ECS P6BX-A+ User Manual

P6BX-A+

User’s manual

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Chapter 1: Introduction

Welcome.... ......... ......... ......... .................. ......... .........1

About the Manual . ......... ......... .................. ......... .........1

Checklist .... ......... ......... ......... .................. ......... .........2

Features..... ......... ......... ......... .................. ......... .........2

Chapter 2: Installation

Before You Begin . ......... ......... .................. ......... .........4

Mainboard Guide.. ......... ......... .................. ......... .........5

Preparing the Mainboard ......... .................. ......... .........7

Install the Mainboard in the System Case .... ......... .........9

Chapter 3: Setup

About the Setup Utility.... ......... .................. ......... .........12

Standard CMOS Setup Option.. .................. ......... .........14

BIOS Feature Setup Option...... .................. ......... .........15

Chipset Features Option. ......... .................. ......... .........18

Power Management Setup Option ............... ......... .........19

PNP/PCI Configuration Option.. .................. ......... .........22

Load BIOS Defaults Option....... .................. ......... .........23

Load Optimum Settings Option. .................. ......... .........23

Integrated Peripherals Option... .................. ......... .........24

PC Health Monitor Option......... .................. ......... .........26

Supervisor Password and User Password.... ......... .........26

IDE HDD Auto Detection Option .................. ......... .........27

Save and Exit Setup Option...... .................. ......... .........27

Exit Without Saving Option ....... .................. ......... .........27

Chapter 4: Software

About the Software......... ......... .................. ......... 28

General Installation Guide ........ .................. ......... .........28

Other Software Questions......... .................. ......... .........29

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Welcome

Congratulations on your purchase of the P6BX-A+ mainboard. This mainboard
delivers workstation-level performance by supporting the latest and most powerful
Intel Pentium-II processors. In addition, it adopts the new Advanced Graphics Port
(AGP) and can be installed with a large capacity of fast SDRAM memory modules.

This chapter contains the following information:

l About the Manual explains how the information in this manual is

organized

l Checklist comprises a list of the standard and optional components that are

shipped with this mainboard,

l Features highlights the functions and components that make this one of

the best value mainboards on the market

About the Manual

The manual consists of the following chapters:

Introduction

Use the Introduction chapter to learn about the features of the mainboard, and the
checklist of items that are shipped with the package.

Installation

Use the Installation chapter to learn how to install the mainboard and get your system
up and running.

Setup

Use the Setup chapter to configure the mainboard for optimum performance.

Software

Use the Software chapter to learn how to use the software drivers and support
programs that are provided with this mainboard.

2

Checklist

Compare the contents of your mainboard package with the standard checklist below. If
any item is missing or appears damaged, please contact the vendor of your mainboard
package.

Standard Items

ü

1 x P6BX-A+ Mainboard

ü

1 x Cable/Bracket Pack

Diskette drive ribbon cable
IDE drive ribbon cable
Retention Module (for Pentium-II Cartridge)

ü

This User’s Manual

ü

Software Support CD-ROM Disk or diskettes

IDE driver
LANDesk Client Management Software (optional)

Optional Items

ü

System Hardware Monitor IC chip (W83871D)

Features

The key features of the P6BX-A+ mainboard are the high-level of performance and
the system support for the latest technologies in personal computing. The P6BX-A+
supports the most powerful processors and graphics sub-systems so that it challenges
the performance levels of UNIX-based graphics workstations.

The mainboard also supports state-of-the-art network management software and
system monitoring hardware. A P6BX-A+ based system can easily provide an energy
efficient workstation or client file server.

High-Performance Processing

The processor Slot-1 (plus the retention module) supports the latest high-performance
Pentium-II processors from Intel. The mainboard uses the latest 440BX Pentium-II
support logic chips. This chipset also supports a 100 MHz host and memory bus.

Configuration without Jumpers

The P6BX-A+ uses the system BIOS to set the processor clock and voltage so that
system configuration for all supported processors can be made using firmware.

3

Ultra-fast Graphics

The mainboard has a built-in Advanced Graphics Port (AGP) so that you can
optionally install any of the new generation of AGP cards. The system meets the AGP

1.0 standard with support for 1X/2X speed transfers and BIOS control of the memory
display buffer.

High-capacity Memory Support

The P6BX-A+ has three DIMM (dual in-line memory module) sockets. The sockets
can be installed with 3.3 Volt unbuffered SDRAM modules. Each memory module
can have up to 128 MB of memory so a maximum of 384 MB can be installed. We
recommend that you use 100 MHz SDRAMs with PC/100 specification for maximum
performance.

Energy-saving Features

This mainboard uses an ATX power supply and supports ACPI (advanced
configuration and power interface). The system BIOS supports automatic wake-up for
network and modem calls. Therefore a P6BX-A+ based system can be always online
for critical network and other applications yet still meet important energy saving
targets.

Maximum Expansion Potential

The P6BX-A+ has seven free expansion slots. Two slots are available for 16-bit ISA
cards, and 5 slots support 32-bit PCI card. (one PCI slot and one ISA slot are shared.
You can install an ISA card or a PCI card, but not both together.) In addition, there is
an AGP slot for the optional installation of an AGP graphics card.

Full Set of I/O Ports

The mainboard has a full range of standard I/O ports;

Two enhanced IDE channels each supporting two devices
One floppy diskette connector supporting up to two drives
One parallel port and two serial ports
Two USB (universal serial bus) ports
Two PS/2 ports, one for keyboard and one for pointing device.

Keyboard Power On Switch

Using firmware, you can install your system with power on hot-keys so that you can
turn on the system from the keyboard. See the Setup chapter for the procedure to
install this feature.

