45365 Northport Loop West, Fremont, CA. 94538-6417
Page 2
Copyright Notices
Copyright 1997 Micronics Computers, Inc. The information contained in the Dual Fortress PCI/ISA Dual Pentium II system board
2
manual has been carefully checked and is believed to be accurate.
Micronics assumes no responsibility for any inaccuracies that may be
contained in this document. Micronics makes no commitments to
update or to keep the information in this manual at a current level
when changes are made to the product.
Micronics reserves the right to make improvements to this document
and/or product at any time and without notice. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this document may be photocopied, reproduced, translated, or reduced to any medium or machine form without prior,
written consent from Micronics.
Portions of the Manual
Portions of this manual were copied (with permission) from Phoenix
Technologies, Ltd. All rights reserved.
Trademarks
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Intel and PCI are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation. All other product names mentioned herein are used for identification purposes only and may be the trademarks of their respective
companies.
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
Page 3
Table of Contents
Introduction5
Features6
Software Compatibility7
Before You Begin8
Chapter 1 - Quick Installation9
Installing the Dual Fortress9
Chapter 2 - Configuring the Dual Fortress 11
Static Electricity11
Environment Considerations11
Dual Fortress System Board12
Jumper Settings13
Chapter 3 - Installing the Dual Fortress17
Introduction17
System Memory Support17
Installing the Dual Fortress18
Installing a CPU26
CPU Installation Overview28
CPU Installation (Box version)29
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
1
Page 4
Installing a PCI Peripheral Card30
Installing an ISA Peripheral Card31
Installing a CD-ROM Drive32
Dual Fortress Sound Option33
Chapter 4 - The BIOS Setup Utility35
Configuration35
Initial Bootup35
Setup35
Running the Setup Procedure37
Setting the Main Screen37
Setting the Advanced Screen42
Security Screen45
Power Screen48
Boot Screen50
Exit Screen51
Chapter 5 - Installing Device Drivers53
About Device Drivers53
Installing the Sound Drivers53
Appendix A - Technical Information55
Specifications55
Environmental Specifications57
Temperature Range57
Relative Humidity57
Battery Disposal58
Support and Information Services59
Technical Support59
Appendix B - Post Messages61
2
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
Page 5
Appendix C - Beep and POST Codes63
Appendix D - Hard Disk Drive Types67
Appendix E - Updating the System BIOS69
Appendix F - Warranties and Notices71
Limited Warranty72
FCC Statement73
Glossary74
Index78
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
3
Page 6
List of Figures
Figure 1.1: Power-Up Screen10
Figure 2.1: Dual Fortress System Board12
Figure 3.1: Installing a 168-Pin DIMM23
Figure 3.2: Installing a CPU28
Figure 3.3: Installing a CPU (Boxed version)29
Figure 3.4: Installing a PCI Card30
Figure 3.5: Installing an ISA Peripheral Card31
Figure 3.6: Connecting External Sound Devices33
Figure 4.1: Power-Up Screen36
Figure 4.2: CMOS Main Screen37
Figure 4.3: IDE Device Submenu40
Figure 4.4: Advanced Screen42
Figure 4.5: Security Screen45
Figure 4.6: Supervisor Password Submenu46
Figure 4.7: Power Screen48
Figure 4.8: Boot Screen50
Figure 4.9: Exit Screen51
List of Tables
Table 2.1: CPU Speed Selection13
Table 2.2: Clear CMOS Settings13
Table 2.3: Case and Peripheral Connections14
Table 3.1: Memory Configurations20
Table A.1: Support and Information Services60
4
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
Page 7
Introduction
Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Dual Fortress system board.
The Dual Fortress is the highest performing advanced
dual processor solution for the industry’s most demanding workstation and server applications.
Based on the Intel 440FX PCIset, the Dual Fortress
supports the latest advanced processor architecture, the
Pentium II (processor-on-a-cartridge), which provides
the speed and performance necessary to address the most
intensive computational applications. Integrated MMX
technology, optional 16-bit Yamaha sound with wavetable
synthesis, and up to 512K of Level 2 cache on the CPU
make this board powerful and feature rich.
In addition, the Dual Fortress is designed to fit into the
most modern ATX form factor, which allows critical
components such as floppy drive connectors, chassis fan,
CPU and memory to be strategically located so that full
length cards can be installed in all slots.
Micronics builds all products to exacting standards, using
the highest quality components available. We are proud
to provide this system board and believe you will be
pleased with your purchase.
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
5
Page 8
Introduction
Features
The Dual Fortress includes the following features:
▲ Dual Intel Slot 1
Intel Pentium II chip 233/266/300MHz
One integrated Voltage Regulator Module and one
Voltage Regulator socket
▲ Intel 440FX PCIset
Intel PIIX 3
SMC FDC37C93X Ultra I/O chip
▲ 256K or 512K Level 2 Cache in CPU package
▲ Four 32-bit PCI slots
Two 16-bit ISA slots
One is a shared PCI/ISA slot
▲ Four 3.3V unbuffered 64-bit DIMM sockets
Maximum memory 1GB
Supports FPM, EDO and BEDO DRAM memory
ECC support via chipset
▲ Yamaha OPL3 and OPL4 (optional)
▲ Hardware Management - LM78 microprocessor system
hardware monitor
▲ ATX form factor
6
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
Page 9
Introduction
Software Compatibility
The Dual Fortress system board has been thoroughly tested
for compatibility with a variety of operating systems and
environments, including:
▲ Microsoft
DOS 6.2x
Windows 95
Windows NT 3.5x
Windows NT 4.0
▲ IBM
OS/2 Warp 3.0
OS/2 Warp 4.0
▲ SCO
UNIXWare 2.1.1
Open Server 5.02
UNIX 3.2.4.2
▲ Novell NetWare 3.12
Novell Netware 4.11
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
7
Page 10
Introduction
This manual will familiarize you with the features, installation and use of your Dual Fortress. There are several symbols
and conventions used throughout this manual to help draw
your attention to a feature or to focus on important information:
Common Names
DIMMDual Inline Memory Module
DRAMDynamic Random Access Memory
ECCError Checking and Correction
EDOExtended Data Out
FPMFast Page Mode
IDEIntegrated Drive Electronics
PCIPeripheral Component Interconnect
SIMMSingle Inline Memory Module
USBUniversal Serial Bus
VRMVoltage Regulator Module
Before You Begin
When you see the Magnifying Glass, it refers
to something you should take a closer look at
before proceeding further.
When you see the Exclamation Mark, it gives
important information on avoiding damage.
