following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
FCC Compliance Statement:
Per FCC Part 2 Section 2. 1077(a)
This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with limits for a Class B digital device ,
Responsible Party Name: G.B.T. INC.
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in
hereby declares that the product
Model Number:
Conforms to the following specifications:
FCC Part 15, Subpart B, Section 15.107(a) and Section 15.109(a),
Class B Digital Device
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
and (2) this device must accept any inference received, including
that may cause undesired operation.
Representative Person's Name: ERIC LU
GA-6WXM7
Signature:
Date: Dec. 3, 1999
Eric Lu
residential installations. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy, 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 interference to radio or
television equipment reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
-Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
-Move the equipment away from the receiver
-Plug the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected
-Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for
additional suggestions
You are cautioned that any change or modifications to the equipment not
expressly approve by the party responsible for compliance could void Your
authority to operate such equipment.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subjected to
the following two conditions 1) this device may not cause harmful interference
and 2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
Declaration of Conformity
We, Manufacturer/Importer
(full address)
G.B.T. Technology Träding GMbH
Ausschlager Weg 41, 1F, 20537 Hamburg, Germany
( description of the apparatus, system, installation to which it refers)
(reference to the specification under which conformity is declared)
in accordance with 89/336 EEC-EMC Directive
EN 55011 Limits and methods of measurement EN 61000-3-2* Disturbances in supply systems caused
of radio disturbance characteristics of EN60555-2 by household appliances and similar
industrial, scientific and medical (ISM electrical equipment “Harmonics”
high frequency equipment
EN55013 Limits and methods of measurement EN61000-3-3* Disturbances in supply systems caused
of radio disturbance characteristics of EN60555-3 by household appliances and similar
broadcast receivers and associated electrical equipment “Voltage fluctuations”
equipment
EN 55014 Limits and methods of measurement EN 50081-1 Generic emission standard Part 1:
of radio disturbance characteristics of Residual, commercial and light industry
household electrical appliances,
portable tools and similar electrical EN 50082-1 Generic immunity standard Part 1:
apparatus Residual, commercial and light industry
EN 55015 Limits and methods of measurement EN 55081-2 Generic emission standard Part 2:
of radio disturbance characteristics of Industrial environment
fluorescent lamps and luminaries
EN 55020 Immunity from radio interference of EN 55082-2 Generic immunity standard Part 2:
broadcast receivers and associated Industrial environment
equipment
EN 55022 Limits and methods of measurement ENV 55104 Immunity requirements for household
of radio disturbance characteristics of appliances tools and similar apparatus
information technology equipment
DIN VDE 0855 Cabled distribution systems; Equipment EN 50091- 2 EMC requirements for uninterruptible
part 10 for receiving and/or distribution from power systems (UPS)
part 12 sound and television signals
declare that the product
Mother Board
GA-6WXM7
is in conformity with
CE marking (EC conformity marking)
The manufacturer also declares the conformity of above mentioned product
with the actual required safety standards in accordance with LVD 73/23 EEC
EN 60065 Safety requirements for mains operated EN 60950 Safety for information technology equipment
electronic and related apparatus for including electrical business equipment
household and similar general use
EN 60335 Safety of household and similar EN 50091-1 General and Safety requirements for
electrical appliances uninterruptible power systems (UPS)
Signature
Date : Dec. 3, 1999 Name : Rex Lin
(Stamp)
Manufacturer/Importer
:
Rex Lin
6WXM7 Series
Intel 810 Socket 370 Motherboard
USER'S MANUAL
INTEL 810 Socket 370 Processor MAINBOARD
REV. 2.0 First Edition
R-20-01-091201
How this manual is organized
This manual is divided into the following sections:
1) Revision List
2) Item Checklist
3) Features
4) Hardware Setup
5) Performance & Block Diagram
6) Suspend to RAM & Dual BIOS
7) BIOS Setup
8) Appendix
Manual revision information
Product item list
Product information & specification
Instructions on setting up the motherboard
Product Performance & Block Diagram
Instructions STR installation & Dual BIOS
function (Optional)
Instructions on setting up the BIOS
software
General reference
Table Of Content
Revision History P.1
Item Checklist P.2
Summary of Features P.3
6WXM7 Series Motherboard Layout P.5
Page Index for CPU Speed Setup / Connectors / Panel and Jumper Definition P.6
Performance List P.29
Block Diagram P.30
Suspend RAM Installation P.31
Introduce Dual BIOS (Optional) P.37
Memory Installation P.44
Page Index for BIOS Setup P.45
Appendix P.80
6WXM7 Series Motherboard
Revision History
Revision Revision Note Date
1.4 Initial release of the 6WXM7 Series motherboard user’s
manual.