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Before You Begin

Before you begin to install your P6BX-A+ mainboard, take some precautions to
ensure that you avoid the possibility of damage to the product from static electricity.
Ensure too that you are installing the mainboard into a suitable case.

Static Electricity

In adverse conditions, static electricity can accumulate and discharge through the
integrated circuits and silicon chips on this product. These circuits and chips are
sensitive and can be permanently damaged by static discharge.

♦ If possible wear a grounding wrist strap clipped to a safely grounded device

during the installation.

♦ If you don’t have a wrist strap, discharge any static by touching the metal case

of a safely grounded device before beginning the installation.

♦ Leave all components inside their static-proof bags until they are required for

the installation procedure.

♦ Handle all circuit boards and electronic components carefully. Hold boards by

the edges only. Do not flex or stress circuit boards.

Choosing a Case

The P6BX-A+ mainboard has a power connector for an ATX power supply. Ensure
that your system is installed with an ATX power unit.

Some features on the mainboard are implemented by cabling connectors on the
mainboard to indicators and switches on the system case. Ensure that your case
supports all the features required.

The P6BX-A+ mainboard can support one or two floppy diskette drives and four
enhanced IDE drives. Ensure that your case has sufficient power and space for all the
drives that you intend to install.

The mainboard uses a standard ATX two-level layout for the I/O ports. Ensure that
your case has an I/O template that supports this arrangement of I/O ports.

5

Mainboard Guide

SIR1

JP2

JP3

I/O PORTS

POWER

SLOT 1

DIMM 3

IDE2

IDE1

PANEL1

JP1

SIDEBAND1

WOM1

CPUFAN2

WOL1

CASEFAN1

AGP1

USB1

LPT1

COM1

COM2

Use the following illustrations and key to identify the principal components on your
mainboard.

CASEOPEN1

ISA 2, 1

PWRFAN3

ATX

DIMM 1
DIMM 2

FDD1

Side View of the I/O Ports

MOUSE

KB

6

Key to Components

Component Description

COM1 External serial port 1/3
COM2 External serial port 2/4

LPT1 External parallel Port

External PS/2 port for keyboard (lower port)KBMPS2

External PS/2 port for pointing device (upper port)

USB1 Two external universal serial bus ports

JP1 Clear CMOS memory jumper pins
JP2 Jumper pins for keyboard power on switch
JP3 Jumper pins for keyboard/mouse enable

CASEFAN1 Power connector for internal case-mounted cooling fan

CPUFAN2 Power connector for Pentium-II cartridge cooling fan

PWRFAN3 Power connector for ATX power unit cooling fan

ATX1 Power connector for ATX power supply

SLOT 1 Slot1 for Pentium-II processor cartridge

DIMM 1/2/3 Slots for memory modules

IDE 1/2 Connectors for primary and secondary IDE channels

FDD1 Connector for floppy disk drive

AGP1 Slot for advanced graphics port (AGP) display adapter

CIR1 (optional) Connector for consumer infrared device CIR

SIR1 Connector for standard infrared device SIR

FIR1 (optional) Connector for fast infrared device FIR

SIDEBAND1 SB-Link connector (for Creative sound card use only)

PANEL1 Case feature connectors:

Pins 1 to 3 Power indicator LED
Pins 4 to 5 Sleep switch

Pins 7 to 9 Suspend indicator LED
Pins 10 to 11 Case key lock
Pins 12 to 13 System reset switch
Pins 15 to 18 System speaker connector
Pins 20 to 21 Hard disk drive indicator LED
Pins 22 to 23 Power On/Off switch

WOM1 Connector for modem wake-up cable

WOL1 Connector for network wake-up cable

CASEOPEN1 Detects when the case is opened

ISA 1/2 Two slots for 8/16-bit ISA expansion cards

PCI 1/2/3/4/5 Five slots for 32-bit PCI expansion cards

A Note on Jumpers

A jumper consists of two or more pins mounted on the mainboard. Some
jumpers might be arranged in a series with each pair of pins numbered
differently. Jumpers are used to change the electronic circuits on the
mainboard. When a jumper cap is placed on two jumper pins, the pins are
SHORT. If the jumper cap is removed (or placed on just a single pin) the pins
are OPEN.

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Preparing the Mainboard

Prepare the mainboard by installing the supplied Pentium-II retention module. Then
install the Pentium-II cartridge according to the instructions supplied with the
cartridge. Complete the processor installation by installing the supplied heat-sink
support, and connecting the heat sink power cable to the mainboard connector.

After the processor cartridge is installed, insert your memory modules into the DIMM
sockets on the mainboard. Finish the mainboard preparation by checking that the three
jumpers (for keyboard power, keyboard/mouse enable, and clear CMOS memory are
at the correct setting.

Install the Pentium-II Processor

1. Place the mainboard on a foam plastic mat so that the pins in the retention module

can pass through the mainboard and protrude out through the bottom of the board.

2. Locate the processor SLOT-1 on the mainboard.

3. Unpack the retention module parts, and place the cartridge holder over slot-1. One

end of slot-1 has a notch, and one end of the cartridge holder has a cut-out, so the
cartridge holder can only be installed correctly.

Plastic Pins

Cartridge
Holder

Place on foam
plastic mat

8

4. Push the four plastic pins through the holes in the cartridge holder, and through

the prepared holes in the mainboard, to secure the cartridge holder in place.

5. Follow the instructions supplied with your Pentium-II processor to install the

processor cartridge into the cartridge holder.

Note: The P6BX-A+ does not use jumpers to set the parameters for your
processor, such as the core voltage, the clock multiplier, and so on. You can set
the parameters for the processor in firmware using the system BIOS. After your
system is installed, the BIOS will automatically detect the kind of processor
that is installed and implement the correct setting for it. See the next chapter
for details.

