This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency 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 harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
• Connect the equipment onto an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Shielded interconnect cables and shielded AC power cable must be employed with this
equipment to insure compliance with the pertinent RF emission limits governing this
device. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the system’s manufacturer
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Declaration of Conformity
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following
conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference, and
This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
The information in this document is subject to change without notice. The manufacturer
makes no representations or warranties with respect to the contents hereof and specifically
disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose.
Furthermore, the manufacturer reserves the right to revise this publication and to make
changes from time to time in the content hereof without obligation of the manufacturer to
notify any person of such revision or changes.
Trademark Recognition
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
Intel and Xeon are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Other product names used in this manual are the properties of their respective owners and
are acknowledged.
Introduction
Manual Structure
Manual Features
Critical Topics
Packing List
Pre-Use Checklist
1: Introduction
This is the User’s Manual is for the DP400 motherboard.
Please read this chapter before you use your motherboard
and identify which parts of the manual you will need to
refer to, if any. Please pay particular attention to the Critical Topics section.
Manual Structure
This manual has seven chapters covering the following
topics:
Chapter 1: Introduction
Explains the manual structure and conventions and indi-
cates the most important topics in the manual. In addition, there is a list of what you should find in the
motherboard package and some pointers on things to do
before you configure or install the board.
Chapter 2: Key Features & Components
Details the motherboard’s hardware features and impor-
tant components and indicates their locations. Describes
the support software that comes with the board on the
Power Installer 2 support CD-ROM disc.
Chapter 3: Motherboard Configuration
Lists the motherboard’s default configuration and con-
figuration options.
Chapter 4: Installing The Motherboard
Has information on how to prepare and install the
motherboard. Includes installing CPUs and system
memory and housing installation considerations.
Chapter 5: System Configuration
Covers connecting system peripherals to the motherboard,
initial BIOS configuration using the CMOS Setup utility,
OS options and software installation.
Chapter 6: Using The Motherboard
Explains system operation features that derive from the
motherboard. Has information on performance optimization and troubleshooting.
Chapter 7: Technical Information
Lists the motherboard’s technical specifications.
Manual Features
This User’s Manual is intended to be useful and informative while also making it easy to quickly find specific
information or specifications. The manual has icons and
notes in the sidebar to note important topics, indicate
warnings or further explain and illustrate points. We
suggest that most users review the manual to become
familiar with the motherboard. Expert users may want to
review topics selectively, as needed.
If The Motherboard Is Already Installed
You may receive the motherboard installed in a working
system. If this is the case, you should still probably review the sections on configuring and using the board,
especially if an Operating System is not installed yet.
If You Need To Install This Motherboard
We recommend that only experienced users and technicians install this motherboard. Otherwise, we suggest
having a qualified computer technician install and configure the system. This service is usually provided at a
nominal fee by better computer stores and service companies.
Many users do not read through the entire User’s Manual.
While this may not be necessary for experienced users or
if the motherboard is already installed, there are some
topics which are particularly important and deserve your
specific attention. Some topics cover information critical
to the proper installation and use of the motherboard.
For the DP400 motherboard, please review the sections
on the following topics:
• CPU backplate installation
Please see Chapter 4.
• Xeon processor retention module installation
Please see Chapter 4.
• Dual processor installation
Please see Chapter 4.
• System memory installation requirements
Please see Chapter 4.
• Rear I/O Panel Shield
Please see Chapter 4.
• Required BIOS configuration
Please see Chapter 5.
• Support software installation
Please see Chapter 5.
You will also need whatever external system peripherals
you intend to use, which will normally include at least a
keyboard, a pointing device and a video display monitor.
This chapter explains the location and function of this
motherboard’s key features and components. In addition,
it details the software that comes on the Power Installer 2
support CD-ROM disc. Please review this chapter if you
are installing the motherboard. It is also useful for reference regarding feature functions after the board is installed in a working system.
This figure show the ports
on the rear I/O panel. The
ports include, from top to
PS/2 Keyboard, PS/2 Mouse
bottom:
PS/2 ports
USB2, USB1
Two USB ports
Parallel & Serial ports
LAN & two USB ports
Audio ports
Serial 1 (COM1)
The ports have standard
color-coding as follows:
Parallel
PS/2 Keyboard: Purple
PS/2 Mouse: Green
Serial 2 (COM2)
USB Ports: Black
Serial Ports: Teal
Parallel Port: Burgundy
LAN jack: None
USB4, USB3, LAN RJ-45
Line-In jack: Light Blue
Line Out jack: Lime
Mic, Line Out, Line In
Mic In jack: Pink
Key Features & Components
This section explains the function and use of key features and components on the motherboard. It also indicates where to look in the manual for additional information on configuring and using them.
This motherboard uses an extended ATX form factor
PCB in a design that integrates many features onto the
board including several external ports.
This motherboard uses the Intel 860 Chipset. It is a highpowered chipset intended for workstation applications.
The components of the Intel 860 Chipset include the following devices mounted on the board:
• 82860 Memory & Graphics Controller Hub (MCH)
• 82801BA I/O Controller Hub (ICH2)
• 82802 AB Firmware Hub (FWH)
• 82806 AA 64-bit Bus Master PCI Expander (P64H)
The chipset provides host bus, memory, AGP, and I/O
interfaces.
CPU Sockets
Function: The System CPUs install in these sockets. You
can install either one or two CPUs, as needed.
Description: The Socket 603 CPU sockets support all Intel
Xeon CPUs that use this socket. The motherboard comes
with hardware to attach the heatsink and fan/wind tunnel assembly required by the Xeon CPU.
More Information: See the section in Chapter 4 on “In-
stalling CPUs” for information supported CPUs and their
installation procedure. Technical specifications are listed
in Chapter 7.
Socket 603 CPU Sockets:
Single CPU installs in
socket CPU0 only.
Function: The RIMM system memory sockets are for installing DRDRAM system memory modules.
Description: There are four RIMM memory module sockets on the motherboard. These sockets are for PC600 or
PC800 DRDRAM memory modules. The sockets function
independently, allowing a variety of memory configurations up to a total of 2GB.
More Information: See the section on Installing System
Memory in Chapter 4 for configuration specifications and
installation instructions. Technical specifications are listed
in Chapter 7.
RIMM Sockets:
System memory sockets for
PC600 or PC800 DRDRAM
modules.
See Chapter 4 for important installation information.
Function: The AGP slot is for installing an AGP interface
video display card.
Description: The AGP slot is a high-speed slot exclusively
designed for an AGP video display card. The AGP slot
supports two types of AGP card:
• AGP 4X – 266MHz data transfer, maximum 1064MB/
second data throughput
• AGP Pro50
The slot only supports 1.5V devices. Do not use a 3.3V
AGP card with this motherboard. The AGP slot is extended to include support for AGP Pro50 cards using up
to 50 watts of power.
More Information: See the section “Connecting & In-
stalling Internal Peripherals” in Chapter 4. Technical speci-
fications are listed in Chapter 7. Also, see the Advanced
Chipset Features section of “Configuring the CMOS Setup
Utility” in Chapter 5 for information on setting the AGP
memory aperture size.
Function: The PCI expansion slots are for installing system expansion or “add-on” cards to add additional sys-
tem hardware.
Description: This motherboard has five Bus Master capable PCI expansion slots, including three 32-bit 33MHz
slots and two 64-bit 66MHz slots. The slots provide two
levels of fast high-bandwidth pathway between the
motherboard and expansion cards.
More Information: See the section “Connecting & In-
stalling Internal Peripherals” in Chapter 5. Technical speci-
fications are listed in Chapter 7.
PCI Expansion Slots
All slots are Bus Master
capable. The 64-bit slots
require 64-bit cards.
There are three drive connectors on the motherboard for
connecting IDE and floppy disk drives.
IDE Drive Connectors
Function: The two IDE connectors, marked ‘Primary’ and
‘Secondary’, are for connecting IDE drives to the
motherboard.