8
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
Page 11
Chapter
1
Chapter 1: Quick Installation
Quick Installation
We know that many experienced people prefer to read as
little of the documentation as possible. If this sounds like
you, here’s the short form to get up and running quickly.
Installing the Dual Fortress
1.Make backup copies of your installation and configuration diskettes.
STATIC!
Before
handling the
Dual
Fortress, be
properly
grounded
by using a
special wrist
or ankle
strap, or
touch a
safely
grounded
object.
2.Ground yourself to prevent damaging static discharge by using an anti-static wrist or ankle strap, or
touch a safely grounded metal object.
3.Remove the Dual Fortress from its packaging.
4.Configure and verify the system board’s jumper settings (refer to Jumper Settings in Chapter 2).
5.Install the CPU and the system memory. Be sure to
attach the Retention Mechanism as described in
Chapter 3.
6.Install the system board in the chassis and make all
necessary case connections.
7.Install any ISA and/or PCI add-on peripherals.
8.Connect any optional devices.
9.Turn the computer on and press the <DEL> key
when you see the screen shown in Figure 1.1.
10. Set the time and date. Adjust the BIOS settings to
match your configuration. If installing an IDE drive,
select the IDE device you wish to configure. Press
ENTER with Autotype Fixed Disk selected and the
BIOS will automatically configure the drive for you
(refer to Chapter 4).
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
9
Page 12
Chapter 1: Quick Installation
Figure 1.1: Power-Up Screen
11. After you have configured the Main Setup menu,
make any desired setting configurations in the Advanced and Security menu. When finished, go to the
exit screen, select “Save Changes and Exit” and you are
finished with the BIOS configuration (see Chapter 4).
12. Install the sound device drivers (optional). Refer to
Chapter 5.
10
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
Page 13
Chapter 2: Configuring the Dual Fortress
Chapter
2
Configuring the Dual Fortress
Although the Dual Fortress system board is packaged in
materials that are designed to protect it from physical
damage and static electricity, it is important to use care
while unpacking the board and setting it up.
Static Electricity
The Dual Fortress is shipped from the factory in an antistatic bag. To reduce the possibility of damage from
static discharge, it is important to neutralize any static
charges your body may have accumulated before handling the board.
The best way to do this is to ground yourself using a
special anti-static wrist or ankle strap. If you do not have
an anti-static strap available, touch both of your hands
to a safely grounded object, such as the power supply or
chassis of a computer that is connected to the power
socket. After you have grounded yourself, ground the
Dual Fortress board via one of the solder pads that
surround its mounting holes. When you remove the
Dual Fortress from its packaging, place it on top of the
anti-static bag, and carefully inspect the board for damage which might have occurred during shipment.
Environment Considerations
Make sure the finished computer system is in an area
with good ventilation. The system should not be in direct
sunlight, near heaters, or exposed to moisture, dust, or
dirt.
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
11
Page 14
Chapter 2: Configuring the Dual Fortress
Dual Fortress System Board
12
Figure 2-1. Dual Fortress System Board Diagram
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
Page 15
Chapter 2: Configuring the Dual Fortress
Jumper Settings
This section provides the jumper settings for the Dual Fortress system
board.
Table 2-1 lists the jumper settings to select the system speed settings.
Table 2-2 lists the settings to clear the CMOS. With your computer's
power off, close pins 2-3, wait ten seconds and place the jumper back
on pins 1-2. (The jumper must be placed back on pins 1-2 for the system
to function properly.) NOTE: This will reset all BIOS default settings. Any
changes you have made will be lost.
repmuJnoitcnuFsgnitteS
3W)tluafed(lamroN
SOMCraelC
Table 2-2: Clear CMOS Settings
2-1
3-2
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
13
Page 16
Chapter 2: Configuring the Dual Fortress
Table 2-3 lists all of the connectors and their functions.
This chapter explains how to install the Dual Fortress
system board, memory, CPU and peripherals.
WARNING: Before installing or removing any peripherals
or components, make sure you have a clear work space and
that you adhere to all anti-static precautions described in
Chapter 1. Micronics recommends that only trained technicians install and configure the system board.
Damage which occurs to the board while adding or removing
peripherals or components may void the warranty. If problems arise while installing peripherals, contact the computer
dealer where you purchased the peripheral or Micronics’
Technical Support Department.
System Memory Support
The flexibility of the Dual Fortress is augmented by its
support for EDO, BEDO and FPM DRAM memory and
ECC. The Dual Fortress supports ECC (with 72-bit
DIMMs) via the chipset.
EDO memory is designed to keep data available to the
processor for an extended period of time. The EDO
memory support extends the performance of conventional DRAM memory. The result is an improvement in
memory-access performance on the Dual Fortress system board.
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
17
Page 20
Chapter 3: Installing the Dual Fortress
Installing the Dual Fortress
Installation of the Dual Fortress system board depends on
the type of case you use. The Dual Fortress is designed for
the ATX form factor and must be installed in an ATX
chassis.
NOTE: If you are unfamiliar with installing a system board,
Micronics highly recommends that you read the computer user’s
manual or contact your dealer’s technical support department.
Tools Required
Micronics recommends using the following tools to install
the Dual Fortress:
❏Small Phillips screwdriver
❏Tweezers or a pair of needle-nose pliers
❏Tray (to hold loose screws)
Equipment Required
Micronics recommends using the following equipment
with the Dual Fortress for a typical configuration:
❏ATX chassis with standard hardware.
❏A high-quality ATX power supply capable of providing
continuous power within a 3 volt range. A power filter
may be used with a noisy AC power source.
❏PS/2 mouse and compatible keyboard.
❏Eight ohm speaker.
❏Standard ribbon cables for internal connections.
❏Standard power cord (grounded).
18
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
Page 21
For long
term
reliability,
Micronics
recommends
using
DIMMs with
gold-plated
contacts.
The use of
tin-plated
contacts
may conflict
with the
gold alloy
on the
DIMM
socket.
Chapter 3: Installing the Dual Fortress
System Memory
System memory is necessary to operate the Dual Fortress
system board. The Dual Fortress has four 3.3V unbuffered
64/72-bit, 168-pin DIMM sockets for a maximum of 1GB
of memory. Support is provided for EDO, BEDO and FPM
DRAM memory. This section list the rules for adding
memory to the Dual Fortress, give some examples of
common memory configurations and show how to physically install the memory.
Adding Memory
The following is a list of rules to follow when installing
DIMMs. If you follow these rules, your upgrade should be
trouble-free:
❏Use 70ns or faster DIMMs.
❏DIMM memory modules support FPM, EDO and
BEDO (unbuffered) memory types.
❏Singled-sided and double-sided memory modules are
supported.
