ECS P6VPA2 User Manual

Caution!

When installing a CPU heatsink and
cooling fan make sure that you DO NOT
scratch the motherboard or any of the
surface-mount resistors with the clip of
the cooling fan. If the clip of the cooling
fan scrapes across the mainboard, you
may cause serious damage to both the
mainboard and the processor.

On most mainboards, there are small
surface-mount resistors near the

processor socket, which may be damaged
if the cooling fan is carelessly installed.
Avoid using cooling fans with sharp
edges on the fan casing and the clips.

Also, install the cooling fan in a well-lit
work area so that you can clearly see the
mainboard and processor socket.

Important Information

Copyright

This publication, including all photographs, illustrations and
software, is protected under international copyright laws, with all

rights reserved. Neither this manual, nor any of the material
contained herein, may be reproduced without the express
written consent of the manufacturer.

Cooling fan and
heat sink

CPU socket

Version 1.0

Disclaimer

The information in this document is subject to change without
notice. The manufacturer makes no representations or

warranties with respect to the contents hereof and specifically
disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for
any particular purpose. Further, the manufacturer reserves the
right to revise this publication and to make changes from time to
time in the content hereof without obligation of the manufacturer
to notify any person of such revision or changes.

i

Trademark Recognition

Microsoft, MS-DOS and Windows are registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corp.

MMX, Pentium, Pentium-II, Pentium -III, Celeron are registered
trademarks of Intel Corporation.

Other product names used in this manual are the properties of
their respective owners and are acknowledged.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

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 in a residential installation. This

equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
e nergy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which

can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of
the following measures:

q Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
q Increase the separation between the equipment and the

receiver.

q Connect the equipment onto an outlet on a circuit

diffe rent from that to which the receiver is connected.

q Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician

for help.

Shielded interconnect cables and a shielded AC power cable
must be employed with this equipment to ensure compliance
with the pertinent RF emission limits governing this device.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the
system’s manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment.

ii

Declaration of Conformity

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is
subject to the following conditions:

q This device may not cause harmful interference, and
q This device must accept any interference received,

in cluding interference that may cause undesired
operation.

Canadian Department of Communications

This class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the
Canadian Interference-causing Equipment Regulations.

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les
exigences du Réglement sur le matériel brouilieur du Canada.

iii

About the Manual

The manual consists of the following chapters:

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

Use the Installation Chapter to learn how to install the
main board and get your system up and running.

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

Use the Software Chapter to learn how to install the software
drivers and support programs that are provided with this

main board.

Introduction

Installation

Setup

Software

iv

Contents

Important Information i

Copyright i
Disclaimer i
Trademark Recognition ii
Federal Communications C ommission (FCC) ii
Declaration of Conformity iii
Canadian Department of Communications iii

About the Manual iv

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCT ION 1

Welcome 1
Checklist 2
Recommendations 3
Features 4

CHAPTER 2: INSTALLATION 7

Quick Installation Table 7
Before You Begin 8

Static Electricity 8
Choosing a Case 9

Preparing the Mainboard 10

Mainboard Guide 10
I/O Ports Side View 12
How to Set Jumpers 13
Check the Jumper Settings 14
Installing the Mainboard in a Case 17
Connecting Internal Components 18

Installing Other Hardware 20

Installing the Processor 20
Install the Memory Modules 22
Installing a Hard Disk Drive and CD -ROM 24
Installing a Floppy Diskette Drive 27
Using the Expansion Slots 28
Add-in Card Options 31

v

Making External Connections 33
External Connector Color Coding 34

CHAPTER 3: SETUP 35

About the Setup Utility 35

Entering the Setup Utility 36
BIOS Navigation Keys 37
Using BIOS 38
How to Flash a New BIOS 39
Standard CMOS Setup Option 40
Advanced CMOS Setup Option 43
Advanced Chipset Features Option 46
Integrated Peripherals Option 51
Power Management Setup Option 57
PNP/PCI Configuration Option 62
PCI Health Status Option 64
Frequency Control Option 65
Load Fail-Safe Defaults Option 66
Load Optimized Defaults Option 66
Set Supervisor and User Passwords Options 67
Save & Exit Setup Option 68
Exit Without Saving Option 68

CHAPTER 4: SOFTWARE 69

Auto- installing under Windows 98 70
Folders for this Mainboard 73
Utility Folder Installation Notes 74
Mainboard (P6VPA 2) Installation Notes 75

Audio Software 75
IDE Software 76

APPENDIX: JUMPER SETTING REFERENCE 77

Quick Jumper Setting Reference 77

vi

CChhaapptteerr 11:: IInnttrroodduuccttiioonn

Welcome

Congratulations on purchasing the P6VPA2 mainboard. The
P6VPA2 mainboard is an ATX mainboard that uses a 4-layer
printed circuit board and measures 222 mm x 304 mm. The
mainboard features a Socket 370 that accommodates Celeron,

FC- PGA Pentium III, and Cyrix III processors that support
frontside bus (FSB) speeds up to 133 MHz. The P6VPA2
features the VIA Apollo Pro266 chipset which combines support

for the new high-bandwidth Double Data Rate (DDR) 266
SDRAM with a high- speed V-Link Hub Architecture, and the AC
97 audio codec.

SDRAM provides 800 MBps or 1 GBps data transfer

Note:

depending on whether the bus is 100 MHz or 133 MHz. Double
Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM) doubles the rate to 1.6 GBps
or 2.1 GBps by transferring data on both the rising and falling
edges of the clock. DDR SDRAM uses additional power and
ground lines and requires 184-pin DIMM modules rather than the
168 -pin DIMMs used by SDRAM.

The mainboard delivers high-level performance with a 4xAGP
(Accelerated Graphics Port) slot and two Ultra DMA (UDMA)

ports that support up to four ATAPI (AT Attachment Packet
Interface) devices. The PCI IDE also supports PIO Mode 3 and
4, UDMA33/66/100 IDE, and an ATAPI CD-ROM.

The mainboard accommodates DDR200/DDR266 or
PC1600/PC2100 DDR SDRAM (Double Data Rate Synchronous
DRAM) up to 3 GB using three 2.5V unbuffered DIMM modules.
The P6VPA2 also has a full set of I/O ports, such as dual channel
IDE interfaces, a floppy controller, two FIFO serial port connectors,
an EPP/ECP-capable bi-directional parallel port connector, a dual
USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector, and PS/2 keyboard and
mouse connectors.

1

One AGP slot, five PCI local bus slots, one Communications
Network Riser (CNR) slot, and one Advanced Communication
(ACR) slot provide expandability for add-on peripheral cards.

This chapter contains the following information:

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

q Checklist comprises a list of the standard and optional

components that are shipped with this mainboard

q Recommendations lists some Do’s and Don’ts from the

manufacturer to help ensure reliability and performance
from this product

q Features highlights the functions and components that

make this one of the best value mainboards on the
market

q One P6VPA2 mainboard
q One diskette drive ribbon cable and bracket
q One IDE drive ribbon cable and bracket

q This user’s manual
q Software support CD-ROM disc

2

Recommendations

This mainboard automatically determines the CPU clock
frequency and system bus frequency for the kind of processor

that you install. You may be able to change these automatic
settings by changing the settings in the system Setup Utility. We
strongly recommend that you do not overclock the mainboard to
run processors or other components faster than their rated
speed.

Warning:

reliability of the system and introduce errors into your system.
Overclocking can permanently damage the mainboard by generating
excess heat in components that are run beyond the rated limits.

Overclocking components can adversely affect the

Components on this mainboard can be damaged by discharges
of static electricity. Handle the board carefully holding it by the
edges. Don’t flex or stress the circuit board. Keep the board in
its static- proof packing until you are ready to install it. Follow the
static guidelines given at the beginning of Chapter 2.

3

Features

The key features of this mainboard are the wide range of
processors that can be installed, and the high level of integration.

Value-class Processors

Functioning as a platform for a value PC, the P6VPA2 features a
Socket 370 that accommodates Intel Celeron, FC -PGA Pentium
III, and VIA Cyrix III processors. The P6VPA2 supports
66/100/133 MHz FSB speeds.

VIA Apollo Pro266 Chipset

The VIA Apollo Pro266 chipset is based on an innovative and
scaleable architecture with proven reliability and performance.
The Apollo Pro266 is consists of the VT8633 V-Link Host system
controller (NB) and the VT8233 V-Link client PCI/LPC bridge
Controller.

Using an advanced V- Link memory controller architecture, the
VIA Apollo Pro266 chipset supports up to 3.0 GB of the latest
high- speed DDR200/266 SDRAM. These advanced memory
technologies provide the bandwidth and performance necessary
for even the most demanding Internet and 3D graphics. The low

2.5-volt power consumption of the DDR266 SDRAM makes it an
excellent solution for notebooks and desktops with a small

footprint. The Apollo Pro266 is configured with a 133 MHz
frontside bus, optimizing the performance of the latest Pentium
and Cyrix processors, and Celeron processors running at 66/100
MHz FSB speed.

The Apollo Pro266 supports a 4xAGP interface providing vivid
3D graphics and video performance. The ATA 100 interface on
the chipset helps boost system performance by providing a high­speed connection to ATA 100 Hard Disk Drives, delivering
maximum sustained data transfer rates of 100 MB/sec.

Additional key features include support for six USB ports, AC-97
link for audio and modem, hardware monitoring, and
ACPI/OnNow power management.

4

Inexpensive Memory

The board has three DIMM sockets for the installation of 184-pin,

2.5 non-buffered DIMM memory modules. The DIMM memory
modules must be DDR SDRAM memory chips.

4xAGP Graphics Adapter Slot

P6VPA2 includes a 4xAGP slot that provides four times the
bandwidth of the original AGP specification. AGP technology
provides a direct connection between the graphics sub-system
and the processor so that the graphics do not have to compete
for processor time with other devices on the PCI bus.

AC 97 Audio Codec

The AC 97 Audio codec is compliant with the AC 97 2.1
specification, and supports 18- bit ADC (Analog Digital Converter)
and DAC (Digital Analog Converter) resolution as well as 18-bit
stereo full-duplex codec with independent and variable sampling
rates. Further features include support for four analog line-level
stereo inputs.

Expansion Options

Five 32 -bit PCI slots, an 4xAGP slot, a Communications
Network Riser (CNR) slot, and an Advanced Communications
Riser (ACR) slot provide plenty of expansion potential. The
P6VPA2 support Ultra DMA33/66/100 bus mastering with
transfer rates up to 33/66/100 MB /sec.

