FIC VX98 User Manual

VX98

MAINBOARD

USER MANUAL

MANUAL REVISION : B0
RELEASE DATE : December, 1997
PRODUCT PART No.: 25-10854-05

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Overview

Main Features............................................................................................. 2

Advanced Features...................................................................................... 3

Package Checklist....................................................................................... 5

Mainboard Layout...................................................................................... 6

The BIOS Setup Utility..................................................................... 7

IRQ Functionality.............................................................................. 7

DMA Channels of ISA Cards............................................................ 8

Enhanced IDE................................................................................... 8

Highly Convenient Integrated I/O Connectors.................................. 8

Chapter 2 Installation Procedures

Mainboard Layout...................................................................................... 10

1). Set System Jumper ................................................................................ 11

Jumper............................................................................................... 11

2). Install System RAM Modules ............................................................... 12

DRAM Memory................................................................................ 12

DRAM Module Configuration.......................................................... 12

Install SIMMs ................................................................................... 13

Remove SIMMs................................................................................ 14

Central Processing Unit (CPU)................................................................... 14

3). Install Expansion Cards......................................................................... 14

Assigning IRQs for Expansion Cards.............................................. 16

Assigning DMA Channels for ISA Cards........................................ 16

4). Connector Cables and Power Supply.................................................... 17

Connectors....................................................................................... 17

Floppy Diskette Drive Connector (34-pin block): FDD............ 17

Serial Port Connectors (Two 9-pin Male): COM1, COM2....... 18

Standard AT Power Supply Connector: POWER ..................... 18

IDE HDD Device Connector: PRIMARY, SECONDARY....... 19

Universal Serial Bus Connector: USB1, USB2......................... 20

AT Keyboard Connector (5-pin Female): AT_KB.................... 20

PS/2 Mouse Connector (5-pin Male): MS_CON...................... 21

Fan Connector (3-pin Male): FAN............................................ 21

Front Panel Block Connector: F_PNL...................................... 22

VGA Connector (16-pin Male): VGA....................................... 24

Parallel Printer Connector (26-pin Male): LPT......................... 25

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Overview

Based on the new highly integrated VIA Apollo 580VPX® chipset, the VX98
mainboard combines blistering Intel Pentium® processor performance with support
for intelligent diagnostic and notebook-class power management features to provide a
powerful and versatile Baby-AT-size platform for leading-edge multi-media systems.

With its voltage regulator, the VX98 runs a complete range of Intel Pentium®
processors, including the Intel Pentium processor with MMX™ technology, as well
as the AMD-K5™/-K6™ and Cyrix/IBM 6x86™/6x86MX™ processors. For added
power and performance, the VX98 takes up to 512KB Pipeline Burst Level II cache
and up to 512MB DRAM via four 72-pin SIMM sockets and one 168-pin DIMM
socket which accepts high-speed EDO, and lightning-fast SDRAM memory types.

Built on the highly concise Baby-AT form factor, the VX98 comes with a full set of
I/O features. The board also has an integrated PCI Bus Master Enhanced IDE
controller with support for the new Ultra DMA/33 protocol, which doubles ATA-2
Hard Disk Drive data transfer rates to 33MB/sec while maintaining full backwards
compatibility with existing PIO Mode 3, PIO Mode 4 and DMA Mode 2 devices.

This chapter gives a you a brief overview of the VX98 mainboard. In addition to
basic information on the board's main components and features, it also provides
advice on how to upgrade and expand it. Congratulations on your decision to adopt
the VX98 mainboard. With its high-speed ISA/PCI local Bus architecture and ultra­fast I/O connections, the VX98 provides the ultimate solution for optimizing the
performance of your high-end system.

Main Features

The VX98 mainboard comes with the following high-performance features:

■ Easy Installation

Award BIOS with support for Plug and Play, auto detection of Hard Drive and IDE
features, MS Windows 95®, and Windows NT® compatible to make setup of hard
drives, expansion cards, and other devices virtually automatic.

■ Flexible Multi-Processor/Multi-Speed Support

Onboard 321-pin ZIF socket and switching voltage regulator supports a complete
range of leading-edge processors:
Intel Pentium with MMX technology (P55C) 166/200/233 MHz processors.
Intel Pentium (P54C/P54CS) 90/100/120/133/150/166/200 MHz processors.
Cyrix 6x86MX PR166-PR200 processors.
Cyrix 6x86 PR133+ - PR200+ (Rev 2.7 and later) processors.
AMD-K6™ 166/200MHz processors.
AMD-K5™ 90-200MHz processors.

■ Various External Bus and CPU to Bus Frequency Ratio Support

The mainboard supports the Bus frequency for 50 / 55 / 60 / 66 / 75 MHz and CPU
to Bus frequency ratio of 1x / 1.5x / 1.75x / 2x / 2.5x / 3x / 3.5x / 4x. (Refer to
Select Frequency and Voltage of Chapter 2 for more information.)

■ Leading Edge Chipset

VIA Apollo 580VPX® chipset, including a CPU interface controller, advanced
cache controller, in tegrated DRAM co ntro ll er, synchronous ISA/PCI Bus controller,
integrated notebook-class power management unit.

■ Ultra-fast Level II Cache

Supports 256KB/512KB (onboard 512KB) synchronous Pipelined Burst SRAM
direct-mapped write-back cache memory.

■ Versatile Main Memory Support

Accepts up to 512MB RAM in four banks using 72-pin Fast Page Mode (FPM) or
Extended Data Out (EDO) SIMMs of 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128MB or using one 168-pin

3.3Volt DIMM for SDRAM or EDO memory modules up to 128MB. SIMMs and
DIMM cannot be used at the same time.

■ ISA/PCI Expansion Slot

Three 16-bit ISA and four PCI expansion slots provide all the room you need to
install a full range of add-on cards.

■ USB Support (optional)

Onboard support for two Universal Serial Bus connectors via plug-in riser card.

■ Enhanced Master Mode PCI IDE Controller

Comes with an onboard Ultra DMA/33 Bus Master IDE controller with two
connectors that supports four IDE devices such as Hard Disk via two channels for
high speed (33MB/sec) data throughput. This controller supports PIO Modes 3 and
4, and Bus Master IDE DMA Mode 2 for optimized system performance.

■ Super Multi I/O

Integrated SMC FDC37C669 Plug and Play Super I/O chipset features two high­speed 16550A UART compatible serial connectors, one EPP/ECP capable parallel
connector, one IR connector, and one Floppy Disk Drive connector.

■ Onboard IrDA Connector

An optional infrared port module for wireless interface is available.

Advanced Features

This mainboard comes equipped with the most advanced new features that not only
optimize the performance of the latest processors but also enhance the manageability,
power management capabilities, and user-friendliness of your system. This section
provides detailed information on these features, and how they are implemented on the
mainboard.

■ Optimized Intel MMX™ Performance

The mainboard utilizes the advanced features of the VIA Apollo 580VPX® to
optimize the unrivaled performance of the Intel Pentium® processor with MMX™
technology, allowing you to enjoy a richer video, audio, digital imaging and
communications experience from the latest generation of multimedia software.

■ Lightning-Fast SDRAM Performance

The mainboard supports the new generation of lightning-fast SDRAM (Synchronous
Dynamic Random Access Memory) via its onboard 168-pin DIMM socket. SDRAM
delivers an added boost to overall system performance by increasing the CPU-to­memory data transfer rate to 528MB/sec compared to 264MB/sec for conventional
EDO DRAM. SDRAM performance on the VX98 is further boosted by the
mainboard integrated IC controller, which optimizes the memory timing settings.

