Epson ExpressStation Product Support Bulletin

Product Support Bulletin

Subject: Proper Method for Running Benchmark and Diagnostics Programs

EPSON

Date: 06/04/93 Page(s): 1 of 1

This bulletin describes the proper method for running any benchmark or diagnostics programs. This applies to any computer system.

In most cases, the computer should be started using an MS-DOS boot diskette that’s ‘clean’ The appropriate executable can then be run, either from diskette or hard drive.

There will be some exceptions to the above rule. In attempting to benchmark or troubleshoot any add-on that requires a device driver (CD-ROM, local area network,

etc.), obviously the necessary device driver(s) must be loaded. Also, some

programs will require a minimum number of FILES or BUFFERS to be defined in the CONFIG.SYS file. Such programs will usually display this requirement if they are run without the necessary CONFIG.SYS file.

For the most consistent results, use the absolute minimal boot configuration that’s

allowed by the hardware being tested.

in other words, one with no CONFIG.SYS or AUTOEXEC.BAT files.

PSB No: S-0158 Originator: MWT

EPSON AMERICA, INC.

Product Support Bulletin

Subject: Epson ExpressStation Date: 10/09/92

Page(s): 1 of 9

GENERAL

Q1. A.

What The Epson ExpressStation is a computer that delivers excellent, cost

effective performance in a low-profile chassis. Incorporating several controllers on the motherboard, the Epson ExpressStation provides a

number of on board resources that would otherwise require the use of add-in I/O expansion cards. This integration delivers increased functionality, increased reliability, and increased performance while

reducing the system power requirements and need for expansion slots. A

performance upgrade socket allows for easy upgrades in the field.

Additionally, two EISA compatible expansion slots deliver high

performance expandability. For a discussion on what an EISA computer is,

please refer to PSB No: S-0139.

the Epson ExpressStation?

- Common Questions and Answers PSB No: S-0147

Originator: AV

Q2. A.

Q3. A.

What connectors are integrated on the motherboard ? The Epson ExpressStation comes standard with a built in IDE and SCSI

interface. For LAN connectivity, a TPE and AUI Ethernet connectors are provided. For further integration the Epson ExpressStation comes with a built-in PS/2 style mouse and keyboard port, two serial and one parallel ports, VGA video port along with a PS/2 style feature connector, and a

floppy disk controller.

What is the target market for this computer? It is targeted as a network business workstation and CAD/CAM application

station, and to be used in office automation applications requiring multifunction client systems, and as a high performance integrated PC platform.

PSB No: S-0147 Page: 2 of 9

Q4. A.

CPU

Q5.

What levels of security are provided with the Epson ExpressStation? There are several levels of security to insure that users do not change the

configuration of the Epson ExpressStation.

J3 can be jumped on 2-4 to write protect the diskette drive to prevent the downloading of software onto a diskette.

J5 can be jumped on 4-6 to write protect the FLASH BIOS memory to

prevent alteration of it’s data.

J21 can be jumped on 3-5 to disable the use of the BIOS SETUP

program so unauthorized users cannot change the settings you have chosen.

J21 can also be jumped on 4-6 to retain the power on password that

can be set in setup. Physically the case can be locked by installing a padlock on the lock box.

What are the microprocessors being offered for the Epson

ExpressStation?

Q6. A.

The Epson ExpressStation supports all of the i486 CPU functionality. The

Epson ExpressStation will be offered with either a 25 MHZ i486sx microprocessor or a 33 MHZ i486dx microprocessor. Common features of

the two different CPU’s include backward compatibility with the 8086,

80286, and 80386 CPUS, burst mode bus cycles, and an on chip 8kb cache. The cache can be disabled via either the software or hardware. The i486DX CPU contains an on-chip numeric coprocessor to increase the

speed of floating point operations. This processor is backward compatible with the 387DX and 387SX math coprocessors and complies to ANSI/IEEE standard 754-1985.

What processor upgrade sockets are available in this computer?

If the customer bought the 486sx/25 mhz. version of the computer, the Epson ExpressStation can be upgraded by installing an i487sx component

in the socket. This improves system performance by adding a numeric

coprocessor to speed floating point calculations. Please note the

ExpressStation does not support the Weitek math co-processor. There is no upgrade path at the current time for i486DX based systems.

PSB No: S-0147

Page: 3 of 9 Q7. A.

BIOS

Q8. A.

Q9.

What is the external cache memory option? In addition to the i486’s internal cache, the ExpressStation provides a

socket for an optional 64 KB or 128 KB external cache, the Intel 485 TurboCache module. Please note that the external 128 KB cache module comes standard on the i486DX/33 mhz. computer.

What BIOS comes with the computer? The BIOS is stored in two Intel FLASH EEPROM devices. It uses the

Phoenix Technologies 80486 ROM BIOS PLUS Version 1.00 04.SI. In addition to the Phoenix Bios, the flash memory also contains the setup utility, POST, video BIOS, SCSI BIOS, Ethernet address, EISA

configuration memory, EISA board ID, a 4 kb user definable region and

update recovery code. It also supports system BIOS shadowing allowing the BIOS to execute from 32-bit on board write-protected DRAM instead of the slower 8-bit FLASH devices.

How is setup accessed and what information is contained in setup?

Page One

To access setup, press F1 after POST completes the memory test but

before the system boots up. There are four pages of setup information.

System date and time

Onboard Floppy

enable/disable

Diskette 3.5”, 1.44 MB or disabled

Onboard IDE

enable/disable

Hard Disk Drive Type

includes user definable option

Onboard SCSI

enabled/disabled

Onboard LAN

enabled/disabled Ian media type AUI/TPE

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