Integrated I/O

The mainboard has a full set of I/O ports and connectors. The
I/O template on the backplane includes two PS/2 ports for
mouse and keyboard, two serial ports, one parallel port, one
MIDI/game port, two USB ports, and audio jacks for microphone,
line-in and line- out. The board includes two IDE channels and a
floppy disk drive interface.

Keyboard Power on Feature

Using the system BIOS setup program, you can configure the
system to turn on using a keyboard-typed password.

5

Programmable Firmware

The mainboard includes Award BIOS that allows BIOS setting of
CPU parameters. This fully programmable firmware enhances
the system features and allows users to set such items as power
management, CPU and memory timing, and modem wake-up
alarms. The fi rmware can also be used to set parameters for
different processor clock speeds.

This concludes Chapter 1. The next chapter will cover installing
and building a working system.

6

CChhaapptteerr 22:: IInnssttaallllaattiioonn

Quick Installation Table

This chapter explains how to successfully install the mainboard
into a computer case and build a working system.

The installation procedure is as follows:

Before you
Begin

Preparing the
Mainboard

Installing Other
Hardware

Making
External

Co nnections

Provides advice on choosing a case,
avoiding static electricity damage, and
setting jumpers.

Provides a guide to the mainboard and I/O
port locations, full details on the jumper

settings, and advice on installing the
main board in the system case.

Provides guidance on installing essential
hardware: processor, memory , hard disk
drive, CD-ROM, floppy disk drive, and
expansion cards.

Provides advice on using the external I/O
ports to install peripheral devices such as a

keyboard, a monitor, a mouse, a printer,
and loudspeakers.

Appendix The Appendix provides a quick reference

for the jumper settings on this mainboard.

7

Before You Begin

Before you begin to install your mainboard, take care not to
damage the product from static electricity. Ensure too that you

are i nstalling 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.

8

Choosing a Case

The mainboard complies with the specifications for the ATX
system case. 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 featur es required. The 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 has a set of I/O ports on the rear edge. Ensure
that your case has an I/O template that supports the I/O ports
and expansion slots.

9

L TI1

L TI1

Preparing the Mainboard

Mainboard Guide

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

10

Key to Mainboard Components

Component Description

CPUFAN1 Power connector for CPU cooling fan
DIMM 1, 2, 3 Three slots for 184-pin DRAM memory module
ATX1 Connector for ATX power supply
Socket 370 CPU socket
IDE1, IDE2 Primary and secondary IDE channels
LED1 Voltage Indicator for DDR DIMM socket
CASEOPEN1 Case open jumper
JP6, 7 CPU frequency select jumper
SIR1 SIR connector for infrared
FDD1 Connector for floppy disk drives
AGP1 Accelerated Graphics Port slot
J4 Extra MIC/line-out header
CD1 Audio connector for CD-ROM/DVD drive
CD2 Auxiliary connector for CD-ROM/DVD drive
ACR1 Advanced Communication Rise (ACR) slot
PCI1 ~ PCI5 Five 32-bit PCI slots
CNR1 Communications Networking Riser slot
BT1 3.3 volt battery for realtime clock
JP1 Clear the system CMOS jumper
WOL1 Connector for LAN wake up
WOM1 Connector for modem wake up
JP8 BIOS Flash protect jumper
USB2/USB3 Extra USB port headers
CASFAN1 Power connector for case cooling fan
PANEL1 Panel connector for switches and indicators

LED1 – This red indicator warns you that the computer is

Note:

still pow ered on and you should not install or uninstall memory
modules.

11

I/O Ports Side View

PS/2

mouse

PS/2

keyboard

Key to I/O Ports

Component Description

PS/2 mouse PS/2 port for pointing device (upper port)
PS/2 keyboard PS/2 port for keyboard (lower port)

USB ports Two stacked Universal Serial Bus ports
LPT1 External parallel port
COM1 External serial port COM 1
COM2 External serial port COM 2
Game port External MIDI/game port
Audio ports Audio jacks for (from left to right) line out, line

USB

ports

Parallel port (LPT1)

Serial port

COM 1

Serial port

COM 2

in, microphone

Game port

Line-out

Microphone

Line-in

12

How to Set 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 (or shunt) 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.

This illustration shows a 2-pin jumper.
When the jumper cap is placed on
both pins, the jumper is SHORT. If
you remove the jumper cap, or place
the jumper cap on just one pin, the
jumper is OPEN.

This illustration shows a 3-pin jumper.
The jumper cap is placed on pins 2
and 3, so this jumper setting is
SHORT PINS 2-3.

Short

Open

This illustration shows the same 3-pin
jumper. The jumper cap is placed on

pins 1 and 2, so this jumper setting is
SHORT PINS 1-2.

In this manual, all the jumper illustrations c learly show the pin
numbers. When you are setting the jumpers, make sure that the
jumper caps are placed on the correct pins to select the function
or feature that you want to enable or disable.

13

Check the Jumper Settings

Check the mainboard jumpers to ens ure that the board is
configured correctly.

JP1: Clear CMOS jumper

Use this jumper to clear the contents of the CMOS memory. You
may need to clear the CMOS memory if the settings in the BIOS
Setup Utility are incorrect and are preventing your mainboard
from operating. To clear the CMOS memory, disconnect all the
power cables from the mainboard and then move the jumper cap
into the Clear CMOS memory setting for a few seconds. CMOS
is cleared.

14

Return the jumper cap to the Normal operation setting.
Reconnect the power cables and start the system. When the
POST starts, press the delete key to start the BIOS Setup Utility
and reload BIOS optimal settings. Refer to Chapter 3 for
information on BIOS.

Function Jumper Setting

Normal operation Short pins 1-2
Clear CMOS Short pins 2-3

: Before clearing the BIOS, ensure that AC power is not

Note

1 2 3

connected.

JP6: CPU frequency select jumper

This jumper enables you to force the CPU to clock at a higher
frequency than it is rated. Short pins 2 and 3 to force the CPU to
run at a 100 MHz FSB instead of a 66 MHz FSB. We recommend
that you leave the jumper on the normal operation setting.

Function Jumper Setting

Normal Short pins 1-2
Force 66 MHz FSB to

run at 100 MHz FSB.

Short pins 2-3

1 2 3

JP7: CPU frequency select jumper

This jumper enables you to force the CPU to clock at a higher
frequency than it is rated. Short pins 2 and 3 to force the CPU to
run at a 133 MHz FSB instead of a 100 MHz FSB. We
recommend that you leave the jumper on the normal operation

setting.

JP1

JP6

Function Jumper Setting

Normal Short pins 1-2
Force 100 MHz FSB to

run at 133 MHz FSB

The CPU speed is determined by the CPU Host/PCI Clock

Note:

Short pins 2-3

1 2 3

speed multiplied by the CPU Clock Ratio. Refer to the Frequency
Control Option in Chapter 3 for more information.

Forcing the CPU to run at a higher clock speed then it was rated
for is called overclocking and is not recommended.

15

JP7

JP8: BIOS Flash protect jumper

Use this jumper to enable or disable the BIOS flash protection
on the mainboard. You should disable this jumper when you
want to flash the BIOS.

Function Jumper Setting

Disable Short pins 1-2
Enable Short pins 2-3

1 2 3

JP8

16

Template

Installing the Mainboard in a Case

Most system cases have mounting brackets installed in the case,
which correspond to the holes in the mainboard. Place the
mainboard over the mounting brackets and secure the
mainboard into the mounting brackets with screws.

Most cases have a choice of I/O templates in the rear panel.
Make sure that the I/O template in the case matches the I/O
ports installed on the rear edge of the mainboard.

This illustration
shows a mainboard
installed in a
standard desktop
case.

Do not

Note:

ove rtighten the
screws as this can
stress the
mainboard.

This illustration
shows a mainboard

installed in a tower­type case.

Power
Supply Unit

I/O

Power Supply Unit

I/O
Template

Expansion
Slots

Drive
Cage

Drive
Cage

Expansion
Slots

17

Connecting Internal Components

After you have installed the mainboard into the system case,
connect the power cable from the case power supply unit to the
mainboard power connector ATX1.

Your case and CPU might have cooling fans attached to provide
adequate ventilation to the system. Connect the CPU fan to the

12-volt connector CPUFAN1. Connect the case fan to the 12­volt power supply connector CASFAN1. After you have
connected the power supply and the cooling fans, connect the
case switches and indicators to the PANEL1 connectors.

18

Reset Switch 12-13

23

Panel Connector

The mainboard PANEL connector has a standard set of switch
and indicator connectors that are commonly found on ATX
system cases. Use the illustration below to make the correct
connections to the case switches and indicators.

Panel connectors for switches and indicators

Function Pins

Power switch -22, 23
Hard disk LED Indicator +20, -21
Empty pin 19
Speaker +15, 16, 17, 18
Empty pin 14
Reset switch 12, -13
Keyboard lock 10, -11
Green LED indicator 7, 8, 9
Empty pin 6
Sleep switch 4, -5
Power LED indicator +1, +2, -3

PANEL1

Power Switch 22-23

HDD LED 20-21

Speaker 15-16-17-18

KeyLock 10-11

Green LED 7-8-9

PANEL1

Sleep Switch 4-5

Power LED 1-2-3

1

The plus sign (+) indicates a pin which must be connected

Note:

to a positive voltage.

19

CPUFAN1

Installing Other Hardware

Start installing the essential hardware required to get your
system started.

Installing the Processor

This mainboard has a Socket 370 processor socket. To choose
a processor, you need to consider the performance
requirements of the system and the price of the processor.
Performance is based on the processor design, the clock speed
and system bus frequency of the processor, and the quantity of
internal cache memory and external cache memory. Higher
clock speeds and larger amounts of cache memory deliver
greater performance.

Installation Procedure

Follow the steps below to install a processor on your mainboard:

(CPU fan)

CPU socket

Locking lever

Pin-1 corner

1. On the mainboard, locate the Socket 370 and CPU cooling
fan CPUFAN1.

2. On the Socket 370, pull the locking lever away from the
socket to unhook it and then raise the locking lever to the

upright position.

20

3. Identify the pin-1 corner on the Socket 370 and the pin- 1
corner on the processor. The socket pin-1 corner is adjacent
to the handle of the locking lever. The processor pin-1
corner is beveled.

4. Matching the pin-1 corners, drop the processor into the
socket. No force is required and the processor should seat
into the socket easily.

5. Swing the locking lever down and hook it under the latch on
the edge of the socket. This locks the processor in place.

6. Locate the power cable on the heatsink/cooling fan
assembly that is attached to the top of the processor.

7. Plug the power cable into the CPU cooling CPUFAN1 12V ­power supply on the mainboard.

The mainboard must be configured to deliver the correct clock
speed and the correct system bus for the kind of processor that
you have installed. You can do this by using the system Setup
Utility. The first time you start the system, immediately enter the
setup system and make the appropriate settings. Usually, you
can automatically configure the CPU by using the CPU & BIOS

Features page of the Setup Utility. See Chapter 3 for more
information.