■ Blistering Ultra DMA/33 Hard Disk Drive Performance

With its integrated Enhanced PCI Bus Master IDE controller that supports the new
Ultra DMA/33 protocol, this mainboard doubles Hard Disk Drive data transfer rates
to 33MB/sec, compared to 16MB/sec for conventional PIO Mode 3, PIO Mode 4,
and DMA Mode 2 devices. By reducing the CPU workload and increasing CPU
utilization, Ultra DMA/33 significantly improves system performance when running
applications under Windows 95® and Windows NT® environments. The Ultra
DMA/33 protocol is completely backward compatible with conventional ATA-2
Hard Disk Drive devices; so the mainboard also supports existing PIO Mode 3, PIO
Mode 4 and DMA Mode 2 devices using the same cable.

With the integrated En h anced P CI Bus M aster IDE con tro ller you can con nect u p t o
four Enhanced IDE p erip heral d evices t o you r system. All devices are categor ized in
the same way that IDE hard disks were configured in the past, with one device set as
the master device and th e other as th e slave device. We recommend that Hard Di sk
Drives use the primary IDE connector and that CD-ROM Drives utilize the
secondary IDE connector for optimum system performance.

■ Concurrent PCI Architecture

The mainboard Concurrent PCI Architecture enables more efficient operation of
CPU, PCI and ISA transactions for faster and smoother multimedia performance. It
also allows the use of PCI 2.1 and 2.0 compatible add-on cards for long system life,
built-in scalability and the flexibility to adapt your system for future applications.

NOTE : The materials in this manual are for information only and is subject to

change without notice. We reserve the right to make changes in the
product design without reservation and without notification to its users.
We shall not be liable for technical or editorial omissions made herein;
nor for incidental or consequential damages resulting from the
furnishing, performance, or use of this material.

Package Checklist

Please check that your package cont ains all the items listed below. If you discover
any item is damaged or missing, please contact your vendor.

The VX98 mainboard

!

This user manual

!

One floppy disk drive ribbon cable

!

One IDE hard disk drive ribbon cable

!

One COM1 ribbon cable

!

One COM2 and printer ribbon cable

!

One USB riser card (optional)

!

Infrared Connections

This mainboard features support for highly-sophisticated IR technology, which
allows bi-directional and cordless data transactions with other IrDA compliant
computers and peripheral devices using infrared as a medium. This transmission is
carried out in either Full Duplex Mode or Half Duplex Mode. The former allows
simultaneous data transmission and reception, while the latter disabl es the reception
when transmission occurs.

The I/O chipset on this mainboard features an IR (SIR) interface that is fully
compliant with the IrDA standard. An IrDA device can be installed via a 9-pin D­SUB connector in the rear panel of the computer which is linked by a cable to the
onboard IrDA pinhead.

Highly Convenient Integrated I/O Connectors

This mainboard features a full set of I/O connectors to allow simple and convenient
connections to a complete selection of external peripheral devices. It supports state­of-the-art USB technology which provides high-speed and easy-to-use Plug & Play
connections to the future generation of external peripherals, such as keyboards,
mouse, display monitors, game devices, scanners, printers, and fax/modems.

USB overcomes conventional I/O bottlenecks by combining the I/O ports into a
single dual-channel connector that supports up to 120 devices. For optimum ease of
use and flexibility, USB not only allows the automatic detection and configuration of
peripherals after installation, but also enables the simultaneous connection of up to
63 devices.

This mainboard comes with an optional USB riser card that is connected to the
onboard USB pinhead. It provides fast and convenient Plug and Play peripheral
connections outside the computer, allowing you to take full advantage of the
universal functionality and flexibility of USB technology.

Enhanced IDE

This mainboard features an integrated Enhanced IDE controller that provides
convenient, high-speed connections with up to four IDE devices, such as Hard Disk,
CD-ROM and Tape Backup Drives. Enhanced IDE is an upgrade of the original IDE
specification and provides increased capabilities and performance in a number of
areas, including support for Hard Disk Drives utilizing the PIO Mode 4 timing
scheme.

With the integrated IDE controller, you can connect up to four IDE peripheral
devices to your system. All devices are catego rized in the same way that IDE Hard
Disks were configured in the past, with o ne device set as the Master device and the
other as the Slave device. We recommend that Hard Disk Drives use the P r imary IDE
connector and that CD-ROM drives utilize the Secondary IDE connector for
improved system performance.

Chapter 2

Installation Procedures

The VX98 has a user-adjustable jumper on the board that allows you to configure
your system to suit your requirements. This chapter contains information on the
jumper setting on your mainboard. Before using the computer, you must complete the
following steps: Step 1 - Set system jumper. Step 2 - Install system RAM modules.
Step 3 - Install the Central Processing Unit (CPU). Step 4 - Install expansion
cards. Step 5 - Connect ribbon cables, cabinet w ires, and power suppl y. Step 6

- Set up BIOS software.

WARNING: Excessive torque may damage the mainboard. When using an

electric screwdriver on the mainboard, make sure that the torque
is set to the allowable range of 5.0 ~ 8.0kg/cm.
Wear an anti-static wrist strap which fits around the wrist.

1). Set System Jumper

Jumper

Jumpers are used to select the operation modes for your system. Some jumpers on the
board have three metal pins with each pin represen ting a different functio n. A “1” is
written besides pin 1 on jumpers with three pins. To set a jumper, a black cap
containing metal contacts is p laced over the jumper pin/s accordin g to the required
configuration. A jumper is said to be shorted when the black cap has been pl aced o n
one or two of its pins. The types of jumpers used in this manual are shown below:

Mainboard Layout

JBAT1

(IR conn.)

CN6

FDC37C669

SMC

PCI2 (PCI slot)

PCI1 (PCI slot)

CPUPIN1

Award BIOS

SL2 (ISA slot)

SL3 (ISA slot)

SL4 (ISA slot)

1.PW-LED 3.SPEAKER 5.TB-LED 7.HD-LED

2.KEYLOCK 4.RESET 6.TB-SW

JPW1

SOCKET 7

BATTERY

LITHIUM

PCI4 (PCI slot)

PCI3 (PCI slot)

Generator

Clock

JCK3
JCK2
JCK1

(Universalserial

CN3

CN4

Bus conn.)

GD75232

GD75232

LPT1 (Parallel conn.)

VT82C586B

VIA

VT82C585VPX

VIA

CN5
PS/2 Mouse

(Floppydiskdriveconn.)

(Serial)

COM1

FDC1

(Serial)

COM2

IDE2 (Secondary)

IDE1 (Primary)

VIA

SIM4

VT82C587VP

Keyboard

CN7

Power

SIM3

CN2

AT

DIMM1

SIM1

SIM2

BANK 1BANK 2

BANK 0

VIA

VT82C587VP

FREQ3
FREQ2
FREQ1

JV1

TAG SRAM

64K32

64K32

NOTE : Users are not encouraged to change the jumper setting not listed in

this manual. Changing the jumper setting improperly may adversely
affect system performance.

Clear CMOS: JBAT1

This jumper allows you to clear data in CMOS.

JBAT1

Clear
CMOS

2). Install System RAM Modules

DRAM Memory

The VX98 RAM is comprised of four industry standard 72-pin Single In-line
Memory Modules (SIMMs) and one 168-pin Dual In-line Memory Module (DIMM).
Each SIMM socket supports from 4 to 128MB, either 60ns or 70ns FPM (Fast Page
Mode) (asymmetric or symmetric) and high-speed EDO (Enhanced Data Out) DRAM
(parity is not supported). The DIMM socket is able to support up to 128MB EDO
DRAM or lightning-fast SDRAM.

Before making DRAM upgrades, you should verify the type and speed of the RAM
currently installed from your dealer. Installing mixtures of RAM types other than
those described in this manual, will have unpredictable results.