2.0 Initial release of the 6WXM7 Series motherboard user’s
manual.
The author assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions that may appear in this
document nor does the author make a commitment to update the information contained herein.
Third-party brands and names are the property of their respective owners.
Dec. 1, 1999 Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
Jul.1999
Dec.1999
1
Item Checklist
þThe 6WXM7 Series Motherboard
þCable for IDE / Floppy device
þDiskettes or CD (IUCD) for motherboard utilities
þInternal COM2 Cable (Optional)
oInternal USB Cable
oCable for SCSI device
þ6WXM7 Series User’s Manual
þInternal DFP and TV-Out Cable (Optional)
Item Checklist
2
6WXM7 Series Motherboard
82801AA PCI chipset
1 Floppy port supports 2 FDD with 360K, 720K,1.2M,
Summary of Features
Form factor
Motherboard Ÿ 6WXM7 series includes 6WXM7,6WXM7-1,6WXM7-E
Ÿ 30.5 cm x 19.1 cm ATX SIZE form factor, 4 layers PCB.
Ÿ 6 32-bit Master PCI Bus slots
Ÿ 1 16-bit ISA Bus slots (Optional)
On-Board IDE
Ÿ An IDE controller on the Intel
provides IDE HDD/ CD-ROM with PIO, Bus Master and
Ultra DMA33/ATA66 operation modes
Ÿ Can connect up to four IDE devices
On-Board
Peripherals
On-Board Sound
(Optional)
Ÿ
1.44M and 2.88M bytes
Ÿ 1 Parallel ports supports SPP/EPP/ECP mode
Ÿ 2 Serial Ports (COMA & COMB)
Ÿ 2 USB ports(FPUSBx1/BPUSBx1)
Ÿ 4MB Display cache RAM (For 82810-DC100, 82810E)
Ÿ 1 IrDA connector for IR/CIR (Optional)
Ÿ Aureal AU8810(Optional)
Ÿ Line In / Line Out / Mic In / AUX In / CD In / TEL / SPDIF
/ Game Port
Hardware Monitor
(Optional)
Ÿ CPU/Power Supply/Chassis Fan Revolution detect
Ÿ CPU Fan Control
Ÿ System Voltage Detect
Ÿ CPU Overheat Warning
Ÿ Chassis Intrusion Detect
Ÿ Display Actual Current Voltage
3
Summary of Features
To be continued…
PS/2 Connector
BIOS Ÿ Licensed AWARD BIOS, 4M bit FLASH ROM
Additional Features Ÿ Internal/External Modem Wake up
Drivers & Utilities
Ÿ PS/2
Ÿ Keyboard Password Wake up
Ÿ System after AC back
Ÿ Support Dual BIOS Function (Optional)
Ÿ Support STR Function
Ÿ Display/Bus Master/Audio/Network Driver
Ÿ Patch 95/98 Utility
Ÿ DirectX 6.1
Ÿ Intel
Ÿ Adobe
Keyboard interface and PS/2 Mouse interface
LDCM
Acrobat Reader
4
6WXM7 Series Motherboard
JP21
6WXM7 Series Motherboard Layout
PS/2
USB
JP25
JP2
JP26
JP27
J1
ATX Power
J2
JP31
JP29
JP30
JP9
AC97
AU8810
JP28
JP8
JP7
JP6
AMR
ISA1
J6
JP17
PCISLOT1
PCISLOT2
PCISLOT3
PCISLOT4
PCISLOT5
PCISLOT6
PGA 370
CPU
TV/DFP
JP11 JP32
J10
GMCH
82810
6WXM7