21

Install the Memory Modules

For this mainboard, you must use 184 -pin 2.5 non-buffered Dual
In-line Memory Modules (DIMMs). The memory chips must be
Double Data Rate (DDR).

SDRAM provides 800 MBps or 1 GBps data transfer depending
on wheth er the bus is 100 MHz or 133 MHz. Double Data Rate

SDRAM (DDR SDRAM) doubles the rate to 1.6 GBps and 2.1
GBps by transferring data on both the rising and falling edges of
the clock. DDR SDRAM uses additional power and ground lines
and requires 184-pin DIM M modules rather than the 168-pin
DIMMs used by SDRAM.

If your processor operates over a 133 MHz system bus, you can
install DDR266/200 memory that operates over a 133 or 100
MHz bus. If your processor operates over a 100 MHz system
bus, you can install memory that operates over a 133MHz or
100 MHz bus. If your processor operates over a 66MHz, you can
only install memory chips that operate at 100MHz.

22

Installation Procedure

There are three slots for memory modules. You must install at
least one module, and it makes no difference which slot you use
to install the module. Total memory capacity is 3 GB.

1. Locate the DIMM slots on the mainboard.

2. The DIMM slots are keyed with notches and the DIMMs are
keyed with cutouts so that they can only be installed
correctly. Check that the cutouts on the DIMM module edge
connector match the notches in the DIMM slot.

3. Push the latches on each side of the DIMM slot down.

4. Install the DIMM module into the slot and press it firmly
down so that it seats correctly. The latches at either side of

the slot will be levered upwards and latch on to the edges of
the DIMM when it is installed correctly.

23

Installing a Hard Disk Drive and CD -ROM

This section describes how to install IDE devices such as a hard
disk drive and a CD-ROM drive.

Ribbon cable connectors are usually keyed so that they can

Note:

only be installed correctly on the device connector. If the
connector is not keyed, make sure that you match the pin-1 side

of the cable connector with the pin-1 side of the device connector.
Each connector has the pin-1 side clearly marked. The pin-1 side
of each ribbon cable is always marked with a colored stripe on the
cable.

About IDE Devices

Your mainboard has a primary IDE channel interface (IDE1) and
a secondary IDE interface (IDE2). Th e mainboard ships with one
IDE ribbon cable that supports one or two IDE devices. All IDE
devices have jumpers or switches that can be used to set the

IDE device as MASTER or SLAVE.
If you install two IDE devices on one cable, you must make sure

that one device is set to MASTER and the other device is set to
SLAVE. The documentation of your IDE device explains how to
do this.

If you want to install more than two IDE devices, obtain a second
IDE cable and you can add two more devices to the secondary

IDE channel. If there are two devices on the cable, make one
MASTER and one SLAVE.

About UDMA

This board supports UltraDMA 33/66/100. UDMA is a technology
that speeds the performance of devices in the IDE channel. We

recommend that you install IDE devices that s upport UDMA, and
use IDE cables that support UDMA.

24

Installing a Hard Disk Drive

1. Install the hard disk drive into the drive cage in your system
case.

2. Plug the IDE cable into the primary IDE channel on the
mainboard IDE1.

3. Plug one of the connectors on the IDE cable into the IDE
connector on the back edge of the hard disk drive. It doesn’t
matter which connector on the cable that you use. Make
sure that you have the pin-1 side of the cable matched with
the pin-1 side of the connector.

4. Plug a power cable from the case power supply unit into the
power connector on the back edge of the hard disk drive.

5. When you first start up your system, go immediately to the
Setup Utility and use the IDE Hard Disk Auto Detect feature
to configure the IDE devices that you have i nstalled. See
Chapter 3 for more information.

25

Installing a CD-ROM/DVD Drive

1. Install the CD-ROM/DVD drive into the drive cage in your
system case. Plug the IDE cable into the primary IDE
channel on the mainboard IDE1.

2. Plug one of the connectors on the IDE cable into the IDE
connector on the back edge of the CD -ROM/DVD drive. It

doesn’t matter which connector on the cable that you use.
Make sure that you have the pin-1 side of the cable matched
with the pin- 1 side of the connector.

3. Plug a power cable from the case power supply unit into the
power connector on the back edge of the CD -ROM/DVD drive.

4. Use the audio cable provided with the CD-ROM/DVD drive
to connect the audio connector on the rear edge of the CD­ROM/DVD drive to the one of the two audio -in connectors
CDIN1 and CDIN2 on the mainboard.

5. When you first start up your system, go immediately to the
Setup Utility and use the IDE Hard Disk Auto Detect feature
to configure the IDE devices that you have installed. See
Chapter 3 for more information.

26

Installing a Floppy Diskette Drive

The mainboard has a floppy diskette drive interface and it ships
with a diskette drive ribbon cable that supports one or two floppy
diskette drives. You can install a 5.25 -inch drive and a 3.5-inch
drive with various capac ities. The floppy diskette drive cable has
one type of connector for a 5.25-inch drive and another type of
connector for a 5.25- inch drive

1. Install the floppy diskette drive into the drive cage in your
system case. Plug the diskette drive cable into the diskette
drive interface on the mainboard FDD1.

2. Plug one of the connectors on the diskette drive cable into
the data connector on the back edge of the floppy diskette
drive. Make sure that you have the pin -1 side of the cable
matched with the pin- 1 side of the connector.

3. Plug a power cable from the case power supply unit into the
power connector on the back edge of the diskette drive.

4. When you first start up your system, go immediately to the
Setup Utility and use the Standard page to configure the

floppy disk ette drives that you have installed. See Chapter 3
for more information.

27

Using the Expansion Slots

This mainboard has five 32- bit PCI expansion slots, one 4xAGP
slot, a Communications Networking Riser (CNR) slot, and an
Advanced Communication Riser (ACR) slot.

AGP Slot: The 4xAGP can be used to install a graphics adapter
that supports the 4xAGP specification and has the 4xAGP edge

connector.
ACR Slot: This slot can be used to insert an Advanced

Communication Riser card.
PCI Slots: The PCI slots can be used to install add-in cards that

have the 32-bit PCI (Peripheral Components Interconnect)
interface.

CNR Slot: This slot can be used to insert a Communications
Networking Riser card.

1. Before installing an expansion card, check the
documentation for the card carefully. If the card is not Plug
and Play, you may have to manually configure the card
before installation.

2. Remove the blanking plate from the slot in the system case
that corresponds to the expansion slot that you are going to
use.

28

3. Install the edge connector of the add-in card into the
expansion slot. Press down quite firmly to ensure that the
edge connector is correctly seated in the slot.

4. Secure the metal bracket of the card in the empty slot in the
system case with a screw.

5. For some add-in cards, for example graphics adapters and
network adapters, you have to install drivers and software
before you can begin using the add-in card.

29

The following illustration shows how to insert an ACR card:

30

Add-in Card Options

CASEOPEN1: Case open alarm jumper

This jumper prevents unauthorized access to your computer by
enabling an alarm that alerts you when your computer case has
been opened.

SIR1: Infrared Port

This mainboard can support a Serial Infrared (SIR) data port.
Infrared ports allow the wireless ex change of information

between your computer and similarly equipped devices such as
printers, laptops, Personal Digital Assistants (PDA), and other
desktop computers.

J4: Extra MIC/Line-out header

This header allows the user to install auxiliary front -oriented
microphone and line -out ports for easier access.

31

USB2: USB ports 3/4 connector

Some cases come with USB ports on the front panel. If your
case has these ports, you can connect them to the USB2
connector.

USB3: USB ports 5/6 connector

Some cases come with USB ports on the front panel. If your
case has these ports, you can connect them to the USB3
connector.

WOL1: Wake On LAN

If you have installed a network adapter (LAN adapter), you can
use the cable provided with the card to plug into the WOL
connector on the mainboard. This is the Wake On LAN feature.
When your system is in a power–saving mode, any traffic
through the network automatically resumes the system. You
must enable this item using the Power Management page of the
Setup Utility. See Chapter 3 for more information.

WOM1: Wake On Modem

If you have installed a fax/modem card, you can use the cable
provided with the card to plug into the WOM1 connector on the
mainboard. This is the Wake On Modem feature. When your
system is in a power–saving mode, any incoming calls to the

modem automatically resume the system. You must enable this
item using the Power Management page of the setup utility. See
Chapter 3 for more information.

32

Making External Connections

PS/2

mouse

PS/2

keyboard

USB

ports

Parallel port (LPT1)

Serial port

COM 1

Serial port

COM 2

Game port

Line-in

Line-out

1. The upper PS/2 port can be used by a PS/2 pointing device.
The lower PS/2 port can be used by a PS/2 keyboard.

2. Use the USB ports to connect to USB devices.

3. LPT1 is a parallel port that can be used by printers or other
parallel communications devices.

4. COM ports are serial ports used by serial devices such as
mice or fax/modems. COM1 is identified by the system as
COM1/3. COM2 is identified by the system as COM2/4.

5. Use the game port to connect a joystick or a MIDI device.

6. Three audio ports are provided. The left side jack is for a
stereo line -out signal. The middle jack is for a stereo line-in
signal. The right side jack is for a microphone.

Microphone

33

External Connector Color Coding

Many connectors now use standard colors as shown below.

Connector Color

Analog VGA Blue
Audio line in Light blue

Audio line out Lime
Digital monitor / flat panel White
IEEE 1394 Grey
Microphone Pink
MIDI/Game Gold
Parallel Burgundy
PS/2 compatible keyboard Purple
PS/2 compatible mouse Green
Serial Teal or Turquoise
Speaker out/subwoofer Orange
Right-to-left speaker Brown
USB Black
Video out Yellow
SCSI, network, telephone, modem None

34

CChhaapptteerr 33:: SSeettuupp

About the Setup Utility

The computer employs the latest Award BIOS CMOS chip with
support for Windows Plug and Play. This CMOS chip contains
the ROM setup instructions for configuring the mainboard’s
BIOS. The BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) Setup Utility

is a ROM-based configuration utility that displays the system’s
configuration status and provides you with a tool to set system
parameters. These parameters are stored in non-volatile battery -

backed-up CMOS RAM that saves this information even when
the power is turned off. When the system is turned back on, the
system is configured with the values found in CMOS.