Install the Memory Modules

For this mainboard, you must use 168-pin Dual In-line Memory Modules (DIMMs)
which are installed with SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory)
(SDRAM). This mainboard can support 100MHz SDRAM and also 66MHz SDRAM.
We recommend that you use 100MHz SDRAM with PC/100 compatibility so that
your system can run at the maximum speed.

The DIMMs can hold memory capacities from 8 MB through to 128 MB. You can
install one, two or three DIMMs in any combination. up to 384 MB of standard
SDRAM. Install the first DIMM in the DIMM1 socket. If you install a second or third
DIMM, install them in DIMM2 and DIMM3 respectively.

1. The SDRAM sockets are keyed with notches and the DIMMs are keyed with cut-

outs so that they can only be installed correctly. Check that the cut-outs on the
DIMM edge connector matches the notches in the SDRAM socket.

2. Push the latches on each side of the SDRAM socket down.

3. Install the DIMM into the socket and press it carefully but firmly down so that it

seats correctly. The latches at either side of the socket will be levered upwards
and latch on the edges of the DIMM when it is installed correctly.

Check the three Jumper Settings

This mainboard only has three jumpers. For most systems the factory defaults will be
the correct configuration. Before you install the mainboard, take a moment to check
that the three jumpers are at the correct setting.

1. Locate the Clear CMOS jumper JP1. Ensure that the jumper cap is placed on pins

1-2. If you ever need to clear the system CMOS memory, you can do this by
moving the jumper cap to short pins 2-3 for a few seconds. When you clear the
CMOS memory, the system must be turned off and the power cord disconnected.

Function Jumper Cap Position

Normal Operation Short pins 1-2

Clear CMOS Memory Short pins 2-3

1 2 3

Default

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2. Locate the Keyboard Power On Switch jumper JP2. When this jumper is enabled,

it allows you to create “hot keys” on your system keyboard that will act as a
power On/Off switch. See the Integrated Peripherals Option in the Setup chapter
for information on installing this function. As a default, the keyboard power
switch is enabled. When you have enabled Keyboard Power On, you must ensure
that the 5V standby current of the power supply is more than 200 mA.

Function Jumper Cap Position

Disable keyboard power switch Short pins 1-2

Enable keyboard power switch Short pins 2-3

1 2 3

Default

3. Locate the Keyboard/Mouse jumper JP3. This jumper can be used to disable the

external PS/2 ports. As a default, the PS/2 ports are enabled.

Jumper Cap PositionFunction

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

Keyboard/Mouse Enable Short Short Short Short

Keyboard/Mouse Disable Open Open Open Open

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Default

Install the Mainboard in the System Case

Use the screws and mounting brackets supplied with your system case to install the
mainboard. Follow the instructions provided by the case manufacturer.

Connect Devices, Switches and Indicators to the Mainboard

Note: You might not need to carry out every step in the following procedure. It
depends on the options you are installing, and the features that are supported
by your system case.

Note: Ribbon cables are usually keyed so that they can only be installed
correctly on the device connector. There is no key on the mainboard connector
however, so you must manually ensure that the cable is installed correctly.
Each connector has the pin-1 side clearly marked. The pin-1 side of each
ribbon cable is always marked with a red stripe on the cable.

Part One – Internal Connections

1. Locate the floppy diskette drive connector FDD1. Use the ribbon cable to connect

the floppy diskette drive to the mainboard.

2. Locate the Enhanced IDE connectors IDE1 (primary) and IDE2 (secondary). A

single IDE cable is provided with the mainboard. Connect the cable to IDE1 The
cable has two connectors for IDE devices. If you connect two devices, you must
configure one device as Master, and one device as Slave. See the documentation

10

provided with the devices for information on this. If you need to install more

Power

HDD

Case

Reset

Suspend

Power

Sleep

drives, obtain another IDE cable and connect one or two devices to IDE2
following the same procedure as you used with IDE1.

3. Locate the bank of switch and indicator connectors PANEL1. These connectors

provide control functions to your system case. Use the table below to make the
connections.

Pins Function

1 to 3 Power indicator LED
4 to 5 Sleep switch

7 to 9 Suspend indicator LED
10 to 11 Case key lock
12 to 13 System reset switch
15 to 18 System speaker connector
20 to 21 Hard disk drive indicator LED
22 to 23 Power On/Off switch

12 13 1+ 2+ 3- 4 5 7+ 8+ 9- 15 18 10 11

20+21-

22 23

LED

SW

LED

Lock

SW

Speaker

LED

SW

4. Locate the ATX POWER connector. Connect the cable from your system ATX

power supply into the connector. The connector is keyed so that it can only be
installed correctly.

5. Install expansion cards into the expansion slots. The system will not operate

without a display adapter. If you have an AGP display adapter, you can use the
dedicated AGP slot. You can use the two ISA slots, and the five PCI slots to
install a variety of expansion cards in your system, such as a sound card, a
network adapter, a SCSI host adapter, an internal modem card, and so on. ISA slot
1 and PCI slot 5 are shared. This means that you can use one of these slots, but
not both of them at the same time.

Part Two – Optional Internal Connections

You may install optional items such as a serial or fast infrared port. If you have
installed a network adapter or an internal modem, you can use the wake-up connectors
so that your system will automatically resume from a power-saving mode when there
is incoming network or modem traffic.

1. Locate the infrared connectors CIR1 (Consumer Infrared), SIR1 (Standard

Infrared) and FIR1 (Fast Infrared). Determine if your infrared port is CIR, SIR or
FIR and use the cable provided with the infrared device to connect to the correct
connector. Secure the infrared device to the appropriate space in the system case.

2. If you have installed a network adapter, connect the cable from the network

adapter to WOL1. This will enable your system to resume from a power saving
mode when there is network traffic. When you use the LAN wake up function,
you must make sure that the 5V standby current from the power supply is more
than 700mA.

