes a description of the area in which you must
work and directions for memory installation. Before
installing the system board, obtain the memory you plan
to install. Please refer to the memory chart on pages 2-4,
2-5 and 2-6 for the number and type of SIM modules
needed for the amount of memory you require.

Preparing the Area

Before unpacking the system board, make sure the
location you have selected is relatively free of dust and
static electricity. Excessive exposure to dust, static
electricity, direct sunlight, excessive humidity, extreme
cold, and water can damage the operational capabilities
of your system board. Avoid placing the unit on soft
surfaces such as beds and carpeted floors which can
hinder air circulation. These areas also attract static
electricity which can damage some circuits on your
system board.

G486VPA

Make sure that the power source has a properly
grounded, three-pronged socket. It is essential that the
power connection be properly grounded for correct
functioning of your system board. For further protection,
we recommend that you use a surge suppressor. This
will protect the system board from damage that may
result from a power surge on the line.

Installation Overview u 2-1

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

Move items that generate magnetic fields away from
your system board, since magnetic fields can damage
your system board. Once you have selected the ideal
location, unpack the G486VPA system board carefully.

Handling the System Board

It is quite easy to inadvertently damage your system
board even before installing it to your system unit.
Static electrical discharge can damage computer compo­nents without causing any signs of physical damage.
You must take extra care in handling the system board
to ensure against electrostatic build-up.

Tips in Handling the System Board

1) To prevent electrostatic build-up, leave the board in
its anti-static bag until you are ready to install it.

2) Wear an antistatic wriststrap.

3) Do all preparation work on a static-free surface with

components facing up.

4) Hold the system board by its edges only. Be careful

not to touch any of the components, contacts or
connections, especially gold contacts on the board.

5) Avoid touching the pins or contacts on all modules

and connectors. Hold modules and connectors by
their edges.

2-2 u Installation Overview

Warning:

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage your upgrade
processor, disk drives, add-in boards, and other
components. Perform the upgrade instruction
procedures described at an ESD workstation only. If
such a station is not available, you can provide some
ESD portection by wearing an antistatic wrist strap and
attaching it to a metal part of the system chassis. If a
wrist strap is unavailable, establish and maintain
contact with the system chassis throughout any
procedures requiring ESD protection.

Hardware Installation

Memory Installation

The G486VPA system board can support 1MB to
128MB of memory using HSIM modules. HSIM is an
acronym for High Density Single In-line Memory.

A SIM module consists of several RAM chips soldered
onto a small circuit board. A SIM module connects to
the system board via a 72-pin card-edge connector.

G486VPA

The SIM sockets are divided into four banks on the
system board. The G486VPA uses 256Kx36, 1Mx36,
4Mx36, and 16Mx36 HSIM modules installed in four
banks or 512Kx36, 2Mx36 and 8Mx36 HSIM modules
installed in two banks.

You will need 1, 2, 3 or 4 pieces of SIM modules,
depending on the amount of memory you intend to
install. The following table summarizes the bank loca­tions and modules needed for the corresponding memory
sizes.

Installation Overview u 2-3

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

Memory Size Bank 0 Bank 1

1M 1M ­2M 1M 1M
3M 1M 1M
4M 1M 1M
4M 4M ­5M 4M 1M
6M 4M 1M
7M 4M 1M
8M 4M 4M
9M 4M 4M
10M 4M 4M
12M 4M 4M
13M 4M 4M
16M 4M 4M
16M 16M ­17M 16M 1M
18M 16M 1M
19M 16M 1M
20M 16M 4M
21M 16M 4M
22M 16M 4M
24M 16M 4M
25M 16M 4M
28M 16M 4M
32M 16M 16M
33M 16M 16M
34M 16M 16M
36M 16M 16M
40M 16M 16M
48M 16M 16M
49M 16M 16M
52M 16M 16M
64M 16M 16M
64M 64M -

Bank 2 Bank 3

- -

- ­1M ­1M 1M

- -

- ­1M ­1M -

- ­1M ­1M 1M

4M ­4M 1M
4M 4M

- -

- ­1M ­1M 1M

- ­1M ­1M 1M
4M ­4M 1M
4M 4M

- ­1M ­1M 1M
4M ­4M 4M
16M ­16M 1M
16M 4M
16M 16M

- -

2-4 u Installation Overview

G486VPA

Memory Size Bank 0 Bank 1

65M 64M 1M
68M 64M 4M
69M 64M 4M
72M 64M 4M
80M 64M 16M
81M 64M 16M
84M 64M 16M
128M 64M 64M
128M 64M ­2M 2M(D) * ­3M 2M(D) * ­4M 2M(D) * ­4M 2M(D) * ­6M 2M(D) * ­7M 2M(D) * ­10M 2M(D) * ­18M 2M(D) * ­19M 2M(D) * ­22M 2M(D) * ­8M 8M(D) * -

9M8M(D) * -

12M 8M(D) * ­13M 8M(D) * ­16M 8M(D) * ­16M 8M(D) * -

24M8M(D) * -

25M 8M(D) * ­28M 8M(D) * ­72M 8M(D) * ­32M 16M(D) * ­32M 32M(D) * ­33M 32M(D) * ­34M 32M(D) * ­36M 32M(D) * -

Bank 2 Bank 3

- -

- ­1M ­4M -

- ­1M ­4M -

- ­64M -

- ­1M ­1M ­2M(D) * ­4M ­4M 1M
4M 4M
16M ­16M 1M
16M 4M

- ­1M ­4M ­4M 1M
4M 4M
8M(D) * ­16M ­16M 1M
16M 4M
64M ­16M(D) * -

- ­1M ­2M(D) * ­4M -

* (D) - Double Density

Installation Overview u 2-5

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

Memory Size Bank 0 Bank 1

37M 32M(D) * ­40M 32M(D) * ­40M 32M(D) * ­48M 32M(D) * ­49M 32M(D) * ­52M 32M(D) * ­64M 32M(D) * ­96M 32M(D) * -

* (D) - Double Density

Bank 2 Bank 3

4M 1M
4M 4M
8M(D) * ­16M ­16M 1M
16M 4M
32M(D) * ­64M -

Note:

If a double row 36-bit SIMM (Double Density SIMM) is
installed in Bank 2 or Bank 3, the other three banks
cannot support 16MB modules.

2-6 u Installation Overview

PC87332VF

PCI 4

PCI 3

BANK 1

SM4BANK 3
SM3BANK 2
SM2
SM1BANK 0

VIA

VT82C496G

G486VPA

PCI 2

PCI 1

ISA SL1

ISA SL2

ISA SL3

ISA SL4

VT82C505

ISA SL5

ISA SL6

ISA SL7

ISA SL8

VIA

VIA

VT82C406

VL Bus

• Pin 1 of the SIMM socket

Locations of the SIM Sockets on the System Board

Note:

If you intend to install the amount of memory that can
be supported by one piece of HSIM module, you can
install it in any of the banks. The bank you choose is
considered to be Bank 0. Each of the four banks can
assume the function of the Bank 0 only if there is one
HSIMM installed.

Installation Overview u 2-7

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

Installing the Modules

An HSIM module simply snaps into a socket on the
system board. Pin 1 of the HSIM module must corre­spond with Pin 1 of the socket.

1. Position the HSIM module above the socket with the
“notch” in the module aligned with the “key” on the
socket.

2. Seat the module at a 45o angle into the bank. Make
sure it is completely seated. Tilt the module upright
until it locks in place in the socket.