Description: The IDE controller on the motherboard sup-
ports IDE devices running in all modes up through ATA-
100. There are two IDE drive connectors. Each connector supports two drives, a ‘Master’ and a ‘Slave’ which
connect to the motherboard with a ribbon cable. The
supplied cable supports transfer modes through ATA-100.
More Information: See the section on “Connecting In-
ternal Peripherals” in Chapter 5 for instructions on connecting IDE drives. Technical specifications are listed in
Chapter 7.
IDE Drive Connectors
The channels are labeled
on the board.
Secondary
Floppy Drive Connector
Primary
Floppy Disk Drive Connector
Function: The floppy disk drive connector, marked
‘Floppy’, is for connecting one floppy disk drive to the
motherboard.
Description: The floppy disk drive connector supports
connecting one floppy disk drive to the motherboard.
The ‘Floppy’ drive connector uses a standard FDD ribbon cable. The floppy disk drive connected to the end of
the cable will function as Drive A:.
More Information: See the section on “Connecting In-
ternal Peripherals” in Chapter 4 for instructions on connecting a floppy disk drive. Technical specifications are
listed in Chapter 7.
There are several other connectors on the motherboard.
WTX Power Connectors
Function: Connectors for leads from the system power
supply.
Description: There are two power connectors on the
motherboard for the required WTX power supply. The
power supply leads plug into the connectors. The connector design prevents incorrect orientation. These are
not standard ATX connectors. The 24-pin and 8-pin connectors are for a minimum 430-watt WTX power supply
that complies with the Intel Xeon processor power supply design guidelines.
More Information: Please refer to the following URL –
http://www.iwill.net/dp400/IT002A430WSW.pdf – for
more information on the required power supply specifications.
WTX Power Connectors:
These are for the required
WTX power supply.
2x12 24-pin connector
2x4 8-pin connector
CPU & System Cooling Fan Connectors
Function: Power connectors for CPU and system housing cooling fans.
Description: There are two CPU cooling fan connectors
and four system housing cooling fan connectors. All connectors are 3-pin headers. The system housing fan connectors support fan tachometer monitoring. The processor heat sink fans are not speed controlled.
The system fans use the motherboard fan speed control,
which consists of three states: Off, Normal speed, and
High speed. In Normal speed mode, the system fans run
at normal speed until the thermal sensor senses the temperature exceeds the High speed fan threshold temperature. The system fans then run at High speed when the
temperature threshold is exceeded. You can set the threshold temperature in the PC Health section of the CMOS
Setup Utility. You can set the threshold to 40°C to force
continuous operation of the system fans in high-speed
mode in the S0 and S1 sleep states.
More Information: Please see the PC Health Status section of “Configuring the CMOS Setup Utility” in Chapter
5 for information.
Cooling Fan Connectors:
The cooling fan power
connectors all use the
Fan power connectors
(orientation varies)
same 3-pin connector. The
System Fan connectors are
speed controlled, the CPU
Fan connectors are not.
WOL: Wake On LAN
Function: A connector for the lead from a Network Interface Card that supports the Wake On LAN feature.
Description: This feature enables the system to “wake
up” from Suspend mode when it receives a signal over a
LAN it is connected to. It works with the onboard LAN
port and will also work with an additional PCI NIC that
supports this feature by connecting the card to the WOL
connector on the motherboard.
The motherboard supports Wake on LAN through the
PCI bus PME# signal and the onboard Intel 82550 LAN
controller. This signal will wake up the computer only
when it is plugged into an AC power source and the system is in a supported sleep state.
More Information: Please see the Power Management
Setup section of “Configuring the CMOS Setup Utility”
Wake On LAN Connector:
This connector is for an
in Chapter 5 for information.
Wake On LAN connector
additional NIC. The
onboard LAN port supports
WOL without using this
connector.
Function: Connectors for audio-in cables from internal
peripherals.
Description: The two audio-in connectors on the
motherboard are for audio cables from optical drives such
as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive or a modem/telephony
device. The connectors provide an audio input connection between a device and the integrated AC ‘97 audio
subsystem.
More Information: Please see the Connecting internal
peripherals section in Chapter 5.
Audio-In Connectors:
The CD-In connector is for
CD-ROM or other optical
drives. Use the AUX connector for an additional
drive or a modem/telephony device.
CD-In audio-in connector
AUX audio-in connector
IRDA Connector:
The IRDA connector is for
both IrDA and ASKIR port
modules. You must use the
CMOS Setup Utility to configure the board to use the
IR feature.
IRDA
Function: Connector for an Infrared (IR) port module.
Description: The IRDA connector supports both IrDA and
ASKIR infrared port modules. Follow module instructions
to install.
More Information: Please see the Integrated Peripherals
section of “Configuring the CMOS Setup Utility” in Chapter 5 for information.
Function: Connector for Chassis intrusion switch.
Description: The hardware monitor subsystem supports
a chassis security feature that detects if the chassis (system housing) cover is removed. When the cover is removed, a signal is sent to the hardware monitor component. The chassis intrusion circuit is powered by the system power supply when the computer is connected to
AC power or by the onboard battery when it is not.
This feature uses a mechanical switch on the chassis that
connects to the chassis intrusion connector on the
motherboard. When the chassis cover is removed the
motherboard circuitry will detect the intrusion.
More Information: See the “System Features” section in
Chapter 6.
Chassis Intrusion:
This 2-pin connector con-
Chassis Intrusion Switch connector
nects to the lead from a
chassis-mounted chassis
intrusion switch.
Front Panel Connectors
Function: Multifunction pin header connector for system housing front panel features.
Description: This connector supports the following front
panel features:
• Reset Switch
• IDE device activity LED
• System ACPI Suspend switch
• System Power LED
• Keyboard lock
• Housing-mounted speaker
More Information: See Chapter 4 “Installing the Board
In A System Housing” and Chapter 6, “System Features”.
Function: Housing for system support battery.
Description: An external lithium coin-cell battery pow-
ers the real-time clock and CMOS memory. When the
computer is not plugged into a wall socket, the battery
has an estimated life of three years. When the computer
is plugged in, the standby current from the power supply
extends the life of the battery.
More Information: See the Standard CMOS Features section of “Configuring the CMOS Setup Utility” in Chapter
5 to adjust the real-time clock settings.
Battery & Housing:
The battery is a CR2032
System support battery
Lithium coin cell.
I/O Ports
There are several external Input/Output ports on the rear
edge of the motherboard. Please refer to the Rear I/O
Panel Ports illustration for the port locations. The ports
are color-coded for easy identification.
PS/2 Ports
Function: Connecting PS/2 devices to the system.
Description: The PS/2 ports are for a system keyboard
and mouse or other pointing device. Do not connect or
disconnect PS/2 devices when the system is turned on.
More Information: See the Advanced Boot Options section of “Configuring the CMOS Setup Utility” in Chapter
5 for information on adjusting related settings.
PS/2 Ports:
Do not plug or unplug devices when the system is
turned on.
Function: Connecting USB 1.1 devices to the system.
Description: These four ports are for USB devices. Each
pair of ports is controlled by a separate USB root hub.
The ports are for “Type A” USB cable connectors. You
can connect or disconnect USB cables when the system
is turned on.
More Information: See the Integrated Peripherals section of “Configuring the CMOS Setup Utility” in Chapter
USB Ports:
There are four USB ports.
Each pair of ports has its
own Host Controller and
Root Hub.
5 for information on adjusting port settings.
USB ports are paired 1/2, 3/4
LAN Port
Function: Connecting a CAT 5 LAN cable to the system.
Description: This is an RJ-45 connector for standard Cat
5 LAN cabling with RJ-45 jacks. The connector is for the
onboard LAN controller. You can connect or disconnect
a LAN cable when the system is turned on.
More Information: See the System Features section of
Chapter 6 for information LED modes.
LAN RJ-45 Jack:
Left-hand LED = Activity
RJ-45 LAN jack
(on top of USB3, 4 ports)
Right-hand LED = Link
Parallel Port
Function: Connecting a device with a parallel interface
to the system.