11

3. If you have installed an internal modem,.connect the cable from the internal

modem to WOM1. This will enable your system to resume from a power saving
mode when there is modem traffic.

4. If you have installed a Creative PCI Sound Blaster card, you can cable it to the

SB-Link connector SIDEBAND1. The SB-Link connector provides a PCI­compatible solution that allows your Sound Blaster to run real-mode DOS game
applications.

5. You may install extra cooling fans. Some ATX power units have a cooling fan.

You can connect this to the ATX cooling fan power connector PWRFAN3. If you
have a case mounted fan, you can connect it to the case cooling fan power
connector CASEFAN1.

6. If your case supports a detector that indicates when the case is opened, you can

connect the cable to the case open detect connector CASEOPEN1.

Part Three – External Connections

After you have installed the mainboard and completed the internal connections, you
can use the external connectors to attach peripheral devices to your system

1. COM1 is a serial port which can be used by serial devices such as a mouse, a

fax/modem and so on. Your system identifies this serial port as COM1

2. COM2 is a second serial port. Your system identifies this serial port as COM2.

3. LPT1 is a parallel port which can be used by printers or other parallel

communications devices. Your system identifies the parallel port as LPT1

4. USB1 is a stack of two universal serial bus (USB) ports. Some new devices now

use the USB interface to take advantage of its faster transmission, and the fact that
many devices can be “daisy chained” on a single cable.

5. KBMPS2 is a stack of two mini-DIN PS/2 ports. The lower port is for the use of a

keyboard. The upper port can be used by any PS/2 pointing device such as a
mouse or a trackball.

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CChhaapptteerr 33:: SSeettuup

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About the Setup Utility

This chapter explains how to use and modify the BIOS setup utility that is stored on
the mainboard. The setup utility stores information about the mainboard components,
and the configuration of other devices that are connected to it. The system uses this
information to test and initialize components when it is started up, and to make sure
everything runs properly when the system is operating. This mainboard lets you use
the BIOS setup utility to configure the system for the kind of processor you install
instead of using jumpers to make changes to the processor configuration.

The setup utility is installed with a set of default values. The default values are
designed to ensure that the system will operate adequately. You will probably have to
make changes to the setup utility whenever you add new components to your system
such as new disk drives. You may be able to generate increased performance by
changing some of the timing values in the setup, but this can be limited by the kind of
hardware you are using, for example, the rating of your memory chips. In certain
circumstances, the system may generate an error message which asks you to make
changes to the setup utility. This happens when the system finds an error during the
POST (power on self test) that it carries out at start up.

Starting the Setup Utility

You can only start the setup utility shortly after the computer has been turned on. A
prompt appears on the computer display which reads “Press DEL to run Setup”. When
you see this prompt, press the DEL key, and the system will start the setup utility and
display the main menu of the utility.

Using the Setup Utility

When you press the DEL key to start setup, the main menu of the utility appears.

The main menu of the setup utility shows a list of the options that are available in the
utility. A highlight shows which option is currently selected. You can use the cursor
arrow keys to move the highlight to other options. When an option is highlighted, you
can execute the option by pressing the ENTER key.

Some options lead to dialog boxes which ask you verify that that you wish to execute
that option. You usually answer these dialogs by typing Y for yes and N for no.

Some options lead to dialog boxes which ask for more information. Setting the User
Password or Supervisor Password have this kind of dialog box.

13

Some options lead to tables of items. These items usually have a value on the right
side. The value of the first item is highlighted, and you can use the cursor arrow keys
to select any of the other values in the table of items. When an item is highlighted, you
can change the value by pressing the PGUP or PGDN keys, or the PLUS or MINUS
keys. The PGUP and PLUS keys cycle forward through the available values, the
PGDN and MINUS keys cycle backwards through the values.

When you are in the main menu, you can exit the utility by pressing the ESC key. You
can save the current selections and exit the utility by pressing the F10 key. You can
change the color scheme of the utility by pressing the F2 key while holding down the
SHIFT key.

When you are in one of the options that displays a dialog box, you can return to the
main menu by pressing the ESC key.

When you are in one of the options that displays a table of items, you can return to the
main menu by pressing the ESC key. For some items, you can display a help message
by pressing the F1 key. You can change the color scheme of the utility by pressing the
F2 key while holding down the SHIFT key. You can press F5 to discard any changes
you have made and return all items to the value that they held when the setup utility
was started. You can press F6 to load the displayed items with a standard list of
default values. You can press F7 to load the displayed items with a high-performance
list of default values.

14

Standard CMOS Setup Option

This option displays a table of items which defines basic information about your
system.

Date and Time

The Date and Time items show the current date and time held by your computer. If
you are running a Windows operating system, these items will be automatically
updated whenever you make changes to the Windows Date and Time Properties utility.

Hard Disk Defaults: None

These items show the characteristics of any hard disk drives on the four available IDE
channels. (Note that SCSI hard disk drives do not appear here.) You can automatically
install most modern hard disks using the IDE HDD Auto Detect Option from the main
menu. However, if you find that a drive cannot be automatically detected, you can use
these items to select USER, and then manually enter the characteristics of the drive.
The documentation provided with your drive provides the data you need to fill in the
values for CYLS (cylinders), HEAD (read/write heads), and so on.

The documentation provided with the drive may not tell you what value to use under
the MODE heading. If the drive is smaller than 528 MB, set MODE to Normal. If the
drive is larger than 528 MB and it supports Logical Block Addressing, set MODE to
LBA. Very few high-capacity drives do not support Logical Block Addressing. If you
have such a drive, you might be able to configure it by setting the MODE to Large. If
you’re not sure which MODE setting is required by your drive, set MODE to Auto and
let the setup utility try to determine the mode automatically.