2-8 u Installation Overview

Board Configuration

G486VPA

VL Bus

JP41

ISA Slot 4

ISA Slot 8

JP15

ISA Slot 2

ISA Slot 3

ISA Slot 6

ISA Slot 7

VT82C406MV

JP27

JP30

JP25

JP29

JP26

JP28

JP32

JP31

J13

J14

J12 J11 J10 J9 J8 J7 JP40

JP4

JP2

JP1

BIOS

JP3

VF

CN2

CN3

PCB7332

J1

J2

PL1

ISA Slot 1

J3

PCI

2

1

4

3

PCI

PCI

PCI

SM1SM2SM3SM

ISA Slot 5

JP11

JP18
JP19
JP20
JP21

JP12

JP14

JP13

JP23

JP22JP24

VT82C505

JP17

JP8

J4

4

J5

J6

JP16

Bank 1

VT82C496G

TAG

JP36-JP34 JP33

JRN3

JRN2

JRN1

JP42

JP39

JP38

JP37

Bank 0

System Board Layout

Installation Overview u 2-9

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

Jumper Settings

Jumper Settings for Internal/External Battery, CMOS Clean, Flash
EPROM, PS/2 Mouse and High Address Decode Setting

JP16

PCI 4

JP1

JP2

JP4

E
P
R
O
M

PCI 3

PCI 2

PCI 1

Locations of Jumpers JP1, JP2, JP4, JP16 and JP28

on the G486VPA System Board

2-10 u Installation Overview

JP28

VL Bus

G486VPA

Jumper JP1

Internal Battery Select

The G486VPA comes with an internal Lithium battery.
If you wish to install an external 3.6V Lithium battery,
set JP1 pins 1 and 2 to On.

321

1-2 On: External

Battery Enabled

2-3 On: Internal

Battery Enabled

321

(Default)

Note:

If you enable the external battery, you must connect the
external battery to connector JP3 or your system will
lose its CMOS settings when powered off.

Jumper JP2

CMOS Clean Select

If, for some reason, the CMOS becomes corrupted, the
system can be reconfigured with the default values
stored in the ROM BIOS. To load the default values, set
JP2 pins 2 and 3 to On for approximately two minutes,
then return to the default position.

321321

1-2 On: Normal

(Default)

2-3 On: CMOS

Clean

Installation Overview u 2-11

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

Jumper JP4

EPROM Type

Jumper JP4 shoud be set to match the type of the
EPROM installed on the system board. Refer to page
2-9 for the location of the EPROM installed on your
system board.

321

1-2 On: 12V Flash

EPROM 28F010

(Default)

2-3 On: 5V Flash

EPROM 29F010 or

EPROM 27C010

321

Jumper JP16

PS/2 Mouse

The G486VPA package includes a card-edge bracket
with serial and mouse port. The PS/2 mouse port uses
IRQ12. If JP16 is set to pins 1 and 2 on, make sure you
connect the PS/2 mouse port to Connector CN3.

JP16

PS/2 Mouse Enabled *
PS/2 Mouse Disabled

* Default

1-2 On
2-3 On

2-12 u Installation Overview

G486VPA

321

2-3 On: PS/2 Mouse

Disabled

1-2 On: PS/2 Mouse

Enabled (Default)

321

Jumper JP28

High Address Decode Setting

If the G486VPA system board is installed with a Dia­mond Viper VESA VGA card, set Jumper 28 pins 2 and
3 to On. This VESA card uses addresses A27 to A31
that cannot be supported if Jumper JP28 is in its default
position. The position 2-3 On supports only 64MB.

321321

1-2 On: 128MB

2-3 On: 64MB

(Default)

Installation Overview u 2-13

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

Jumper Settings for Super I/O Setting

VT82C406

VIA

JP15

Location of Jumper JP15 on the System Board

2-14 u Installation Overview

VL Bus

G486VPA

Jumper JP15

ECP DMA Channel Select

Jumper JP15 is used to select DMA channel. The DMA
channel must be compatible with the I/O cards you are
using. Normally, DMA3 channel supports sound cards.
Set Jumper JP15 pins 1-3 and 2-4 to On unless this
seting provides inadequate channel required by your
system.

JP15

No DMA
DMA 1 *
DMA 3

* Default setting

1

3
5

2
4

6

1-3, 2-4 On:

DMA 1 (Default)

All pins Off
1-3, 2-4 On
3-5, 4-6 On

1

3
5

2
4

6

1

3
5

Off: No DMA 3-5, 4-6 On:

DMA 3

2
4

6

Installation Overview u 2-15

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

Jumper Settings for VL-Bus Add-on Boards

VL Bus

JP30

JP29

Locations of Jumpers JP29 and JP30

on the G486VPA System Board

2-16 u Installation Overview

G486VPA

Jumper JP29

CPU External Clock Speed for VL-Bus Board

When a VL-Bus board is installed in the G486VPA
system board, Jumper JP29 pins 2 and 3 must be set to
On if the CPU external clock speed is greater than
33MHz. Set JP29 pins 1 and 2 to On if the CPU exter­nal clock speed is less than or equal to 33MHz.

321 321

1-2 On: CPU External

Clock Speed <= 33MHz

2-3 On: CPU External

Clock Speed > 33MHz

(Default)

Set Jumper JP29 pins 2-3 to On if your G486VPA
system board uses one of the following CPUs:
486DX-50, 486DX2-80, 486DX-40 or 486SX-40. The
CPU external clock speed supported by each of them is
greater than 33MHz.

Jumper JP30

High Speed Mode for VL-Bus Board

Set Jumper JP30 pins 2 and 3 to On only if the VESA
VL-Bus add-on board(s) installed in the VL-Bus slots
support Zero Wait State. If you are not sure that your
add-on board(s) support Zero Wait State, set JP30 pins
1 and 2 to On; otherwise, a system error may occur.

321 321

1-2 On: Write One Wait

State (Default)

2-3 On: Write Zero Wait

State

Installation Overview u 2-17

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

Jumper Settings for PCI Slots

JP11

VIA

VT82C505

JP13

PCI 4

PCI 3

PCI 2

PCI 1

Locations of Jumpers JP11 and JP13

on the G486VPA System Board

2-18 u Installation Overview

G486VPA

Jumpers JP11 and JP13

CPU External Clock Speed for PCI Slots

These jumpers should be configured according to the
type of CPU installed on the system board. Set Jumpers
JP11 and JP13 pins 2 and 3 to On if the CPU external
clock speed is greater than 33MHz. If the CPU external
clock speed is less than or equal to 33MHz, set Jumpers
JP11 and JP13 pins 1 and 2 to On.

JP13

2-3 On

1-2 On

CPU External Clock

Speed > 33MHz

CPU External Clock
Speed >33MHz

CPU External Clock
Speed <= 33MHz *

* Default setting

321 321

JP11, JP13 pins 1-2 On:

CPU External Clock Speed

<= 33MHz (Default)

JP11

2-3 On

1-2 On

JP11, JP13 pins 2-3 On:

Set Jumpers JP11 and JP13 pins 2-3 to On if your
G486VPA system board uses one of the following
CPUs: 486DX-50, 486DX2-80, 486DX-40 or
486SX-40. The CPU external clock speed supported
by each of them is greater than 33MHz.

Installation Overview u 2-19

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

Cache Configuration

The G486VPA system board can be configured to four
different cache sizes: 128KB, 256KB (Default size),
512KB and 1MB. The SRAM sockets are divided into
two banks. Regardless of the amount of cache memory
installed, one 8Kx8, 32Kx8, 64Kx8 or 128Kx8 is
needed for tag RAM to store the cacheable addresses.
The locations of the SRAM sockets on the system board
are shown below.

• Pin 1 of the

SRAM socket

BANK 1 BANK 0

TAG

Locations of the SRAM Sockets on the G486VPA System Board

2-20 u Installation Overview

G486VPA

To upgrade from 256KB to 512KB of cache memory,
use four pieces of 128Kx8 or eight pieces of 64Kx8
SRAM.