❏Different memory types and sizes in separate banks
will cause the performance of the memory to run at
the speed of the slowest RAM installed.
168-Pin DIMM
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
19
Page 22
Chapter 3: Installing the Dual Fortress
Memory Configurations
DIMM memory configuration is auto-banking and therefore does not need to be installed in any particular order.
The following table lists the most common memory
configurations.
To install the DIMMs, locate the memory banks on the
system board and perform the following steps:
1.Hold the DIMM so that the notched edge is aligned
with the notch on the DIMM socket (Figure 3-2).
2.Insert the DIMM at a 90 degree angle.
3.Gently push the DIMM straight down until it locks
into place (past the release tabs).
Figure 3-1: Installing a 168-Pin DIMM
Removing DIMMs
To remove DIMMs, follow the steps below:
1.With both thumbs (or fingers), press the release tabs
away from the socket.
2.With the DIMM free from the release tabs, lift the
module up and place in an anti-static bag or package.
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
23
Page 26
Chapter 3: Installing the Dual Fortress
CPU Installation
The Dual Fortress is designed to support single or dual
Pentium II processors. The Pentium II processor comes
installed in a Single Edge Contact (SEC) cartridge that
connects into "Slot 1" on the system board.
A Retention Mechanism is supplied to anchor the processor to the system board. Attach the Retention Mechanism before inserting the processor.
Installing the CPU Retention Mechanism
Before you begin, verify that your Retention Mechanism
Kit contains the following items:
❏Retention Base (black plastic module)
❏Support Bridges with Studs (plastic
mounts).
Support Bridge
with Studs
Follow the steps below to install the kit:
1.Locate the four Retention Base holes (near each end
of the Slot 1 socket). Insert the two Support Bridges
with studs (plastic mounts) from the bottom side of
the Dual Fortress toward the component side until
they snap into place.
(Orient the loops toward
the outer edges of the
system board)
Retention
Base
24
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
Page 27
Chapter 3: Installing the Dual Fortress
2.Place the Retention Base over the Slot 1 connector
and insert it down into the Support Bridges with
studs. Note the “Keyed” location of both Slot 1 and
the Retention Base.
Keyed
Retention Base
3.Using a screwdriver, tighten all four
sides of the Retention Base.
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
25
Page 28
Chapter 3: Installing the Dual Fortress
Installing a CPU
If you are installing a single CPU, the
Terminator
Card
Primary CPU slot must be used. You
must also install a terminator card in
the Secondary slot.
Secondary Slot
If you are installing dual CPU’s, you must install the VRM
in the VRM socket.
Voltage
Regulator
Module
Follow the steps below to install the Pentium II processor:
1.Locate the Slot 1 connector (refer to Figure 2-1).
2.If you are installing the boxed version of the Pentium
II processor, follow the instructions in the section
“CPU Installation (Boxed version).”
3.If you are installing the optional Heat Sink Support,
continue to step 4; if not, go to step 5.
4.The Heatsink components consist of a top bar, base
and two pins. Gently insert the Heatsink base into
the holes next to the DIMM 1 socket. Push down
until the base snaps into place.
Top Bar
Pin
Base
Pin
26
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
Page 29
Chapter 3: Installing the Dual Fortress
5.Gently insert the processor cartridge down into the
Retention Module, making sure the connector on
the processor cartridge and the connector on the
Slot 1 connector are aligned (refer to the keyed
location on the previous page).
6.Push the processor cartridge down until it snaps into
place.
7.Lock the processor cartridge into place by pushing
outward on the tabs located on both sides of the
processor cartridge. The processor cartridge is locked
when the tabs snap into the holes on the side of the
Bridge.
8.After the processor cartridge is locked into place,
connect the Heatsink’s top bar to the base.
9.Lock the base into place by inserting a pin down into
the base on both sides.
10. Make sure the speed selection jumpers are set correctly (refer to Chapter 2 - Jumper Settings).
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
27
Page 30
Chapter 3: Installing the Dual Fortress
CPU Installation Overview
CPU Installation
Overview
1. Mount the Retention
Mechanism for the
CPU.
2. Mount the (optional)
heatsink support base
onto the system board.
3
3. Slide the CPU into the
Retention Mechanism.
4
4. Lock the CPU into the
Retention mechanism
using the tabs.
5. Slide in the Heat Sink
Top Bar, then insert
the pins to lock it in
place.
1
2
28
5
Figure 3-2: Installing a CPU
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
Page 31
Chapter 3: Installing the Dual Fortress
CPU Installation (Boxed version)
A boxed version of the CPU is offered through Intel. This
packaging uses an active cooling fan. The mounting
hardware is described below. For detailed instructions,
please refer to the documentation that is supplied with
your CPU.
NOTE: Make sure the speed selection jumpers are set
correctly (refer to Chapter 2 - Jumper Settings).
3
4
Figure 3-3: Installing a CPU (Boxed version)
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
3
1
2
Install to
system board
29
Page 32
Chapter 3: Installing the Dual Fortress
Installing a PCI Peripheral Card
Micronics PCI slots accommodate all PCI peripherals
that meet the PCI 2.1 specifications. Follow the steps
below to install a PCI card:
1.Turn the computer system off and remove its cover.
2.Choose an unused PCI slot and remove the slot
cover.
3.Insert the card with the bottom edge level to the slot.
Never insert the card at an angle.
4.Carefully push the card straight down, making sure
the card is fully inserted.
5.Replace the screw which holds the card in place.
6.Replace the computer cover.
7.Refer to the PCI card’s documentation additional
instructions regarding installation and software drivers.
30
Figure 3-4: Installing a PCI Card
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
Page 33
Chapter 3: Installing the Dual Fortress
Installing an ISA Peripheral Card
Micronics ISA slots accommodate all standard ISA peripherals. Follow the steps below to install a PCI card:
1.Turn the computer system off and remove its cover.
2.Choose an unused ISA slot and remove the slot
cover.
3.Insert the card with the bottom edge level to the slot.
Never insert the card at an angle.
4.Carefully push the card straight down, making sure
the card is inserted fully.
5.Replace the screw that holds the card in place.
6.Replace the computer cover.
7.Refer to the ISA card’s documentation for additional
instructions regarding installation and software drivers.
Figure 3-5: Installing an ISA Peripheral Card
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
31
Page 34
Chapter 3: Installing the Dual Fortress
Installing a CD-ROM Drive
If you are installing a CD-ROM drive, Micronics recommends the installation of an IDE CD-ROM drive. The
instructions below will help you with the installation, but also
refer to the documentation that accompanied your CD-ROM
drive.