Description: The parallel port is generally used to connect a printer to the system. The port supports common
parallel port modes and allows bidirectional communication. Use an IEEE 1284 compliant cable with the default ECP mode configuration.
More Information: See the Integrated Peripherals section of “Configuring the CMOS Setup Utility” in Chapter
5 for information on adjusting port settings.
Parallel port:
The default mode is ECP,
configured as EPP 1.9,
DMA 3. 1284 compliant.
Function: Connecting Serial devices.
The two serial ports have 9-pin connectors. They can
operate at speeds up to 115,200bps. You can configure
the port speed in the computer’s Operating System. Do
not connect or disconnect a serial cable when the system
is turned on.
More Information: See the Integrated Peripherals section of “Configuring the CMOS Setup Utility” in Chapter
5 for information on adjusting port settings.
Serial Ports:
The default configuration
is Serial 1 = COM1 and Serial 2 = COM2. Installing
an IR port requires disabling COM2.
Audio Jacks & AC ‘97 Audio
Function: Jacks for connecting external audio devices to
the onboard AC ‘97 audio subsystem.
Description: There are three audio jacks:
• Line Out
For the two stereo speakers.
• Line In
Audio input connector for an external audio source.
• Mic
Microphone connector for a computer microphone.
More Information: See the Integrated Peripherals section of “Configuring the CMOS Setup Utility” in Chapter
5 for information on AC ‘97 audio settings.
Serials ports 1 & 2
External Audio Jacks:
The onboard AC ‘97 audio
supports stereo speakers,
This motherboard comes with driver software and
bundled utility software on the supplied Power Installer
2 CD-ROM disc. The Installing OS & Support Software
section in Chapter 5 explains how to install the software
required to support this motherboard and profiles the
bundled utilities.
Using the Power Installer 2 Disc
You can run the Power Installer 2 CD-ROM install interface under Microsoft Windows NT 4.0, 2000 or XP. The
disc’s install interface should load automatically and you
then click on the model name of this motherboard.
The Power Installer 2 disc also has two utility programs
on it, Adobe Acrobat Reader and McAfee Anti-Virus.
• Acrobat Reader
Acrobat Reader allows you to read documents in
the Adobe PDF format, including online documents
on the Power Installer 2 disc and a wide range of
other content. The reader is free and can be upgraded at the Adobe web site – www.adobe.com –
when new versions become available.
• McAfee Anti-Virus
This is anti-virus software from one of the leading
vendors.
• Processor Installation Video
This is an MPEG format video from Intel that ex-
plains in detail how to install the Intel Xeon processor and its heatsink and Processor Wind Tunnel
cooling components. The video is viewable with any
player that can view MPEG format, including Windows Media Player. We highly recommend viewing
this video on another computer first if you will install processors on the motherboard yourself. Clicking on the item in the installer window runs the
video automatically under Windows NT, Windows
2000 or Windows XP.
This chapter deatils the motherboard’s default configuration and configuration options. Please review the contents of this chapter to find out information on the default configuration or alternative configuration options
to change the default configuration.
The motherboard will operate properly in the default
configuration. Please make certain that any configuration changes you make will not adversely affect system
operation.
The Default Configuration
The default configuration is set at the time of manufacture. The configuration is comprised of the hardware configuration settings and the default firmware settings in
the BIOS CMOS Setup Utility.
Hardware Configuration: Jumper Settings
This motherboard is mainly configured in firmware, which
simplifies configuration. There are very few hardware settings. The hardware settings are configured using standard jumper switches. The motherboard has only two
jumper switches, JP4, Flash BIOS Protection and JP6,
Clear CMOS.
The system BIOS and CMOS Setup Utility are stored in
Flash memory on the motherboard, which provides permanent storage, but is rewritable, allowing for BIOS updates. Jumper JP4 controls the protection scheme that
prevents accidental damage to or rewriting of the data
stored in Flash memory.
JP4 has three setting options which allow the BIOS to be
protected either by a firmware setting in the Security Features section of the CMOS Setup Utility or by the jumper’s
hardware setting. The firmware setting option is more
convenient, so it is the default setting for this jumper.
The setting options are listed in the table below.
JP4: BIOS Flash Protect
SettingFunction
Short 1-2 Protection mode selected in BIOS CMOS Setup Utility [Default]
Short 2-3 Protection enabled in hardware
Open[Remove Cap]No BIOS Flash Protection
The Security Features section of the CMOS Setup Utility has
a BIOS Flash Protect item that controls BIOS flash protection. The default setting is “Non-Flash”. The optional set-
ting is “Flashable”. See the section on “Configuring the
CMOS Setup Utility in Chapter 5 for information on how to
use this program.
JP6 is a jumper switch, but it does not set a hardware
configuration setting. The BIOS CMOS Setup Utility creates a system configuration record that is stored in CMOS
memory in the real-time clock chip. If the configuration
record data becomes corrupted or is destroyed, or if the
CMOS Setup Utility settings are changed to an unusable
configuration, the motherboard may not run properly or
at all. JP6 provides a means to delete the configuration
data stored in CMOS memory and reset the configuration
to the CMOS Setup Utility’s Optimized Defaults.
JP6: Clear CMOS Memory
SettingFunction
Short 1-2 Normal operation [Default]
Short 2-3 Clear CMOS memory – see instructions
Follow this procedure to clear CMOS memory. The jumper
is beside the coin battery. If necessary, refer to the board
diagram and key in Chapter 2 for the location of the JP6
jumper.
1. Turn off and unplug the system. Remove the system
housing cover (see documentation if necessary).
2. Set JP6 to the Clear CMOS position by placing the
jumper cap over pins 2 and 3 for one minute.
3. Return the jumper cap to the Normal position.
4. Replace the system housing cover, plug in the system and turn it on.
5. Run the CMOS Setup utility and load the Optimized
Defaults. You can then enter any custom settings
you require.
6. Save the settings as you exit the program and restart
the computer.
The main screen of the CMOS Setup Utility has a Load Optimized Defaults item that loads the default operation settings. After you perform the Clear CMOS procedure, loaad
the defaults as follows:
1. Select Load Optimized Defaults and press the Enter key.
2. A message will appear asking you to confirm.
3. Type a Y to confirm and press the Enter key again.
4. Make other settings you require.
5. Select Save & Exit Setup and press the Enter key.
The system will restart and use the new settings.
See the section on “Configuring the CMOS Setup Utility in
Chapter 5 for information on how to use this program.
The BIOS CMOS Setup Utility a configuration record of
system settings. This record is based on the “Optimized
Defaults that are stored with the utility in Flash memory
and can be reloaded at any time.
Many of these settings are either recommended or required for the motherboard to operate properly. Other
settings are customizable and can be changed to suit your
specific system configuration and operation requirements.
A number of the variable settings, such as CPU and IDE
device settings are set to be automatically detected in the
default configuration. While these settings can also be
established manually, automatic detection is more convenient, safe and reliable. We strongly recommend that
you leave all auto-detection settings undisturbed unless
you have a specific reason not to and you are certain of
what you are doing. Incorrect configuration of the CMOS
Setup Utility can result in unreliable operation or a failure of the motherboard to work at all.
Using the CMOS Setup Utility
Please refer to the “Configuring the CMOS Setup Utility”
section in Chapter 5 for information on using the utility
and some settings you might want to customize. The utility
does not run under an Operating System. You must load
it during the Power On Self Test (POST) while the computer is starting up by press the Delete key or the Del key
on the system keyboard’s numeric keypad.
Load the CMOS Setup Utility during the POST by pressing
the Delete or Del key. The utility interface commands are
explained at the bottom of each screen and “General Help”
is available by pressing the F1 key. See the section on “Con-
figuring the CMOS Setup Utility in Chapter 5 for information
on how to use this program.
The main screen has a basic list command instructions at the
bottom of the screen and displays a function description of
the highlighted item.
Sections marked by an arrow on the main screen list command
instructions at the bottom of the screen.