Cache Size

1MB
512KB

512KB
256KB
256KB *
128KB

* Default setting

Data SRAM Tag SRAM

128Kx8x8
128Kx8x4

64Kx8x8
64Kx8x4
32Kx8x8
32Kx8x4

128Kx8x1 or
64Kx8x1
32Kx8x1
32Kx8x1
32Kx8x1
32Kx8x1
8Kx8x1

64KX8 or 128Kx8

8KX8 or 32Kx8

Cacheable
Range

128MB
128MB

128MB
64MB
64MB
32MB

SRAM Socket

Note:

When installing the cache chips, populate Bank 0 first
and then Bank 1. For example, to configure 128K of
cache memory, install four 32Kx8 chips in Bank 0 and
leave the SRAM sockets of Bank 1 empty.

Installation Overview u 2-21

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

Jumper Setting for Cache Memory

JP23

JP22

JP24

TAG

JP38

JP37

JP39

Locations of Jumpers JP22, JP23, JP24, JP37, JP38 and JP39

on the G486VPA System Board

2-22 u Installation Overview

128KB Cache SRAM

Bank 1 Bank 0

JP22

G486VPA

32Kx8

32Kx8

32Kx8

32Kx8

8Kx8 (TAG)

321

321

JP37

JP38
JP23
JP24

Note:

SRAM socket.

JP39

This refers to an empty

Installation Overview u 2-23

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

256KB Cache SRAM

Bank 1 Bank 0

JP22

64Kx8

64Kx8

64Kx8

64Kx8

32Kx8 (TAG)

321

321

JP37

JP38
JP23
JP24

2-24 u Installation Overview

JP39

256KB Cache SRAM *

Bank 1 Bank 0

G486VPA

32Kx8

32Kx8

32Kx8

32Kx8

JP22
JP23
JP24

* Default setting

32Kx8

32Kx8

32Kx8

32Kx8

32Kx8 (TAG)

321

321

JP37
JP38
JP39

Installation Overview u 2-25

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

512KB Cache SRAM

Bank 1 Bank 0

JP22

128Kx8

128Kx8

128Kx8

128Kx8

32Kx8 (TAG)

321

321

JP37

JP38
JP23
JP24

2-26 u Installation Overview

JP39

512KB Cache SRAM

Bank 1 Bank 0

G486VPA

JP22
JP23
JP24

64Kx8

64Kx8

64Kx8

64Kx8

64Kx8

64Kx8

64Kx8

64Kx8

32Kx8 (TAG)

321

321

JP37
JP38
JP39

Installation Overview u 2-27

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

1MB Cache SRAM

Bank 1 Bank 0

JP22
JP23
JP24

128Kx8

128Kx8

128Kx8

128Kx8

128Kx8

128Kx8

128Kx8

128Kx8

128Kx8/64Kx8 (TAG)

321

321

JP37
JP38
JP39

2-28 u Installation Overview

CPU Installation

The G486VPA is equipped with a 237-pin Zero
Insertion Force (ZIF) socket at location U27 of the
system board. This socket is designed for the easy
removal of the old CPU and the easy insertion of the
upgrade CPU. If you need to apply excessive force to
insert the CPU, the installation is being done incorrectly.
Make sure the jumpers are set correctly before applying
power, or you may damage the CPU or system board.

G486VPA

U27

Pin 1

Location of the ZIF Socket on the G486VPA System Board

Installation Overview u 2-29

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

Jumper Settings for CPU

JP14

JP18 JP21

JP19

1

JP26

JRN2

JP42

JRN1

JP31

JP41

JP33
JP35
JP36

JRN3

JP34

JP32

Locations of Jumpers JP14, JP18, JP19, JP21, JP26, JP31, JP32,

JP33, JP34, JP35, JP36, JP41, JP42, JRN1, JRN2 and

JRN3 on the G486VPA System Board

2-30 u Installation Overview

Intel 486SX

G486VPA

JRN1

1

JP42

JRN2

2

1

JP14

3

JP33

1

JRN3

JP34

JP35

JP36

1

2 3

1

Intel 486SX

123

JP26

Note:

Make sure Jumpers JP18, JP19 and JP21 are set cor­rectly. These jumpers are used to select the CPU exter­nal clock speed. The external CPU clock speed of the
Intel 486SX CPU is equal to its internal clock speed.
Please refer to page 2-44.

Jumpers JP31, JP32 and JP41 are used to select the
CPU voltage. Make sure they are set correctly. Please
refer to pages 2-44 and 2-45.

Installation Overview u 2-31

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

Intel 486DX/DX2

(Default Setting)

2

1

3

JP14

JRN1

1

JP42

JRN2
JRN3

JP33

1

JP34

JP35

JP36

1

2 3

1

Intel 486DX/DX2

123

JP26

Note:

Make sure Jumpers JP18, JP19 and JP21 are set cor­rectly. The external CPU clock speed of the Intel 486DX
CPU is equal to its internal clock speed. To get the
external CPU clock speed of the Intel 486DX2 CPU,
divide its internal clock speed by 2. Please refer to page
2-44.

Jumpers JP31, JP32 and JP41 are used to select the
CPU voltage. Make sure they are set correctly. Please
refer to pages 2-44 and 2-45.

2-32 u Installation Overview

Intel 486DX4

G486VPA

JRN1

1

JP42

JRN2

2

1

JP14

3

JP33

1

JRN3

JP34

JP35

JP36

1

2 3

1

Intel 486DX4

123

JP26

Note:

Make sure Jumpers JP18, JP19 and JP21 are set cor­rectly. To get the external CPU clock speed of the Intel
486DX4, divide its internal clock speed by 3. Please
refer to page 2-44.

Jumpers JP31, JP32 and JP41 are used to select the
CPU voltage. Make sure they are set correctly. Please
refer to pages 2-44 and 2-45.

Installation Overview u 2-33

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

Intel Write-back 486 CPU

JRN1

1

JP42

JRN2

2

1

JP14

3

JP33

1

JRN3

JP34

JP35

JP36

1

2 3

1

Intel Write-back 486

CPU

123

JP26

Note:

Set Jumper JP33 pins 1 and 2 to On to support the
write through mode for the Intel Write-back 486 CPU.

Make sure Jumpers JP18, JP19 and JP21 are set cor­rectly. To get the external CPU clock speed of the Intel
Write-back 486 CPU, divide its internal clock speed by

2. Please refer to page 2-44.
Jumpers JP31, JP32 and JP41 are used to select the

CPU voltage. Make sure they are set correctly. Please
refer to pages 2-44 and 2-45.

2-34 u Installation Overview

Intel DX4 ODP

G486VPA

JRN1

1

JP42

JRN2

2

1

JP14

3

JP33

1

JRN3

JP34

JP35

JP36

1

2 3

1

Intel DX4 ODP

123

JP26

Note:

Make sure Jumpers JP18, JP19 and JP21 are set cor­rectly. To get the external CPU clock speed of the Intel
486DX4 CPU, divide its internal CPU clock speed by 3.
Please refer to page 2-44.

Jumpers JP31, JP32 and JP41 are used to select the
CPU voltage. Make sure they are set correctly. Please
refer to pages 2-44 and 2-45.

Installation Overview u 2-35

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

Pentium OverDrive Processor

JRN1

1

JP42

JRN2

2

1

JP14

3

JP33

1

JRN3

JP34

JP35

JP36

1

2 3

1

Pentium OverDrive

Processor

123

JP26

Note:

Make sure Jumpers JP18, JP19 and JP21 are set cor­rectly. To get the external CPU clock speed of the
Pentium OverDrive Processor, divide its internal CPU
clock speed by 2.5. Please refer to page 2-44.

Jumpers JP31, JP32 and JP41 are used to select the
CPU voltage. Make sure they are set correctly. Please
refer to pages 2-44 and 2-45.