Drive A and Drive B Default: None

15

These items define the characteristics of any diskette drive attached to the system. You
can connect one or two diskette drives.

Floppy 3 Mode Support Default: Disabled

Floppy 3 Mode is a special mode that supports 3.5” diskettes with a capacity of 1.2
MB. Outside of Japan, very few people use this kind of diskette.

Video Default: EGA/VGA

This item defines the video mode of the system. The default value is for the VGA
standard which is supported by all current display adapters. If you wish to use an older
display adapter which does not support VGA, you can select one of the earlier video
standards such as CGA or Hercules.

Halt On Default: All Errors

This item defines the operation of the system POST (Power On Self Test) routine. You
can use this item to select which kind of errors in the POST are sufficient to halt the
system.

Base, Extended and Other Memory.

These items show how much memory is available on the system. They are
automatically detected by the system so you cannot manually make changes to these
items.

BIOS Feature Setup Option

This option displays a table of items which defines more advanced information about
your system. You can make modifications to most of these items without introducing
fatal errors to your system.

CPU Internal Core Speed Default: 233 MHz or 350MHz

16

This item should be installed with the rated internal core speed of the Pentium-II class
processor that is installed in your system. The setup utility will then automatically
configure the system with the correct host bus speed, and bus frequency multiplier.
If you set this item to Manual, two new items will appear: CPU Host BUS Frequency
and CPU Core:Bus Freq. Multiple. You can use these two items to manually
configure the mainboard for the speed of the processor. The values available in these
two items will vary, according to the kind of Pentium-II processor that is installed.

Note: Using the three items above, you can configure the mainboard so that it
runs a processor faster than the rated clock speed. We strongly recommend
that you do not overclock the processor. Overclocking can introduce excess
heat, recurring instability, or even complete failure in your system.

Virus Warning Default: Disabled

When this item is enabled it provides some protection against viruses which try to
write to the boot sector and partition table of your hard disk drive. This item is
Disabled as a default so that you can install an operating system. We recommend that
you enable Virus Warning as soon as you have installed your disk with an OS.

Note: You must disable this item when creating new partitions on a hard disk.

CPU L1 Cache Default: Enabled
CPU L2 Cache Default: Enabled

This mainboard is designed for the Pentium-II series of processor cartridges. All these
processors feature internal level-1 cache memory, and external level-2 cache memory.
Therefore you should enable both these items for better performance.

CPU ECC Function Default: Disabled (only for

66MHz systems)

This item can be used to enable ECC (error checking and correction) for the level-2
cache memory. We recommend that you leave this item at the default value disabled.

Quick Power On Self Test Default: Enabled

You can enable this item to shorten the power on testing and have your system start up
a little faster.

Boot from LAN First Default: Enabled

This items lets you specify that the system will try to load an operating system from a
network server first, before booting from any of the local drives.

Boot Sequence Default: A, C, SCSI

This item defines where the system will look for an operating system, and the order of
priority. You can boot an operating system from many locations including a SCSI
device, a ZIP drive, a floppy diskette drive, or an LS-120 high-capacity diskette drive.

Boot Function of Hard Disk Default: Enabled

17

Boot Function of Drive A Default: Enabled

These items allow the system to boot an operating system from a hard disk drive or a
floppy disk drive.

Swap Floppy Drive Default: Disabled

If you have two floppy diskette drives in your system, this item allows you to swap
around the assigned drive letters so that drive A becomes drive B, and drive B
becomes drive A.

Hard Disk Write Protected Default: Disabled
Floppy Disk Write Protected Default: Disabled

You can use these items to write protect the hard disk drive and floppy disk drive.

Boot Up NumLock Status Default: On

This item defines if the keyboard Num Lock key is active when your system is started.

Gate A20 Option Default: Fast

This option provides compatibility with older software written for the 286 processor.
Leave this item at the default value Fast.

PCI/VGA Palette Snoop Default: Disabled

This item can help overcome problems that are caused by some non-standard VGA
cards. We recommend that you leave this item at the default value Disabled.

OS Select For DRAM > 64 MB Default: Non-OS2

This item is required if you have installed more than 64 MB of memory and you are
running the OS/2 operating system. Otherwise, leave this item at the default Non-OS2

HDD S.M.A.R.T Capability Default: Disabled

S.M.A.R.T is an industry acronym for Self-monitoring, Analysis and Reporting
Technology. If the documentation of your hard disk states that S.M.A.R.T. is
supported, you can enable this item.

Security Option Default: Setup

If you have installed password protection, this item defines if the password is required
at system start up, or if it is only required when a user tries to enter the setup utility.

Video BIOS Shadow Default: Enabled

This item lets the video BIOS to be copied to system memory for faster performance.

XXXXX-XXXXX Shadow Default: Disabled

These items allow the BIOS of other devices to be copied to system memory for faster
performance.

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Chipset Features Option

This option displays a table of items which define timing parameters of the mainboard
components including the graphics system, the memory, and the system logic. In
general rule, you should leave the items on this page at the default values unless you
are very familiar with the technical specifications of your hardware. If you change the
values, you may introduce fatal errors or recurring instability into your system.

Auto Configuration Default: Enabled

Leave this item at the default value Enabled. This will automatically install the correct
values for the system memory timing in the next 7 items.

USWC Write Post Default: Enabled

USWC (uncacheable, speculative write combining) is a cache memory technology.
We recommend that you leave this item at the default value Enabled.

Dram Data Integrity Mode Default: Non-ECC

This item enables or disables ECC (error checking and correction) for the main
memory. We recommend that you leave this item at Non-ECC unless you have
verified that your memory modules support ECC.

Host Bus Fast Data Ready Default: Enabled

When this item is enabled, it speeds up memory access by one clock cycle. We
recommend that you leave this item at the default value Enabled.