You can change the default configuration (as shipped) of
this motherboard as needed. However, since this
motherboard very few hard configuration options and
the CMOS Setup Utility is configuration is mostly either
required, recommended or automatic, there will probably be little reason to do so.
Hardware Reconfiguration
We recommend leaving the two jumper settings at the
default settings unless you need to perform the Clear
CMOS procedure. It is much more convenient to control
the BIOS Flash Protection feature using the CMOS Setup
Utility.
Firmware Reconfiguraton
You can initially specify or customize the CMOS Setup
Utility settings when you first configure the system (as
covered in Chapter 5) to meet your requirements. Other
than doing this, there should be no need to reconfigure
the CMOS Setup Utility unless the system configuration
changes or the configuration record stored in CMOS
memory becomes corrupted and unusable, which is not
common. If you need to completely recreate the system
configuration record, follow the Clear CMOS procedure
described in this chapter.
This chapter covers preparing the motherboard for installation, installing the board in a system housing or
“chassis” and installing or connecting other internal system components.
There are a number of important topics in this chapter
and we strongly urge that you review it before attempting to install the motherboard.
Pre-installation Preparation
Before you install the motherboard you will need to do
the following:
• Install one or two Intel Xeon CPUs
• Install Rambus system memory modules
Both of these require specific procedures that you must
follow precisely to insure that the components are successfully installed and work properly. Please review the
instructions in this section in detail and follow them carefully. The procedures are not complex.
This motherboard uses the Intel Xeon processor. Both
single and dual CPU configurations are supported on this
motherboard.
To install an Intel Xeon CPU on the motherboard it is
very important to precisely an entirely follow the procedure for installing both the CPU and its cooling assembly. Failure to do so can result in either improper operation or damage to the CPU and possibly the motherboard.
To install an Intel Xeon processor on this motherboard
you will need to do the following:
• Install the Xeon processor in a Socket 603
• Install the Heatsink Retention Mechanisms
• Install a Xeon-specific Heatsink
• Install the Processor Wind Tunnel assembly
Please follow the procedure detailed below to install one
or two Xeon processors on the board. Intel boxed Xeon
processors come with full installation instructions. If you
have these, please also read and follow those instructions carefully.
Required Tools:
• Philips-head screw driver
(Crosshead)
• Flathead screw driver
Processor Selection
This motherboard supports all Xeon processors and the
BIOS automatically detects the required settings and configures the CMOS Setup Utility accordingly. If you install
two Xeon processors, they must have identical specifications.
Installation Video
There is a Xeon processor installation video from Intel
in MPEG format on the Power Installer 2 support CDROM disc. You can access it from the Power Installer 2
interface in the Software Utility section. It is listed as
“Processor Installation”. We strongly recommend that you
view this video on another computer if you have not
installed a Xeon processor before. The video will play
with any software that can play the MPEG format, including Windows Media Player.
There is an instructional
video from Intel on the
Power Installer 2 disc that
fully details the Xeon processor installation procedure. You can access the
video in the Software Utility section of the disc interface. The video will play
with any software that
supports the MPEG format.
We suggest viewing it on
another computer before
installing a CPU.
Note:
If you are only installing
one CPU, install it in the
CPU0 socket.
Installing The Processor
Installing a Xeon processor in the Socket 603 is the simplest part of the procedure. It is very important, however, to carefully handle the processor by the side edges
and always fully observe precautions against electrostatic
discharge.
Please follow the installation procedure as illustrated on
the next two pages. The illustrations are generic and do
not specifically represent this motherboard.
Xeon Processor package
(Clockwise from lower left):
The processor installation procedure is as follows:
1. Raise the retaining lever of the processor locking
mechanism to a perpendicular position.
Step 1:
Raise the retaining lever
Step 2:
Align the Pin 1 corners
Raise the socket lever to the
vertical position
2. Align the processor to the socket by matching the
Pin 1 corner of the socket (marked with a triangle)
to the Pin 1 corner on the Socket 603 (marked by a
triangular hole in the Pin 1 corner).
Match the Pin 1 positions on
the socket and the processor
3. Carefully insert the Xeon processor in the socket re-
ceptacles, taking care not to bend any pins.
Step 3:
Insert the processor
Step 4:
Secure the retaining lever
Gently press the processor
into the socket. Make sure the
retaining lever is vertical.
4. Lower the locking mechanism’s retaining lever and
secure it in place to secure the processor in the
socket. Grasp the processor by the edges and gently
pull upwards to insure it is properly inserted. The
processor shouldn’t move.
Presss the retaining lever
back down into the horizontal
position and make sure it
latches in place.
The motherboard comes with a set of two Heatsink Retention Mechanisms. You must attach these to the
motherboard before installing the processor heatsink. If
you are installing a boxed Intel Xeon processor, it will
also come with two Retention Mechanisms, you can use
either set.
The mechanism attaches to the motherboard with the
supplied screws which screw into either a supplied CPU
Backplate or into the standoffs of an EEB 3.0-compliant
system housing (chassis).
We’ve assumed here that you are installing the
motherboard in a non EEB 3.0 chassis and therefore
will use a supplied CPU Backplate. If this is not the
case, please first install system memory as described
later in this chapter. Then install the Heatsink Retention
Mechanisms, Heatsink and Processor Wind Tunnel after the board is installed.
To install the supplied heatsink retention mechanisms,
do as follows:
1. Align the four standoffs on a CPU Backplate (mounting nuts attached to the plate) to Retention Mechanism mounting holes around one of the CPU sockets on the motherboard.
2. Align a Retention Mechanism to two of the mount-
ing holes in the board so that the mechanism is facing in towards the CPU socket.
Step 2:
Position the Retention
Mechanism
Step 3:
Attach the mechanism &
CPU Backplate with screws
Position the mechanism
facing in towards the CPU
socket.
3. Insert one of the supplied screws in each hole in the
mechanism so that it inserts in a matching standoff
on the CPU Backplate. Tighten the screws until they
are snug. Don’t overtighten the screws.
Insert & tighten the mounting screws so that they screw
into the CPU backplate
4. Repeat the same procedure to attach the second Re-
tention Mechanism on the opposite side of the CPU
socket. The mechanisms should hold the CPU
Backplate securely against the underside of the
motherboard.
If you are installing two CPUs, repeat this procedure on
the CPU1 socket.
Once you have attached a set of Retention Mechanisms,
you must install a Heatsink. The Heatsink attaches to the
Retention Mechanisms with the two supplied Heatsink
retaining clips.
Apply Thermal Interface Material
Before you install the heatsink you must apply the Thermal Interface Material (TIM) that is supplied in an applicator with boxed intel Xeon processors (or an exact
equivalent) to the heat spreader on the installed CPU.
We assume here that you have TIM in an Intel-supplied
applicator. To apply TIM to the CPU do as follows:
1. Apply all of the TIM in the applicator to the center
of the square heat spreader plate in the middle of
the CPU.
2. Do not spread the TIM around. When you place the
Heatsink on top of the CPU the material will disperse evenly.
Apply TIM
Apply all of the Thermal
Interface Material to the
center of the processor
heat spreader plate
Position the Heatsink
place the Heatsink on top
of the CPU so that it fits
into the Retention Mechanisms.
Don’t spread the TIM out with
the applicator tip. The
Heatsink will disperse it.
Next, install the processor Heatsink as detailed below.
Install the Heatsink
To install a processor Heatsink do as follows:
1. Place the Heatsink on top of the Xeon CPU so that it
fits into the recesses in the Retaining Mechanisms.
The Heatsink base is rectangular and will only fit
into the mechanism frame in the correct orientation.
Don’t spread the TIM out with
the applicator tip. Wiggle the
Heatsink a little after you
position it to disperse the
Thermal Inteface Material.
2. Place a heatsink retaining clip on one of the Reten-
tion Mechanisms so that the large outer center tab
is on the outside and fits over the extension on the
Retention Mechanism. The inner center tab should
clip over the edge of the Heatsink.
Position Heatsink Clips
Position a clip on each Retention Mechanism.