2-36 u Installation Overview

Cyrix Cx486DX/DX2

G486VPA

JRN1

1

JP42

JRN2

2

1

JP14

3

JP33

1

JRN3

JP34

JP35

JP36

1

2 3

1

Cyrix Cx486DX/DX2

123

JP26

Note:

Make sure Jumpers JP18, JP19 and JP21 are set cor­rectly. The external CPU clock speed of the Cyrix
486DX CPU is equal to its internal clock speed. To get
the external CPU clock speed of the Cyrix 486DX2
CPU, divide its internal clock speed by 2. Please refer
to page 2-44.

Jumpers JP31, JP32 and JP41 are used to select the
CPU voltage. Make sure they are set correctly. Please
refer to pages 2-44 and 2-45.

Installation Overview u 2-37

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

SGS-Thomson ST486DX/DX2

JRN1

1

JP42

JRN2

2

1

JP14

3

JP33

1

JRN3

JP34

JP35

JP36

1

2 3

1

SGS-Thomson

ST486DX/DX2

123

JP26

Note:

Make sure Jumpers JP18, JP19 and JP21 are set cor­rectly. The external CPU clock speed of the ST486DX
CPU is equal to its internal clock speed. To get the
external CPU clock speed of the ST486DX2 CPU,
divide its internal clock speed by 2. Please refer to page
2-44.

Jumpers JP31, JP32 and JP41 are used to select the
CPU voltage. Make sure they are set correctly. Please
refer to pages 2-44 and 2-45.

2-38 u Installation Overview

AMD Am486DX2 (NV8T)

G486VPA

JRN1

1

JP42

JRN2

2

1

JP14

3

JP33

1

JRN3

JP34

JP35

JP36

1

1 2 3

AMD Am486DX2

123

JP26

Note:

Make sure Jumpers JP18, JP19 and JP21 are set cor­rectly. To get the external CPU clock speed of the AMD
Am486DX2 (NV8T), divide its internal CPU clock speed
by 2. Please refer to page 2-44.

Jumpers JP31, JP32 and JP41 are used to select the
CPU voltage. Make sure they are set correctly. Please
refer to pages 2-44 and 2-45.

Installation Overview u 2-39

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

Enhanced AMD Am486DX2 (SV8B)

JRN1

1

JP42

JRN2

2

1

JP14

3

JP33

1

JRN3

JP34

JP35

JP36

1

1 2 3

Enhanced

AMD Am486DX2

(SV8B)

123

JP26

Note:

Jumper JP42 is used to support Enhanced Am486DX2
CPUs.

Make sure Jumpers JP18, JP19 and JP21 are set cor­rectly. To get the external CPU clock speed of the
Enhanced AMD Am486DX2 (SV8B), divide its internal
CPU clock speed by 2. Please refer to page 2-44.

Jumpers JP31, JP32 and JP41 are used to select the
CPU voltage. Make sure they are set correctly. Please
refer to pages 2-44 and 2-45.

2-40 u Installation Overview

AMD Am486DX4

G486VPA

JRN1

1

JP42

JRN2

2

1

JP14

3

JP33

1

JRN3

JP34

JP35

JP36

1

1 2 3

AMD Am486DX4

123

JP26

Note:

Make sure Jumpers JP18, JP19 and JP21 are set cor­rectly. To get the external CPU clock speed of the AMD
Am486DX4, divide its internal CPU clock speed by 3.
Please refer to page 2-44.

Jumpers JP31, JP32 and JP41 are used to select the
CPU voltage. Make sure they are set correctly. Please
refer to pages 2-44 and 2-45.

Installation Overview u 2-41

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

UMC U5SD

JRN1

1

JP42

JRN2

2

1

JP14

3

JP33

1

JRN3

JP34

JP35

JP36

1

1 2 3

UMC U5SD

123

JP26

Note:

Make sure Jumpers JP18, JP19 and JP21 are set cor­rectly. The external CPU clock speed of the UMC U5SD
CPU is equal to its internal CPU clock speed. Please
refer to page 2-44.

Jumpers JP31, JP32 and JP41 are used to select the
CPU voltage. Make sure they are set correctly. Please
refer to pages 2-44 and 2-45.

2-42 u Installation Overview

UMC U5S/U5SLV

G486VPA

JRN1

1

JP42

JRN2

2

1

JP14

3

JP33

1

JRN3

JP34

JP35

JP36

1

1 2 3

UMC U5S/U5SLV

123

JP26

Note:

Make sure Jumpers JP18, JP19 and JP21 are set cor­rectly. The external CPU clock speed of the UMC U5S
or U5SLV CPU is equal to its internal CPU clock
speed. Please refer to page 2-44.

Jumpers JP31, JP32 and JP41 are used to select the
CPU voltage. Make sure they are set correctly. Please
refer to pages 2-44 and 2-45.

Installation Overview u 2-43

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

AMD DX4 100MHz

JRN1

1

JP42

JRN2

2

1

JP14

3

JP33

1

JRN3

JP34

JP35

JP36

1

1 2 3

AMD DX4 100MHz

123

JP26

Note:

Make sure Jumpers JP18, JP19 and JP21 are set cor­rectly. The external CPU clock speed of the AMD DX4
100 MHz is equal to its internal CPU clock speed.
Please refer to page 2-50.

Jumpers JP31, JP32 and JP41 are used to select the
CPU voltage. Make sure they are set correctly. Please
refer to pages 2-50 and 2-51.

2-44 u Installation Overview

AMD DX4 120MHz

G486VPA

JRN1

1

JP42

JRN2

2

1

JP14

3

JP33

1

JRN3

JP34

JP35

JP36

1

1 2 3

AMD DX4 120MHz

123

JP26

Note:

Make sure Jumpers JP18, JP19 and JP21 are set cor­rectly. The external CPU clock speed of the AMD DX4
120 MHz is equal to its internal CPU clock speed.
Please refer to page 2-50.

Jumpers JP31, JP32 and JP41 are used to select the
CPU voltage. Make sure they are set correctly. Please
refer to pages 2-50 and 2-51.

Installation Overview u 2-45

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

Am5x86-P75 133MHz

JRN1

1

JP42

JRN2

2

1

JP14

3

JP33

1

JRN3

JP34

JP35

JP36

1

1 2 3

Am5x86-P75 133MHz

123

JP26

Note:

Make sure Jumpers JP18, JP19 and JP21 are set cor­rectly. The external CPU clock speed of the AMD DX4
133 MHz is equal to its internal CPU clock speed.
Please refer to page 2-50.

Jumpers JP31, JP32 and JP41 are used to select the
CPU voltage. Make sure they are set correctly. Please
refer to pages 2-50 and 2-51.

2-46 u Installation Overview

Cryix 5x86 100MHz

G486VPA

JRN1

1

JP42

JRN2

2

1

JP14

3

JP33

1

JRN3

JP34

JP35

JP36

1

1 2 3

Cryix 5x86 100MHz

123

JP26

Note:

Make sure Jumpers JP18, JP19 and JP21 are set cor­rectly. The external CPU clock speed of the Cryix 5x86
100 MHz is equal to its internal CPU clock speed.
Please refer to page 2-50.

Jumpers JP31, JP32 and JP41 are used to select the
CPU voltage. Make sure they are set correctly. Please
refer to pages 2-50 and 2-51.

Installation Overview u 2-47

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

Cryix 5x86 120MHz

JRN1

1

JP42

JRN2

2

1

JP14

3

JP33

1

JRN3

JP34

JP35

JP36

1

1 2 3

Cryix 5x86 120MHz

123

JP26

Note:

Make sure Jumpers JP18, JP19 and JP21 are set cor­rectly. The external CPU clock speed of the Cryix 5x86
120 MHz is equal to its internal CPU clock speed.
Please refer to page 2-50.