System BIOS Cacheable Default: Enabled
Video BIOS Cacheable Default: Enabled

These two items allow the system and video BIOS to be cached for faster performance.
We recommend that you leave these items at the default value Enabled.

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Video RAM Cache Method Default: Uncache
AGP Aperture Cache Method Default: Uncache

These two items can be used to cache the video RAM and AGP aperture using USCW
(uncacheable, speculative write combining). We recommend that you leave both these
items at the default value Uncache.

8-bit I/O Recovery Time Default: 1
16-bit I/O Recovery Time Default: 1

These two items set timing parameters for 8-bit and 16-bit ISA expansion cards. We
recommend that you leave these items at the default value 1.

Memory Hole at 15M-16M Default: Disabled

This item can be used to reserve memory space for some ISA cards that require it. We
recommend that you leave this item at the default value Disabled.

Passive Release Default: Enabled
Delayed Transaction: Default: Disabled

These two items make the PCI bus compliant with the PCI Specification Ver. 2.1. It
provides compatibility with older, slower ISA expansion cards. We recommend that
you leave these items at their default values.

AGP Aperture Size (MB) Default: 64

This item defines the size of the AGP aperture. We recommend that you leave this
item at the default value 64.

Clock Speed Spectrum Default: Enabled

When this item is enabled, it can significantly reduce the EMI (electrical magnetic
interference) that your system generates. We recommend that you leave this item at
the default value Enabled.

Power Management Setup Option

This option displays a table of items which lets you control the power management of
the system. Modern operating systems take care of much of the routine power
management. This mainboard supports ACPI (advanced configuration and power
interface).

This system supports three levels of power-saving modes; doze mode, standby mode,
and suspend mode. Standby mode uses less power than doze mode and suspend mode
uses the least power.

The power management in the setup utility lets you specify a timeout for each of the
power-saving modes, and a timeout for a hard disk drive power down. A timeout,
means a period of time when the system (or the hard disk drive) is inactive. If the
timeout completes, the system power-saving mode will execute, or the hard disk drive
will power down.

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You can resume from the power-saving modes by carrying out any of the activities
which are enabled in the list Reload Global Timer Events. If the hard disk has been
powered down it will automatically resume to full power when an access to the hard
disk is required (this takes just a few seconds).

ACPI Function Default: Enabled

This system supports ACPI (advanced configuration and power management interface)
which is an industry standard specification. We recommend that you leave this item at
the default value enabled.

Power Management Default: Disabled

This item acts like a master switch for the power-saving modes and hard disk timeouts.
If this item is set to Disabled, all the power-savings modes are disabled. If this item is
set to Max Saving, doze, standby, and suspend mode, and the hard disk powerdown
will occur after a timeout of 1 minute. If this item is set to Min Saving, doze, standby,
and suspend mode will occur after a timeout of 1 hour. The hard disk powerdown will
occur after fifteen minutes. If the item is set to User Define, you can insert your own
timeouts for the power-saving modes and hard disk powerdown.

Doze Mode Default: Disabled

If you have selected User Define for the Power Management item, you can set this
item to a selection of timeouts from 1 minute to 4 hours.

Standby Mode Default: Disabled

If you have selected User Define for the Power Management item, you can set this
item to a selection of timeouts from 1 minute to 4 hours.

Suspend Mode Default: Disabled

If you have selected User Define for the Power Management item, you can set this
item to a selection of timeouts from 1 minute to 4 hours.

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HDD Power Down Default: Disabled

If you have selected User Define for the Power Management item, you can set this
item to a selection of timeouts from 1 minute to 4 hours.

HDD Down When Suspend Default: Enabled

When this item is enabled, hard disk drives on the primary or secondary IDE channels
will power down in suspend mode.

Throttle Duty Cycle Default: 62.5%

This item defines what percentage of time the system will halt the processor clock
when it is in power-saving mode.

Video Off Method Default: DPMS

This item defines how the video is turned off to save power. As a default, this is set to
DPMS (display power management software).

Video Off After Default: Standby

This item lets you define which level of power-saving mode is required in order to
turn off the video display.

Modem Use IRQ Default: 3

If you would like an incoming call on a modem to automatically resume the system
from a power-saving mode, use this item to specify the interrupt request line (IRQ)
that is used by the modem.

Soft-Off by PWR-BTTN Default: Delay 4 Sec.

You can use this item to install a four second delay in powering down the system
when the power switch is turned off.

CPUFAN Off In Suspend Default: Enabled

You can use this item to specify if the CPU cooling fan is turned on or off when the
system goes into suspend mode.

Powered On or Resumed By

This list of items specifies system activities which will automatically restart the system
when it has been turned off or set in suspend mode.

AC Resume Default: Disabled

If this is enabled, the system will restart when AC power is supplied to the system.

Modem/NetCard (RI) Default: Disabled

If this item is enabled, the system will restart when an incoming transmission is
received by an internal modem, or a network adapter.

RTC Alarm (IRQ 8) Default: Disabled

You can use this item to set a time and date for the system to automatically restart.

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When you enable this item, two other items appear that let you enter a date and time
for the restart.

Reload Global Timer Events

This is a list of system activities which can be used to restart the countdown of the
power-saving timeouts. If an item in this list is enabled, and the activity of that item
occurs, the timeout counter will begin counting again from the start.

IRQ [3-7, 9-15], NMI Default: Enabled

If this item is enabled, any activity on the listed IRQs (interrupt request lines) or the
NMI (non-masked interrupt) will restart the timeouts.

Primary IDE 0 Default: Disabled
Primary IDE 1 Default: Disabled
Secondary IDE 0 Default: Disabled
Secondary IDE 1 Default: Disabled
Floppy Disk Default: Disabled

You can use these items to let activity on the IDE devices or floppy disk drives restart
the timeouts.