JP1
ICH
82801
IT8888
IDE2
BAT1
JP23
JP10
Main
BIOS
Backup
BIOS
J11
J9
BZ1
JP4
JP33
J8
5
6WXM7 Series Motherboard Layout
$
Page Index for CPU Speed Setup / Connectors / Panel and Jumper Definition
CPU Speed Setup P.8
Connectors P.9
COMA / COMB / VGA / LPT Port P.9
Game & Audio Port P.9
USB Connector P.10
TV/DFP P.10
PS/2 Keyboard & PS/2 Mouse Connector P.11
CPU Cooling FAN Power Connector P.11
Power / System Cooling FAN Power Connector P.12
ATX Power P.13
Front Panel USB Port P.13
IR/CIR P.14
Floppy Port P.14
IDE 1(Primary) / IDE 2(Secondary) Port P.15
J10(Wake On LAN) P.15
J11(Ring Power On) P.16
J6(CD Audio Line In (Optional)) P.16
JP8(AUX IN) [Optional] P.17
JP7(TEL) [Optional] P.17
JP6(SPDIF) [Optional] P.18
J13 (SMBUS) P.18
JP10 (STR LED Connector & DIMM LED) P.19
Panel and Jumper Definition P.20
J9 (2x11 pins jumper) P.20
JP2 (Keyboard Power On) P.21
JP25 (USB Device Wake Up Selection) P.21
JP26/JP27 (USB Port Selection) P.22
JP31 (Over Voltage CPU Speed Up) P.22
JP18 (Case Open) P.23
JP9 (Clear CMOS Function) P.23
JP17 (AMR Selection) [Optional] P.24
JP1 (STR Function Selection) P.24
JP29 & JP30 (Quad Speaker) [Optional] P.25
JP23 (Safe mode/Recovery/Normal) P.25
JP19 (Timeout Reboot Function) P.26
Page
6
6WXM7 Series Motherboard
JP21 (Top Block Lock) P.26
7
6WXM7 Series Motherboard Layout
JP33 (FWH Write Protection) P.27
JP12 (Onboard Sound Function Selection) [Optional] P.27
JP24 (Buzzer Enable)[Optional] P.28
BAT 1 P.28
8
CPU Speed Setup
CPU Speed Setup
The system bus frequency can be switched at 66MHz, 100MHz, 133MHz(For Intel
810E)(Optional) and Auto by adjusting JP11/JP32 (See Figure-1). The CPU Frequency is control
by BIOS.
M
The CPU speed must match with the frequency RATIO. It will cause system hanging up
if the frequency RATIO is higher than that of CPU.
JP11/JP32 : CPU Speed Setup
CPU
1
JP11
1
JP32
CLK
JP11 JP32
Auto 1-2 1-2
66 2-3 2-3
100 Open 2-3
133
Figure 1
«Note : Please set the CPU host frequency in accordance with your processor’s
specifications. We don’t recommend you to set the system bus frequency over
the CPU’s specification because these specific bus frequencies are not the
standard specifications for CPU, chipset and most of the peripherals. Whether
your system can run under these specific bus frequencies properly will depend
on your hardware configurations, including CPU, Chipsets, SDRAM,
Cards….etc.
«Note : JP32 is only available when the motherboard use 82810E chipset.
«Note : 133MHz only 82810E support.