Jumpers JP31, JP32 and JP41 are used to select the
CPU voltage. Make sure they are set correctly. Please
refer to pages 2-50 and 2-51.

2-48 u Installation Overview

Cryix DX4 100MHz

G486VPA

JRN1

1

JP42

JRN2

2

1

JP14

3

JP33

1

JRN3

JP34

JP35

JP36

1

1 2 3

Cryix DX4 100MHz

123

JP26

Note:

Make sure Jumpers JP18, JP19 and JP21 are set cor­rectly. The external CPU clock speed of the Cryix DX4
100 MHz is equal to its internal CPU clock speed.
Please refer to page 2-50.

Jumpers JP31, JP32 and JP41 are used to select the
CPU voltage. Make sure they are set correctly. Please
refer to pages 2-50 and 2-51.

Installation Overview u 2-49

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

Jumpers JP18, JP19 and JP21

CPU External Clock Speed

These jumpers should be set to match the CPU external
clock speed.

External CPU

25 Mhz

Clock Speed
Internal CPU

25/50 Mhz

Clock Speed
Pentium ODP

63 Mhz 83 Mhz *
Internal Clock
Speed

1

JP18

JP19

JP21

2

3

1

2

3

1

2

3

* Default setting

Jumpers JP31, JP32 and JP41

CPU Voltage Select

5V CPUs:

33 Mhz * 40 Mhz

33/66/
100/133 Mhz

1
2
3

1
2
3

1
2
3

40/80/
120Mhz

1
2
3

1
2
3

1
2
3

50 Mhz

50 Mhz

1
2
3

1
2
3

1
2
3

1

JP32

(Default setting)

2-50 u Installation Overview

2 3

JP31

2

1

JP41

6
5

3.45V CPUs:

G486VPA

JP32

Intel 486 -

A80486DX4-100
A80486DX4-75

UMC -

U5SLV-SUPER25
U5SLV-SUPER33

Cyrix -

Cx486DX2-V50GP
Cx486DX4-100
Cx5x86-100
Cx5x86-120

3.6V CPUs:

JP32

Cyrix -

Cx486DX2-V66GP

1 2 3

123

JP31

JP31

2

1

6
5

JP41

AMD -

A80486DX4-100NV8T
A80486DX2-80NV8T
A80486DX2-66NV8T
A80486DX4-100SV8B
A80486DX4-75SV8B
A80486DX2-80SV8B
A80486DX2-66SV8B
Am486DX2-66V8T
Am486DX2-80V8T
Am486DX4-100V8T
A80486DX4-100SV8B
A80486DX4-120SV8B
Am5x86-P75 133MHz

2 6

1

5

JP41

4V CPUs:

JP32

Cyrix -

Cx486DX2-V80GP

2 3

1

JP31

2

1

6
5

JP41

Installation Overview u 2-51

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

Jumpers JP8, JP12, JP17, JP20, JP25 and JP27

The jumpers below are for factory testing only and
should always be set to their default configurations.
Reconfiguring these jumpers will cause problems with
your system board.

JP8: Off
JP12, JP17: 1-2 On
JP20: 1-2 On
JP25: 1-2 On
JP27: Off

2-52 u Installation Overview

Installing Upgrade CPUs

The G486VPA is equipped with a 237-pin Zero
Insertion Force (ZIF) socket at location U27 of the
system board. This socket enables you to remove the
old CPU and insert the upgrade CPU easily. If you
need to apply excessive force to insert the CPU, the
installation is being done incorrectly.

Warning:

Open the socket only if actually installing a CPU. The
warranty on the original CPU will be voided if the S/N
seal is broken. Installation of an OverDrive Processor
will not affect the original system warranty.

The 237-pin ZIF socket consists of the four rows of pin
holes on each side. To avoid improper installation, the
ZIF socket is designed with a Plug/Keying mechanism.
There are several holes in the socket that are plugged so
the CPU will only go in one way. If you are unable to
easily insert the CPU, please verify that pin 1 of the
CPU is being plugged into pin 1 of the socket. Pin one
is located as shown on the next page.

G486VPA

Caution:

You will need to change the CPU-type jumper settings.
(Please see the previous pages of this manual.)

Before proceeding with the upgrade, take note of the
following. The microprocessor and heat sink may be hot
if the system has been running. To avoid the possibility
of a burn, power the system off and let the processor
and heat sink cool for 10 minutes.

Installation Overview u 2-53

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

Clearance Requirements

The Pentium OverDrive processor comes with a heat
sink mounted on top. To maintain proper airflow once
the upgrade is installed on the system board, the
processor and heat sink require certain space clearances.

The clearance above the OverDrive processor's fan/heat­sink must be at least 0.4 in. The clearance on at least 3
of 4 sides of the processor must be at least 0.2 in. The
cables (for floppy drive, hard drive CD-ROM, etc.) must
be routed clear of the CPU and its airspace.

Temperature Rating

The ambient or room temperature must be below 37°C
(99°F) for a system installed with the Pentium
OverDrive processor.

Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) Socket

2-54 u Installation Overview

G486VPA

To install an upgrade CPU in the G486VPA, follow the
steps below.

1. Make sure the handle on the side of the ZIF socket
is up. To raise the handle, pull it out to the side a
little and raise it as far as it will go. The top plate
will slide back. Do not use screw drivers or other
tools to open the socket, or damage may occur to the
system or socket. It may be necessary to initially
apply a small amount of sideways force to free the
handle from its retaining “tab.” Once clear of the
“tab,” the lever will open easily.

Lifting the Handle

2. Once the lever is completely up, remove the old
CPU by carefully lifting it straight out of the socket.
You are now ready to insert the new CPU.

Installation Overview u 2-55

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

3. Position the CPU above the ZIF socket. Make sure
pin 1 of the CPU is aligned with pin 1 of the socket.
Lower the chip until the pins are inserted properly in
their corresponding holes. Remember that no force is
needed to install the CPU. If the CPU will not easily
insert, please verify you have pin 1 of the CPU
aligned with pin 1 of the socket. Applying too much
pressure can damage the CPU or the socket.

Pin 1 of the ZIF Socket

2-56 u Installation Overview

G486VPA

Positioning the CPU Above the ZIF Socket

4. Push the handle down until the handle locks into its
place. Top plate will slide forward. You will feel
some resistance as the pressure starts to secure the
CPU in the socket. This is normal and will not
damage the CPU. However, if the handle is not
completely closed, damage to the CPU and/or
system board may result.

Fan Exhaust

The CPU must be kept cool by using a fan exhaust
configuration in connection with the heatsink. The
temperature of the air entering the fan/heatsink cannot
exceed 45°C.

In order to provide proper airflow to the CPU, all
movable obstructions (power supply cables, cards,
floppy disk cables) must be clear of the CPU heatsink/
fan component in accordance with the space clearance
discussed in the CPU installation section of this manual.

Installation Overview u 2-57

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

Built-in Ports

The G486VPA system board is equipped with two serial
ports, one ECP/EPP parallel printer port, one FDD
connector, two IDE hard disk connectors and one PS/2
mouse port.

CN3

PS/2
Mouse
Port

COM1
COM2J1J2

PC87332VF

Parallel Printer

Connector

J3 J5

Secondary IDE

Connector

Floppy Disk Drive

Connector

Primary IDE

Connector

SM4
SM3
SM2
SM1

J6J4

Locations of the Built-in Ports on the System Board

2-58 u Installation Overview

Serial Ports

The built-in serial ports are RS-232C asynchronous
communication ports with 16C550-compatible UARTs
that can be used with modems, serial printers, remote
display terminals, and other serial devices. The
G486VPA system board supports IRQ4 for the primary
serial port and IRQ3 for the secondary serial port. These
serial ports use the following system I/O addresses:

G486VPA

Port Configuration

COM1
COM2

COM3/COM4

Connecting the Serial Ports

Two DB-9P serial port cables are provided with the
motherboard. They are mounted on a card-edge bracket
along with the PS/2 mouse cable. The upper serial port
cable should be used for the COM1 primary serial port;
connect it to Connector J1 on the motherboard. The
lower serial port cable should be used for the COM2
secondary serial port; connect it to Connector J2 on the
motherboard. Make sure the colored stripes on the
ribbon cables align with pin 1 of Connectors J1 and J2.
Mount the card-edge bracket to the system chassis.