Before starting the setup and installation, make sure your
computer is off and the power cord is disconnected from
the wall outlet. Your CD-ROM drive kit should contain
the following items for a successful installation:
❏CD-ROM Drive with installation hardware
❏Interface Cable
❏CD Audio Cable
1.Connect the ribbon cable as described in the CDROM’s documentation, making sure the red stripe
on the cable is aligned with pin 1 of the connectors.
2.Connect the audio cable to the CD-ROM drive's
audio connector.
3.Connect the other end of the audio cable to the
MPC-2 compatible CD-ROM audio connector on
the Dual Fortress system board (see Figures 2.1 and
2.2).
4.Connect the power supply cable to the CD-ROM
drive's power connector.
5.Install the CD-ROM device drivers. CD-ROM drives
require device drivers to access the drive and are
generally provided by the manufacturer of the CDROM drive. Usually one device driver is added to
the CONFIG.SYS file and one to the
AUTOEXEC.BAT file.
6.If you are using the CD-ROM drive in an MS-DOS
environment, the utility MSCDEX.EXE must also
be added to the AUTOEXEC.BAT file. Consult
your DOS manual for more information.
32
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
Page 35
Chapter 3: Installing the Dual Fortress
Dual Fortress Sound Option
You can connect external sound devices to your Dual
Fortress system board to take advantage of the optional
sound support (refer to Figure 2.2). The sound option
includes 16-bit stereo sound and a game and MIDI port.
See Chapter 5 for information on installing sound device
drivers.
Connecting Sound Devices
Figure 3-6: Connecting External Sound Devices
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
33
Page 36
Chapter 3: Installing the Dual Fortress
Game Port
You can use the Game Port connector to connect an IBM
PC compatible joystick or MIDI instrument.
Line Out
The Line Out jack allows you to connect the audio output
of the audio controller to your home stereo, VCR, or
amplified speakers.
Line In
You may connect an external mono or stereo audio
source to the audio controller, such as a tape player or
radio. Use the appropriate converter cable to interface to
your external equipment.
MIC In
The MIC In jack will accommodate a 300-600 ohm
microphone.
34
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
Page 37
Chapter 4: The BIOS Setup Utility
Chapter
4
The BIOS Setup Utility
Configuration
After the Dual Fortress system board and all hardware is
installed, the system is ready for configuration. Before
turning on the computer, make sure all cables are correctly connected and all jumpers are correctly set.
We recommend that you keep the computer cover off the
first time you boot the system. This makes it faster and
easier to correct any difficulties that might arise.
Initial Boot Up
Power up the Dual Fortress. If the system does not
properly boot, check all your cables and peripherals for
bad connections. You may also get beep codes or error
messages. If this occurs, consult Appendix B for a guide
to possible solutions.
After the system properly boots, it is ready to be configured. The following information explains the proper
procedures for BIOS configuration.
Setup
The Setup program is used to configure the computer’s
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). The computer’s
BIOS is responsible for configuring the system board and
providing hardware information to the operating system.
In order for the computer to run properly, run the Setup
procedure after first installing the system board and
whenever you make a hardware change to the system.
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
35
Page 38
Chapter 4: The BIOS Setup Utility
When the system is turned on, it performs a memory test,
and a BIOS identification and system information screen
is displayed on your monitor, as shown in Figure 4-1.
Figure 4-1: Power-Up Screen
When “Press <F2> to enter Setup” appears at the
bottom of the screen, press the <F2> key to start the
Setup program. The main CMOS Setup utility screen
(Figure 4-2) appears. Note that the Setup program can
only be activated during the boot sequence.
36
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
Page 39
Chapter 4: The BIOS Setup Utility
Running the Setup Procedure
The Dual Fortress system board has six primary CMOS
configuration screens: Main Screen, Advanced Screen,
Security Screen, Power Screen, Boot Screen and Exit
Screen. To toggle between the screens, press the right
arrow <→> and the left arrow < ←> keys.
Setting the Main Screen
The CMOS Main screen (Figure 4-2) is used to set the
time and date, to set the floppy drive types, to configure
IDE hard disks and to configure the video. This chapter
explains how to configure each of these categories. To
move between the categories, use the up and down arrow
<↑/↓> keys.
Figure 4-2: CMOS Main Screen
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
37
Page 40
Chapter 4: The BIOS Setup Utility
System Time and Date
To set the time, use the <-> key to decrease the number
and the <+> key to increase the number. To move the
prompt forward, use the <Tab> key; to move the prompt
backward, use the <Shift-Tab> key. To set the date, use
the up and down arrows<↑/↓> to highlight the System
Date and follow the same procedure used to set the time.
Diskette A or B
To configure a floppy drive added to or removed from
your computer, use the up and down arrow keys <↑/↓>
to select the desired drive. Use the <+/-> keys to change
the setting until it matches the floppy drive you installed.
The BIOS supports 2.88MB, 1.44MB, 1.2MB, 720KB,
and 360KB floppy drives.
Numlock
Setting this to ON activates Numlock upon boot. Setting
this to Auto (default) activates Numlock if the BIOS
detects a numeric keyboard. It may also be set to OFF.
External Cache
This selection allows you to enable the external memory
cache. For optimal performance, select Enabled.
Video BIOS
The Video BIOS category allows you to Shadow or
Shadow & Cache the video BIOS. Choosing Shadowed
& Cached (default) caches the shadowed video BIOS for
even higher performance. Choosing Shadowed copies
the video BIOS into RAM for faster execution. To disable
the Video BIOS category, select Disabled.
38
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
Page 41
Chapter 4: The BIOS Setup Utility
System BIOS
The System BIOS category allows you to Shadow or
Shadow & Cache the system BIOS. Choosing Shadowed
& Cached (default) caches the shadowed system BIOS
for even higher performance. Choosing Shadowed copies
the system BIOS into RAM for faster execution. To
disable the System BIOS category, select Disabled.
System Memory
The System Memory category identifies the size of the
base memory. It cannot be changed.
Extended Memory
The Extended Memory category automatically detects
the amount of memory installed above the amount in the
System Memory category. Because the BIOS automatically calculates the amount of memory installed in your
system, you cannot change this category without adding
or removing memory.
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
39
Page 42
Chapter 4: The BIOS Setup Utility
Figure 4-3: IDE Device Submenu
Type
This category selects the drive type installed in the
system. The options are Auto (default), 1-39, User and
None. If Autotype Fixed Disk does not find your drive’s
parameters, fill this information in manually under the
User category. This information may be in the manual
which came with your system. If not, contact your dealer
or the hard drive manufacturer to fill in this category. If
you are using a SCSI hard drive, select None and refer to
the documentation which came with the SCSI adapter.