Open Open
8
6WXM7 Series Motherboard
GAME
Connectors
COM A / COM B / VGA / LPT Port
LPT PORT
Game & Audio Port
COM A
1
9
COM B
Line Out
VGA
2
10
Port
MIC In
Line In
9
USB Connector
2
8
6 5
7
Pin No. Definition
1 USB V0
2 USB D03 USB D0+
4 GND
1
3
4
5 USB V1
6 USB D17 USB D1+
8 GND
TV/DFP : TV-Out / Digital Flat Panel Daughter card connector.
RED LINE
Connectors
10
6WXM7 Series Motherboard
4
5
6
PS/2 Keyboard & PS/2 Mouse Connector
PS/2 Mouse
2
1
PS/2 Keyboard
CPU Cooling FAN Power Connector
1
Pin No. Definition
1 Control
2 +12V
3 SENSE
PS/2 Mouse/ Keyboard
Pin No. Definition
1 Data
2 NC
3
3 GND
4 VCC(+5V)
5 Clock
6 NC
11
Power Cooling FAN Power Connector
1
Pin No. Definition
1 Control
2 +12V
3 SENSE
System Cooling FAN Power Connector
Pin No. Definition
1 Control
2 +12V
3 SENSE
Connectors
1
12
6WXM7 Series Motherboard
ATX Power
Front Panel USB Port
20
10
11
1
Pin No. Definition
3,5,7,13,
15-17
GND
1,2,11 3.3V
4,6,19,20 VCC
10 +12V
12 -12V
18 -5V
8 Power Good
9 5V SB stand by+5V
14 PS-ON(Soft On/Off)
2
1
10
9
Pin No. Definition
1,4,5,10 NC
2 +5V
3,7,9 GND
6 USBP0+
8 USBP0-
13
IR/CIR
5
Floppy Port
Connectors
Pin No. Definition
1 VCC
1
6
2,6,9 NC
3 IRRX
4 GND
10
5 IRTX
7 CIRRX
8 KBVcc
10 CIRTX
RED LINE
14
6WXM7 Series Motherboard
IDE 1
IDE1(Primary) , IDE2 (Secondary) Port
IDE 2
J10 : Wake on LAN
1
Pin No. Definition
1 +5V SB
2 GND
3 Signal
RED LINE
15
J11 : Ring Power On (Internal Modem Card Wake Up)
1
Pin No. Definition
1 Signal
2 GND
J6 : CD Audio Line In (Optional)
1
Pin No. Definition
1 CD-L
2 GND
3 GND
4 CD-R
Connectors
16
6WXM7 Series Motherboard
JP8 : AUX IN (Optional)
1
Pin No. Definition
1 AUX-L
2 GND
3 GND
4 AUX-R
JP7 : TEL : The connector is for Modem with internal voice connector
(Optional)
1
Pin No. Definition
1 Signal-In
2 GND
3 GND
4 Signal-Out
17
Connectors
JP6 : SPDIF(The SPDIF output is capable of providing digital audio to
external speakers or compressed AC3 data to an external Dobly digital
decoder.)(Optional)
1
Pin No. Definition
1 VCC
2 SPD OUT
3 GND
J13 : SMBUS
Pin No. Definition
1 SMB CLK
2 NC
3 GND
4 SMB DATA
5 +5V
1
18
6WXM7 Series Motherboard
JP10 : STR LED Connector & DIMM LED
STR LED Connector External.