[SIMM's Photo]

[DIMM's Photo]

SIMM DIMM

DRAM Module Configuration

DRAM modules in Bank 0, Bank 1, and Bank 2 can be installed in many
combinations. Some of them are listed in the following table.

TOTAL

MEMORY

8MB 4MB 4MB

16MB 4MB 4MB 4MB 4MB

32MB 8MB 8MB 8MB 8MB

64MB 16MB 16MB 16MB 16MB

128MB 32MB 32MB 32MB 32MB

256MB 64MB 64MB 64MB 64MB

512MB 128MB * 128MB * 128MB * 128MB *

BANK 0

DIMM1

(168-pin)

8MB

16MB

32MB

64MB

128MB

BANK 1

SIM1

(72-pin)

8MB 8MB

16MB 16MB

32MB 32MB

64MB 64MB

128MB * 128MB *

BANK 1

SIM2

(72-pin)

BANK 2

SIM3

(72-pin)

4MB 4MB

8MB 8MB

16MB 16MB

32MB 32MB

64MB 64MB

128MB * 128MB *

* This configuration has not been tested as of this writing.

BANK 2

SIM4

(72-pin)

NOTE : DIMM1 only supports 3.3V (unbuffered) EDO and SDRAM modules.

SIMMs and DIMM are not to be installed at the same time on this
mainboard or else you will burn your memory. Mixing SIMMs and
DIMM require 5.0Volt (signal level) tolerant memory chips which are
currently unavailable.
SIMMs (ECC memory or parity check is not supported) with latency
time of 60ns, 70ns and DIMM with latency time of 10ns, 12ns is
allowed on this mainboard.

NOTE : SIMMs in each bank must be of the same type; System BIOS

automatically configures the memory size.
When populating SIMMs in Bank 1, insert the SIMM module first in
SIM2 slot before inserting in the SIM1 slot. Likewise when populating
Bank 2, insert the SIMM module first in SIM4 slot before inserting in the
SIM3 slot. In the event that Banks 1 and 2 will all be populated, insert
the first SIMM module at SIM4, SIM3, SIM2, then SIM1.

Install DIMM

Dual In-Line Memory Modules (DIMM ) can be used when the SIMM sockets are
not used. One socket is available for a 3.3Volt (power level) Unbuffered
Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) or Extended Data Out (EDO) DRAM of either 8, 16,
32, 64, or 128MB to form a memory size between 8MB to 128MB. One side (with
memory chips) of the DIMM module takes up one row on the mainboard. Because
the number of pins are different on either side of the breaks, the module will only fit
in one orientation. DRAM SIMM modules have the same pin contact on both sides.
SDRAM DIMM modules have different pin contact on each side and therefore, have
a higher pin density. Complete the following procedures to install DIMMs:

NOTE : Do not use memory modules with more than 24 chips per module.

Modules with more than 24 chips exceed the design specifications of
the memory subsystem and will be unstable.
The notch on the DIMM module will shift between left, center, or right
to identify the type and also to prevent the wrong type from being
inserted into the DIMM slot on the mainboard. Ask your retailer for the
specifications before purchasing.

1. Locate the DIMM slot on the mainboard. (See figure below.)

2. Install the DIMM straight down into the DIMM slot with both hands.

3. The clips of the slot will close up to hold the DIMM in place when the DIMM
touches the slot bottom.

Remove DIMM

Press the clips with both hands to remove the DIMM.

Cache Memory

The mainboard comes with onboard 512KB synchronous 3V Pipeline Burst SRAMs.
Cache memory access is very fast compared to main memory access. The cache holds
data for imminent use. Since cache memory is from five to more than ten times faster
than main memory, the CPU access time is reduced, giving you better system
performance.

Pentium mainboards may implement various types of L2 cache SRAMs. Pipeline
Burst SRAM is one of them, delivering the best price performance ratio. They
perform much better than asynchronous SRAMs.

NOTE: The cache memory is not user upgradeable.

Option 1: 512KB Cache SRAM

Option 2: 256KB Cache SRAM

U21

(TAG)

U20

256KB

U19

U21

(TAG)

U19

U20

32Kx32

32Kx32

3). Install the CPU

The CPU module resides in a 321-pin Zero Insertion
Force (ZIF) Socket 7 on the mainboard that is
backwards compatible with ZIF S ocket 5 processors.
The CPU that came with the mainboard should have a
fan attached to it to prevent overheating. If this is not
the case then purchase a fan before turning on the
system. Apply thermal jelly to the CPU top and then
install the fan onto the CPU.

NOTE : Without a fan circulating air on the CPU and heat sinks, the CPU

and/or heat sinks can overheat and cause damage to both the CPU
and the mainboard.

To install the CPU, first turn off the system power and remove its cover before doing
the following:

1. Locate the ZIF socket and open it by first pulling the lever sideways away from the
socket then upwards to a 90-degree right angle.

2. Handle the chip by its edges and try not to touch any of the pins.

3. Place the CPU in th e socket. The chip has a notch ed corner with the white dot to
correctly orient the chip. Align the notch with pin one of the socket by pointing the
white dot towards the end of the lever. Pin one is located in the blank triangular
area where one hole is missing from that corner of the square array of pin holes. Do
not force the chip as the CPU has a corner pin for t hree of the four corners, the
CPU will only fit in one orientation. With the added weight of the CPU fan, the
CPU should slide easily into the socket.

4. Once completely inserted, hold down on the fan and swing the lever to the down
position to l ock the CPU in place.

5. See the following sections for information on the CPU jumpers settings.

1

NOTE :

You must set jumpers f or PU to Bus Frequency Ratio” and PU External
Clock (Bus) Frequency” depending on the CPU that you install.

Socket Without CPU Socket With CPU

Lever

Lock

Triangular Blank Area Notch

Select Frequency and Voltage

CPU to Bus Frequency Ratio: FREQ1, FREQ2, FREQ3

These three jumpers are used in combination to decide the ratio of the internal
frequency of the CPU to the external frequency (called the Bus clock) within the
CPU. These must be set together with the following jumpers (CPU external clock
Bus frequency).

FREQ2 FREQ3

FREQ1

P55C

M2/K6

1.5 x 3.5x 1.5 x 3 x

2x2x2x

2.5 x 2.5 x 1.75 x 1 x

FREQ3
FREQ2
FREQ1

3x 3x 4x

CPU External Clock (Bus) Frequency: JCK1, JCK2, JCK3

The table below shows the jumper settings for the different CPU speed
configurations.

JCK1 JCK2 JCK3

Clock

Gen.

JCK3
JCK2
JCK1

2x

Intel Pentium CPUs

Frequency

233 MHz

200 MHz

166 M H z

JCK1 JCK2 JCK3

Pentium MMX

Pentium

FREQ3
FREQ2
FREQ1

JCK3
JCK2
JCK1

Voltage

These jumpers set the voltage supplied to the CPU. The voltage regulators will
automatically detect and switch between S ingle Power Plane and Dual Power Planes.

XXX

[P 5 5 C p h o to ]

XXXXXXX

A Pentium P55C

JPW1 JV1

5

VRE

XXX

[P54C photo]

XXXXXXX

A Pentium P54C
Processor

JPW1

JV1

AMD-K5/-K6 CPUs

Frequency

JCK1 JCK2 JCK3

-200

K6
K6-166
K5-PR200
K5-PR166
K5-PR150
K5-PR133
K5-PR120
K5-PR100

K5-PR90

200 MHz
166 MHz
133 MHz
116 MHz
105 MHz
100 MHz

90 MHz

100 MHz

90 MHz

66 MHz

66 MHz

66 MHz
60 MHz
66 MHz
60 MHz

FREQ3
FREQ2
FREQ1

JCK3
JCK2
JCK1

3x

2.5 x
2x

1.75 x

1.75 x

1.5 x

1.5 x

1.5 x

1.5 x

Voltage

ocess

o

JPW1JV1

)

AMD

AMD-K6

[K6 PHO TO ]

AMD-K5

PR166

[K 5 P H O TO ]

An AMD-K6
Pr

r

3.5V
Same

AMD-K5 - B

2.9V

3.3V

AMD-K6(below 200MHz

An AMD-K5
Processor

JPW1

JV1

Cyrix 6x86/6x86MX / IBM 6x86/6x86MX CPUs

The Cyrix CPU supported on this mainboard that is labeled Cyrix 6x86
PR133+/PR150+/PR166+/PR200+ must be Revision 2.7 and later. Look on the
underside of the CPU for the serial number. The number should read G8DC6620A or
larger.