Attach Heatsink Clips
Press the clip ends onto
Retention Mechanism.
position the clip so that the
large tab is on the outside
and fits over the mechanism
extension there
3. Hold the clip down against the mechanism and press
down on one end of the retaining clip so that the
tab on the end clips securely over the extension on
that end of the mechanism.
4. Press the other end of the retaining clip down so
that it clips securely over the extension at the other
end of the mechanism. The spring tension of the
clip should now hold that side of the heatsink securely against the Retention Mechanism.
Hold the clip down in the
middle while you press the
each end of the clip onto the
Retention Mechanism
5. Repeat the procedure above on the Retention Mecha-
nism on the other side of the Heatsink.
After you install the two retaining clips, the Heatsink
should be securely attached.
After you install the Xeon processor and heatsink assembly, you must install the Processor Wind Tunnel (PWT)
assembly. The PWT has three parts:
• Shroud
• Fan Assembly (fan with mounting frame)
• PWT End Cap
You install these components separately and in order as
follows.
Install Shroud
First install the PWT shroud:
1. Clip the shroud onto the retaining mechanisms at
the corners. It should fit onto the mechanism corners and the flexible tabs should snap into place.
Step 1:
Attach the PWT shroud
Step 1:
Clip the fan mount onto
the fan
Press the shroud down onto
the Retention Mechanisms
untl it snaps into place
Attach Fan Assembly
Next attach the cooling fan:
1. Clip the fan mounting frame onto the cooling fan.
Orient the fan so that it will blow air into the PWT
Shroud.
Orient the fan so that it
blows toward the Heatsink
This section details the procedure for installing system
memory on the motherboard. Correct memory configuration is critical for proper system operation. Please review this section carefully and follow the configuration
guidelines precisely.
Memory Specifications
The motherboard has four RIMM module sockets. The
sockets operate in pairs. This motherboard uses Rambus
DRDRAM RIMM modules for system memory. The system memory specification are:
• Rambus DRDRAM RIMM modules
• PC600 or PC800
• Maximum 2GB total system memory
Memory Configuration Options
This motherboard has specific memory configuration requirements. These include:
• All sockets must have either RIMM or CRIMM modules installed in them.
• Module configurations are limited as specified.
• Any capacity RIMM may be used in any socket as
long as total memory does not exceed 2GB.
• Modules should all be the same speed (PC600 or
PC800) for best system performance.
Module Types
There are two modules types:
• RIMM
• CRIMM
The RIMM (Rambus Inline Memory Module) is a Rambus
DRDRAM memory module. The CRIMM (Continuity
Rambus Inline Memory Module) is not a memory module. CRIMMs must be installed in all sockets that do not
have RIMMs installed in them. No sockets can remain
empty in this memory design.
Module Configurations
The figures on the next page illustrate the allowed module configurations. Do not install modules in any other
configuration. Please note the configurations indicate
module positioning, not capacity. You can install any
mixture of module capacities that does not exceed 2GB.
The configuration layout
shown here are the only
ones allowed. Do not use
any other layout of RIMM
and CRIMM modules. All
sockets MUST have some
kind of module installed.
RIMM module
CRIMM module
Each bank of two sockets
muct have at least one RIMM
installed
Installing RIMM or CRIMM modules is simple. The modules insert in the sockets and are held in place by the
socket retaining arms. The edge connectors on the modules are of different widths and there are key notches in
the center of each module. These ensure that you can not
insert a module incorrectly.
Before you install any modules, you should review the
configuration requirements and choose a configuration.
You should then prepare the required number of RIMM
and CRIMM modules.
To install either type of module follow this procedure:
1. Align the module to the socket so that the edge
connectors on the module match the socket sections.
2. Hold the module perpendicular to the motherboard
and press the edge connector into the socket.
3. Press the module fully into the socket so that the
socket retaining arms swing up and engage the retention notches at each end of the module.
Following the configuration pattern you have chosen,
repeat this procedure until all modules are installed. Recheck the configuration pattern guide and confirm that
you have installed module in the correct configuration.
Once all modules are installed, system memory installation is complete.
System Memory Recognition
The BIOS will automatically recognize the installed
memory configuration and configure the CMOS Setup
Utility. No other action is required to complete system
memory installation.
This section explains the basic requirements for installing this motherboard in a system housing or “chassis”.
Since housing designs vary widely, you will need to consult the housing documentation for specific information.
This motherboard can be installed in an EEB 3.0-compliant housing that is specific to the board’s CPU layout.
Other housings must support the extended ATX form factor, which is larger than other ATX form factors.
To install the motherboard in a system housing you will
need to do the following:
• Install a rear I/O panel shield
• Attach the board to the housing
• Connect leads from the housing’s front panel
You can then connect other internal system components
as described later in this chapter.
Motherboard Installation Procedure
This section assumes you are installing the board in a
non-EEB 3.0 housing and will use the supplied CPU
backplates to mount the heatsink retention mechanisms.
If you are installing the board in an EEB 3.0 chassis, please
see the EEB 3.0 section later in this chapter.
We also assume you have prepared the board for installation as previously described in this manual. If the housing you are using normally stands vertically, place the
open housing on it’s side before you start.
Please follow this procedure to install this motherboard:
1. Review any instructions that came with the system
housing and prepare the necessary mounting hardware that came with it.
2. Identify the mounting holes on the board and confirm that the housing has standoffs that match them.
3. Install the rear I/O panel shield in the housing’s I/O
panel opening.
4. Insert the board in the housing and align the mounting holes to the standoffs on the housing’s
motherboard mounting plate. Make sure all of the
rear I/O ports are properly aligned with the openings in the I/O panel shield.
5. Attach the board to the housing by inserting mounting screws in all the holes and tightening them
snugly.
All modules insert in the
There are 12 mounting
holes on the motherboard
that should correspond to
mounting standoffs on the
system housing’s motherboard mounting plate.
After the motherboard is installed in the system housing,
you should connect whatever front panel components
the housing has to the Front Panel feature connector on
the motherboard.
The figure below indicates the pin assignments of the
connector for your reference.
Front Panel Connector:
Leads from the front panel
features connect to this
header.
Front Panel feature connector
Power On
Speaker
IDE LEDACPIReset
KL
System LED
Keyboard Lock
EEB 3.0 Housing Installation
If you install the motherboard in an EEB 3.0 system housing, you should not attach the CPU Backplates. Instead,
attach the board to the housing’s motherboard mounting
plate first. When you do this, the Retention Mechanism
mounting holes should line up with the Retention Mechanism mounting standoffs on the housing’s motherboard
mounting plate. You can then position and install the
Retention Mechanisms by screwing them into the mounting standoffs.
Once you have installed the Retention Mechanisms, you
can proceed to install the Heatsink and Processor Wind
Tunnel assembly as described earlier in this chapter. This
procedure is illustrated in the Xeon processor installation video mentioned at the beginning of the chapter.
Although the board in the video is not the DP400, the
procedure is the same. Please note that the PWT assembly should be oriented so that the fan blows towards the
rear of the system housing.
An EEB 3.0 system housing will have four Retention Mechanism mounting
standoffs for each CPU
socket. The Retention
Mechanisms mounting
screws screw into the
standoffs instead of a CPU
Backplate.
There are four Retention
Mechanism mounting standoffs for each CPU socket on
an EEB 3.0 housing’s motherboard mounting plate.
Completing System Configuration
Once the motherboard is installed in the system housing,
you can proceed to connect or install whatever internal
devices you will use to complete the system. These will
at least include an AGP display card and disk drives.
After that, having replaced the system housing cover, you
can connect external peripherals to complete the process
of preparing the system for use. These will include at
least a video display and a keyboard and probably a pointing device. Please see the next chapter for information
on completing these final hardware installation steps and
installing Operating System and support software.
Connecting Internal Devices
Connecting External System Peripherals
Configuring the CMOS Setup Utility
Installing an OS & Support Software
5: System Configuration
This chapter explains what you need to do to assemble a
complete system after you have installed the motherboard
in a system housing. This will include installing or connecting internal devices, connecting external system components. Once the system is assembled, you’ll need to
check and possibly configure the motherboard’s CMOS
Setup Utility, install an Operating System and install the
support software supplied on the Power Installer 2 CDROM disc.