+
1
RAM Indicator LED1
19
Panel and Jumper Definition
RE
GD
PW
P+P
HD
J9 : For 2X11 Pins Jumper
GN (Green Switch) Open: Normal Operation
Close: Entering Green Mode
GD (Green LED) Pin 1: LED anode(+)
Pin 2: LED cathode(−)
HD (IDE Hard Disk Active LED) Pin 1: LED anode(+)
Pin 2: LED cathode(−)
SPK (Speaker Connector) Pin 1: VCC(+)
Pin 2- Pin 3: NC
Pin 4: Data(−)
RE (Reset Switch) Open: Normal Operation
Close: Reset Hardware System
P+P−P−(Power LED)
Pin 1: LED anode(+)
Pin 2: LED cathode(−)
Pin 3: LED cathode(−)
PW (Soft Power Connector) Open: Normal Operation
Close: Power On/Off
1
1
1
−
P
−
1
Panel and Jumper Definition
20
6WXM7 Series Motherboard
” function, you have to
JP2 : Keyboard Power On
Pin No. Definition
1-2 close Keyboard Power on
2-3 close Keyboard Power on
JP25 : USB Device Wake up Selection
Pin No. Definition
1-2 close
2-3 close Enabled USB Device
1
Enabled
Disabled (Default)
1
Disabled USB Device
Wake up(Default)
Wake up
(If you want to use “USB KB Wake from S3
set the BIOS setting “USB KB Wake from S3” enabled, and the
jumper “JP25” enabled).
*(Power on the computer and as soon as memory counting
starts, press <Del>. You will enter BIOS Setup. Select the
item “POWER MANAGEMENT SETUP”, then select “USB KB Wake from S3”. Remember to save the setting by pressing
"ESC" and choose the “SAVE & EXIT SETUP” option.)
JP28 : Onboard Sound Function Selection (Optional)
1
Pin No. Definition
1-2 close
2-3 close Disabled Onboard Sound
Enabled Onboard Sound
(Default)
27
JP24 : Buzzer Enabled (Optional)
+ Danger of explosion if battery
Panel and Jumper Definition
1
BAT1 : Battery
Pin No.
Definition
Open Internal Buzzer Disabled
Close
Internal Buzzer Enabled
(Default)
+
is incorrectly replaced.
+ Replace only with the same or
equivalent type recommended
by the manufacturer.
+ Dispose of used batteries
according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.
28
6WXM7 Series Motherboard
Performance List
The following performance data list is the testing results of some popular benchmark testing
programs.
These data are just referred by users, and there is no responsibility for different testing data
values gotten by users. (The different Hardware & Software configuration will result in different
benchmark testing results.)
Suspend-to-RAM (STR) is a Windows 98 ACPI sleep mode function. When recovering from
STR (S3) sleep mode, the system is able, in just a few seconds, to retrieve the last “state” of
the system before it went to sleep and recover to that state. The “state” is stored in memory
(RAM) before the system goes to sleep. During STR sleep mode, your system uses only
enough energy to maintain critical information and system functions, primarily the system state
and the ability to recognize various “wake up” triggers or signals, respectively.
A.2 STR function Installation
Please use the following steps to complete the STR function installation.
Step-By-Step Setup
Step 1:
To utilize the STR function, the system must be in Windows 98 ACPI mode.
Putting Windows 98 into ACPI mode is fairly easy.
Setup with Windows 98 CD:
A. Insert the Windows 98 CD into your CD-ROM drive, select Start, and then Run.
B. Type (without quotes) “D:\setup /p j” in the window provided. Hit the enter key or click
OK.
C. After setup completes, remove the CD, and reboot your system
(This manual assumes that your CD-ROM device drive letter is D:).
31
Suspend to RAM Installation
Step 2:
(If you want to use STR Function, please set jumper JP1 Closed.)
1
Pin No. Definition
Close STR Enabled
Open STR Disabled(Default)
Step 3 :
Power on the computer and as soon as memory counting starts, press <Del>. You will enter
BIOS Setup. Select the item “POWER MANAGEMENT SETUP”, then select “ACPI Suspend Type: S3(Suspend to RAM)”. Remember to save the settings by pressing "ESC" and choose
the “SAVE & EXIT SETUP” option.
Congratulation! You have completed the installation and now can use the STR function.
32
6WXM7 Series Motherboard
A.3 How to put your system into STR mode?