Frequency

JCK1 JCK2 JCK3

6x86MX-PR200

6x86MX-PR200

6x86MX-PR200

6x86MX-PR166

6x86MX-PR166

6x86MX-PR166

6x86-PR200
6x86L-PR200+

6x86-PR166+
6x86L-PR166+

6x86-PR150+
6x86L-PR150+

6x86-PR133+
6x86L-PR133+

180 MHz
166 MHz

55 MHz165 MHz
150 MHz
138 MHz 55 MHz
133 MHz

150 MHz

133 MHz

66 MHz
75 MHz

66 MHz
120 MHz
110 MHz

55 MHz

FREQ3
FREQ2
FREQ1

JCK3
JCK2
JCK1

3x

2.5 x
3x

2.5 x

2.5 x
2x
2x

2x
2x
2x

Voltage

JPW1JV1

Cyrix

MX

686 686

[MXPhoto]

A Cyrix 6x86MX
Processor

6x86

A Cyrix 6x86
Processor

Cyrix

[6x86 Photo]

JPW1

JV1

2.9V
MX

NOTE : The same specifications may be observed for IBM 6x86/6x86MX

CPUs. Only Cyrix Rev 2.7 or later is supported on this mainboard.
Bootup screen will show 6x86-P166+ with the Cyrix 166+ installed on
this mainboard.

4). Install Expansion Cards

The mainboard features three 16-bit ISA
Bus expansion slots and four PCI Bus
expansion slots.

Three

ISA Slots

Four PCI Slots

This section describes how to connect an
add-on (expansion) card to the system's
expansion slots. An add-on ISA/PCI
expansion card is a printed circuit board
that, when connected to the mainboard,
allows you to increase the capabilities of
the system. For example, an expansion
card can provide video and sound
capabilities.

NOTE : Before installing an expansion card, make sure to unplug the power

supply when adding or removing expansion cards or other system
components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to both the
mainboard and expansion cards.

To install an expansion card, do the following:

1. Remove the computer ch assis cover and locate

an empty ISA/PCI expansion slot.

2. Read the expansion card documentation on any

hardware and software settings that may be
required to setup the specific card.

3. Set any necessary jumpers on the expansion

card.

4. Holding the edge of the peripheral card,

carefully align the edge connector with the
expansion slot. (See figure on right.)

5. Push the card firmly into the slot. Push in on

one end of the expansion card, then the other. Use this ocking” motion until
the add-on card is firmly seated in sid e the sl ot . Make su re that th e card h as b een
placed evenly and completel y in t o the expansion slot.

6. Replace the computer system cover.

7. Setup the BIOS if necessary.

8. Install the necessary software drivers for the expansion card.

Assigning IRQs for Expansion Cards

Some expansion cards need to use an IRQ to operate. Generally an IRQ must be
exclusively assigned to one use. In a standard d esign there are 1 6 IRQs available b ut
most of them are already in use by parts of the system which leaves 6 free for
expansion cards.

Currently, there are two types of ISA cards. The original ISA expansion card design,
now referred to as egacy” ISA cards, requires that you configure the card
jumpers manually and then install it in any available slot on the ISA Bus. You may
use Microsoft Diagnostic (MSD.EXE) utility included in the Windows directory to
see a map of the used and free IRQs. For Windows 95 users, the ontrol Panel” icon
in y Computer” contains a ystem” icon which gives you a evice Manager” tab.
Double clicking on a specific device gives you a esources” tab which shows the
Interrupt number and address. Make sure that no two devices use the same IRQs or
the computer will experience problems when two devices are in use at the same time.

To simplify this process the mainboard has complied with the Plug and Play (PNP)
specification which was developed to allow automatic system configuration
whenever a PNP-compliant card i s added to the system. For PNP card s, IRQs are
assigned automatically from those available. For older Legacy cards that does not
work with the BIOS, contact your vendor for an ISA Configuration Utility.

5). Connector Cables and Pow er Supply

Connectors

NOTE : Some pins are used for connectors or power sources. These are

clearly separated from jumpers. Placing jumper caps over these will
cause damage to the mainboard.

Ribbon cables should always be connected with the red stripe on the Pin 1 side of the
connector. The four corners of the connectors are labeled on the mainboard. Pin 1 is
the side closest to the power connector on hard drives and floppy drives. IDE ribbon
cable must be less than 18in. (46cm), with the second drive connector no more than
6in. (15cm) from the first connector.

Floppy Diskette Drive Connector: FDC1

This 34-pin block connector connects to your floppy
disk drive using the cable that is provided with this
mainboard. After connecting the single end to the
board, connect the two plugs on the other end to the
floppy drives. Pin 5 is removed to prevent inserting
in the wrong orientation when using ribbon cables
with pin 5 plugged.

1

FDC1

Infrared Connector (4-pin Male): CN6

This 4-pin male connector is used for connecting to
the infrared (SIR) port and allows the data
transaction with another system which also supports
the SIR feature.

Serial Port Connectors: COM1, COM2

These two connectors allow you to connect with
devices that take serial por ts, such as a serial mouse
or a modem. Usually, it is recommended to connect
the serial mouse to COM1 and the fax/modem to
COM2.

1

COM1 COM2

Standard Power Connector: CN7

This 12-pin block connector is used for connecting to the
standard 5V power supply. In the picture below, notice
that, in most cases, there are two marks 8” and 9” on

the surface of the connector. You have to insert the 8”
plug into the 8” section of the connector, and so forth
for 9”. Two black wires must be facing each other.

CN7

IDE HDD Device Connector:
IDE1, IDE2

Power Connector

Power Plugs
of Power Connector

These two 40-pin block connector are used for your
IDE hard disks. If you have one IDE hard disk,

IDE1

IDE2

connect it to the IDE1 connector using the IDE HDD
flat cable provided with the mainboard. The BIOS
auto detection sets it to be a rimary Master” disk.
If you want to install another IDE hard disk or CD­ROM drive, please use the IDE2 conn ector. If two
hard disks are connected to IDE1 connector using
the same cable, one of them is the master drive, the ot her one is t he slave drive. Yo u
may need to set jumpers for the sl ave drive; please refer to the hard disk drive manual
for details. Pin 20 is removed to prevent inserting in the wrong orientation when
using ribbon cables with pin 20 plugged.

You may configure two hard disks to be both Masters using one ribbon cable to the
primary IDE connector and another ribbon cable on the secondary IDE connector.
You may install one operating system on an IDE drive and another on a SCSI drive
and select the boot disk through the BIOS Setup.

Universal Serial Bus Connector:
CN3, CN4

The onboard USB connectors allow the system to
link with USB peripheral devices.

CN4

CN3

AT Keyboard Connector: CN2

This connector is used to connect a standard
keyboard using an AT plug (large DIN) to the
system. This connector will not allow standard PS/2
size (mini DIN) keyboard plugs. You may use a mini
DIN to DIN adapter on PS/2 keyboard s.