I/O Address

3F8h
2F8h

3E8h/2E8h or Disable

Installation Overview u 2-59

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

The Primary and Secondary Serial Ports

on the G486VPA System Board

PS/2 Mouse Port

The PS/2 mouse port is a 6-pin connector on the
system board. Attach the optional 6-pin mouse port
cable to Connector CN3. Make sure the brown wire on
the PS/2 mouse connector aligns with pin 1 of connector
CN3. The other end of the wires are attached to the
card-edge bracket that also holds the two serial port
cables.

2-60 u Installation Overview

G486VPA

The PS/2 Mouse Connector on the System Board

Parallel Port

The G486VPA system board has a standard connector
for interfacing your PC to a parallel printer. This port is
compatible with both IBM AT printer ports and the
new, high speed, bi-directional Extended Capabilities
Port standard. The parallel port on your system board
can be set to any of the following system I/O addresses:

The PS/2 Mouse Port on the System Board

Installation Overview u 2-61

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

Port Configuration I/O Address

LPT1 3BC-3BE Hex
LPT2* 378-37A Hex
LPT3 278-27A Hex

* Default setting

Connecting the Parallel Printer Port

Attach the DB-25S printer port cable, which came with
the motherboard, to Connector J3 on the G486VPA
system board. Make sure the colored stripe on the
ribbon cable aligns with pin 1 of Connector J3. Use a
small nutdriver to mount the cable into a DB-25 cutout
in the system chassis.

The Parallel Printer Port on the G486VPA System Board

2-62 u Installation Overview

Floppy Disk Drive Controller

The G486VPA system board has a built-in floppy disk
controller that supports two standard floppy disk drives.
You can install any 360KB/720KB/1.2MB/1.44MB/

2.88MB floppy disk drives.

Connecting the Floppy Disk Cable

G486VPA

The Floppy Disk Connector on the

G486VPA System Board

Step 1

Install the 34-pin header connector into the floppy disk
connector (J5) on the system board. The colored edge of
the ribbon should be aligned to pin 1 of the J5 connec­tor.

Step 2

Install the other 34-pin header connector(s) into the disk

Installation Overview u 2-63

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

drive(s) with the colored edge of the daisy chained
ribbon cable aligned to pin 1 of the drive edge
connector(s). The end-most connector should be at­tached to the drive you want to be Drive A.

IDE Hard Disk Interface

The G486VPA system board is equipped with one VL­Bus IDE connector and one ISA IDE connector that will
interface four IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) hard
disk drives. An IDE drive is a hard drive with the
controller electronics built into the disk assembly. The
integration of the controller and the drive as a single
unit increases both the reliability and performance by
eliminating redundant circuitry.

Note:

Only IDE drives can be connected to the IDE interface.

Connecting the IDE Hard Disk Interface

The IDE Hard Disk Connector on the System Board

2-64 u Installation Overview

Step 1

If you are connecting two hard drives, install the 40-pin
connector of the IDE cable into the primary disk con­nector (J6). If you are adding a third or fourth IDE
device, install the 40-pin connector of the other IDE
cable into the secondary connector (J4). Make sure the
colored edge of the ribbon is aligned to pin 1.

Step 2

Install the other 40-pin header connector(s) into the
device with the colored edge of the ribbon cable aligned
to pin 1 of the drive edge connector(s).

Note:

Refer to your disk drive user's manual for information
about selecting proper drive switch settings.

Adding a Second IDE Hard Drive

When using two IDE drives, one must be set as the
master and the other as the slave. Follow the instruc­tions provided by the drive manufacturer for setting the
jumpers and/or switches on the drives. No changes are
needed on the G486VPA system board when adding a
second hard drive.

G486VPA

We recommend that the IDE hard drives be from the
same manufacturer. In a few cases, drives from two
manufacturers will not function properly when used
together. The problem lies in the hard drives, not the
G486VPA system board.

Installation Overview u 2-65

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

Preparing an IDE Drive for Use

IDE disk drives are already low-level formatted, with
any bad-track errors entered, when shipped by the drive
manufacturer. Do not attempt to do a low-level format,
or you may cause serious damage to the drive.

To use an IDE drive, you need to enter the drive type
(this information is provided by the drive manufacturer)
into the system’s CMOS setup table. Then run FDISK
and FORMAT provided with DOS.

Note:

Do not run FDISK and FORMAT programs on a drive
that has already been formatted, or you will lose all
programs and data stored on the drive.

2-66 u Installation Overview

Installing Expansion Cards

The G486VPA is equipped with three dedicated PCI and
three dedicated ISA slots. One PCI slot and one ISA slot
is shared. You can only install a card in one or the other
of the shared slots at a time, you cannot install devices
in both slots. Due to the size of the CPU and heatsink/
fan component, card size is limited. Refer to the Fea­tures and Specifications section, page 1-4, for limita­tions. The location of the expansion slots are shown
below.

SM4
SM3
SM2
SM1

G486VPA

PCI 4

PCI 3

PCI 2

PCI 1

Master / Slave

Master / Slave

Master / Slave

Master / Slave

ISA SL1

ISA SL2

ISA SL3

ISA SL4 ISA SL8

PCI Slots

ISA SL5

ISA SL6

ISA SL7

Shared PCI/ISA Slot

ISA Slots

Master / Slave

VL-Bus

Slot

Installation Overview u 2-67

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

Note:

PCI3 and PCI4 are PCI Master slots and support
Master Cards. PCI1, PCI2 and VL-Bus slots share the
function of the third Master slot. If you insert a Master
Card into one of these slots (PCI1, PCI2 or VL-Bus
slot), then the other two slots can support Slave function
only.

The BIOS needs to be configured for the PCI add-on
cards installed in the PCI slots. Refer to the PCI Con­figuration Setup on page 3-9 for more information.

2-68 u Installation Overview

Installing the System Board

Before installing the system board into your system unit,
you should prepare the tools you will need:

You will need:

• one medium size, flat-bladed screwdriver

• one medium Phillips screwdriver

Step 1

Unlock your system unit. Turn off the power and dis­connect all power cords and cables.

Step 2

Remove the system unit cover. Refer to the manufac­turer’s instructions if necessary.

Step 3

G486VPA

Step 4

Remove expansion cards seated in any of the expansion
slots and detach all connectors from the old system
board.

Loosen the screws holding the original system board and
remove the board from the system. Save the screws.

Installation Overview u 2-69

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

Step 5

Remove the G486VPA from its original packing box.
Be careful to avoid touching all connectors and pins on
the board. Please refer to the handling instructions on

pages 2-1 and 2-2 for proper handling techniques.

Step 6

Insert the HSIM modules into the SIMM banks on the
G486VPA. The quantity and location of the SIM
modules is dependent upon the memory configuration
and type of modules you intend to use.

Step 7

Set the corresponding jumpers.

Step 8

Install the prepared G486VPA system board into the
case and replace the screws.

Step 9

Reinstall all cards and connectors and replace the sys­tem unit cover. Reconnect all power cords and cables.

2-70 u Installation Overview

v Initial Setup Program

After you power up your system, the BIOS message
appears on your screen and the memory count begins.