Installing or Connecting Internal Peripherals
To complete the assembly of a working system you will
need to at least install an AGP video display card and
connect whatever disk drives you will use in the system.
This section covers what you need to know on the
motherboard side to do this. You will also need to consult the documentation that comes with your internal system peripherals for additional installation instructions and
information. This section covers the minimum components you will need to connect to the motherboard to
create a functioning system. You may plan to add other
devices as well.
The AGP universal connector on the board supports AGP
4X and AGP Pro 50 1.5-volt display cards. Follow the
instructions that come with the display card for installing the card hardware in the AGP slot.
AGP Configuration
You can configure the amount of system memory the AGP
card will use as auxiliary memory by adjusting the AGP
Aperture Size setting in the Advanced Chipset Features
section of the CMOS Setup Utility. The default aperture
setting is 64MB.
Display Drivers
You should install the display card’s display driver software according to the instructions that come with the
card after you have completed system assembly and have
installed an OS and the support software for this
motherboard.
AGP Aperture Setting
You can set the AGP aperture size in the Advanced
Chipset Features section of
the CMOS Setup Utility
To assemble a complete system capable of completing
the installation of this motherboard you will need to install and connect the following internal devices:
• Hard Disk Drive
• CD-ROM or other optical drive
• Floppy disk drive
The floppy disk drive is not strictly necessary, but is a
standard system component and is needed if you will
create driver floppy disks from the Power Installer 2.
We assume here, in the absence of an alternative drive
controller that any hard disk or optical drives will be IDE
devices connected to the motherboard’s IDE channels.
Connecting IDE Devices
This motherboard supports two IDE channels, Primary
and Secondary. It has two IDE device connectors onboard
which support IDE devices running in any data transfer
mode up to ATA-100. Each IDE connector supports two
drives, a Master and a Slave. The drives connect to the
motherboard with an IDE ribbon cable. IDE cables have
three connectors on them, one that plugs into a drive
connector on the board and the other two that connect to
IDE devices. The connector at the end of the cable is for
the Master drive. The connector in the middle of the cable
is for the Slave drive.
There are three types of IDE ribbon cable, supporting
transfer modes up through ATA-33, ATA-66 or ATA-100.
You must use a cable that supports the transfer mode of
the fastest device connected to it. For example, if both an
ATA-66 mode and an ATA-100 mode device are connected
to the same cable, the cable must support ATA-100 mode
to achieve maximum performance.
To install an IDE drive, connect the drive to one of the
drive connectors on a suitable ribbon cable. Plug the board
end of the cable into one of the IDE connectors on the
motherboard.
Normally the system’s primary hard disk drive should
be in the Primary Master position. If you will use only
the supplied ribbon cable, connect a CD-ROM drive to
the Primary Slave position.
If you obtain an additional IDE ribbon cable, you can
install a second hard disk drive in the Primary Slave position and install the CD-ROM as the Secondary Master.
This is a good idea if the CD-ROM drive uses a slower
data transfer mode than the hard disk drive.
Follow any instructions that come with the drives to configure and install them. IDE devices generally can be set
to one of three operation modes:
• Master
• Slave
• Cable Select
Many drives come set to the Master setting. If you will
use the drive in a Slave position, you must reconfigure it
as either Slave or use the Cable Select setting to allow the
drives position on the cable to define the mode.
Connecting a Floppy Disk Drive
This motherboard has one Floppy Drive connector for
connecting one or two floppy disk drives. Most computer
systems use one 3.5-inch 1.44MB floppy disk drive. The
drive connector is for a standard floppy drive ribbon cable.
To install a floppy disk drive, connect the drive to the
end of the cable, which is the Drive A: position. Plug the
other end of the cable into the floppy disk drive connector on the motherboard.
Each channel connector
supports one IDE channel
with two drives, a Master
and a Slave. The Master
drive connects to the connector on the end of the
ribbon cable. The Slave
drive connects to the connector in the middle of
the ribbon cable.
Note:
The ribbon cable used
must support the transfer
mode of the fastest device
connected to it to avoid
degraded performance.
IDE Primary Channel
Floppy Drive Connector
The floppy drive connector supports two floppy
disk drives. The first drive,
Drive A:, connects to the
connector on the end of
the floppy drive connector cable. A second drive,
Drive B:, would connect to
the middle connector on
the cable although systems now commonly only
have one floppy disk drive.
To complete the assembly of functioning system you will
need at minimum to connect the following external system components to the system housing:
• Video Display Monitor
• Keyboard
• Mouse or other Pointing Device
Connecting a Display Monitor
You can connect any display monitor supported by the
AGP display card you installed in the system. This may
include either a CRT or LCD monitor, depending on the
card’s specifications.
Connect the display monitor cable to the appropriate display connector on the AGP card according to the instructions that come with the card and monitor.
Connecting a Keyboard & Mouse
You can use either PS/2 or USB input devices with this
motherboard.
Connecting PS/2 Devices
Connect a PS/2 keyboard and mouse to the Keyboard
and Mouse PS/2 ports on the rear I/O port panel. Don’t
connect or disconnect a device while the system is turned
on. Doing so can damage the board.
Connecting USB Devices
You can use a USB keyboard and mouse with this
motherboard. They plug into two of the USB ports. The
Operating System you use must support USB to use any
USB devices. If your OS can operate in DOS mode, you
should enable USB Legacy Support in the Integrated Peripherals section of the CMOS Setup Utility. You can plug
and unplug USB devices when the system is turned on.
The motherboard Award BIOS includes the CMOS Setup
Utility that creates a system configuration record that is
stored in CMOS memory on the board and is required by
the system to operate properly.
Most of the configuration settings are either predefined
by the BIOS Optimized Default settings which are stored
with the BIOS or are automatically detected and configured without requiring User action. There are a few settings that you may need to change depending on your
system configuration.
This section gives a brief profiles of the several sections
of the CMOS Setup Utility and indicates settings you might
need to change and those which you should not.
The CMOS Setup Utility User Interface
The CMOS Setup Utility user interface is simple and largely
self evident. The utility can only be operated from the
keyboard and all commands are keyboard commands.
The utility does not support mouse use. The commands
are straightforward and those available for the program
section you are in are listed at the bottom of the screen.
The main screen has few commands, other sections have
more. General Help, which lists the commands and their
functions is available at any time by pressing the F1 key.
Running the CMOS Setup Utility
The CMOS Setup Utility does not require an operating
system to run. You run the utility by typing the Del or
Delete key when the computer is starting to boot up. The
utility’s main screen will then appear.
The CMOS Setup Utility is divided into several subsections and some top level commands including the following sections:
• Standard CMOS Features
• Advanced Boot Options
• Advanced Chipset features
• Integrated Peripherals
• Power Management Setup
• PnP/PCI Configurations
• Security Features
• CPU Smart Setting
• PC Health Status
The main screen also has these command options:
• Load Fail-Safe Defaults
• Load Optimized Defaults
• Save & Exit Setup
• Exit Without Saving
Please see the following sections for a brief profile of
what each section does, information on settings you
might want to change and things to leave alone.
To open one of the program sections, highlight the item
you want and press the Enter key. To change a setting,
highlight an item and use the “Value” keys indicated to
change the setting. Alternatively, press the Enter key
and all options for that item will display and you can
choose from those listed.
This section mainly configures boot options including
boot devices and their boot order and some power functions. There are also some miscellaneous boot configuration settings.
Default & Autodetected Settings
The screen illustration shows the default settings. These
do not need to be changed. You can customize the settings to suit your purposes if necessary and you know
what you’re doing.
Setting Options & Constraints
You can change the boot device assignments and order,
the boot options and the power on settings as you like.
You can enter a Keyboard power on password. Don’t
change the setting for the first line.
Configures the peripheral features integrated onto the
motherboard.