Multiple-Sector Transfers
This category determines the number of sectors per block
for multiple sector transfers. The options are Auto (default), Disabled, 2 Sectors, 4 Sectors, 6 Sectors, 8 Sectors
and 16 Sectors.
40
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
Page 43
Chapter 4: The BIOS Setup Utility
LBA Mode Control
Enabling this selection causes LBA (Logical Block Addressing) to be used in place of Cylinders, Heads and
Sectors. The default setting is Enabled.
32-Bit I/O
This category allows you to enable the 32-bit I/O function
of the PCI IDE controller. Select Disabled if your drive
will not run at this speed. The default setting is Disabled.
Transfer Mode
This category sets the transfer speeds for IDE devices.
The Standard option is the default setting. The Fast PIO
1, Fast PIO 2, Fast PIO 3 and Fast PIO 4 options are for
higher speed devices.
Smart Monitoring
This feature will monitor your hard drive and report any
problems detected. The default setting cannot be changed.
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
41
Page 44
Chapter 4: The BIOS Setup Utility
Setting the Advanced Screen
To move to the Advanced screen, use the left and right
arrow keys <←/→> keys until you see the screen below.
Figure 4-4: Advanced Screen
Serial Port A
Serial Port A may be configured using the following
options: Disabled (No configuration), Enabled (User
configuration), Auto (BIOS configuration) and PnP
O/S (O/S configuration).
Serial Port B
Serial Port B may be configured using the following
options: Disabled (No configuration), Enabled (User
configuration), Auto (BIOS configuration) and PnP
O/S (O/S configuration).
42
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
Page 45
Chapter 4: The BIOS Setup Utility
Parallel Port
The parallel port may be configured using the following
options: Disabled (No configuration), Enabled (User
configuration), Auto (BIOS configuration) and PnP
O/S (O/S configuration).
Floppy Disk Controller
The selection allows you to enable or disable the floppy
disk controller.
Integrated PCI IDE
Enables or disables the integrated Local Bus IDE adapter.
The IDE controller may be set for Primary, Both (default)
or Disabled.
Integrated Sound
Enables or disables the integrated sound interface. The
default setting is Enabled.
LM78
Enable or disable the integrated LM78 microprocessor
system hardware monitor. The LM78 can be used to
monitor temperatures, power supply voltages and fan
speeds.
Use MP Specification
This selection allows you to select the 1.1 (default) or 1.4
multiprocessor specification.
Plug & Play O/S
This selection allows your system to work with a Plug and
Play operating system such as Windows 95. The default
setting is No. NOTE: This selection should be set to No
when using Windows 3.1 or Windows NT.
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
43
Page 46
Chapter 4: The BIOS Setup Utility
Reset Configuration Data
Select Yes to reset Extended System Configuration Data
(ESCD) when you exit Setup. This selection allows the
PnP BIOS to detect your PCI and ISA PnP devices and
reallocate resources to them. The default setting is No.
PCI Configuration
Use this selection for additional setup menus to configure
PCI devices.
PS/2 Mouse
When disabled, this selection prevents the PS/2 mouse
from functioning and frees up IRQ12. Selecting Enabled
(default) allows the operating system to determine whether
to enable or disable the mouse.
Secured Setup Configuration
Select Yes if you want the system settings to be secured
from change by a Plug and Play operating system. The
default setting is No.
Large Disk Access Mode
If you are using a DOS operating system (MS-DOS,
Novell DOS or PC-DOS), set to DOS (default). If you are
using anything else, set to OTHER.
DRAM Type
The DRAM type can be set for Non-Parity (default),
Parity or ECC. Selecting ECC will detect the parity error
and allow the system to correct the error.
44
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
Page 47
Chapter 4: The BIOS Setup Utility
Security Screen
The Security screen controls access to the computer.
The security screen allows for settings of two passwords.
The Supervisor Password allows access to the system and
Setup. The User Password allows access to the system,
but not to all Setup features.
Figure 4-5: Security Setup Screen
Set Supervisor Password
This selection controls access to the Setup utility. Press
the ENTER key to enter the Supervisor Password
submenu. The screen on the following page appears. This
value is access speed, so a lower value means a faster
system.
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
45
Page 48
Chapter 4: The BIOS Setup Utility
Figure 4-6: Supervisor Password Submenu
Type the password and press the ENTER key. Retype the
password and press the ENTER key again. Write down
the password somewhere safe so it will not be forgotten.
The password may be disabled by setting the new password to nothing (pressing the ENTER key without first
typing a password).
WARNING: If you forget the Supervisor Password, it cannot
be disabled without discharging the CMOS.
Set User Password
This selection controls access to the Setup utility. Follow
the same procedure used to set the Supervisor Password.
NOTE: After a password is entered, it is saved immediately.
All other changes may still be discarded (see Exit Screen).
46
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
Page 49
Chapter 4: The BIOS Setup Utility
Password on Boot
When enabled, the system requires a password upon
power up. Either the Supervisor or User Password may be
entered.
Fixed Disk Boot Sector
This selection allows the boot sector of the fixed disk to
be write protected. The default setting is Normal. When
set for Write Protected, it serves as a form of virus
protection. If the passwords are enabled, this option may
only be changed by the Supervisor.
Diskette Access
This selection allows floppy disk access with an option of
the supervisor or user. Selecting Supervisor (default)
gives floppy disk access to the supervisor only. Selecting
User gives floppy disk access to both the user and the
supervisor. If the passwords are enabled, this option may
only be changed by the Supervisor.
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
47
Page 50
Chapter 4: The BIOS Setup Utility
Power Screen
The Power Screen controls the power management functions of the system. To move to the Power Screen, use the
left and right arrow <←/→> keys until it appears
(Figure 4-7). To move between the categories, use the up
and down arrow keys <↑/↓>.
Figure 4-7: Power Screen
Power Management
This selection allows you to change the system power
management settings. Maximum Power Savings conserves the greatest amount of system power. Maximum
Performance conserves power but allows greatest system
performance. To alter these settings, choose Customize.
To turn off power management, choose Disabled (default).
48
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
Page 51
Chapter 4: The BIOS Setup Utility
Standby Time-out
The Standby Time-out selection sets the amount of time
that elapses for the system to enter Standby Mode.
Standby Mode turns off various devices in the system,
including the display screen, until you start using the
system again. The options are Off (default), 1 min., 2
min., 4 min., 6 min., 8 min., 12 min. or 16 min.
Auto Suspend Time-out
The Standby Time-out selection sets the amount of time
that elapses for the system to enter Suspend Mode. The
options are Off (default), 5 min., 10 min., 15 min., 20
min., 30 min., 40 min. or 60 min. Before making changes,
"Customized" must be selected in the Power Management Mode selection.