After the memory test, the following message will
appear on the screen:

Press DEL to enter Setup

If the message disappears before you respond, restart
your system or press the “Reset” button. You may also
restart the system by pressing the <Ctrl> <Alt> <Del>
keys. If you do not press these keys at the correct time
and the system does not boot, the following error mes­sage will appear:

Press Del to enter Setup

If you have set a password and selected “System” in the
Security Option of the BIOS Feature Setup menu, you
will be prompted for the password everytime the system
is rebooted or any time you try to enter Setup. Type in
the correct password and press <Enter>.

G486VPA

If you selected “Setup” in the Security Option, you will
be prompted for the password only when you try to
enter Setup. Refer to the “BIOS Features Setup” section
for more information.

Initial Setup Program u 3-1

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Press <Ctrl> <Alt> <Esc> or <Del> simultaneously to
enter the Setup utility. A screen similar to the one below
will appear.

Use the arrow keys to highlight the option you want and
press <Enter>.

Standard CMOS Setup

Use the arrow keys to highlight “Standard CMOS
Setup” and press <Enter>, a screen similar to the one on
the next page will appear.

3-2 u Initial Setup Program

G486VPA

Date and Time

Sets the time and date for the system. Press <F3> for
the calendar.

Primary Master, Primary Slave, Secondary Master and
Secondary Slave

If you have added an IDE drive, you must select the
appropriate type for the drive. You may use the “IDE
HDD Auto Detection” from the main CMOS setup
menu or you can set it manually. The G486VPA has 46
pre-set types and one user-definable type. Use the <Page
Up> or <Page Down> keys to select the appropriate
type for the drive.

The table in Appendix G gives a complete listing of the
available drive types. Any given drive must be set to
one specific drive-type number. Please refer to your IDE
drive documentation to find the appropriate type num­ber.

Initial Setup Program u 3-3

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

If none of the pre-set types is appropriate for your drive,
choose “User”, which is the user-definable type. To use
this type, highlight either the drive you want to set:
Primary Master, Primary Slave, Secondary Master or
Secondary Slave. Use the arrow keys until type “User”
is showing. Fill in all the parameters as specified by the
drive manufacturer. If a drive is not installed, select
“None” and press <Enter>.

Drive A and Drive B

These options are used to select the type of floppy disk
drives installed in your system. If either of the drives is
not present, select “None”. Make sure you choose the
correct drive type; otherwise, your system might format
the device improperly.

Video

This is used to select the type of video adapter installed
in your system.

Halt on

The system will halt if an error is detected during power
up.

No Errors: The system boot will not stop for any

detected errors.

All Errors: The system will stop whenever the

BIOS detects a non-fatal error.

All, But Keyboard: The system will stop for any

errors except a keyboard error.

All, But Diskette: The system will stop for any

errors except a disk error.

3-4 u Initial Setup Program

All, But Disk/Key: The system will stop for any

error.

Memory

The lower right hand corner shows the base memory
size, extended memory size, and the other memory size
of your system. You cannot alter these items; your
computer automatically detects and displays them.

The Other Memory size refers to the memory located in
the 640K to 1024K address space. This is the memory
used for different applications. DOS uses this area to
load device drivers to keep as much base memory free
for application programs.

When you are through making changes in the Standard
CMOS Setup, press <Esc> to return to the main menu.

BIOS Features Setup

Use the arrow keys to highlight “BIOS Features Setup”
and press <Enter>, a screen similar to the one on the
next page will appear.

G486VPA

errors except a keyboard or disk

Initial Setup Program u 3-5

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

The Virus Warning option may be set to “enabled” or
“disabled”. When enabled, the BIOS issues a warning
when any program or virus sends a Disk Format com­mand or attempts to write to the boot sector of the hard
disk drive.

If you choose “System” in the Security Option, you will
be prompted for a password every time you cold boot
your system or access setup. If you choose “Setup”, you
will be prompted for a password only when trying to
access setup.

If the changes you made are incorrect or you change
your mind, press <F6> or <F7> to return to the default
settings. Press <Esc> after making the changes to return
to the main menu.

3-6 u Initial Setup Program

Chipset Features Setup

The G486VPA uses VIA chipset. The Chipset Features
Setup allows you to modify some functions to optimize
system performance. It also allows you to enable, dis­able or select the port address of the built-in serial ports,
parallel port, floppy disk controller and hard disk con­troller.

If you press <Enter>, a screen similar to the one below
will appear.

G486VPA

Use the arrow keys to move the highlight bar to the
option you wish to change or modify. Use the <Page
Up>, <Page Down>, <+> or <-> keys to make the
corresponding changes.

If the changes you made are incorrect or you change
your mind, press <F6> or <F7> to return to the default
settings. Press <Esc> after making the changes to return
to the main menu.

Initial Setup Program u 3-7

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

Power Management Setup

Use the arrow keys to highlight the “Power Management
Setup” and press <Enter>. A screen similar to one
below will appear

Choosing “Enabled” in the Power Management option
will allow you to set Doze Timer, Sleep Timer and
Sleep Mode. This will enable your system to reach one
of the following power saving stages: Ready, Doze or
Suspend. Choose “Disabled” if you do not want your
system to enter the power saving mode.

3-8 u Initial Setup Program

PCI Configuration Setup

Use the arrow keys to highlight “PCI Configuration
Setup” and press <Enter>, a screen similar to the one
below will appear.

The G486VPA system board supports four PCI slots.
Each slot may be assigned INT value if the card in­stalled in the slot requires an interrupt. Each INT may
then be assigned an IRQ value.

G486VPA

Initial Setup Program u 3-9

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

Load BIOS Defaults

If, for some reason, the CMOS becomes corrupted,
the system can be reconfigured with the default values
stored in the ROM chips. The BIOS default values
provide the slowest performance for your system. You
should use these values only if you are having hardware
problems.

Highlight this option on the main menu and press
<Enter>. The message below will appear.

Load BIOS Defaults (Y/N)? N

Type “Y” and press <Enter> to load the BIOS setup
default values. After pressing <Enter>, you will be
returned to the main menu.

Load Setup Defaults

The Setup default values are the very stable and should
be selected as standard values for your system.

Highlight this option on the main menu and press
<Enter>. The message below will appear.

Load Setup Defaults (Y/N)? N

Type “Y” and press <Enter> to load the Setup default
values. After pressing <Enter>, you will be returned to
the main menu.

To configure your system for optimum performance,
you must reset the options under the Chipset Features
setup. You are advised to do so only under the instruc­tion of a technical engineer, otherwise, failure may
occur.

3-10 u Initial Setup Program

Password Setting

If you want to set a password, make sure that the Secu­rity Option under the BIOS Features Setup is set to
“System” or “Setup” (see page 3-6).

The main screen of the Setup utility allows you to set
two types of password, Supervisor Password and User
Password.

Supervisor Password

Set a supervisor's password with “System” option
selected if you want to protect your system and setup
from unauthorized entry.

If you set a supervisor's password when “Setup” option
is selected under the BIOS Features Setup, only access
to setup will be denied when incorrect password is
entered. You will not be prompted for a password when
you cold boot the system.

G486VPA

Use the arrow keys to highlight the “Supervisor Pass­word” option and press <Enter>. The message below
will appear.

Enter Password:

Type in the password. You are limited to eight charac­ters. Type in a password that is eight characters long or
shorter. When done, the message below will appear:

Confirm Password:

You are asked to verify the password. Type in exactly
the same password. If you type in a wrong password,

Initial Setup Program u 3-11

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

you will be prompted to enter the correct password
again. Otherwise, enter a new password.

To delete or disable the password function, simply press
<Enter> instead of typing in a new password. Press the
<Esc> key to return to the main menu.

If you forget your password, you should clear any
previously set password by setting Jumper JP2 pins 2
and 3 to On for approximately two minutes. Please refer
to page 2-11 for more information.