Default & Autodetected Settings
Everything on this screen is an optimized default. The
IDE transfer mode settings are autodetected. The system
will work with these defaults. The port settings are standard PC settings.
Setting Options & Constraints
You can disable onboard devices and change port settings. If you install an IR port module, you have to set the
“COM2 Mode Select” line to the appropriate IR setting.
Configures power management settings. These are overridden by ACPI power management.
Default & Autodetected Settings
Everything on this screen is an optimized default.
Setting Options & Constraints
You can select the Minimum or Maximum configurations rather
than the User Defined defaults. You can customize all settings in User Defined mode. If your OS supports power management, configure it there. You can also set a date and time
for the system to turn on or wake up.
Configures Plug and Play and other PCI bus settings.
Default & Autodetected Settings
The default is for the BIOS to control these functions.
Setting Options & Constraints
Don’t change the resource settings, they’re set to be handled
automatically by the BIOS. If you have a problem after you
install an expansion card, set “Reset Configuration Data” to
Enabled to rewrite the ESCD.
Sets passwords and other security features. Enables the
OS dual boot menu.
Default & Autodetected Settings
All the selection items on this screen are optimized defaults. Passwords must be entered by the User. See the
“Using System Features” section in Chapter 6 for instruc-
tions on how to set and use passwords.
Setting Options & Constraints
“Virus Warning” checks the boot sector of the first hard disk
and warns when it is rewritten. You can enable this feature.
“F12 Boot Menu” displays an OS selection menu at boot up.
If there is only one OS, it does not appear.
“Clear Chassis Intrusion” controls whether or not to clear an
intrusion message the next time the computer boots up. A
system housing intrusion message appears on screen at bootup when an intrusion has occurred.
“BIOS Flash Protect” controls Flash ROM protection from the
BIOS. Don’t change the setting to Flashable unless you need
to update the system BIOS.
The default setting is to autodetect CPU settings. Don’t
change the second line.
Setting Options & Constraints
Don’t change the Auto setting. It is possible to set the
CPU internal frequency yourself, but we do not recommend this. The rest of the screen display detected CPU
specifications.
This loads a set of minimum configuration defaults. It is
used to allow the system to start and then troubleshoot
hardware problems. You shouldn’t need to use this, it’s
mainly for technicians.
Load Optimized Defaults
This loads the Optimized Defaults. You only need to do
this if the configuration record has been corrupted or
mistakenly configured and after the Clear CMOS procedure has been performed. See Chapter 3 for more information on this procedure.
To load the defaults, select this item, press the Enter key,
type a Y and then press Enter again.
Save & Exit Setup
This saves the current utility configuration as a new configuration record, exits the utility and restarts the system
using the saved configuration record.
Exit Without Saving
Exits the utility and restarts the system without changing
the saved configuration record.
In general, it should not be necessary to use the CMOS
Setup Utility once you have fully configured it. In the
event you do need to change or re-establish the settings,
always make sure to save the settings when you exit the
utility or the new settings will not be stored.
This section covers installing Operating System software
and the support software on the Power Installer 2 CDROM disc. Once you have configured the CMOS Setup
Utility, you should install an OS. If you install a supported Microsoft OS, you should also install the driver
software on the Power Installer 2 disc.
Installing an Operating System
This motherboard is intended to use the following Operating Systems:
• Microsoft Windows NT 4.0
• Microsoft Windows 2000
• Microsoft Windows XP Professional
• Red Hat Linux (or compatible distribution)
Prepare the hard disk drive and install an OS according
to the instructions that come with the OS you will use.
Multi-boot Option
If you install more than one OS, you can use the BIOS
level multi-boot feature which is enabled by default. With
two OS installations, for example Windows and Linux,
when the system boots, a boot selection menu will appear and let you select which OS to boot.
Installing the Support Software
The Power Installer CD-ROM disc comes with required
hardware drivers for Microsoft Windows and some additional utility software, as noted in Chapter 2. If you have
installed a supported Microsoft OS, you must install the
required drivers. If you have install Linux, you will need
to create driver disks.
This section assumes you have installed one of the supported Microsoft Operating Systems on the system hard
disk drive.
To install Windows drivers, insert the Power Installer 2
CD-ROM disc in the system’s CD-ROM (or other optical
drive) and wait for the Power Installer 2 interface to automatically load. If it doesn’t start, run the Power Installer interface directly from the disc by running Setup.
The Power Installer main screen will appear. Click on
this motherboard’s model number to open the section
for this board.
Install the first three items for the Intel Chipset in sequence by clicking on them and following the install program instructions.
Next install the “Onboard Audio Driver” in the same way.
Finally, review the “Lan Driver Installation Guide” for
the OS you have installed and install the appropriate LAN
driver for that OS.
The Adobe Acrobat reader install program will run when
you try to view the Lan Driver Installation Guide if you
have not already installed it. Install the program and then
repeat the procedure to read the guide information.
Making Driver Discs
You can make driver floppy disks by running the “Make
Driver” utility from the Drivers and Utilities screen. Follow the screen interface, which is self-evident to make
driver disks.
You can boot the system from the Power Installer 2 disc.
The system will boot from the Linux kernel on the disc
and you can use the driver disk creator that loads to
create Linux driver disks. You can then install these drivers according to the instructions for driver installation
from your Linux distribution.
Installing the Utility Software
To install the utility software bundled on the Power Installer 2 disc, click on “Software Utility” in the Drivers
and Utilities screen to open the Software Utility window.
To install the Adobe Acrobat reader or McAfee Anti-Virus software packages, click on the item you want to
install and follow the install program’s instructions. You
can also view the Xeon Processor Installation video from
here. It will run automatically in the default MPEG payer
software, which is likely to be Windows Media Player.
Installing & Configuring An IR Port
Performance Optimization
Troubleshooting
6: Using the Motherboard
This chapter covers several topics related to using this
motherboard once it is installed in a working system.
These include external system features that connect to
the motherboard, things you can do to optimize the performance of a system based on this board and some
troubleshooting tips you can review in the event any problems arise.
Using System Features
This section explains the system controls and indicators
that connect to the motherboard. It also explains how
the other system level features on the board work.
Front Panel System Controls & Indicators
The front panel of the system housing will have some or
all of the front panel features that connect to the
motherboard. These enable the User to determine some
information on the systems operational status and provide some system controls.
System Controls
The front panel connector on the motherboard supports
several system controls that mount on the front panel of
the system housing.
Function: Turns the system On and Off.
Use: This button is configured by the CMOS Setup Utility
by the “PWR-OFF Mode by PWR-BTTN” line in the Power
Management section. Depending on the setting, the power
button will function in one of two modes, instant on/off
or instant on/4 second delay off. In the delay mode, when
you push the power button for less than 4 seconds when
the system is turned, the system goes into the Suspend
power conservation mode. In this mode, you have to push
the button for more than 4 seconds to turn the system
power off.
Reset Switch
Function: Restarts the system to cold boot.
Use: Press the button to restart the system. This forces a
restart under all conditions. Don’t use the Reset button if
you can shut the system down from within the Operating
System.
Note On Reset & Rebooting:
You should always restart or shut down the system by
using the OS command for this. This procedure allows
the OS to shut down properly, minimizing the possibility
of hard disk drive problems or data loss. If the system
crashes or “hangs”, you may have to restart the system
at the hardware level. There are two hardware reboot
options, a keyboard command and the Reset button.
You can effect a “warm” reboot with a key command if
the OS supports it. For example, all versions of Microsoft
Windows support restarting the computer with the CtrlAlt-Del (Delete) command. You can try this command
first if it is supported. Otherwise, you will need to use
the Reset button.
Suspend Button
Function: Toggles system in and out of Suspend mode.
Use: Press the button to cause the system to enter or
resume from Suspend mode.
Note: The front panel feature connector supports a sys-
tem Suspend button (the ACPI connector) but not all system housings have this button. The same function can
be performed at the Operating System level if the OS supports the feature.
The motherboard front panel features connector supports
three system status indicator LEDs:
• Power Status LED Indicator
Lights when the system is turned on.