Using easy-to- use pull down menus, you can configure such
items as:

• Hard drives, diskette drives, and peripherals

• Video display type and display options

• Password protection from unauthorized use

• Power management features

The settings made in the Setup Utility intimately affect how the
computer performs. It is important, therefore, first to try to
understand all the Setup Utility’s options, and second, to make
settings appropriate for the way you use the computer. This

chapter guides you through the Setup Utility by providing clear
explanations for all Setup Utility options.

35

A standard configuration has already been set in the Setup
Utility, so you will very likely have little to worry about for now.
However, we recommend that you read this chapter just in case
you need to make any changes in the future.

This program should be executed under the following conditions:

• When changing the system configuration

• When a configuration error is detected by the system and

you are prompted to make changes to the Setup Utility

• When resetting the system clock

• When redefining the communication ports to prevent any

con flicts

• When making changes to the Power Management
con figuration

• When changing the password or making other changes
to the se curity setup

Normally, running the Setup Utility is needed when the system
hardware is not consistent with the information contained in the
CMOS RAM, whenever the CMOS RAM has lost power, or the
system features need to be changed.

Entering the Setup Utility

When the system is powered on, the BIOS will enter the Power­On Self Test (POST) routines. These routines perform various
diagnostic checks; if an error is encountered, the error will be
reported in one of two different ways:

1. If the error occurs before the display device is initialized, a
series of beeps will be transmitted.

2. If the error occurs after the display device is initialized, the
screen will display an error message.

36

After the POST routines are completed, the following message
appears:

Press DEL to enter SETUP

To access the Award BIOS Setup Utility, press the delete key to
display the “CMOS Setup Utility” screen:

CMOS Setup Utility – Copyright (C) 1984 – 2000 Award Software

Standard CMOS Features
Advanced BIOS Features
Advanced Chipset Features
Integrated Peripherals
Power Management Setup
PnP/PCI Configuration
PC Health Status

Esc : Quit F9 : Menu in BIOS ↑ ↓ → ← : Select Item
F10 : Save & Exit Setup

Time, Date, Hard Disk Type . . .

Frequency/Voltage Control
Load Fail-Safe Defaults
Load Optimized Defaults
Set Supervisor Password
Set User Password
Save & Exit Setup
Exit Without Saving

This screen provides access to the utility’s various functions.

BIOS Navigation Keys

Listed below are explanations of the keys displayed at the bottom
of the screens:

Key Function
Esc Escape key: Exits the current menu

← ↓ ↑ →

+/−/PU/PD

F10 F10 key: Saves the current configuration and exits setup
F1 F1 key: Displays a screen that explains all key functions
F5 F5 key: Loads previously saved values to CMOS
F6 F6 key: Loads a minimum configuration for

F7 F7 key: Loads an optimum set of values for peak

Cursor keys: Scroll through the items on a menu
Plus, minus, Page Up and Page Down keys: Modify

the selected field’s values

troubleshooting.

performance

37

Using BIOS

When you start the Setup Utility, the main menu appears. The
main menu of the Setup Utility shows a list of the options that
are available. A highlight indicates 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 th e option by pressing the enter key.

Some options lead to pop-up dialog boxes that may ask you to
verify that you wish to execute that option. You usually answer
these dialogs by typing Y for yes and N for no. Some options
may lead to more dialog boxes that ask for more information.
Setting passwords have this kind of dialog box.

Enter Password:

Selecting some fields and pressing the enter key displays a list
of options for that field. In the Standard CMOS Features screen,
selecting “Drive A” and pressing <Enter> displays this screen:

Drive A

None . . . . . [ ]

360K , 5.25 in. . . . . . [ ]

1.2M , 5.25 in. . . . . . [ ]

720K , 3.5 in. . . . . . [ ]

1.44M , 3.5 in. . . . . . [ ]

2.88M , 3.5 in. . . . . . [ ]

↑ ↓

: Move Enter : Accept ESC: Abort

Select the setting you want with the cursor keys. Press <Enter>
to select, or <ESC> to discard changes and return to the
previous menu. Alternatively, you can select a field and press
the minus, plus, Page Up or Page Down keys to scroll through
the options for that field.

Some options (marked with a triangle ) lead to submenus that
enable you to change the values for the option. Use the cursor
arrow keys to scroll through the items in the submenu.

38

How to Flash a New BIOS

You can install updated BIOS for this mainboard that you can
download from the manufacturer’s web site. New BIOS may
provide support for new peripherals, improvements in performance
or fixes for known bugs. Install new BIOS as follows:

1. Some mainboards have a Flash BIOS jumper that
pr otects the current BIOS from being changed or
overwritten. If your mainboard has this jumper, change
the setting to allow BIOS flashing.

2. Some Setup Utilities have an item called Firmware Write
Protect that prevents the BIOS from being overwritten. If

your BIOS has this item (check the Advanced BIOS
Features Setup page) disable it for the present.

3. Your computer must be running in a real- mode DOS
environment, not the DOS window of Windows NT or
Windows 95/98. We recommend that you create a new
formatted DOS system floppy diskette.

4. Download the Flash Utility and new BIOS file from the
manufacturer’s Web site. Copy these files to a system
diskette.

5. Turn off your computer and insert the system diskette in
your computer’s diskette drive.

6. You might need to run the Setup Utility and change the
boot priority items on the Advanced BIOS Features
Setup page, to force your computer to boot from the
floppy diskette drive first.

7. At the A: \ prompt, after your computer has booted to
DOS from the diskette, run the Flash Utility and press
<Enter>. You see a screen similar to the following.

FLASH MEMORY WRITER V7.33

(C) Award Software 1999 All Rights Reserved

For DATE: 10/26/2000

(Mainboard name)

Flash Type

File Name to Program :

Error Message

39

8. In the “File Name to Program” dialog box, type in the
filename of the new BIOS and follow the onscreen
directions to flash the new BIOS to the mainboard.

9. When the installation is complete, remove the floppy
diskette from the diskette drive and restart your computer.
If your mainboard has a Flash BIOS jumper, reset the
jumper to protect the newly installed BIOS from being
overwritten.

Standard CMOS Setup Option

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

CMOS Setup Utility – Copyright (C) 1984 – 2000 Award Software

Date (mm:dd:yy) Tue, Feb 15 2001
Time (hh:mm:ss) 12 : 8 : 59

IDE Primary Master None
IDE Primary Slave None
IDE Secondary Master None
IDE Secondary Slave None

Drive A 1.44M, 3.5 in.
Drive B None

Video EGA/VGA
Halt On All Errors

Base Memory 640K

Extended Memory 63488
Total Memory 64512K

↑ ↓ → ←

F5:Previous Values F6:Fail-Safe Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

: Move Enter : Select +/-/PU/PD:Value: F10: Save ESC: Exit F1:General Help

Standard CMOS Features

Item Help

Menu Level
Change the day, month,

year and century.

Date and Time

The Date and Time items show the current date and time held by your
computer. If you are running a Windows OS, these items are

automatically updated whenever you make changes to the Windows
Date and Time Properties utility.

IDE Devices Default: None

Your computer has two IDE channels (Primary and Secondary) and
each channel can be installed with one or two devices (Master and

Slave). Use these items to configure each device on the IDE channel.
Press <Enter> to display the IDE sub-menu:

40

CMOS Setup Utility – Copyright (C) 1984 – 2000 Award Software

IDE HDD Auto-Detection Press Enter
IDE Primary Master Auto

Access Mode Auto

Capacity 8448 MB
Cylinder 16368

Head 16
Precomp 0

Landing Zone 16367
Sector 63

↑ ↓ → ←

F5:Previous Values F6:Fail-Safe Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

: Move Enter : Select +/-/PU/PD:Value: F10: Save ESC: Exit F1:General Help

IDE Primary Master

Item Help

Menu Level
To auto-detect the

HDD’s size, head . . . on
this channel

IDE HDD Auto-Detection

Press <Enter> while this item is highlighted if you want the Setup Utility
to automatically detect and configure a hard disk drive on the IDE
channel.

If you are setting up a new hard disk drive that supports

Note:

LBA mode, more than one line will appear in the parameter box.
Choose the line that lists LBA for an LBA drive.

IDE Primary/Secondary Master/Slave

If you leave this item at Auto, the system will automatically detect and
configure any IDE devices it finds. If it fails to find a hard disk, change
the value to Manual and then manually configure the drive by entering
the characteristics of the drive in the items below (Capacity, Cylinder,
Head, Precomp, etc.) Refer to your drive’s documentation or look on
the drive if you need to obtain this information. If no device is installed,
change the value to None.

Before attempting to configure a hard disk drive, make sure

Note:

you have the configuration information supplied by the
manufacturer of your hard drive. Incorrect settings can result in
your system not recognizing the installed hard disk.

41

Access Mode

This items defines some special ways that can be used to access IDE
hard disks such as LBA (Large Block Addressing). Leave this value at
Auto and the system will automatically decide the fastest way to access
the hard disk drive.

Press <Esc> to close the IDE device sub -menu and return to the
Standard CMOS Features page.

Drive A and Drive B Default: 1.44M, 3.5 in., None

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 refers to a 3.5-inch diskette with a capacity of 1.2MB.
Floppy 3 mode is sometimes used in Japan.

Video Default: EGA/VGA

This item defines the video mode of the system. This mainboard has a
built-in VGA graphics system; you must leave this item at the default
value.

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 types of errors in

the POST are sufficient to halt the system.

Base Memory, Extended Memory, and Total Memory

These items are automatically detected by the system at start up time.
These are display -only fields. You cannot make changes to these fields.

42

Advanced CMOS Setup Option

This option displays a table of items that define advanced
info rmation about your system. You can make modifications to
most of these items without introducing fatal errors to your
system. Use the arrow keys to scroll down to the items past
“Boot to OS/2.”

CMOS Setup Utility – Copyright (C) 1984 – 2000 Award Software

Anti-Virus Protection Disabled
CPU Internal Cache Enabled
External Cache Enabled

CPU L2 Cache ECC Checking Enabled
Processor Number Feature Enabled

Quick Power On Self Test Enabled
First Boot Device Floppy
Second Boot Device HDD-0
Third Boot Device LS120
Boot Other Device Enabled
Swap Floppy Drive Disabled
Boot Up Floppy Seek Enabled
Boot Up NumLock Status On
Gate A20 Option Fast
Typematic Rate Setting Disabled

x Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec) 6
x Typematic Delay (Msec) 250

Security Option Setup

OS Select For DRAM > DRAM Non-OS2

↑ ↓ → ←

F5:Previous Values F6:Fail-Safe Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

: Move Enter : Select +/-/PU/PD:Value: F10: Save ESC: Exit F1:General Help

Advanced BIOS Features

Item Help

Menu Level
Allows you to choose

the VIRUS warning
feature for IDE Hard
Disk boot sector
protection. If this
function is enabled
and someone attempts
to write data into this
area, BIOS will show a
warning message on

screen and alarm beep

Anti- Virus Protection Default: Disabled

When this item is enabled, it provides some protection against viruses
that try to write to the boot sector and partition table of your hard disk
drive. This item is Disabled by default. You need to disable it so that
you can install an operating system. We recommend that you enable

virus warning protection as soon as you have installed your disk with an
OS.