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
49
Page 52
Chapter 4: The BIOS Setup Utility
Boot Screen
The Boot screen allows you to configure the power up
system configuration settings. To move to the Boot
Screen, use the left and right arrow <←/→> keys until
it appears (Figure 4-8). To move between the categories,
use the up and down arrow keys <↑/↓>.
Figure 4-8: Boot Screen
Hard Drive Boot Order
This selection will read the diskette drive (default) and
the hard drive in sequence on boot.
Floppy Check
This selection checks for the existence of a floppy drive.
The default setting is Enabled.
50
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
Page 53
Chapter 4: The BIOS Setup Utility
Exit Screen
After you complete configuring the BIOS, select the Exit
screen. To move to the Exit Screen, use the left and
right arrow <←/→> keys until it appears (Figure 4-9).
To move between the categories, use the up and down
arrow keys <↑/↓>.
Figure 4-9: Exit Screen
Choose “Save Changes and Exit” and reboot the computer. Your computer is ready for use. wake-up event is
keyboard activity.
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
51
Page 54
Chapter 4: The BIOS Setup Utility
52
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
Page 55
Chapter 5: Installing Device Drivers
Chapter
5
Installing Device Drivers
This chapter explains how to install the software device
drivers and utilities necessary to utilize the optional
sound support. Other drivers and utilities are available
through our online services.
About Device Drivers
Device drivers are necessary for the computer system to
communicate with devices such as CD-ROM drives,
sound controllers, graphics adapters or devices that are
not natively supported by the system BIOS. Once started,
device drivers remain active in the background of the
computer system. Usually a device driver is added to the
CONFIG.SYS file, the AUTOEXEC.BAT file or both.
Installing the Sound Drivers
Once you have connected your external sound devices,
you can install the sound drivers. NOTE: If you are
installing a CD-ROM drive, it is recommended you
install it before setting up the sound devices. See Installing a CD-ROM Drive in Chapter 3.
1. Follow the instructions in Chapter 3 on connecting
external sound devices.
2. If you previously installed another sound card, remove it and all associated files from your
AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files. If you
are using Windows 3.1x, you must also remove all
associated files from the WIN.INI and SYSTEM.INI
files. (For more information, please contact the sound
driver manufacturer.)
3. Start your computer system.
4. Insert the sound driver disk into your floppy drive.
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
53
Page 56
Chapter 5: Installing Device Drivers
5. If you are using Windows 3.1x, go to the Program
Manager File menu, click on Run and type A:\SETUP.
6. If you are using Windows 95, refer to the Windows 95
user’s manual for instructions on how to install sound
drivers.
7. If you are using Windows NT, refer to the Windows
NT user’s manual for instructions on how to install
sound drivers.
8. If you are using OS/2, refer to the README file on
the OS/2 disk for instructions on how to install sound
drivers.
9. Once the software is copied, the install program
automatically updates the system files.
54
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
Page 57
Appendix A: Technical Information
Appendix
A
Specifications
Part Number:09-00301
Processor:Intel Pentium II chip - 233/266 MHz
Dual Intel Slot 1
One integrated VRM and one VRM
socket.
CPU Clock Select: Frequency synthesizer chip
Support for 66MHz CPU bus
Chipset:Intel 440FX PCIset
Intel PIIX 3
SMC FDC37C93x Ultra I/O chip
Form Factor:ATX footprint
Four layer board
Double stack I/O shield
20-pin ATX power connector
Expansion:Four 32-bit PCI slots
Two 16-bit ISA slots
(One is a shared PCI/ISA slot)
BIOS:Phoenix 4.06 BIOS on 2MB Flash
APM 1.2
PCI auto configuration
Auto detection of memory size
Auto detection and display of EDO
memory.
Auto detection CPU fan failure
Auto detection of IDE hard disk types
Soft Power Down
DMI
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
55
Page 58
Appendix A: Technical Information
Memory Capacity: Maximum memory - 1GB
Four unbuffered 168-pin DIMM sockets
Supports FPM, EDO and BEDO DRAM memory
ECC supported via chipset when using parity
Keyboard/Mouse: PS/2 style keyboard and mouse connectors
Cache:256K or 512K Level 2 cache in CPU package
Onboard Sound:Yamaha OPL3 and OPL4
(optional)Sound Blaster compatible 16-bit stereo
Line In, Line Out, MIC and Game/MIDI ports
4-pin CD-ROM audio header
4-pin Line In header (ATAPI)
Built-in wavetable synthesis
Sound drivers
HardwareLM78 Microprocessor System Hardware Monitor
Management:
I/O Ports:Two high speed serial ports (16550 compatible)
Enhanced 25-pin Parallel Port with ECP and EPP
IrDA compliant IR header
Two USB connectors
Floppy Port:Supports 360K - 2.88MB formats
Auto detection of add-in floppy controllers
PCI IDE Ports:Two 40-pin IDE connectors
(Primary and Secondary IDE).
Multiple sector transfer support
Auto detection of add-in IDE board
56
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
Page 59
Appendix A: Technical Information
Environmental Specifications
The environment in which the Dual Fortress is located is
critical. Micronics recommends the following environmental
specifications:
Temperature Range
Operating: 50 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 40 degrees
Celsius).
Non -Operating: 50 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 60 degrees
Celsius).
Shipping: -22 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit (-30 to 60 degrees
Celsius).
Relative Humidity
Operating: 20% to 80%.
Non-Operating: 5% to 90%.
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
57
Page 60
Appendix A: Technical Information
Battery Disposal
WARNING:
Please do not open battery, dispose of in fire, recharge, put in
backwards or mix with used or other battery types. The battery
may explode or leak and cause personal injury.
58
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
Page 61
Appendix A: Technical Information
Support and Information Services
Micronics offers a variety of support and information
services to help you get the most from your product. The
following services are available:
▲ Technical Support
▲ Electronic Bulletin Board Service (BBS)
▲ Return Materials Authorization (RMA)
▲ Fax-On-Demand
▲ World Wide Web
▲ Customer Service
Refer to Table A-1 for details on these services.
Technical Support
If you need technical assistance, our Technical Support
Engineers will be glad to help you. You can contact us via
telephone, fax or BBS. Before calling Technical Support
please have the following information ready:
❏ The model name and 09 part number of your Micron-
ics product, which is silk screened on the face of the
Dual Fortress system board.
❏ Your computer information such as CPU type, operat-
ing system, amount of installed memory and other
peripherals installed in your computer.
❏ Try to call from the location of your computer.
NOTE: For Return Material Authorization purposes, please
keep a copy of your product receipt.