PS/2 Mouse Connector: CN5

This connector is used to connect the PS /2 mouse to
the system. The system will direct IRQ12 to the PS/2
mouse if one is detected. If not detected, expansion
cards can use IRQ12.

CN2

CN5

Front Panel Block Connector:

This block connector includes: PW-LED, KEYLOCK, SPEAKER,
RESET, TB -LED, TB-SW, and HD-LED conne ctors.

ITEM CONNECTOR PIN TYPE FEATURE

A PW-LED 2-pin male The system power LED lights when the sys tem

B KEYLOCK 2-pin mal e allows the keyboard to acces s the system
C SP EAKER 4-pin male This connector connects to the case-mounted

D RESET 2-pin male This connector connects to the case-mounted

E TB-LED 2-pin male indicates the system is in Turbo mode when

F TB-SW 2-pin male Turbo m ode switch which allows user to

G HD-LED 2-pin male

is powered on.

speaker.

reset switch for rebooting the system without
having to turn off power switch. This is a
preferred method of rebooting in order t o
prolong the life of the syst em power supply.

LED is lit.

manually place the system into Turbo mode or
back to Normal m ode.

This connector supplies power to t he cabinet
IDE activity LED. Indicates the IDE HDD I/O
(read and write activity by devices connected to
the Primary and Secondary IDE connectors) is
being accessed when LED is lit

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

10

11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22

Parallel Printer Connector: LPT1

The onboard connector allows the system to link
with printer devices via a printer cable. Serial
printers must be connected to the serial port.

LPT1

Chapter 3

Setting BIOS Feature

The mainboard comes with the Award BIOS chip that contains the ROM Setup
information of the system. This chip serves as an interface between the processor and
the rest of the mainboard's components. This chapter explains the information
contained in the Setup pro gram and tells you h ow to modify the settings according to
the system configuration.

A Setup program built into the system BIOS, is stored in the CMOS RAM. This
Setup utility program allows changes to the mainboard configuration settings. It is
executed when user changes system configuration; user changes system backup
battery; or the system detects a configuration error and asks the user to run the Setup
program. At power-on RAM testing, the message Press <Delete> key to enter Setup
appears. If you are a little bit late pressing the mentioned key, POST (Power-On Self
Test) will continue with its test routines, thus preventing you from calling up Setup.
If you still need to call Setup, reset the system by simultaneously pressing the
<Ctrl>, <Alt> and <Delete> keys, or by pushing the Reset button on the system case.
You can also restart by turni ng t he system off and then back o n agai n. But do so o nl y
if the first two methods fail. Use the arrow keys to select and press <Enter> key to
run the selected pro gram.

Main CMOS Setup

When you run Setup, the CMOS SETUP UTILITY main program screen will appear
with the following options:

A section at the bottom of the above screen displ ays the control keys for this screen.
Take note of these keys and their respective uses. Another section just below the
control keys section displays information on the currently highlighted item in the list.

Load Defaults

The oad BIOS Defaults” option loads the minimized settings for troubleshooting.

oad Setup Defaults” on the other hand, is for loading optimized defaults for regular

use. Choosing defaults at this level will modify all applicable settings.

Standard CMOS Setup

The tandard CMOS Setup” option allows you to record some basic system
hardware configuration and set the system clock and error handling. If the mainboard
is already installed in a working system, you will not need to select this option
anymore. However, if the configuration stored in the CMOS memory on the
mainboard gets lost or damaged, or if you change the system hardware configuration,
you will need to re-specify the configuration values. The configuration values usually
get lost or corrupted when the power of the onboard CMOS battery weakens.

The above screen provides you with a list of options. At the bottom are the control
keys for this screen. Take note of these keys and their respective uses. User­configurable fields appear in a different color. If you need information on the
selected field, press th e <F1> key. The help menu will then appear to provide you
with the information you need. The memory display at the lower right-hand side of
the screen is read-only and automatically adjusts accordingly.

Date

To set the date, highlight the ate” field and then press the page up/page down or
+/– keys to set the current date. Follow the month, day and year format. Valid values
for month, day and year are: Month: (1 to 12), Day: (1 to 31), Year: (up to 2099).

Time

To set the time, highlight the ime” field and then press the page up/page down or
+/– keys to set the current time. Follow the hour, minute and second format. Valid
values for hour, minute and second are: Hour: (00 to 23), Minute: (00 to 59), Second:
(00 to 59), just press the <Enter> key twice if you do not want to modify the current
settings.

Hard Disks

This field records the specifications for all non-SCSI hard drives installed in the
system. The onboard PCI IDE connectors provide Primary and Secondary channels
for connecting up to four IDE hard disks or other IDE devices. Each channel can
support up to two hard disks; the first of which is the aster” and the second is the

lave”.

For an IDE hard disk drive setup, you can:

•

Use the Auto setting for detection during bootup.

•

Use the IDE HDD AUTO DETECTION in the main menu to automatically enter
the drive specifications.

•

Enter the specifications yourself manually by using the ser” option.

The entries for specifying the hard disk type include CYLS (number of cylinders),
HEAD (number of read/write heads), PRECOMP (write precompensation), LANDZ
(landing zone), SECTOR (number of sectors) and MODE. The SIZE field
automatically adjusts according to the configuration you specified. The
documentation that comes with the hard disk should provide you with the
information regarding the drive specifications.

The MODE entry is for IDE hard disks only, and can be ignored for MFM and ESDI
drives. This entry provides three options: Normal, Large, LBA, or Auto. Set MODE
to the Normal for IDE hard disks smaller than 528MB; set it to LBA for drives over
528MB that support Logical Block Addressing (LBA) to allow large IDE hard disks;
set it to Large for drives over 528MB that do not support LBA. Large type of drives
can only be used with MS-DOS and is very uncommon. Most IDE drives over
528MB support the LBA mode.

Auto Detection of Hard Disks on Bootup

For each field: Primary Master, Primary Slave, Secondary Master, and Secondary
Slave, you can select Auto under the TYPE and MODE fields. This will enable auto
detection of your IDE drives during Bootup. This will allow you to change your hard
drives (with the power off) and then power on without having to reconfigure your
hard drive type. If you use older hard drives which do not support this feature, then
you must configure the hard drive in the standard method as described above by the

ser” option.

NOTE : After the IDE hard disk information has been entered into BIOS, new

IDE hard disks must be partitioned (such as with FDISK) and then
formatted before data can be read from and write on. Primary IDE hard
drives must have its partition set to active (also possible with FDISK).

Drive A / Drive B

These fields record the types of floppy drives installed in the system. The available
options for drives A and B are: 1.44MB, 3.5 in. (default for drive A); None (default
for drive B); 360KB, 5.25 in.; 1.2MB, 5.25 in.; 720KB, 3.5 in.; 2.88MB, 3.5 in. To
enter the configuration value for a particular drive, highlight its corresponding field
and then select the drive type using the left- or right-arrow key.

Floppy 3 Mode Support

This is the Japanese standard floppy drive. The standard stores 1.2MB in a 3.5inch
diskette. This is normally disabled but you may choose from either: Disabled
(default), Drive A, Drive B, and Both.

Video

Set this field to the type of video display card installed in the system. The options are:
EGA/VGA (default), Mono (for Hercules or MDA), CGA 40, and CGA 80. If you are
using a VGA or any higher resolution card, choose the GA/VGA” option.

Halt On

This field determines which types of errors will cause the system to halt. Choose
from All Errors (default); No Errors; All, But Keyboard; All, But Diskette; and All,
But Disk/Key.

BIOS Features Setup

The IOS Features Setup” option consists of configuration entries that allow you to
improve the system performance, or lets you set up some system features accordin g t o
your preference. Some entries here are required by the mainboard design to remain
in their default settings.