Serial Port Default: Enabled
Parallel Port Default: Disabled

When enabled, these items let activity on the serial or parallel ports restart the
timeouts.

VGA Active Monitor Default: Enabled

You can use this item to let activity on the active monitor restart the timeouts.

PNP/PCI Configuration Option

This option displays a table of items that configures how PNP (Plug and Play) and PCI
expansion cards operate in your system.

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PNP ISA Initialized By Default: BIOS

If you have installed a Plug and Play operating system such as Windows 95, you can
change this item to PNP OS. When the item is set to PNP OS, you can use the Device
Manager utility in the operating system to make changes to the configuration of
expansion cards.

Resources Control Method Default: Auto

You should leave this item at the default Auto. If you find that you cannot get a
particular expansion card to work properly, you might be able to solve the problem by
changing this item to Manual, and defining the characteristics of the card in the new
items which appear.

If you change this item to Manual, the display will list a series of items that allow you
to define the assignments of the system interrupt lines (IRQs) and Direct Memory
Access (DMA) channels. As a default, these items are set to PCI/ISA PnP. If you
install an ISA-bus card that does not support PNP, and it requires a special IRQ and
DMA, you can modify the list of assignments. Change the values of the IRQ and
DMA that are required to Legacy ISA.

If you change this item to Manual, a new item, Legacy ISA ROM Base, will appear.
As a default this item is set to N/A (not available). If the ISA expansion card uses a
ROM (read only memory) chip, you might need to use this item to specify the ROM
address in order to make the card work properly.

Reset Configuration Data Default Disabled

If you enable this item and restart the system, any PNP configuration data stored in the
BIOS setup will be cleared from memory.

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Load BIOS Defaults Option

This option displays a dialog box which allows you to install BIOS defaults for all
appropriate items in the whole setup utility. Press the Y key and then the ENTER key
to install the defaults. Press the N key and then ENTER to not install the defaults. The
BIOS defaults do not place great demands on the system and are generally very stable.
If your system is not running correctly, you might like to install the BIOS defaults as a
first step in getting your system working properly again. If you only want to install
BIOS defaults for a specific option, select and display the option, and press the F6 key.

Load Optimum Settings Option

This option displays a dialog box which allows you install optimum defaults for all
appropriate items in the whole setup utility. Press the Y key and then the ENTER key
to install the defaults. Press the N key and then ENTER to not install the defaults. The
optimum defaults can place some demands on the system that are greater than the
performance level of the components, such as the processor and the memory. You
could cause fatal errors or recurring instability of you install the optimum defaults
when your hardware does not support it. If you only want to install optimum settings
defaults for a specific option, select and display that option, and then press the F7 key.

Integrated Peripherals Option

This option displays a list of items which defines the operation of some peripheral
items on the system’s input/output ports.

IDE HDD Block Mode Default: Enabled

Most IDE hard disks can deliver better performance if they use block mode transfer. If
your hard disk(s) supports block mode transfer (check the drive documentation) set
this item to Enabled to improve performance.

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On-Chip Primary PCI IDE Default: Enabled

This item enables or disables the primary IDE channel that is built into this mainboard.
When the channel is enabled the items Master/Slave PIO Mode/UDMA appear. As a
default, the PIO mode item is set to Auto and the UDMA item is set to Auto. The
system will then automatically detect if a device on the channel requires PIO mode, or
Ultra-DMA.

On-Chip Secondary PCI IDE Default: Enabled

This item enables or disables the secondary IDE channel that is built into this
mainboard. When the channel is enabled the items Master/Slave PIO Mode/UDMA
appear. As a default, the PIO mode item is set to Auto and the UDMA item is set to
Auto. The system will then automatically detect if a device on the channel requires
PIO mode, or Ultra-DMA.

Note: You may have to install the Ultra-DMA drivers that are supplied with
this mainboard in order to use a UDMA device.

USB Keyboard Support Default: Disabled

You must enable this item if you are using a keyboard which uses the USB interface.

Power On Function Default: Hot KEY

This item allows you to power on the system by pressing hot-keys, or typing in a
password. If you set this item to Hot Key, another item appears, Hot Key Power On.
Use this item to choose which hot keys are installed. If you choose Password, another
item appears, KB Power On Password. Use this item to install a power on password.

KBC Input Clock Default: 8 MHz

This item sets the clock for the keyboard. We recommend that you leave this item at
the default value 8 MHz.

Onboard FDC Controller Default: Enabled

This item enables or disables the floppy diskette drive controller built into this
mainboard.

Onboard Serial Port 1 Default: 3F8/IRQ4

This item lets you disable the built-in serial port 1, or enable it by assigning an I/O
address and an Interrupt Request Line (IRQ).

Onboard Serial Port 2 Default: 2F8/IRQ3

This item lets you disable the built-in serial port 2, or enable it by assigning an I/O
address and an Interrupt Request Line (IRQ). If you have installed an optional IR port,
you should disable the second serial port, and configure the IR port with the following
item UART2 Mode Select.

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UART2 Mode Select Default: Normal

This item defines the operation of serial port 2. In the default Normal setting, serial
port 2 is assigned to the connector on the mainboard. If you have installed an optional
infrared port, you must change the setting of this item to either IrDA, or ASKIR.
These settings will disable the mainboard serial port connector and assign serial port 2
to the infrared device. IRDA SIR prepares the port to receive infrared communications
using the IrDA serial infrared standard. ASKIR prepares the port to receive infrared
communications using the ASK serial infrared standard. The ASK standard is
supported by many devices made by the Sharp Corp. If you have selected IrDA or
ASKIR, two further items appear which let you set the parameters of the IR port. Use
the documentation of the IR port to install the correct settings for these items.