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
59
Page 62
Appendix A: Technical Information
ServiceHoursCountryTelephone Number
Technical Support - Live phone help
from Technical Support Engineers
Electronic Bulletin Board Service
(BBS) - Information on software
upgrades, new releases and other
helpful information
RMA (Return Materials
Authorization) - Return products for
repair
Fax-On-Demand - Automated
system for product literature,
technical bulletins and other helpful
information
World Wide Web - Product
information, technical support, press
releases and other helpful
information
Customer Service - Order Micronics
and Orchid products
The following table lists the Power On Self Test (POST)
messages, possible causes and solutions.
MessagePossible CauseSolution
DISKETTE DRIVE A
FAILURE
DISKETTE DRIVE B
FAILURE
EXTENDED RAM
FAILED AT
OFFSET: nnnn
FAILING BITS: nnnn
FIXED DISK X
FAILURE (where X
=0 or 1)
FIXED DISK
CONTROLLER
FAILURE
INCORR E C T DR I V E
A TYPE
INCORR E C T DR I V E
B TYPE
INVALID NVRAM
MEDIA TYPE
KEYBOARD
ERROR, or
KEYBOARD
CONTROLLER
ERROR
KEYBOARD
ERROR nn
KEYBOARD
LOCKED
Drive A failed or is
missing.
Drive B failed or is
missing.
Extended memory not
working or configured
properly.
Memory failure in
System, Extended, or
Shadow memo ry.
The hard disk is not
configured or working
properly.
The control ler card has
failed.
Floppy dri ve A: not set
correctly in Setup.
Floppy dri ve A: not set
correctly in Setup.
NVRAM chip is bad.Requires repair of system
The keyboard or
keyboard controller
failed.
A key is jammed or was
held down during boot.
Keyswitch on the front of
the case is locked.
Check Setup and cable
connections.
Check Setup and cable
connections.
Replace defective
memory.
Replace defective
memory.
Rerun SETUP and check
connections, or replace
hard disk.
Check configuration and
connections, or replace
controller card.
Run Setup.
Run Setup.
board.
Check connections. You
may have to replace the
keyboard or controller.
Make sure the keys are
not jammed or dirty.
Unlock the keyswitch.
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
61
Page 64
Appendix B: POST Messages
MessagePossible CauseSolution
MONITOR TYPE
DOES NOT MATCH
CMOS
OPERATING
SYSTEM NOT
FOUND
PARITY CHECK 1
nnnn
PARITY CHECK 2
nnnn
PREVIOUS BOOT
INCOMPLETE DEFAULT
CONFIGURATION
USED
REAL TIME CLOCK
ERROR
SHADOW RAM
FAILED AT OFFSET
SYSTEM BATT ERY
IS DEAD
SYSTEM CACHE
ERROR - CACHE
DISABLED
SYSTEM CMO S
CHECKSUM BAD RUN SETUP
SYSTEM RAM
FAILED AT
OFFSET: nnnn
SYSTEM TIMER
ERROR
Monitor type not
correctly identified in
Setup.
Operating syst em
cannot be located on
Drive C: or Drive A:
Parity error found in the
system bus.
Parity error found in the
I/O bus.
Previous POST did not
complete successfully.
Real-time clock failed
BIOS test.
Shadow RAM failed.May require repair of
System battery died.Replace the system
External (L2) c ache
failed BIOS test.
System CMOS has been
corrupted or modified
incorrectly.
System RAM failed .Replace defective RAM.
Timer test failed.Requires repair of system
Run Setup and enter
correct monitor type.
Check Setup to see if
Drive A: and C: are
properly configured, or
put a bootable disk in
Drive A:
Check Setup. Board
repair may be required.
Check Setup. Board
repair may be required.
Run Setup, load default
BIOS settings, make any
necessary adjustments,
and save the changes
May require battery
replacement or board
repair.
system board.
battery and ru n Setup to
reconfigure t he system.
System will still run, but
slower. Replace cache
at convenience.
Run Setup and
reconfigure t he system.
board.
62
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
Page 65
Appendix C: Beep and POST Codes
Appendix
C
Beep and POST Codes
Beep codes are a series of beeps sent through the speaker
which indicate a problem during the Power On Self Test
(POST). If text appears on the video screen, the Dual
Fortress has completed POST; any other tone from the
speaker indicates something other than a POST error.
These tones are not described in the tables on the follow-
ing pages.
The beep error codes are a series of beeps. The duration
of the beep tones are constant, but the length of the
pauses between the beeps varies. For example: a 1-3-3
beep code will sound like one beep, a pause; three beeps
consecutively, another pause and then three more beeps.
One beep code is often misunderstood. If a video card is
not installed or is failing, the system board will generate
a long-short-long-short beep code. This is often interpreted as a 1-2-1 beep code. But POST errors always vary
in the length of the pause and not the duration of the beep
tone.
Another way of identifying a POST error is to use a device
called a POST card. This peripheral card is inserted into
one of the ISA slots and has an LED (or LCD) read out
showing the contents of port 80h.
The following tables list all beep codes and POST routines.
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
63
Page 66
Appendix C: Beep and POST Codes
CodeBeepsPOST Routine Description
02Verify Real Mode.
04Get CPU type.
06Initialize system hardware.
08Initialize chip s et regis t ers w ith initial POST values.
09Get in POST R eg.
0AInitialize CPU registers.
0CInitialize cach e init ial POST values.
OEInitialize I/O.
OFInitialize the localbus IDE.
10Initialize Pow er M anagement.
11Load alternate registers with initial POST values.
12Jump to UserPatch0.
14Initialize keyboard controller.
162-2-3BIOS ROM che c k su m .
188254 timer initializa tion .
1A823 7 DM A c ontroller initialization.
1CReset Progra m m able Interrupt Controller.
203-1-1Test DRAM r efresh.
223-1-3Test 8742 Keyboard Controller.
24Set ES segment register to 4 GB.
28Autosize DRAM.
2AClear 512K base RAM.
2C3-4-1Test 512K base address lines.
2E3-4-3Test 512K base memory.
32Test CPU bus-clock frequency.
34Test CMOS RAM.
35Initialize altern at e c hipset registers.
37Reinitialize the chipset (MB only).
38Shadow system BIOS ROM.
39Reinitialize th e c ac he (MB only).
3AAutosize cache.
3CConfigure advanced chipset registers.
3DLoad alternate registers with CMOS values.
40Set initial CPU speed.
42Initialize interrup t vectors.
44Initialize BIOS interrupts.
462-1-2-3Check ROM copyright notice.
47Initialize man ager for PCI Option ROMs.