CPU Internal Cache Default: Enabled

All the processors that can be installed in this mainboard use internal
level 1 (L1) cache memory to improve performance. Leave this item at

the default value Enabled for better performance.

43

External Cache Default: Enabled

Most processors that can be installed in this system use external level 2
(L2) cache memory to improve performance.

CPU L2 Cache ECC Checking Default: Enabled

This item enables or disables ECC (Error Correction Code) error
checking on the CPU cache memory. We recommend that you leave

this item at the default value.

Processor Number Feature Default: Enabled

Some new processors are installed with a unique processor number.
This number may be used for verification in Internet transactions and e­commerce. If you prefer not to use or distribute the unique processor
number, set this item to Disabled to suppress the processor number.

Quick Power On Self Test Default: Enabled

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

item after you are confident that your system hardware is operating
smoothly.

1st/2nd/3rd Boot Device Default: Floppy/HDD-0/LS120

Use these three items to select the priority and order of the devices that
your system searches for an operating system at start-up time.

Boot Other Device Default: Enabled

If you enable this item, the system will search all other possible
locations for an operating system if it fails to find one in the devices
specified under the first, second and third boot devices.

Swap Floppy Drive Default: Disabled

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

Boot Up Floppy Seek Default: Enabled

If this item is enabled, it checks the geometry of the floppy disk drives at
start-up time. You don’t need to enable this item unless you have a
legacy diskette drive with 360K capacity.

44

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 item defines how the system handles legacy software that was
written for an earlier generation of processors. Leave this item at the

default value.

Typematic Rate Setting Default: Disabled

If this item is enabled, you can use the following two items to set the
typematic rate and the typematic delay settings for your keyboard.

• Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec): If the Typematic Rate Setting is
enabled, you can use this item to define how many character s
per second are generated by a held-down key.

• Typematic Delay (Msec): If the Typematic Rate Setting is
enabled, you can use this item to define how many

milliseconds must elapse before a held-down key begins
generating repeat characters.

Security Option D efault: 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.

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

This item is only 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

The S.M.A.R.T. (Self -Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology)
system is a diagnostics tec hnology that monitors and predicts device

performance. S.M.A.R.T. software resides on both the disk drive and
the host computer. The disk drive software monitors the internal
performance of the motors, media, heads, and electronics of the drive.
The host software monitors the overall reliability status of the drive. If a
device failure is predicted, the host software, through the Client
WORKS S.M.A.R.T applet, warns the user of the impending condition
and advises appropriate action to protect the data.

45

Report No FDD For WIN95 Default: Yes

If you are running a system with no floppy drive and using Windows 95,
select Yes for this item to ensure compatibility with the Windows 95
logo certification. Otherwise, select No.

Video BIOS Shadow Default: Enabled

When enabled, copies the VGA BIOS into system DRAM for better
performance.

Advanced Chipset Features Option

This option displays a table of items that define critical timing
parameters of the mainboard components including the memory,
and the system logic. Generally, you should leave the items on
this page at their default values unless you are very familiar with
the technical specifications of your system hardware. If you
change the values incorrectly, you may introduce fat al errors or

recurring instability into your system.

CMOS Setup Utility – Copyright (C) 1984 – 2000 Award Software

DRAM Clock/Drive Control Press Enter
AGP& P2P Bridge Control Press Enter

CPU & PCI Bus Control Press Enter
Memory Hole Disabled
System BIOS Cacheable Enabled
Video RAM Cacheable Disabled

Advanced Chipset Features

Menu Level

Item Help

↑ ↓ → ←

F5:Previous Values F6:Fail-Safe Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

: Move E nter : Select +/-/PU/PD:Value: F10: Save ESC: Exit F1:General Help

46

DRAM Clock/Drive Control

Scroll to DRAM Clock/Drive Control and press <Enter> to view the
following screen:

CMOS Setup Utility – Copyright © 1984 – 2000 Award Software

Current FSB Frequency
DRAM Clock Host CLK
DRAM Timing By SPD
x SDRAM Cycle Length 3

x Bank Interleave DRAM Clock

DRAM Clock/Drive Control

Menu Level

Item Help

↑ ↓ → ←

F5:Previous Values F6:Fail-Safe Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

: Move Enter : Select +/-/PU/PD:Value: F10: Save ESC: Exit F1:General Help

Current FSB Frequency

This is a display only field that shows the frontside bus frequency.

DRAM Clock Default: Host CLK

This item sets the DRAM Clock. We recommend that you leave this
item at the default value.

DRAM Timing Default: By SPD

The DRAM timing is controlled by the DRAM Timing Registers. The
timings programmed into this register are dependent on the system
design. Slower rates may be required in certain system designs to
support loose layouts or slower memory. When set to manual, the
following two items become available:

• SDRAM Cycle Length: This item sets the timing and wait
states for SDRAM memory. We re commend that you leave
this item at the default value.

• Bank Interleave: Enable this item to increase memory speed.
When enabled, sep arate memory banks are set for odd and
even addresses and the next byte of memory can be accessed
while the current byte is being r efreshed.

After you have made your changes in the DRAM Clock/Drive Control
screen, press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Chipset Features screen.

47

AGP & P2P Bridge Control

Scroll to AGP & P2P Bridge Control and press <Enter> to view the
following screen:

CMOS Setup Utility – Copyright © 1984 – 2000 Award Software

AGP Aperture Size 64M
AGP Mode 4X
AGP Driving Control Auto
x AGP Driving Value DA

AGP Fast Write Disabled

AGP Master 1 WS Write Disabled
AGP Master 1 WS Write Disabled

AGP & P2P Bridge Control

Menu Level

Item Help

↑ ↓ → ←

F5:Previous Values F6:Fail-Safe Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

: Move Enter : Select +/-/PU/PD:Value: F10: Save ESC: Exit F1:General Help

AGP Aperture Size Default: 64 MB

This item defines the size of the aperture if you use an AGP graphics
adapter. It refers to a section of the PCI memory address range used
for graphics memory. We recommend that you leave this item at the
default value.

AGP Mode Default: 4X

This item allows you to set the AGP speed at 1X, 2X, or 4X. Enabling
AGP-4X Mode can greatly improve the display speed. If your graphics

dis play card does not su pport this feature, you need to disable this item.

AGP Driving Control Default: Auto

This item can be used to signal driving current on AGP cards to auto or
Manual. Some AGP cards need stronger than normal driving current in

order to operate. We recommend that you set this item to Auto by
default.

• AGP Driving Value: When the previous item AGP Driving
Control is set to Manual, you can use this item to set the AGP

current driving value.

AGP Fast Write Default: Disabled

This item allows you to enable or disable the caching of display data for
the video memory of the processor. Enabling can greatly improve the
display speed. If your graphics display card does not support this
feature, you need to disable this item.

48

AGP Master 1 WS Write Default: Disabled

This implements a single delay when writing to the AGP Bus. By default,
two-wait states are used by the system, allowing for greater stability.

AGP Master 1 WS Read Default: Disabled

This implements a single delay when reading to the AGP Bus. By
default, two -wait states are used by the system, allowing for greater
stability.

After you have made your changes in the AGP & P2P Bridge Control
screen, press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Chipset Features screen.

CPU & PCI Bus Control

Scroll to CPU & PCI Bus Control and press <Enter> to view the
following screen:

CMOS Setup Utility – Copyright © 1984 – 2000 Award Software

CPU to PCI Write Buffer Enabled
PCI Master 0 WS Write Enabled
PCI Delay Transaction Disabled

CPU & PCI Bus Control

Item Help

Menu Level

↑ ↓ → ←

F5:Previous Values F6:Fail-Safe Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

: Move Enter : Select +/-/PU/PD:Value: F10: Save ESC: Exit F1:General Help

CPU to PCI Write Buffer Default: Enabled

When enabled, up to four words of data can be written to the PCI bus
without interrupting the CPU. When disabled, a write buffer is not used
and the CPU read cycle will not be completed until the PCI bus signals
that it is ready to receive the data.

PCI Master 0 WS Write Default: Enabled

When set to Enabled, writes to the PCI bus are executed with zero wait
states.

49

PCI Delay Transaction Default: Disabled

The chipset has an embedded 32-bit posted write buf fer to support
delay transactions cycles. Select Enabled to support compliance with
PCI specification version 2.1.

After you have made your changes in the CPU & PCI Bus Control
screen, press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Chipset Features screen.

Memory Hole Default: Disabled

This item can be used to reserve memory space for some ISA
expansion cards that require it.

System BIOS Cacheable Default: Enabled
Video RAM Cacheable Default: Disabled

These items allow the video and/or system to be cached in memory for
faster execution. We recommend that you leave these items at the
default value.

50

Integrated Peripherals Option

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

CMOS Setup Utility – Copyright (C) 1984 – 2000 Award Software

OnChip IDE Device Press Enter
OnChip PCI Device Press Enter
Super I/O Device Press Enter
Init Display First PCI Slot
OnChip USB Controller All Enabled
USB Keyboard Support Disabled
IDE HDD Block Mode Enabled
PWRON After PWR-Fail Off

Integrated Peripherals

Menu Level

Item Help

↑ ↓ → ←

F5:Previous Values F6:Fail-Safe Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

: Move Enter : Select +/-/PU/PD:Value: F10: Save ESC: Exit F1:General Help

OnChip IDE Device

Scroll to OnChip IDE Device and press <Enter> to view the following
screen:

CMOS Setup Utility – Copyright (C) 1984 – 2000 Award Software

OnChip IDE Channel0 Enabled
OnChip IDE Channel1 Enabled
IDE Prefetch Mode Enabled
Primary Master PIO Auto
Primary Slave PIO Auto
Secondary Master PIO Auto
Secondary Slave PIO Auto
Primary Master UDMA Auto
Primary Slave UDMA Auto
Secondary Master UDMA Auto
Secondary Slave UDMA Auto

↑ ↓ → ←

F5:Previous Values F6:Fail-Safe Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

: Move Enter : Select +/-/PU/PD:Value : F10: Save ESC: Exit F1:General Help

OnChip IDE Device

Menu Level

Item Help

51

On-Chip IDE Channel 0/1 Default: Enabled

Use these items to enable or disable the PCI IDE channels that are
integrated on the mainboard.