There are two ways to accomplish this:
1. Choose the “Stand by” item in the “Shut Down Windows” area.
A. Press the “Start” button and then select “Shut Down”
B. Choose the “Stand by” item and press “OK”
33
Suspend to RAM Installation
34
6WXM7 Series Motherboard
2. Define the system ”power on” button to initiate STR sleep mode:
A. Double click “My Computer” and then “Control Panel”
B. Double click the “ Power Management” item.
35
Suspend to RAM Installation
C. Select the “Advanced” tab and “Standby” mode in Power Buttons.
Step 4:
Restart your computer to complete setup.
Now when you want to enter STR sleep mode, just momentarily press the “Power on” button..
A.4 How to recover from the STR sleep mode?
There are seven ways to “wake up” the system:
1. Press the “Power On” button.
2. Use the “Keyboard Power On” function.
3. Use the “Mouse Power On” function.
4. Use the “Resume by Alarm” function.
5. Use the “Modem Ring On” function.
6. Use the “Wake On LAN” function.
7. Use the “USB Device Wake Up” function.
36
6WXM7 Series Motherboard
RAM Indicator LED1
A.5 Notices :
1. In order for STR to function properly, several hardware and software requirements must be
satisfied:
A. Your ATX power supply must comply with the ATX 2.01 specification (provide more
than 720 mA 5V Stand-By current).
B. Your SDRAM must be PC-100 compliant.
2. Jumper JP10 is provided to connect to the STR LED in your system chassis. [Your chassis
may not provide this feature.] The STR LED will be illuminated when your system is in STR
sleep mode.
STR LED Connector External.
+
1
37
6WXM7 Series Motherboard
Introduce Dual BIOS (Optional)
A. What is Dual BIOS Technology?
Dual BIOS means that there are two system BIOS (ROM) on the motherboard, one is the
Main BIOS and the other is Backup BIOS. Under the normal circumstances, the system
works on the Main BIOS. If the Main BIOS is corrupted or damaged, the Backup BIOS can
take over while the system is powered on. This means that your PC will still be able to run
stably as if nothing has happened in your BIOS.
B. How to use Dual BIOS?
a. Boot Screen
Award Modular BIOS v 4.51PG, An Energy Star Ally
Copyright (C) 1984-98, Award Software, Inc.
Intel XXXX AGPSet BIOS for XXXX Vx.x
Check System Health ok , Vcore =2.00V
Pentium II-MMX CPU at 400MHz
<CPU ID:0652 Patch ID:0014>
Memory Test :16384K OK
Award Plug and Play BIOS Extension Vx.x
Copyright (C ) 1998, Award software, Inc.
<Press F1 to enter Dual BIOS Utility>
Press DEL to enter SETUP
03/29/1999-I440BX-8671-2A69KG0EC-00
Press F1 to enter Dual BIOS Utility
37
Introduce Dual BIOS
Dual BIOS Utility V6.60.g.01K
(C) 1999, Gigabyte Technology Co., LTD.
Wide Range Protection :Disabled
Halt On BIOS Defects :Disabled
Auto Recovery :Enabled
Boot From :Main BIOS
BIOS Recovery :Main to Backup
F3: Load Default F5:Start BIOS Recovery
F7: Save And Restart F9:Exit Without Saving
Use <Space> key to toggle setup
b. Dual BIOS Utility
c. Dual BIOS Item explanation:
Wide Range Protection: Disabled(Default), Enabled
Status 1:
If any failure (ex. Update ESCD failure, checksum error or reset…) occurs in the Main
BIOS , just before the Operating System is loaded and after the power is on, and that
the Wide Range Protection is set to “Enable”, the PC will boot from Backup BIOS
automatically.
Status 2:
If the ROM BIOS on peripherals cards(ex. SCSI Cards, LAN Cards,..) emits signals
to request restart of the system after the user make any alteration on it, the boot up
BIOS will not be changed to the Backup BIOS.
38
6WXM7 Series Motherboard
Halt On BIOS Defects : Disabled(Default), Enabled
If the BIOS occurs a checksum error or the Main BIOS occurs a WIDE RANGE
PROTECTION error and Halt On BIOS Defects set to Enable, the PC will show messages
on the boot screen, and the system will pause and wait for the user’s instruction.