Onboard Parallel Port Default: 378/IRQ7

This item lets you disable the built-in parallel port, or enable it by assigning an I/O
address and an Interrupt Request Line (IRQ).

Parallel Port Mode Default: SPP

This item defines the operation of the parallel port. As a default it is set to SPP
(standard parallel port). If you are connected to a parallel device that supports the
higher-performance EPP (enhanced parallel port) or the ECP (extended capabilities
port) make the appropriate changes to this item, and to the extra items, EPP and ECP
configuration, that will appear.

PC Health Monitor Option

You can only use this option if your mainboard is has the optional W83871D sensor
chip. This chip monitors voltage levels and temperatures in the system.

Warning Messages

The warning messages on the left side of the screen lists the items that can be
monitored. If you enable any of these items, the system will generate a warning

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message at start up time, if the real temperature or voltage measurement exceeds the
normal parameters.

PC Status

The PC status list on the right side of the screen lists the actual temperature or voltage
measurement of the items that are being monitored.

Supervisor Password and User Password

These two items can be used to install a Supervisor Password and a User Password. If
you log on as Supervisor, you have full access to the system, and you can restrict the
permissions granted to someone who logs on as User. For example, a Supervisor can
restrict a User from entering the setup utility.

To install a Supervisor or User Password, follow these steps:

1. Highlight the item Supervisor/User password on the main menu and press ENTER.

2. The password dialog box will appear.

3. If you are installing a new password, carefully type in the password. You cannot

use more than 8 characters or numbers. The password will differentiate between
upper case and lower characters. Press ENTER after you have typed in the
password. If you are deleting a password that is already installed just press
ENTER when the password dialog box appears.

4. The system will ask you to confirm the new password by asking you to type it in a

second time. Carefully type the password again and press ENTER, or just press
ENTER if you are deleting a password that is already installed.

5. If you typed the password correctly, the password will be installed.

IDE HDD Auto Detection Option

This item automatically detects and installs any hard disk drives installed on the
primary and secondary IDE channel. Most modern drives can be detected. If you are
using a very old drive that can’t be detected, you can install it manually using the
Standard CMOS Setup option.

Setup will check for two devices on the primary IDE channel and then two devices on
the secondary IDE channel. At each device, the system will flash an N in the dialog
box. Press Enter to skip the device and proceed to the next device. Press Y, then Enter
to tell the system to auto-detect the device.

Save And Exit Setup Option

Highlight this item and press ENTER to save the changes that you have made in the
setup utility and exit the setup program. When the Save and Exit dialog box appears,
press Y to save and exit, or press N to return to the setup main menu.

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Exit Without Saving Option

Highlight this item and press ENTER to discard any changes that you have made in
the setup utility and exit the setup program. When the Exit Without Saving dialog box
appears, press Y to discard changes and exit, or press N to return to the setup main
menu.

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CChhaapptteerr 44:: SSooffttwwaarre

e

About the Software

The support software for this mainboard is supplied on either a CD-ROM disk, or a
floppy diskette, depending on the configuration of the mainboard. Some mainboard
configurations do not need all the software described in this chapter.

♦ Bus master IDE drivers
♦ LANDesk Client Management Software (LDCM) (Optional)
♦ Flash BIOS utilities
♦ Desktop Management Interface (DMI) utility (Optional)
♦ Windows 95 Patch program
♦ Winbond system monitor utility (Optional)

General Installation Guide

1. Log on to the directory on the CD-ROM that contains the software.

2. Look for a text file named README.TXT or something similar. Use a text editor

to display and read the file. This file may have updated information about the
latest versions of the software.

3. Look for a program named SETUP.EXE or INSTALL.EXE and run the program.

4. Follow the directions on the screen to install the software.

Bus master IDE drivers

The Bus master IDE drivers are located in the directory \IDEDRV\TRIONES.

LANDesk Software

The LANDesk software is located in the directories \LDCM with sub-directories for
\LDCM\CLIENT and \LDCM\ADMIN. You can use the ALF editor to modify the
customized client and Administrator.

When you first setup LDCM, the program will install a version of Internet Explorer
(IE) if your system does not already have a version of IE later than 3.02. You must
restart the LDCM installation after the installation of IE is completed.

Client Manager uses a simple setup program to install the administrator functionality.
Setup installs the LANDesk Client Manager console, DMI Control Panel, and the
Notification Monitor.

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To run Setup on Windows NT

1. Log in as Administrator or equivalent.

2. Run SETUP.EXE from the Client Manager CD-ROM and follow the instructions

on your monitor.

To run Setup on Windows 95

1. Run SETUP.EXE from the Client Manager CD-ROM and follow the instructions

on your monitor.

Flash BIOS Utility

The flash BIOS utility can be used to erase the BIOS from the flash BIOS EEPROM
on the motherboard, and install an updated version of the BIOS. There are two Flash
BIOS utilities on the CD-ROM. One utility is located in \FLASH\ECS, and the other
utility is located in \FLASH\AWARD.

DMI Utility

The DMI utility allows system integrators and administrators to make changes to the
Desktop Management Interface. It is located in \DMI.

PIIX-4 Windows Patch Program

Most versions of Windows 95 cannot recognize the USB ports and power management
routines on Pentium-II motherboards. This patch program named WINP2X4.EXE
solves this problem. It is located in the directory \WINPATCH.

System Monitor Utility

The system monitor utility lets you monitor the critical system temperatures and
voltages. You must have the optional sensor chip W83781D installed on your
mainboard in order to use this utility.

Other Software Questions

Question

Answer

How can I install a PCI bridge and support for USB ports on
this mainboard?

Find the file UPG.EXE on the CD or diskettes that ship with
your mainboard. Run the file and then restart your system.