IDE Primary/Secondary Master/Slave PIO Default: Auto

Each IDE channel supports a master device and a slave device. These
four items let you assign which kind of PIO (Programmed Input/Output)
is used by IDE devices. You can choose Auto, to let the system auto
detect which PIO mode is best, or you can install a PIO mode from 0-4.

IDE Primary/Secondary Master/Slave UDMA Default: Auto

Each IDE channel supports a master device and a slave device. This
mainboard supports UltraDMA. UltraDMA technology provides faster

access to IDE devices.
If you install a device that supports UltraDMA, change the appropriate

item on this list to Auto. You may have to install the UltraDMA driver
supplied with this mainboard in order to use an UltraDMA device.

After you have made your changes in the OnChip IDE Device screen,
press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Chipset Features screen.

OnChip PCI Device

Scroll to OnChip PCI Device and press <Enter> to view the following
screen:

CMOS Setup Utility – Copyright (C) 1984 – 2000 Award Software

OnChip AC97 Audio Auto
OnChip MC97 Audio Auto
OnChip LAN Auto
Onboard Legacy Audio Enabled
Sound Blaster Disabled

SB I/O Base Address 220H
SB IRQ Select IRQ 5
SB DMA Select DMA 1
MPU-401 Disabled
MPU-401 I/O Address 330-330H

OnChip PCI Device

Menu Level

Item Help

↑ ↓ → ←

F5:Previous Values F6:Fail-Safe Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

: Move Enter : Select +/-/PU/PD:Value: F10: Save ESC: Exit F1:General Help

52

OnChip AC97 Audio Default: Auto

Enables or disables the OnChip AC97 audio function.

OnChip MC97 Audio Default: Auto

Enables or disables the OnChip MC97 audio function.

OnChip LAN Default: Auto

Enables or disables the OnChip LAN function.

Onb oard Legacy Audio Default: Enable

Enables the onboard legacy audio function. If this item is enabled the
following items become available.

Sound Blaster Default: Disabled

Enables or disables Sound Blaster function.

SB I/O Base Address Default: 220H

This item lets you set the I/O base address for the Sound Blaster card.

SB IRQ Select Default: IRQ 5

This item lets you set the Interrupt Request (IRQ) for the Sound Blaster
card.

SB DMA Select Default: DMA 1

This item lets you select the DMA for the Sound Blast er card.

MPU-401 Default: Enabled

Use this item to enable or disable the MPU-401 (MIDI) function for the
game port. The default is Disabled.

MPU-401 I/O Address Default: 330-333H

Use this item to set the I/O address for the MPU-401 (MIDI) function.
After you have made your changes in the OnChip PCI Device screen,

press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Chipset Features screen.

Super I/O Device

Scroll to Super I/O Device and press <Enter> to view the following
screen:

53

CMOS Setup Utility – Copyright (C) 1984 – 2000 Award Software

POWER ON Function Hot KEY
KB Power ON Password Enter
Hot Key Power ON Ctrl-F12
Onboard FDC Controller Enabled
Onboard Serial Port 1 3F8/IRQ4
Onboard Serial Port 2 2F8/IRQ3
UART Mode Select Normal
UR2 Duplex Mode Half
Onboard Parallel Port 378/IRQ7
Parallel Port Mode ECP
ECP Mode Use DMA 3
Game Port Address 201
Midi Port Address 330
Midi Port IRQ 10

↑ ↓ → ←

F5:Previous Values F6:Fail-Safe Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

: Move Enter : Select +/-/PU/PD:Value: F10: Save ESC: Exit F1:General Help

Super I/O Device

Menu Level

Item Help

Power On Function Default: Hot KEY

This system can be resumed from a software powerdown or a power­saving mode by password, hot key, mouse activity, or keyboard activity.
Use these items to enable or disable these features.

KB Power ON Password Default: Enter

Enables you to set a password when powering on the system with
keyboard activity.

Hot Key Power ON Default: Ctrl-F12

Enables you to set a hot key combination to be used for powering on
the system.

Onboard FDC Controller Default: Enabled

This option enables the onboard floppy disk drive controller.

Onboard Serial Port 1 Default: 3F8/IRQ4
Onboard Serial Port 2 Default: 2F8/IRQ3

These options are used to assign the I/O addresses and interrupt
requests (IRQs) for the two onboard serial ports.

54

UART Mode Select Default: Normal

This field is available if the Onboard Serial Port 2 field is set to any
option but Disabled. UART Mode Select enables you to select the
infrared communication protocol—Standard (default), HPSIR or ASKIR.
HPSIR is Hewlett Packard’s infrared communication protocol with a
maximum baud rate up to 115.2K bps. ASKIR is Sharp’s infrared
communication protocol with a maximum baud rate up to 57.6K bps.

The UART mode setting depends on which type of infrared module is
used in the system. When set to ASKIR or HPSIR, the UART 2 is used

to support the infrared module connected on the mainboard. If this
option is not set to Standard, a device connected to the COM2 port will

no longer work.

UR2 Duplex Mode Default: Half

This field is available when UART 2 Mode is set to either ASKIR or
HPSIR. This item enables you to determine the infrared (IR) function of

the onboard infrared chip. The options are Full and Half (default).
Full-duplex means that you can transmit and send information

simultaneously. Half -duplex is the transmission of data in both
directions, but only one direction at a time.

Onboard Parallel Port Default: 378/IRQ7

This option is used to assign the I/O address for the onboard parallel
port.

Onboard Parallel Port Mode Default: ECP

Enables you to set the data transfer protocol for your parallel port.
There are four options: Normal (Standard Parallel Port), EPP
(Enhanced Parallel Port), ECP (Extended Capabilities Port) and
ECP+EPP.

Normal allows data output only. Extended Capabilities Port (ECP) and
Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP) are bi-directional modes, allowing both
data input and output. ECP and EPP modes are only supported with
EPP and ECP aware peripherals.

ECP Mode Use DMA Default: 3

When the onboard parallel port is set to ECP mode, the parallel port
has the option to use DMA 3 (default) or DMA 1.

Game Port Address Default: 201

Enables you to set the game port address.

55

Midi Port Address Default:330
Midi Port IRQ Default: 10

This item lets you disable the built-in MIDI port, or enable it by
assigning an I/O address. If you enable the MIDI port, use the following
item Midi Port IRQ to assign an Interrupt Request line to the port.

After you have made your changes in the Super I/O Device screen,
press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Chipset Features screen.

Init Display First Default: PCI Slot

Use this item to def ine if your graphics adapter is installed in one of the
PCI slots or select Onboard if you have a graphics system integrated on
the mainboard.

OnChip USB Controller Default: All Enabled

Use this item to enable or disable one or all of the USB ports or USB
headers that are integrated on this board.

USB Keyboard Support Default: Disabled

Enable this item if you plan to use a keyboard connected through the
USB port in a legacy operating system (such as DOS) that does not
support Plug and Play.

IDE HDD Block Mode Default: Enabled

Enable this field if your IDE hard drive supports block mode. Block
mode enables BIOS to automatically detect the optimal number of block
read and writes per sector that the drive can support and can improve
the speed of access to IDE devices.

PWRON After PWR -Fail Default: Off

Set this item to On to enable your computer to automatically restart
after a power failure.

If you make any changes to the onboard FDD controller, serial
ports or parallel ports in this setup, save the changes and turn
off the system. After powering up the system, ensure that the
changes have taken effect.

56

Power Management Setup Option

This option displays items that let you control the system power
management. Modern operating systems take care of much of
the power management. This mainboard supports ACPI
(Ad vanced Configuration and Power Interface). The system has
various power saving modes including powering down the hard
disk, turning off the video, suspending to RAM, and a software
power down that allows the system to be automatically resumed
by certain events.

Power Management Timeouts

The power -saving modes can be controlled by timeouts. If the
system is inactive for a time, the timeouts begin counting. If the
inactivity continues so that the timeout period elapses, the
system enters a power-saving mode. If any item in the list of

Reload Global Timer Events is Enabled, then any activity on that
item will reset the timeout counters to zero.

Wake Up Calls

If the system is suspended, or has been powered down by
software, it can be resumed by a wake up call that is generated

by incoming traffic to a modem, a LAN card, a PCI card, or a
fixed alarm on the system realtime clock,

CMOS Setup Utility – Copyright (C) 1984 – 2000 Award Software

ACPI Function Enabled
ACPI Suspend Type S1(POS)
Power Management Option User Define
HDD Power Down Disable
Suspend Mode Disable
Video Off Option Suspend --> Off
Video Off Method DPMS Support
MODEM Use IRQ 3
Soft-Off by PWRBTN Instant-Off

IRQ/Event Activity Detect Press Enter

↑ ↓ → ←

F5:Previous Values F6:Fail-Safe Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

: Move Enter : Select +/-/PU/PD:Value: F10: Save ESC: Exit F1:General Help

Power Management Setup

Item Help

Menu Level

57

ACPI Function Default: Enabled

This mainboard supports ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power
management Interface). Use this item to enable or disable the ACPI
feature.

ACPI is a power management specification that makes

Note:

hardware stat us information available to the operating system.
ACPI enables a PC to turn its peripherals on and off for improved
power management. It also allows the PC to be turned on and off
by external devices, so that mouse or keyboard activity wakes up
the computer.

ACPI Suspend Type Default: S1 (POS)

Use this item to define how your system suspends. In the default,
S1(POS), the suspend mode is equivalent to a software power down. If
you select S3 (STR), the suspend mode is a suspend to RAM – the
system shuts down with the exception of a refresh current to the system
memory.

Power Management Option Default: User Define

This item acts like a master switch for the power-saving modes and
hard disk timeouts. If this item is set to Max Saving, power-saving
modes occur after a short timeout. If this item is set to Min Saving,
power-saving modes occur after a longer timeout. If the item is set to
User Define, you can insert your own timeouts for the power-saving
modes.

HDD Power Down Default: Disable

The IDE hard drive will spin down if it is not accessed within a specified
length of time. Options are from 1 Min to 15 Min and Disable.

Suspend Mode Default: Disable

The CPU clock will be stopped and the video signal will be suspended if
no Power Management events occur for a specified length of time. Full
power function will return when a Power Management event is detected.

Options are from 1 Min to 1 Hour and Disable.

Video Off Option Default: Suspend --> Off

This option defines if the video is powered down when the system is put
into suspend mode.

58

Video Off Method Default: DPMS Support

This item defines how the video is powered down to save power. This
item is set to DPMS (Display Power Management Software) by default.

MODEM Use IRQ Default: 3

If you want 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. You might have to
connect the fax/modem to the mainboard Wake On Modem connector
for this feature to work.