A section at the lower right of th e screen d isplays the cont rol keys you can use. Take
note of these keys and their respective uses. If you need information on a particular
entry, highlight it and press the <F1> key. A pop-up help menu will appear to
provide you with the information you need. <F5> loads the last set values, <F6> and
<F7> loads the BIOS default values and Setup default values, respectively.

Virus Warning

This field protects the boot sector and partition table of the hard disk against
accidental modifications. Any attempt to write to them will cause the system to halt
and display a warning message. If this occurs, you can either allow the operation to
continue or use a bootable virus-free floppy disk to reboot and investigate the system.
This setting is recommended because of conflicts with new operating systems.
Installation of new operating systems require that you disable this to prevent write
errors. The options are Disabled (default); Enabled.

CPU Internal Cache / External Cache

These fields allow you to turn on or off the CPU Internal and External built-in
cache. The options are Enabled (default); Disabled.

Quick Power On Self Test

This field speeds up the Power-On Self Test (POST) routine by skipping re-testing a
second, third, and fourth time. A complete test of the system is done on each test. The
options are Enabled (default); Disabled.

Boot Sequence

This field determines where the system looks first for an op erating system. The setup
default setting is to check first the floppy drive and then the hard drive; that is, A, C.
The options are A, C, SCSI (default); C, A, SCSI; SCSI, C, A; SCSI, A, C; F, A, SCSI;
E, A, SCSI; D, A, SCSI; C, CDROM, A; CDROM, C, A; C only; LS/ZIP, C.

Swap Floppy Drive

When enabled, it allows you to switch the order in which the operating system
accesses the floppy drives during boot up. The options are Disabled (default);
Enabled.

Boot Up Floppy Seek

When enabled, the BIOS will seek the floppy ” drive one time. The options are
Enabled (default); Disabled.

Boot Up NumLock Status

This field enables user to activate the Number Lock function upon system boot. The
options are On (default); Off.

Gate A20 Option

When set at Fast will allow a faster access response under Protected Mode. The
options are Fast (default); Normal.

Typematic Rate Setting

When enabled, you can set the two typematic controls listed next. The options are
Disabled (default); Enabled.

Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec)

This field controls the speed at which the system registers repeated keystrokes. The
options are 6 (default); 8; 10; 12; 15; 20; 24; and 30.

Typematic Delay (Msec)

This field sets the time interval for displaying the first and second characters. The
options are 250 (default); 500; 750; and 1000.

Security Option

This field determines when the system prompts for the password. The default setting
is Setup, where the system always boots up, and prompts for the Supervisor Password
only when the Setup utility is called up. The other option is System, where the system
prompts for the User Password every time you boot up. You can specify a password
by using the Supervisor Password or User Password option from the main screen as
explained later in this section. The options are Setup (default); System.

OS Select For DRAM > 64MB

Allows you to specify which operating system you are using when installed DRAM is
greater than 64MB. If the operating system you are using is OS2, select OS2,
otherwise, stay with the default setting of Non-OS2. The options are Non-OS2
(default); OS2.

Video BIOS Shadow

This field allows you to change the video BIOS location from ROM to RAM.
Relocating to RAM enhances system performance, as information access is faster
than the ROM. The op t ions are Enabled (default); Disabled.

C8000-CBFFF to DC000-DFFFF Shadow

These fields are used for shadowing other expansion card ROMs. If you install other
expansion cards with ROMs on them, you will need to know which addresses the
ROMs use to shadow them specifically. Shadowing a ROM reduces the memory
available between 640KB and 1024KB by the amount used for this purpose. The
options are Disabled (default); Enabled.

Chipset Features Setup

The hipset Features Setup” option controls the configuration of the board
chipset. Control keys for this screen are the same as for the previous screen.

Video BIOS Cacheable

Allows the video BIOS to be cached to allow for faster executio n. Leave on default
setting of Enabled for better performance, otherwise Disabled. The options are
Enabled (Default), Disabled.

System BIOS Cacheable

When enabled, allows the ROM area of F000H-FFFFH to be cacheable when the
cache controller is activated. The options are Disabled (Default), Enabled.

Memory Hole at 15MB Addr.

Enabling this feature reserves 15MB to 16MB memory address space to ISA
expansion cards that specifically require this setting. This makes the memory from
15MB and up unavai labl e to th e system. Expansion card s can only access memory up
to 16MB. The options are Disabled (default), 15M-16M, 14M-16M.

Sustained 3T Write

When enabled, it allows the CPU to complete the system memory writes in 3 clocks.
The options are Enabled (default); Disabled.

CPU Pipeline

When enabled, this allows the CPU to execute the pipeline function. The options are
Enabled (default); Disabled.

DRAM Auto Configuration

Allows you to set the type of DRAM used. This is to be set by a technician only. The
options are Disabled (default); 60ns; 70ns.

DRAM Timing Control

Allows you to set the speed o f data access o f th e V IA VT82 C586A chip. The options
are Fast (default); Normal; Turbo.

SDRAM Cycle Length

instead of SIMM modules)

If the CAS latency of the SDRAM DIMM is 2, set it at 2 to enhance the system
performance. If the CAS latency of the SDRAM DIMM is 3, stay with the default
setting of 3. The options are 3 (default); 2.

SDRAM Bank Interleave

instead of SIMM modules)

When the Bank interleave function of the SDRAM is set at 2 Bank or 4 Bank, data
transaction performance is better. The options are Disabled (default); 2 Bank; 4
Bank.

(available only when DIMM modules are used

(available only when DIMM modules are used

CPU to PCI Write Buffer

The default setting of Enabled allows data and address access to internal buffer of the
VIA VT82C586A chip so that the processor can be released from the wait state. The
options are Enabled (default); Disabled.

PCI Dynamic Bursting

When enabled, the PCI controller allows bursting PCI transfer if the consecutive PCI
cycles come with the address falling in the same 1KB space. This improves the PCI
Bus throughput. The options are Enabled (default); Disabled.

PCI Burst

When enabled, it allows data transfer on PCI Buses to improve. Disable this item
when troubleshooting. The options are Enabled (default); Disabled.

PCI Master 0 WS Write

When enabled, it allows a zero-wait-state-cycle delay when the PCI master drive
writes data to DRAM. The options are Enabled (default); Disabled.

Quick Frame Generation

When enabled, it allo ws the system to start the P CI Bus (by asserting frame) as soon
as possible when the Bus cycle is goi ng forward to the PCI Bus. The options are
Enabled (default), Disabled.

Power Management Setup

The ower Management Setup” option allows you to reduce the power consumption
of the system. This feature turns off the video display and shuts down the hard drive
after a period of inactivity.

Power Management

This field acts as the master control for the power management modes. Max Saving
puts the system into power saving mode after a brief period of system inactivity; Min
Saving is almost the same as Max Saving except that this time the system inactivity
period is longer; Disabled disables the power saving features; User Defined allows
you to set power saving options according to your preference. The options are
Disabled (default); User Defined; Min Saving; Max Saving.

PM Control by APM

The option No allows the BIOS to ignore the APM (Advanced Po wer Management)
specification. Select ing Yes will allow the BIOS wait for APM prompt before it
enters Doze mode, Standby mode, or Suspend mode. If the APM is installed, it will
prompt the BIOS to set the system into the power saving mode after all tasks are
done. The options are Yes (Default); No.

Video Off Option

This item allows you to activate the video off feature for the display monitor power
management. The options are Suspend -> Off (default); Always On; All Modes ->

Off.

Video Off Method

This field defines the video off features. V/H SYNC + Blank blanks the screen and
turns off vertical and horizontal scanning; DPMS Support allows the BIOS to control
the video display card if it supports the DPMS feature; Blank Screen only blanks the
screen. Use the latter for display monitors that do not support the reen” (no power
management) feature. Screensaver softwares does not work with this feature. With
the CRT monitor shut off, this software cannot display. The options are DPMS
Support (default); Blank Screen; V/H Sync + Blank.