If Auto Recovery :Disabled, it will show <or the other key to continue.>
If Auto Recovery :Enabled, it will show <or the other key to Auto Recover.>
Auto Recovery : Enabled(Default), Disabled
When one of the Main BIOS or Backup BIOS occurs checksum failure, the working BIOS
will automatically recover the BIOS of checksum failure.
(In the Power Management Setup of the BIOS Setting, if ACPI Suspend Type is set to
Suspend to RAM, the Auto Recovery will be set to Enable automatically.)
(If you want to enter the BIOS setting, please press “Del” key when the boot screen
appears.)
Boot From : Main BIOS(Default), Backup BIOS
Status 1:
The user can set to boot from main BIOS or Backup BIOS.
Status 2:
If one of the main BIOS or the Backup BIOS fails, this item “Boot From : Main
BIOS(Default)” will become gray and will not be changed by user.
BIOS Recovery : Main to Backup
Auto recovery message:
BIOS Recovery: Main to Backup
The means that the Main BIOS works normally and could automatically recover the
Backup BIOS.
BIOS Recovery: Backup to Main
The means that the Backup BIOS works normally and could automatically recover the
Main BIOS.
(This auto recovery utility is set by system automatically and can’t be changed by user.)
39
Introduce Dual BIOS
DualBIOSTM Technology FAQ
GIGABYTE Technology is pleased to introduce DualBIOS technology, a hot spare for your
system BIOS. This newest “Value-added” feature, in a long series of innovations from
GIGABYTE, is available on GA-6WXM7 Series motherboard. Future GIGABYTE motherboards
will also incorporate this innovation.
What’s DualBIOSTM?
On GIGABYTE motherboards with DualBIOS there are physically two BIOS chips. For simplicity
we’ll call one your “Main BIOS” and the other we’ll call your “Backup” BIOS (your “hot spare”). If
your Main BIOS fails, the Backup BIOS almost automatically takes over on your next system
boot. Almost automatically and with virtually zero down time! Whether the problem is a failure in
flashing your BIOS or a virus or a catastrophic failure of the Main BIOS chip, the result is the
same - the Backup BIOS backs you up, almost automatically.
40
6WXM7 Series Motherboard
I. Q: What is DualBIOSTM technology?
Answer:
DualBIOS technology is a patented technology from Giga-Byte Technology. The concept of this
technology is based on the redundancy and fault tolerance theory. DualBIOSTM technology
simply means there are two system BIOSes (ROM) integrated onto the motherboard. One is a
main BIOS, and the other is a backup BIOS. The mainboard will operate normally with the main
BIOS, however, if the main BIOS is corrupt or damaged for various reasons, the backup BIOS will
be automatically used when the system powered-On. Your PC will operate as before the main
BIOS was damaged, and is completely transparent to the user.
II. Q: Why does anyone need a motherboard with DualBIOSTM technology?
Answer:
In today’s systems there are more and more BIOS failures. The most common reasons are virus
attacks, BIOS upgrade failures, and/or deterioration of the BIOS (ROM) chip itself.
1. New computer viruses are being found that attack and destroy the system BIOS. They may
corrupt your BIOS code, causing your PC to be unstable or even not boot normally.
2. BIOS data will be corrupted if a power loss/surge occurs, or if a user resets the system, or
if the power button is pressed during the process of performing a system BIOS upgrade.
3. If a user mistakenly updates their mainboard with the incorrect BIOS file, then the system
may not be able to boot correctly. This may cause the PC system hang in operation or
during boot.
4. A flash ROM's life cycle is limited according to electronic characteristics. The modern PC
utilizes the Plug and Play BIOS, and is updated regularly. If a user changes peripherals
often, there is a slight chance of damage to the flashROM.