User Password

Set a user's password with “System” option selected if
you want another user to have access only to your
system but not to setup. Using user's password to enter
Setup allows a user to access only “User Password”
option that appears on the main screen. Access to all
other options is denied.

If you want to set a user's password when “Setup”
option is selected under the BIOS Features Setup, a user
will be prompted to enter a password only when trying
to access setup. If the correct password is entered, a user
will be able to access only “User Password” option that
appears on the main screen.

To set, confirm, verify, disable or delete a user's pass­word, follow the procedure described in the section
above, “Supervisor Password”. If you forget your pass­word, refer to the procedure described in the same
section.

3-12 u Initial Setup Program

IDE HDD Auto Detection

This option detects the hard disk parameters for the hard
disk drives installed in your system. Highlight this
option and press <Enter>. A screen similar to the one
below will appear.

G486VPA

The screen displays the parameters detected and allows
you to accept or reject the parameters. Type “Y” and
press <Enter> to accept the parameters or press <Esc>
to abort. If you select “Y”, the parameters of the hard
disk will be displayed in the Standard CMOS Setup.

Initial Setup Program u 3-13

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

Save & Exit Setup

When all the changes have been made, highlight “Save
& Exit Setup” and press <Enter>. The message below
will appear:

Save to CMOS and Exit (Y/N)? N

Type “Y” and press <Enter>. The following message
will appear:

Type “Y” and press <Enter>. The modifications you
have made will be written into the CMOS memory, and
the system will reboot. You will once again see the
initial diagnostics on the screen. If you wish to make
additional changes to the setup, press <Ctrl> <Alt>
<Esc> or <Del> simutaneously after memory testing is
done.

Exit Without Saving

Reboot System (Y/N)? N

When you do not want to save the changes you have
made, highlight this option and press <Enter>. The
message below will appear:

Quit Without Saving (Y/N)? N

Type “Y” and press <Enter>. The system will reboot
and you will once again see the initial diagnostics on the
screen. If you wish to make any changes to the setup,
press <Ctrl> <Alt> <Esc> or <Del> simutaneously after
memory testing is done.

3-14 u Initial Setup Program

v IDE Device Drivers

The G486VPA system board uses the VT82C496G and
NS PC87332VL IDE chips that support two IDE chan­nels: 1Fx channel (Primary IDE Channel) and 17x
channel (Secondary IDE Channel). The IDE device
drivers should be installed under the “INSTALL.EXE”
Utility.

The G486VPA comes with one PCI IDE driver diskette.
The “VT82C496G VLB Device Drivers” diskette in­cludes drivers for Microsoft Windows 3.1 and 3.11,
Windows NT 3.1 and 3.5, OS/2 2.x and 3.0, Novell
NetWare 3.11 and 4.0x, SCO UNIX 3.2.4.

Note:

If you are using VT82C496G VLB IDE driver, Block
Transfer Mode Option in the System BIOS must be
turned off.

“INSTALL.EXE” Utility

G486VPA

“INSTALL.EXE” should be used after you have in­stalled the VIAIDE card in your system.

To run the “INSTALL.EXE” Utility, under DOS prompt
type:

A> INSTALL

IDE Device Drivers u 4-1

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

The Main Screen appears allowing you to choose one of

1. <F1>: Help - Press <F1> to get a help message

2. <Enter>: Continue - Pressing <Enter> lets you con-

tinue the setup utility.

3. <Esc>: Quit - Press <Esc> to exit the setup utility.

Note that if you press <Enter> while the installation
is in progress, you will exit the installation proce­dure and the IDE drivers will not be successfully
installed.

Press <Enter> to proceed with the installation, then
select one of the following options:

1. <F1>: Help - Press <F1> to get a help message

2. <F2>: Full Installation - When chosen, this option lets

you install all of the VT82C496G VLB IDE device
drivers. These are: Windows and NetWare drivers.

the following options:

3. <F3>: Customized Installation - This option allows

you to choose which one of the VT82C496G VLB
IDE device drivers you want to install. Refer to the
following chapters for more information.

4. <Esc>: Quit - Press <Esc> to exit the setup utility or

to discontinue the installation process.

Press <F2> to proceed with the Full Installation. When
it has been completed, press <Esc> to exit the Utility.

4-2 u IDE Device Drivers

Customized Installation

When you press <F3>, these options appear on the
screen:

1. <F1> - Install Windows Driver

2. <F2> - Install NetWare Driver

3. <Esc> - Quit

The following is the description of the first two options.

Installing the Windows 3.1, 3.11 Driver

To install:

Note that the VT82C496G VLB IDE DOS driver should
be installed to support the extra DOS functions before
you enter Windows System.

The customized installation screen gives you an option
to install the Windows driver by pressing <F1>.

G486VPA

After pressing <F1>, the Utility prompts you to enter the
name of directory for the driver you want to install. If
you press <Enter>, the driver will be installed under the
default directory.

You will be also prompted to type a file name that is
going to replace the original SYSTEM.INI. If you
choose not to enter the new file name, the default name,
SYSTEM.VIA, will be used.

IDE Device Drivers u 4-3

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

If you have not turned on the 32bit disk access mode,
the Utility will add new lines under CONFIG.SYS. The
new lines are as follows:

device=c:\windows\system\viaide.386

The Windows driver supports 32bit disk access mode
which enables you to optimize your access speed. The
Windows driver will be copied from the diskette to the
destination directory.

The default IRQ for the second IDE channel is IRQ15.
If you have an IDE card that uses IRQ11 and second
IDE channel, you should adjust the IRQ value by typing
the following line under SYSTEM.INI section (386Enh):

The default IRQ15 is replaced by IRQ11.

32BitDiskAccess=ON

VIA_IRQ=11

To remove:

When you install the Windows driver, the original
SYSTEM.INI under the Windows directory will be
renamed to SYSTEM.VIA.

1. Delete SYSTEM.INI

2. Rename SYSTEM.VIA to SYSTEM.INI

3. Restart Windows.

4-4 u IDE Device Drivers

Installing the NetWare 3.11, 4.0x Driver

To install:

Press <F2> to install the NetWare driver.
The Utility will prompt you to enter the name of direc-

tory for the NetWare driver you want to install. If you
press <Enter>, the driver will be installed under the
default directory.

The NetWare driver can only support the first IDE
channel (VT82C496G). The second IDE channel can be
supported by NetWare ISA disk. To load the ISA disk
and change IRQ value, follow the installation proce­dures of the NetWare installation manual. The default
IRQ for the second IDE channel is IRQ15.

After the installation, you can type “load” command to
load the driver into NetWare.

Installing the OS/2 2.x, 3.0 Driver

G486VPA

To install:

To find the disk speed, run “VTSETUP.EXE” Utility
under DOS.

After you have executed the speed test, boot the system
from OS/2. Under OS/2 command prompt, type
<DDINSTAL>. For example:

C>DDINSTAL

IDE Device Drivers u 4-5

PCI/VL-Bus/ISA System Board

Enter the source floppy drive from which OS/2 drive is
to be copied. Enter the destination disk drive.
VIAIDE.ADD will be copied to the destination drive.

The following line will be appended to CONF.SYS file:

Modify CONFIG.SYS file by moving the line:

in front of the name of the default OS/2 hard disk
driver:

If you do not complete this modification, the device
driver IMB1S506.ADD will be executed instead of
VIAIDE.ADD driver.

After completing the above mentioned procedures, the
OS/2 driver is installed.

BASEDEV=VIAIDE.ADD

BASEDEV=VIAIDE.ADD

BASEDEV=IBM1S506.ADD

The default IRQ value for the second IDE driver is
IRQ15. If you want to change this value to IRQ11,
type:

BASEDEV=VIAIDE.ADD /A:1 /IRQ:11

4-6 u IDE Device Drivers