MODEM Use IRQ

This feature allows you to select the IRQ# to meet the modem IRQ#. The optio ns
are NA (default); 3; 4; 5; 7; 9; 10; 11.

HDD Power Down

This option shuts down any IDE hard drives in the system after a period of inactivity.
The time period is user-configurable from 1 to 15 minutes. This feature does not
affect SCSI hard drives. The options are Disabled (default); 1 Min; . . . 15 Min.

Doze Mode/Suspend Mode

Sets the period of time after which Doze/Suspen d Mode activates. At Max Saving,
Doze/Suspend Mode will activate after 10 seconds. At Min Saving, Doze/Suspend
Mode will activate after 1 hour. If Power Management option is set at User Defined,
user has the option to set it at 10 Sec; 20 Sec; 30 Sec; 40 Sec; 1 Min; 2 Min; 4 Min; 6

Min; 8 Min; 10 Min; 20 Min; 30 Min; 40 Min; or 1 Hour. The default value is
Disabled.

VGA I/O & Memory

Selecting ON will enable the power management timer when a no activity event is
detected in the VGA. Select OFF to disable the power management timer even if a no
activity event is detected. The options are OFF (default), ON.

LPT & COM I/O

Selecting LPT/COM will enable the power management timer when a no activity
event is detected in the LPT and COM ports. Selecting LPT or COM will enable the
power management timer when a no activity event is detected in the LPT or COM
port. Selecting NONE will disable the power management timer even if a no activity
event is detected. The o ptions are LPT/COM (default); NONE; LPT; COM.

HDD & FDD I/O

Selecting ON will enable the power management timer when a no activity event is
detected in the hard disk drive and floppy disk drive. Selecting OFF will disable the
power management timer even if a no activity event is det ected. The opti ons are ON
(default); OFF.

IRQ3 (COM 2), . . . , IRQ7 (LPT 1)

You can individu ally set each IRQ to be included in the sl eep function. The opt ions
are Primary (default); Secondary; Disabled.

IRQ8 (RTC Alarm), . . . , IRQ11 (Reserved)

You can individu ally set each IRQ to be i ncluded in th e sleep function. IRQ8 (Real
Time Alarm) is usually set to Disabled so that any software alarm clock or event
calendar can wake up the system. The options are Disabled (default); Primary;
Secondary.

IRQ12 (PS/2 Mouse)/IRQ14 (Hard Disk)

You can set IRQ12 and IRQ14 to be included in the sleep function. The options are
Primary (default); Secondary.

IRQ15 (Reserved)

You can set IRQ15 to be included in the sleep function. The options are Disabled
(default); Primary; Secondary.

PNP and PCI Setup

The NP and PCI Setup” option configures the PCI Bus slots. All PCI Bus slots on
the system use INTA#, thus all installed PCI cards must be set to this value.

PNP OS Installed

When Plug and Play operating systems (OS) are installed, interrupts may be
reassigned by the OS when Yes is selected. When a non-Plug and Play OS is installed
or to prevent reassigning of interrupt settings, select No here. The options are No
(default), Yes.

Resources Controlled By

If set at Auto, BIOS automatically arranges all system resources for you. If there are
conflicts or you are not satisfied with the configuration settings, simply set all the
resources by selecting Manual. The options are Auto (default); Manual.

Reset Configuration Data

When enabled, this feature allows the system to clear the last BIOS con figuration
data and reset them with the default BIOS configuration data. The options are
Disabled (default); Enabled.

IRQ Sequence

Allows you to set the sequence of the IRQ#. The options are 9, 10, 11, 5, 7, 4, 3, 12,
15, 14 (default) or; 15, 11, 10, 9, 12, 14, 5, 7, 3, 4.

IRQ-3; -4; -5; -7; -9; -10; -11; -12; -14; -15; DMA-0; -1; -3; -5; -6; -7
Assigned to

These options, which allows you to set whether a particular IRQ# or DMA# is used
by a PCI/ISA PNP or Legacy ISA card will only appear on screen if the above item
Resources Controlled By is set at Manual. The options are PCI/ISA PNP (default
except for IRQ-3 and IRQ-4); Legacy ISA.

PCI IRQ Activated By

If the IDE card you are using is triggered by edge, set it at Edge. The options are
Level (default); Edge.

Assign IRQ for VGA

If the PCI VGA card you are using does not need an IRQ, select Disabled, thereby
releasing an IRQ for system use. The options are Disabled (default); Enabled.

Used MEM Base Addr

This option, which allows you to select a base address for the memory area used by
any peripheral that requires high memory will only appear on screen if the above item
Resources Controlled By is set at Manual. The options are N/A (default); DC00;
D800; D400; D000; CC00; C800.

Used MEM Length

This option will only appear on screen if the above item Used MEM Base Addr is not
set at N/A. It allows you to select a length for the memory area specified in the
previous item. High Memory range will be reserved for Legacy ISA card so that no
PCI or PNP card will use this High Memory range. If it is set at N/A, PCI or PNP
card will use any of the High Memory address which starts from the C800 to EFFF
segment. The options are 8K (default); 64K; 32K; 16K.

Load BIOS Defaults

The oad BIOS Defaults” option allows you to load the troubleshooting default
values permanently stored in the BIOS ROM. These default settings are non-optimal
and disables all high performance features. To load these default settings, highlight

oad BIOS Defaults” on the main screen and then press the <Enter> key. The
system displays a confirmation message on the screen. Press the <Y> key and then
the <Enter> key to confirm. Press the <N> key and then the <Enter> key to abort.

This feature does not affect the fields on the Standard CMOS Setup screen.

Load Setup Defaults

The oad Setup Defaults” option allows you to load the default values to the system
configuration fields. These default values are the optimized configuration settings for
the system. To load these default values, highlight oad Setup Defaults” on the main
screen and then press th e <Enter> key. The system displays a confirmation message
on the screen. Pr ess the <Y> key and then the <Enter> key to confirm. Press the
<N> key and then the <Enter> key to abort. This feature does not affect the fields on
the Standard CMOS Setup screen.

Integrated Peripherals

IDE HDD Block Mode

When Enabled, the system executes read/write requests to hard drive in Block Mode.
The options are Enabled (default); Disabled.

On-Chip Primary PCI IDE

When enabled, it allows you to use the onboard primary PCI IDE. The options are
Enabled (default); Disabled.

On-Chip Secondary PCI IDE

When enabled, it allows you to use the onboard secondary PCI IDE. The options are
Enabled (default); Disabled.

IDE Primary Master PIO

enabled)

Allows an automatic or a manual configuration of the PCI primary IDE hard drive
(master) mode. The options are Auto (default); Mode 0; Mode 1; Mode 2; Mode 3;
Mode 4.

(available only when On-Chip Primary PCI IDE is

IDE Primary Slave

enabled)

Allows an automatic or a manual configuration of the PCI primary IDE hard drive
(slave) mode. The options are Auto (default); Mode 0; Mode 1; Mode 2; Mode 3;
Mode 4.

IDE Secondary Master PIO

IDE is enabled)

Allows an automatic or a manual configuration of the PCI secondary IDE hard drive
(master) mode. The options are Auto (default); Mode 0; Mode 1; Mode 2; Mode 3;
Mode 4.

IDE Secondary Slave PIO

IDE is enabled)

Allows an automatic or a manual configuration of the PCI secondary IDE hard drive
(slave) mode. The options are Auto (default); Mode 0; Mode 1; Mode 2; Mode 3;
Mode 4.

IDE Primary Master UDMA

is enabled)

Allows an automatic configuration of the PCI primary IDE hard drive (master) mode
if Ultra DMA is supported both on the mainboard and the hard disk. The options are
Auto (default); Disabled.