Soft-Off by PWRBTN Default: Instant -Off

Under ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power management
Interface) you can create a software power down. In a software power
down, the system can be resumed by Wake Up Alarms. This item lets
you install a software power down that is controlled by the normal
power button on your system. If the item is set to Instant -Off, then the
power button causes a software power down. If the item is set to Delay
4 Sec. then you have to hold the power button down for four seconds to
cause a software power down.

IRQ/Event Activity Detect

Scroll to IRQ/Event Activity Detect and press <Enter> to view the
following screen:

CMOS Setup Utility – Copyright (C) 1984 – 2000 Award Software

VGA OFF
LPT & COM LPT/COM
HDD & FDD ON
PCI Master OFF
PowerOn by PCI Card Disabled

Wake Up On LAN/Ring Disabled
RTC Alarm Resume Disabled

x Date (of Month) 0
x Resume Time (hh:mm:ss) 0 0 0

IRQs Activity Monitoring Press Enter

↑ ↓ → ←

F5:Previous Values F6:Fail-Safe Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

: Move Enter : Select +/-/PU/PD:Value: F10: Save ESC: Exit F1:General Help

IRQ/Event Activity Detect

Item Help

Menu Level

59

USB Resume Default: Disabled

When set to Enabled, the system power will resume the system from a
power saving mode if there is any USB activity. Default is Disabled.

VGA Default: Off

When set to On, the system power will resume the system from a
power saving mode if there is any VGA activity. Default is Off.

LPT & COM Default: LPT/COM

When this item is enabled, the system will restart the power-saving
timeout counters when any activity is detected on the serial ports, or the

parallel port.

HDD & FDD Default: ON

When this item is enabled, the system will restart the power-saving
timeout counters when any activity is detected on the hard disk drive or
the floppy diskette drive.

PCI Master Default: Off

When set to Off any PCI device with Master function will not power on
the system.

PowerOn by PCI Card Default: Disabled

Use this item to enable PCI activity to wakeup the system from a power
saving mode.

Wake Up On LAN/Ring Default: Disabled

Use this item to enable LAN or modem activity to wakeup the system
from a power saving mode.

RTC Alarm Resume Default: Disabled

When set to Enabled, the following two fields become available and you
can set the date (day of the month), hour, minute and second to turn on
your system. When set to 0 (zero) for the day of the month, the alarm
will power on your system every day at the specified time.

IRQs Activity Monitoring

This item opens a submenu that enables you to set IRQs that will
resume the system from a power saving mode. Select IRQs Activity

Monitoring and press <Enter> to display the following menu:

60

CMOS Setup Utility – Copyright (C) 1984 – 2000 Award Software

Primary INTR ON
IRQ 3 (COM2) Enabled
IRQ 4 (COM1) Enabled
IRQ 5 (LPT2) Enabled
IRQ 6 (Floppy Disk) Enabled
IRQ 7 (LPT1) Enabled
IRQ 8 (RTC Alarm) Disabled
IRQ 9 (IRQ2 Redir) Disabled
IRQ 10 (Reserved) Disabled
IRQ 11 (Reserved) Disabled
IRQ 12 (PS/2 Mouse) Enabled
IRQ 13 (Coprocessor) Disabled
IRQ 14 (Hard Disk) Enabled
IRQ 15 (Reserved) Disabled

↑ ↓ → ←

F5:Previous Values F6:Fail-Safe Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

: Move Enter : Select +/-/PU/PD:Value: F10: Save ESC: Exit F1:General Help

IRQs Activity Monitoring

Item Help

Menu Level

Primary INTR Default: ON

Set Primary INTR to ON to allow you to enable or disable IRQ 3
through IRQ 15 activity monitoring. Set it to OFF to disable IRQ activity
monitoring.

IRQ 3 ~ 15 Default: Disable/Enable

Set any IRQ to Enabled to allow activity at the IRQ to wake up the
system from a power saving mode.

After you have made your changes in the IRQs Activity Monitoring
screen, press <Esc> to return to the IRQ/Event Activity Detect screen.

61

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. Both
the ISA and PCI buses on the Mainboard use system IRQs
(Inter rupt Requests) and DMAs (Direct Memory Access). You must
set up the IRQ and DMA assignments correctly through the
PnP/PCI Configurations Setup utility; otherwise, the mainboard will
not work properly. Selecting PnP/PCI Configurations on the main
program screen displays this menu:

CMOS Setup Utility – Copyright (C) 1984 – 2000 Award Software

PNP OS Installed No
Reset Configuration Data Disabled

Resources Controlled by Auto(ESCD)

x IRQ Resources Press Enter

PCI/VGA Palette Snoop Disabled
Assign IRQ For VGA Enabled
Assign IRQ For USB Enabled

↑ ↓ → ←

Help F5:Previous Values F6:Fail-Safe Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

: Move Enter : Select +/-/PU/PD:Value: F10: Save ESC: Exit F1:General

PnP/PCI Configurations

Item Help

Menu Level
Select Yes if you are

using a Plug and Play
capable operating

system. Select No if
you need the BIOS to
configure non-boot

devices.

PNP OS Installed Default: No

Setting this option to Yes allows the PnP OS (instead of BIOS) to
assign the system resources such as IRQ and I/O address to the ISA
PnP device. The default setting is No.

Reset Configuration Data Default: Disabled

If you enable this item and restart the system, any Plug and Play
configuration data stored in the BIOS setup is cleared from memory.
New updated data is created.

Resources Controlled By Default: Auto(ESCD)

You should leave this item at the default Auto(ESCD). Under this
setting, the system dynamically allocates resources to plug and play
devices as they are required.

62

If you cannot get a legacy ISA (Industry Standard Architecture)
expansion card to work properly, you might be able to solve the

problem by changing this item to Manual, and then opening up the IRQ
Resources and Memory Resources sub-menus.

In the IRQ Resources sub-menu, if you change any of the IRQ
assignations to Legacy ISA, then that Interrupt Request Line is
reserved for a legacy ISA expansion card. Press <Esc> to close the
IRQ Resources sub-menu.

In the Memory Resources sub menu, use the first item Reserved
Memory Base to set the start address of the memory you want to
reserve for the ISA expansion card. Use the second item Reserved
Memory Length to set the amount of reserved memory. Press <Esc> to
close the Memory Resources sub -menu.

PCI/VGA Palette Snoop Default: Disabled

This item is designed to overcome some problems that can be caused
by some non-standard VGA cards. This board includes a built -in VGA
system that does not require palette snooping so you must leave this
item disabled.

Assign IRQ for VGA/USB Default: Enabled

Names the interrupt request (IRQ) line assigned to the USB/VGA (if any)
on your system. Activity of the selected IRQ always awakens the

system.

63

PCI Health Status Option

On mainboards that support hardware monitoring, this item lets
you monitor the parameters for critical voltages, critical
temperatures, and fan speeds. You cannot make any changes
to these fields. They are display only:

CMOS Setup Utility – Copyright (C) 1984 – 2000 Award Software

Chassis Function Disabled

Chassis State
VCORE

2.5 V
+3.3 V
+5 V

+12 V

-12 V
Voltage Battery
SYS Temp
CPU Temp
CPU Fan 1

CPU Fan 2

PC Health Status

Menu Level

Item Help

↑ ↓ → ←

Help F5:Previous Values F6:Fail-Safe Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

: MoveEnter : Select +/-/PU/PD:Value: F10: Save ESC: Exit F1:General

Chassis Function Default: Disabled

Enables you to set an alarm that alerts you to when the chassis has
been opened. You must put a jumper on the case open header for this

function to work. Refer to Chapter 2 for information on the case open
header.

• Chassis State: This item informs you if the chassis has been
opened.

System Component Characteristics

These fields provide you with information about the systems current
operating status. You cannot make changes to these fields.

64

Frequency Control Option

This item enables you to set the clock speed and system bus for
your system. The clock speed and system bus are determined
by the kind of processor you have installed in your system.

CMOS Setup Utility – Copyright (C) 1984 – 2000 Award Software

Auto Detect DIMM/PCI Clk Enabled
Spread Spectrum Disabled
CPU Host/PCI Clock Default
CPU Ratio Auto

Frequency/Voltage Control

Menu Level

Item Help

↑ ↓ → ←

F5:Previous Values F6:Fail-Safe Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

: Move Enter : Select +/-/PU/PD:Value: F10: Save ESC: Exit F1:General Help

Auto Detect DIMM/PCI Clk Default: Enabled

When this item is enabled, BIOS will disable the clock signal of free
DIMM and PCI slots.

Spread Spectrum Default: Enabled

If you enable spread spectrum, it can significantly reduce the EMI
(Electro-Magnetic Interference) generated by the system.

CPU Host/PCI Clock Default: Default

These items appear if you have set the CPU Internal Core Speed to
Manual. Use the CPU/DIMM/PCI Clock to set the frontside bus
frequency for the installed processor (usually 133 MHz, 100 MHz or 66
MHz). Then use CPU Clock Ratio to set a multiple.

CPU Clock Ratio Default: Auto

Use this item to select a multiplier for the system frontside bus (FSB)
frequency. The value of the multiplier must be set so that:

Multiplier x Frontside Bus Frequency = CPU Clock Speed

65

For example, if you have a processor that is rated to run at 450 MHz
and the system is running a frontside bus frequency of 100 MHz, you

should select a multiplier of 4.5 so that:

4.5 (Multiplier) x 100 MHz (frontside bus) = 450 MHz (CPU clock)

Load Fail-Safe Defaults Option

This option opens a dialog box that lets you install fail-safe
defaults for all appropriate items in the Setup Utility. Press <Y>

and then <Enter> to install the defaults. Press <N> and then
<Enter> to not install the defaults. The fail-safe defaults place no
great demands on the system and are generally stable. If your
system is not functioning correctly, try installing the fail-safe
defaults as a first step in getting your system working properly
again. If you only want to install fail-safe defaults for a specific

option, select and display that option, and then press <F6>.

Load Optimized Defaults Option

This option opens a dialog box that lets you install optimized
defaults for all appropriate items in the Setup Utility. Press <Y>
and then <Enter> to install the defaults. Press <N> and then
<Enter> to not install the defaults. The optimized defaults place
demands on the system that may be greater than the
performance level of the components, such as the CPU and the

memory. You can cause fatal errors or instability if you install the
optimized defaults when your hardware does not support them.
If you only want to install setup defaults for a specific option,
select and display that option, and then press <F7>.