• Hard Disk Drive Activity LED Indicator
Flashes during hard disk drive access.
• Power Conservation Mode LED Indicator
Lights to indicate the system is in a Suspend state
power conservation mode.
Most system housings will have all of these LEDs mounted
in the housing’s front panel.
Additional System Features
There are two additional system features, LAN LED indicators and Wake On LAN.
LAN Indicator LEDs
The RJ-45 LAN jack on the rear I/O panel has two indicator LEDs mounted above it.
• Activity LED (on left)
Flashes when the LAN connection is active.
• Link LED (on right)
Lights to indicate the LAN is connected.
Wake-on LAN (WOL)
Function: The system “wakes up”, i.e. resumes from a
Suspend state, in response to a signal arriving over a
LAN that it is connected to.
Use: The onboard LAN interface supports the WOL feature. In addition, the onboard WOL connector supports
connection to an additional PCI Network Interface Card.
The WOL cable from the card connects to the WOL connector on the board.
The feature is enabled by default in the Power Management section of the CMOS Setup Utility and functions
automatically.
There is a pin header connector for an Infrared communications port module on the motherboard. An IR port
enable wireless communication between the system and
another device with IR capability. Common examples of
such devices are a PDA or notebook computer. Installing
an IR port module requires disabling the COM2 serial
port on the rear I/O panel and reconfiguring it for IR use
in the CMOS Setup Utility.
Installing an IR port module requires an expansion slot
opening unless the system housing has a built-in IR port
with a cable to connect to the motherboard.
Follow the instructions that come that come with the port
module you want to install. The basic installation procedure is as follows if the module installs in an expansion
slot opening:
1. Turn off and unplug the system if necessary.
2. Remove the system housing cover.
3.Locate the IR pin header connector on the
motherboard. It is beside the PCI2 expansion slot.
4. Remove the expansion slot cover in the system housing that corresponds to the PCI2 slot. There may be
a slot cover retaining screw to remove and put aside
for later use.
5. Insert the port module in the open expansion slot
cover and align the module’s mounting bracket with
the screw hole for the retaining screw If there is
one). Insert the screw and tighten it to secure the
port module in place.
6. Plug the module’s connector cable on to the IR connector on the motherboard.
7. Replace the system housing cover.
8. Plug in and turn on the computer.
9. Run the CMOS Setup Utility and pen the Integrated
Peripherals section. Set the “COM2 Mode Select” to
the required mode, IrDA or ASKIR, and configure
the port settings below it if necessary. Save the settings and reboot.
The supported Microsoft Operating Systems should automatically detect and configure the port module after
you restart the system. Consult the OS documentation or
online Help for more information if necessary. You may
also need to install support software that came with the
IR port module in order to use it. Consult the installation
instructions that came with the module for additional
instructions.
This section covers things you can do to increase the
performance of a system based on this motherboard. The
topics covered include system memory, disk subsystems
and processor upgrades or adjustments.
System Memory
Adding system memory will increase system performance
and capability under any of the supported Operating System. This motherboard supports a total of 2GB of system
memory. If you have not installed the maximum, you
can consider increasing the amount of installed system
memory. Additional system memory speeds up system
operation and in some cases produces additional stability in the Operating System.
Disk Subsystems
This motherboard supports IDE drives using data transfer modes up through ATA-100. If you use IDE drives as
the primary disk subsystem, selecting drives that support ATA-100 and have a high rotation speed (at least
7,200rpm) will maximize performance.
If you need even better performance from a disk subsystem, you can consider adding a SCSI controller card
and SCSI disk drive. A SCSI disk controller with highspeed SCSI hard disk drives will provide a substantial
performance enhancement.
Processor Upgrades & Adjustments
Processor speed has a significant effect on overall system
performance. To increase system performance, you can
consider using or upgrading to a faster processor.
The Intel Xeon processor used by this motherboard comes
in a variety of clock speeds. To maximize performance,
select a processor with the fastest clock speed the system
budget or specification allows.
Remember that if you install dual processors, they must
have the same specification. If you upgrade one, you must
upgrade both.
The CMOS Setup Utility’s CPU Smart Setting feature will
automatically detect and configure whatever processors
are installed. The Intel Xeon processor should not be set
to operating parameters outside those specified.
This section details some things you can do to evaluate
problems that could possibly occur in the course of using this motherboard. The topics covered include possible hardware problems and problems with the CMOS
Setup Utility’s system configuration record.
Hardware Problems
A hardware problem may occur either after you install
additional hardware or because some existing hardware
has failed or has a disconnected or loose connection.
This section has some pointers on things you can check
before seeking assistance.
General Hardware Troubleshooting
If the motherboard does not operate properly when you
first try to use it in the system, it is likely that it is either
configured incorrectly, there are problems with external
connections. It os also possible the board or some other
system component is defective. Always check the most
obvious possibilities first.
First check the external components:
• Make sure the system, the monitor and any other
external peripherals are plugged in and turned on.
Confirm that the system and the power LEDs on
any external peripherals are on.
• Check that the monitor, keyboard and mouse are
properly connected.
Next check the CMOS Setup Utility:
• Run the CMOS Setup Utility and load the Optimized
Defaults. Reset any other custom settings. Remember to “Save & Exit Setup” to restart the computer.
If there is still a problem, check the internal components.
Turn off and unplug the system before you remove the
system housing cover.
• Press all installed RIMMs into the module sockets
to make sure they’re fully inserted.
• Make sure you used the correct cables to connect
the internal peripherals and that the peripherals are
properly connected to the motherboard. Check the
Master/Slave positions on all IDE cables. If you installed a device that uses ATA-100 mode, make sure
it is connected to the motherboard with an ATA-100
cable to ensure maximum performance.
• Check that all expansion cards are correctly installed
and fully inserted in the expansion slots. Pay particular attention to the AGP display card.
• Make sure the processor and its cooling assembly
are properly installed.
• Check all the hardware settings on the motherboard
and make sure they are correct.
When you’re done, reassemble the system and try again.
If the problem persists after you have checked all of the
above, there may be a hardware conflict or bug. See the
next section for additional information.
Hardware Configuration Problems
It is possible for system hardware components to conflict
with each other. While all the components and subsystems
on the motherboard are designed and tested to work together, expansion cards and peripheral devices can be a
problem.
Assuming you have gone through the general troubleshooting procedures and the system still will not start, if
you have just added new hardware to your system, there
may be a hardware conflict or bug or a problem with a
device driver. Try removing the new hardware and see if
the system will start. If it does, consult with the device
manufacturer for information on solving the problem. In
some cases, a firmware or driver upgrade may resolve
the problem.
This motherboard supports the automatic recognition and
configuration of expansion cards that support the Plug
and Play (PnP) specification. Most currently available
expansion cards support PnP. PnP simplifies card installation by allowing the system to handle system resource
allocation. If you install an expansion card that is not
PnP compliant, you may still need to configure the card
manually. Consult the card’s documentation for instructions or other information.
Replacing the System Configuration Record
As noted previously, the CMOS Setup Utility creates a
system configuration record and stores it in CMOS
memory on the motherboard. This record must be correct and uncorrupted for the system to operate properly.
It is possible for the system configuration record can become corrupted or lost. If this occurs, the system will not
operate properly or at all. This is not a serious problem.
You can restore a working configuration using the CMOS
Setup Utility to create a new configuration record by loading the Optimized Defaults and reentering any other settings you had made.
Loading Optimized Defaults
The BIOS Setup Utility does not require an operating system to run. You run the utility by typing the Del or Delete
key while the system is starting up to brings up the utility’s
main screen.
There are two sets of defaults listed, Optimized and FailSafe. The Fail-Safe Defaults are a minimum configuration
set for use by technicians when troubleshooting system
problems. The Optimized Defaults are what the system
normally operates on. If a corrupted system configuration record caused the problem you experienced, once
you load the Optimized Defaults and reboot, the system
should function normally. The instructions on the next
page illustrate this procedure.