IDE Primary Slave UDMA

is enabled)

Allows an automatic configuration of the PCI primary IDE hard drive (slave) mode if
Ultra DMA is supported both on the mainboard and the hard disk. The options are
Auto (default); Disabled.

PIO (available only when On-Chip Primary PCI IDE is

(available only when On-Chip Secondary PCI

(available only when On-Chip Secondary PCI

(available only when On-Chip Primary PCI IDE

(available only when On-Chip Primary PCI IDE

IDE Secondary Master

PCI IDE is enabled)

Allows an automatic configuration of the PCI secondary IDE hard drive (master)
mode if Ultra DMA is supported both on the mainboard and the hard disk. The
options are Auto (default); Disabled.

UDMA (available only when On-Chip Secondary

IDE Secondary Slave UDMA

PCI IDE is enabled)

Allows an automatic configuration of the PCI secondary IDE hard drive (slave) mode
if Ultra DMA is supported both on the mainboard and the hard disk. The options are
Auto (default); Disabled.

(available only when On-Chip Secondary

HDD S.M.A.R.T. Capability

Enable this option if the hard disk drive you are currently using supports the
S.M.A.R.T. function. The options are Disabled (default), Enabled.

USB Controller

Disable this option if you are not using the onboard USB feature. The options are
Disabled (default); Enabled.

BIOS Support USB Keyboard

enabled)

When the USB devices cannot be detected automatically by the system BIOS or some
driver diskettes came with the USB devices, set it at DOS to allow for the installation
of the drivers. The optio ns are Setup (default); DOS.

(available only when USB Controller is

Onboard FDC Controller

When enabled, the floppy disk drive (FDD) controller is activated. The options are
Enabled (default); Disabled.

Onboard UART 1

If Serial Port 1 uses the onboard I/O controller, you can modify the serial port
parameters. If an I/O card needs to be installed, COM3 and COM4 may be needed.
The options are 3F8/IRQ4 (default); 3E8/IRQ4; 2F8/IRQ3; 2E8/IRQ3; Disabled.

Onboard UART 2

If Serial Port 2 uses the onboard I/O controller, you can modify the serial port
parameters. If an I/O card needs to be installed, COM3 and COM4 may be needed.
The options are 2F8/IRQ3 (default); 3E8/IRQ4; 2E8/IRQ3; 3F8/IRQ4; Disabled.

Onboard UART 2 Mode

at Disabled)

Allows you to select the IR modes if the serial port 2 is used as an IR port. Set it at

Standard when you use COM2 as a serial port instead of an IR port . The optio ns are
Standard (default); HPSIR; ASKIR.

IR Duplex Mode

Standard)

This feature allows you to select the infrared data transaction method. The options
are Half (default); Full.

(available only when Onboard UART 2 Mode is not set at

(available only when Onboard UART 2 is not set

Use IR Pins

Standard)

Consult your IR peripheral documentation to select the correct settings of the TxD
and RxD signals. The opt ions are IR-RX2TX2 (default); IR-RX TX.

(available only when Onboard UART 2 Mode is not set at

Onboard Parallel Port

Allows you to select from a given set of parameters if the parallel port uses the
onboard I/O controller. The options are 378/IRQ7 (default); 278/IRQ5; 3BC/IRQ7;
Disabled.

Parallel Port Mode

Disabled)

Allows you to connect with an advanced printer. The op tions are Normal (default);
ECP+EPP; EPP; ECP.

ECP Mode Use

This feature allows you to select the Direct Memory Access (DMA) channel. The
options are 3 (default); 1.

(available only when Onboard Parallel Port not set at

DMA (available only when Parallel Port Mode set at ECP)

Parallel Port EPP Type

This item only appears when the above option Parallel Port Mode is set at either EPP
or ECP+EPP. The options are EPP 1.7 (default); EPP 1.9.

Supervisor Password and User Password

These two options set the system passwords. upervisor Password” sets a password
that will be used to protect the system and the Setup utility; ser Password” sets a
password that will be used exclusively on the system. By default, the system comes

without any passwords. To specify a password, highlight the type you want and then
press the <Enter> key. A password prompt appears on the screen. Taking note that
the password is case sensitive, and can be up to 8 alphanumeric characters long, type
in your password and then press the <Enter> key. The system confirms your
password by asking you to type it again. After setting a password, the screen
automatically reverts to the main screen. To implement the password protection,
specify in the ecu rity Option” field of the BIOS F eatures Setup screen when th e
system will prompt for the password. If you want to disable either password, press
the <Enter> key instead of entering a new password when the nter Password”
prompt appears. A message confirms the password has been disabled.

IDE HDD Auto Detection

The DE HDD Auto Detection” option d etects the parameters of an IDE hard drive
and automatically enters them into the Standard CMOS Setup screen. Up to four IDE
drives can be detected, with parameters for each listed inside t he box. To accept the
optimal entries, press the <Y> key or else select from the numbers displayed under
the OPTIONS field; to skip to the next drive, press the <N> key. If you accept the
values, the parameters will appear listed beside the drive letter on the screen. The
process then proceeds to t he next drive letter. Pressing the <N> key to skip rather
than to accept a set of parameters causes the program to enter zeros after that d rive
letter.

Remember that if you are using another IDE controller that does not feature
Enhanced IDE support for four devices, you can only install two IDE hard drives.
The IDE controller must support the Enhanced IDE features in order to use Drive E
and Drive F.

NOTE : If your hard drive was already formatted on an older previous system,

incorrect parameters may be detected. You will need to enter the
correct parameters manually or use low-level format if you do not need
the data stored on the hard drive.

If the parameters listed differ from the ones used when the drive was formatted, the
drive will not be readable. If the auto-detected parameters do not match the ones that
should be used for your drive, do not accept them. Press the <N> key to reject the
presented settings and enter the correct ones manually from the Standard CMOS
Setup screen.

Save & Exit Setup

Select this option to save into the CMOS memory all modifications you specified
during the current session. To save the configuration changes, highlight the ave &

Exit Setup” option on the main screen and then press the <Enter> key.

Exit Without Saving

Select this option to exit the Setup utility without saving the modifications you
specified during the current session. To exit without saving, highlight the xit

Without Saving” option on the main screen and then press the <Enter> key.

Notice

Handling Precautions

WARNING:

1. Static electricity may cause damage to the integrated circuits on the
mainboard.
Before handling any mainboard outside of its protective packaging,
ensure that there is no static electric charge in your body.

2. There is a danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced.
Replace only with the same or an equivalent type recommended by
the manufacturer.

3. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer instructions.

Observe the following basic precauti ons when handli ng th e mainboard or other computer
components:

■ Wear a static wrist strap which fits around your wrist and is

connected to a natural earth ground.

■ Touch a grounded or anti-static surface or a metal fixture such as a

water pipe.

■ Avoid contacting the components on add-on cards, boards and

modules and with the old finger” connectors plugged into the
expansion slot. It is best to handle system components by their

mounting bracket.

The above methods prevent static build-up and cause it to be discharged properly.

Trademarks™

All trademarks mentioned in this manual are mentioned for identification purposes only.
Product names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or
copyrights of their respective companies.
Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Windows and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Copyright

No part of this manual, including the product and software may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in
any form by any means without any express written permission except documentation
kept by the purchaser for backup purposes.

©

Specifications are subject to change without notice. This manual is provided s is”
without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to the
implied warranties or conditions of salability or fitness for a particular purpose. In no
event shall it be liable for any loss or profits, loss of business, loss of use or data,
interruption of business, or for indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages
arising from any defect or error in this manual or product. This manual may be revised
from time to time without notice.

opyright 1997 All rights reserved.

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