66

Set Supervisor and User Passwords Options

These items can be used to install a password. A Supervisor
password takes precedence over a User password, and the
Supe rvisor can limit the activities of a User. To install a
password, follow these steps:

1. Highlight the item Set Supervisor/User Password on the
main menu and press <Enter>.

2. The password dialog box appears.

Enter Password:

3. If you are installing a new password, type in the password.
You cannot use more than eight characters or numbers. The
Set Supervisor/User Password item differentiates 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. You see a message that

indicates that the password has been disabled.

PASSWORD DISABLED !!!

Press any key to continue . . .

4. Press any key. You are prompted to confirm the password:

Confirm Password:

5. Type the password again and press <Enter>, or just press
<Enter> if you are deleting a password that is already
installed.

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

67

Save & 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 Utility.
When the Save and Exit dialog box appears, press <Y> to save
and exit, or press <N> to return to the main menu:

SAVE to CMOS and EXIT (Y/N)? Y

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 Utility.
When the Exit Without Saving dialog box appears, press <Y> to
discard changes and exit, or pres s <N> to return to the main
menu.

Quit Without Saving (Y/N)? N

If you have made settings that you do not want to save, use

Note:

the “Exit Without Saving” item and press Y to discard any changes
you have made.

This concludes Chapter 3. Refer to the next chapter for
information on the software supplied with the mainboard.

68

CChhaapptteerr 44:: SSooffttwwaarree

The support software CD-ROM that is included in the mainboard
package contains all the drivers and utility programs needed to
properly run the bundled products. Below you can find a brief
description of each software program, and the location for your
mainboard version. More information on some programs is
available in a README file, located in the same directory as the
software.

Never try to install software from a folder that is not

Note:

specified for use with your mainboard.

Before installing any software, always inspect the folder for files
named README.TXT, INSTALL.TXT, or something similar.
These files may contain important information that is not
included in this manual

69

Auto-installing under Windows 98

The Auto-install CD-ROM makes it easy for you to install the
drivers and software for your mainboard.

If the Auto-install CD-ROM does not work on your system,

Note:

you can still install drivers through the file manager for your OS
(for example, Windows Explorer). Refer to Utility Folder

Installation Notes later in this chapter.

The support software CD-ROM disc loads automatically under
Windows 98. When you insert the CD- ROM disc in the CD-ROM
drive, the autorun feature will automatically bring up the install
screen. The screen has three buttons on it, Setup, Browse CD
and Exit.

If the opening screen doesn’t appear, double-click the file

Note:

“setup.exe” in the root directory.

7. Setup

Click the Setup button to run the software installation program .
Select from the menu which software you want to install.

70

8. Browse CD

The Browse CD button is the standard Windows command that
allows you to open Wind ows Explorer and show the contents of

the support CD.
Before installing the software from Windows Explorer, look for a

file named README.TXT, INSTALL.TXT or something similar.
This file may contain important information to help you install the
software co rrectly.

Some software is installed in separate folders for different operating
systems, such as DOS, WIN NT, or WIN98/95. Always go to the

correct folder for the kind of OS you are using.
To install the software, execute a file named SETUP.EXE or

INSTALL.EXE by double-clicking the file and then following the
instructions on the screen.

9. Exit

The Exit button closes the Auto Setup window.

The following screens are examples only. The screens and

Note:

driver lists will be different according to the mainboard you are
installing.

Mainboard ID

The mainboard identification is located in the upper left -hand
corner. C lick the Next button to run Auto Setup program.

71

Check the box next to the items you want to install. The default
options are recommended. Click the Next button to run the

Installation Wizard. An item installation screen appears:

Follow the instructions on the screen to install the items.
Drivers and software are automatically installed in sequence.

You will need to follow the onscreen instructions, confirm
commands and allow the computer to restart a few times to

complete installing whatever software you selected to install:

72

When the process is finished, all the support drivers and
software will be installed and working.

Folders for this Mainboard

For this board, you can install software from the following fol ders:

Utility Folder

You can use the software in the following sub-folders:

q AWDFLASH: Software to erase and install new revisions

of the system BIOS (CMOS)

q GAMUT: Audio rack for built-in sound system

q

MEDIARING TALK: Telephony software.

q PC-CILLIN: Anti-virus software
q SUPER VOICE: Fax/modem software.

q WinDVD: Videoplayer software.

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P6VPA2 Folder

Use the software in the following sub-folders:

q AUDIO: This folder contains a short READM E file giving

directions to alternate folders for installing the audio
software.

q IDE: This folder contains a short README file giving

directions to alternate folders for installing the IDE
software.

Utility Folder Installation Notes

Award Flash Memory Utility

This utility lets you erase the system BIOS stored on a Flash
Memory chip on the mainboard, and lets you copy an updated
BIOS to the chip. Take care how you use this program. If you
erase the current BIOS and fail to write a new BIOS, or write a

new BIOS that is incorrect, your system will malfunction.
For this mainboard, use AWD7XX.EXE to flash the BIOS (where

7XX is the version number). You can use any version, but we
suggest you use the latest version. To use the utility, you must be in
real-mode DOS (not the DOS box that is available in Windows
95/98/NT). If you are using WINDOWS 95/98, shut down your
computer and select the option Restart in DOS in the shutdown
dialog box. If you are running Windows NT, shut down your

computer and boot from a DOS diskette temporarily in order to run
the flash memory utility.

PC- cillin Software

The PC-cillin software program provides anti-virus protection for
your system. This program is available for:

q DOS – \UTILITY\PC-CILLIN\DOS\PCSCAN.EXE
q Win98 – \UTILITY\PC-CILLIN\WIN98\SETUP.EXE

Anti-virus software is provided for DOS and WIN95/98. Browse
to the appropriate directory for your operating system. For DOS,
copy all the files in the DOS folder to your hard disk drive and

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run PSCAN to scan your system. For Windows 95/98, run
SETUP to install the application software.

GAMUT

The Gamut audio rack software for the built-in sound system is
provided for different languages. Go to the directory
\UTILITY\GAMUT and choose either the English or Chinese
subdirectory; then run SETUP .EXE to install the application
software.

MediaRing Talk

To install the MediaRing Talk voice modem software for the built-in
modem, go to the directory \UTILITY\MEDIARING TALK; then run
MRTALK-SETUP7.2.EXE to install the application software.

Super Voice

To install the Super Voice voice, fax, data communication
application for use with the built -in fax/modem, go the directory
\UTILITY\SUPERVOICE; then run PICSHELL.EXE to install the
application software.

WinDVD

Go to the directory \UTILITY\WINDVD; then run SETUP.EXE to
install the application software.

The WinDVD software is not free. Before you install, you need to
register and get the serial number first.

Mainboard (P6VPA2) Installation Notes

Most of the sub -folders in this folder are empty, with a short
README file giving directions to alternate folders for the
appropriate software.

Audio Software

The audio drivers for the P6VPA2 are in the \VIA\8233AC97 folder.
Drivers are supplied for Windows 2000/ME/98SE/NT and Linux.

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Installation for Windows 2000/ME/98SE

To install the audio drivers, go the directory \VIA\8233AC97; then
run SETUP.EXE.

Installation for Linux

The P6VPA2 has drivers for Redhat, Caldera, and Redflag Linux
operating systems. Refer to the OS user’s manual for
instructions on installing the driver.

Installation for Windows NT4.0

Go the directory \VIA\8233AC97\WINNT40 to install the audio
drivers for Windows NT.

IDE Software

The enhanced IDE drivers for the P6VPA2 are in the \VIA\IDE
folder. Drivers are supplied for Windows 2000/98/95/NT

Installation for Windows 2000/98/95/NT

To install the IDE drivers, go the directory \VIA\IDE; then run
SETUP.EXE.

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JP6

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Quick Jumper Setting Reference

JP1: Clear CMOS jumper

Use this jumper to clear the contents of the CMOS memory. You
may need to clear the CMOS memory if the settings in the BIOS
Setup Utility are incorrect and are preventing your mainboard
from operating. To clear the CMOS memory, disconnect all the
power cables from the mainboard and then move the jumper cap
into the Clear CMOS memory setting for a few seconds. CMOS
is cleared.

Return the jumper cap to the Normal operation setting.
Reconnect the power cables and start the system. When the
POST starts, press the delete key to start the BIOS Setup Utility
and reload BIOS optimal settings. Refer to Chapter 3 for
information on BIOS.

Function Jumper Setting

Normal operation Short pins 1-2
Clear CMOS Short pins 2-3

: Before clearing the BIOS, ensure that AC power is not

Note

connected.

1 2 3

JP1

JP6 : CPU frequency select jumper

This jumper enables you to force the CPU to clock at a higher
frequency than it is rated. Short pins 2 and 3 to force the CPU to
run at a 100 MHz FSB instead of a 66 MHz FSB. We recommend
that you leave the jumper on the normal operation setting.

Function Jumper Setting

Normal Short pins 1-2
Force 66 MHz FSB to

run at 100 MHz FSB.

Short pins 2-3

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1 2 3

JP7: CPU frequency select jumper

This jumper enables you to force the CPU to clock at a higher
frequency than it is rated. Short pins 2 and 3 to force the CPU to
run at a 133 MHz FSB instead of a 100 MHz FSB. We
recommend that you leave the jumper on the normal operation

setting.

Function Jumper Setting

Normal Short pins 1-2

JP7

Force 100 MHz FSB to
run at 133 MHz FSB

The CPU speed is determined by the CPU Host/PCI Clock

Note:

Short pins 2-3

1 2 3

speed multiplied by the CPU Clock Ratio. Refer to the Frequency
Control Option in Chapter 3 for more information.

Forcing the CPU to run at a higher clock speed then it was rated
for is called overclocking and is not recommended.

JP8: BIOS Flash protect jumper

Use this jumper to enable or disable the BIOS flash protection
on the mainboard. You should disable this jumper when you
want to fl ash the BIOS.

Function Jumper Setting

Disable Short pins 1-2
Enable Short pins 2-3

1 2 3

JP8

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Reset Switch 12-13

23

PANEL1: Panel connectors for switches and indicators

Use the panel connector to implement the switches and
indicators on your system case.

Panel connectors for switches and indicators

Function Pins

Power switch -22, 23
Hard disk LED Indicator +20, -21
Empty pin 19

Speaker +15, 16, 17, 18
Empty pin 14
Reset switch 12, -13
Keyboard lock 10, -11
Green LED indicator 7, 8, 9
Empty pin 6
Sleep switch 4, -5
Power LED indicator +1, +2, -3

PANEL1

Power Switch 22-23

HDD LED 20-21

Speaker 15-16-17-18

KeyLock 10-11

Green LED 7-8-9

PANEL1

Sleep Switch 4-5

Power LED 1-2-3

1

The plus sign (+) indicates a pin which must be connected

Note:

to a positive voltage.

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