With Giga-Byte Technology’s patented DualBIOSTM technology you can reduce the possibility of
hangs during system boot up, and/or loss BIOS data due to above reasons. This new technology
will eliminate valuable system down time and costly repair bills cause by BIOS failures.
41
Introduce Dual BIOS
III. Q: How does DualBIOSTM technology work?
Answer:
1. DualBIOSTM technology provides a wide range of protection during the boot up procedure. It
protects your BIOS during system POST, ESCD update, and even all the way to PNP
detection/assignment.
2. DualBIOSTM provides automatic recovery for the BIOS. When the first BIOS used during boot
up does not complete or if a BIOS checksum error occurs, boot-up is still possible. In the
DualBIOSTM utility, the "Auto Recovery" option will guarantee that if either the main BIOS or
backup BIOS is corrupted, the DualBIOSTM technology will use the good BIOS and correct the
wrong BIOS automatically.
3. DualBIOSTM provides manual recovery for the BIOS. DualBIOSTM technology contains a
built-in flash utility, which can flash your system BIOS from backup to main and/or visa versa.
There is no need for an OS-dependent flash utility program.
4. DualBIOSTM contains a one-way flash utility. The built-in one-way flash utility will ensure that
the corrupt BIOS is not mistaken as the good BIOS during recovery and that the correct BIOS
(main vs. backup) will be flashed. This will prevent the good BIOS from being flashed.
IV. Q: Who Needs DualBIOSTM technology?
Answer:
1. Every user should have DualBIOSTM technology due to the advancement of computer viruses.
Everyday, there are new BIOS-type viruses discovered that will destroy your system BIOS.
Most commercial products on the market do not have solutions to guard against this type of
virus intrusion. The DualBIOSTM technology will provide a state-of-the-art solution to protect
your PC:
Case I.) Vicious computer viruses may wipe out your entire system BIOS. With a conventional
single system BIOS PC, the PC will not be functional until it is sent for repairs.
Case II.) If the "Auto Recovery" option is enabled in the DualBIOSTM utility, and if a virus
corrupts your system BIOS,the backup BIOS will automatically reboot the system and correct
the main BIOS.
Case III.) A user may override booting from the main system BIOS. The DualBIOSTM utility
may be entered to manually change the boot sequence to boot from the backup BIOS.
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6WXM7 Series Motherboard
2. During or after a BIOS upgrade, if DualBIOSTM detects that the main BIOS is corrupt, the
backup BIOS will take over the boot-up process automatically. Moreover, it will verify the main
and backup BIOS checksums when booting-up. DualBIOSTM technology examines the
checksum of the main and backup BIOS while the system is powered on to guarantee your
BIOS operates properly.
3. Power Users will have the advantage of having two BIOS versions on their mainboard. The
benefit is being able to select either version BIOS to suit the performance system needs.
4. Flexibility for high-end desktop PCs and workstation/servers. In the DualBIOSTM utility, the
option can be set, "Halt On When BIOS Defects," to be enabled to halt your system with a
warning message that the main BIOS has been corrupted. Most workstation/servers require
constant operation to guarantee services have not been interrupted. In this situation, the "Halt
On When BIOS Defects" message may be disabled to avoid system pauses during normal
booting. Another advantage you gain from Giga-Byte’s DualBIOSTM technology is the ability to
upgrade from dual 2 Mbit BIOS to dual 4 Mbit BIOS in the future if extra BIOS storage is need.
43
Memory Installation
Memory Installation
The motherboard has 4 dual inline memory module (DIMM) sockets. The BIOS will automatically
detects memory type and size. To install the memory module, just push it vertically into the DIMM
Slot .The DIMM module can only fit in one direction due to the two notch. Memory size can vary
between sockets.
Single – Sided DIMM2
Double – Sided DIMM3 must be empty
Single – Sided DIMM2 must have single-sided DIMM3
Double – Sided DIMM2 must be empty
Single – Sided DIMM1 must have single-sided DIMM4
Double – Sided DIMM1 must be empty
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