48Check v ideo configuration ag ainst CMOS.
49Initialize PCI bus and devices.
64
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
Page 67
Appendix C: Beep and POST Codes
CodeBeepsPOST Routine Description
4AInitialize all video adapters in system.
4CShadow video BIOS ROM.
4EDisplay copyright notice.
50Display CPU type and speed.
51Initialize EISA board.
52Test keyboard.
54Set key click if enabled.
56Enable keyboard.
582-2-3-1Test for unexpected interrupts.
5ADisplay prompt “Press F2 to enter SETUP”.
5CTest RAM between 512 and 640k.
60Test extended memory.
62Test extended memory address lines.
64Jump to UserPatch1.
66Configure advanced cache regist er s .
68Enable external and CPU caches.
6ADisplay external cache size.
6CDisplay shadow message.
6EDisplay non-disposable segments.
70Display error messages.
72Check for configuration errors.
74Test real-time clock.
76Check for keyboard errors.
7CSet up hardware interrupt v ect or s.
7ETest coprocessor if present.
80Disable onboard I/O ports.
82Detect and install external RS232 por ts.
84Detect and install external paral lel por ts.
86Re-initialize on-board I/O ports.
88Initialize BIOSData Area.
8AInitialize Extended BIOS Data Area.
8CInitialize floppy controller.
90Initialize hard-disk controller.
91Initialize localbus hard-disk con troller.
92Jump to UserPatch2.
93Build MPTABLE for multi - pr oc essor boar ds.
94Disable A20 address line.
96Clear huge ES segment register.
98Search for option ROMs.
9AShadow option ROMs.
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
65
Page 68
Appendix C: Beep and POST Codes
CodeBeepsPOST Routi ne De scri ption
9CSet up Power Management.
9EEnable hardware interrupts.
A0Set time of day.
A2Check key lock.
A4Initialize typematic rate.
The following are for boot bl oc k in Flas h ROM:
E2Initialize the chipset.
E3Initialize refresh counter.
E4Check for Forced Flash.
E5Check HW status of ROM.
E6BIOS ROM is OK.
E7Do a complete RAM test.
E8Do OEM initialization.
E9Initialize interrupt controller.
EARead in the bootstrap code.
EBInitialize all vectors.
ECBoot the Flash program.
EDInitialize the boot device.
EEBoot code was read OK.
66
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
Page 69
Appendix D: Hard Disk Drive Types
Appendix
D
Hard Disk Drive Types
The following table lists the IDE hard disk types supported by the Dual Fortress.
If you
encounter
any
problems
during this
process, or
if you have
questions
about the
procedure,
please call
Technical
Support.
Updating the System BIOS
The Micronics system boards are designed so that the
BIOS can be reprogrammed using a BIOS file. You can
easily FLASH a BIOS by following the steps below:
1) After downloading the appropriate BIOS file from
our BBS or Website, extract it to a bootable MSDOS 6.X diskette.
2) Reboot your system with the MS-DOS 6.X diskette
in the A: drive. To make sure a clean DOS environment is loaded, press the F5 key while “Starting MSDOS” is displayed. After the system has rebooted,
the cursor will appear at the A:> prompt.
3) Now you can run the FLASH utility. The filename
should be “PHLASH.EXE.” Type this filename at
the A:> prompt (but don’t include its extension),
followed by a space and the BIOS ROM image’s
filename. This file will be included in the download
and has a file length of about 131K or 262K. For
example, to update the Dual Fortress to BIOS version 01, you would type:
PHLASH DLFT_01.ROM [ENTER]
4) After the update process has completed and the
system reboots, verify that the new BIOS version
appears on-screen. If you have problems during this
process, or if you have questions about the procedure, please call Technical Support.
NOTE: If you prefer to send your system board in for the
upgrade, the RMA department offers this service free of
charge if your system board is under warranty.
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
69
Page 72
Appendix E: Updating the System BIOS
70
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
Page 73
Appendix F: Warranties and Notices
Appendix
F
Limited Warranty
Except as described below, Micronics warrants the products to be free from defects in material and workmanship
in normal use for a period of one (1) year from date of
purchase. Should any product fail to perform according to
this warranty at any time during the warranty period,
except as provided below, Micronics or its authorized
service centers will, at Micronics’ option, repair or replace
the product at no additional charge.
The warranty does not cover loss or damage which occurs
in shipment or which is due to: (1) improper installation
or maintenance, misuse, neglect or any cause other than
ordinary commercial application, including without limitation, accidents or acts of God; (2) adjustment, repair, or
modification by other than a Micronics authorized service
center; (3) improper environment, excessive or inadequate heating or air conditioning, or electrical power
failures, surges or other irregularities; (4) any statement
about the product other than those set forth in this
warranty; or (5) nonconformity to models or samples
shown to the purchaser. Any models or samples were for
the sole purpose of suggesting the character of the product
and are not intended to form the basis of the bargain.
A receipt or copy of the invoice with the date of purchase
from a Micronics reseller is required before any warranty
service can be rendered. Service can be obtained by
calling Micronics for a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) Number.
The RMA Number should be prominently displayed on
the outside of the shipping carton of the returned product.
Returned product should be shipped prepaid or hand
carried to Micronics. The purchaser assumes risk of loss or
damage in transit, and unless otherwise agreed to in
writing by Micronics, will pay inbound shipping charges.
The exclusive remedy of the purchaser under this warranty above will be repair or replace at Micronics’ option,
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
71
Page 74
Appendix F: Warranties and Notices
but if for any reason that remedy should fail of its essential
purpose, the exclusive remedy of the purchaser shall then
be actual damages up to amounts paid for the defective
product by the purchaser. This limited warranty shall be
deemed to “fail of its essential purpose” if, after repeated
efforts, Micronics is unable to make the product operate as
warranted. Micronics’ liability for damages to the purchaser for any cause whatsoever; regardless of the form of
action and whether in contract or in tort, shall be limited
to the purchase price in effect when the cause of action
arose for the product that is the basis of the claim.
Micronics will not be liable for any lost profits or any
indirect, special incidental or consequential damages in
connection with the product, even if Micronics has been
advised of the possibility of such damages.
Micronics makes no warranties or representations as to
performance of products or as to service to distributor or
to any person, except as set forth in Micronics; limited
warranty accompanying delivery of product.
Micronics disclaims all other warranties whether oral,
written, expressed, or implied, including without limitation, the warranties of design, merchantability, or fitness
for a particular purpose, if applicable, or arising from a
course of dealing, usage or trade practice.
Non-Warranty Service
After the one year warranty service is no longer in effect,
repair service is still available for Micronics products. For
more information, contact Micronics’ RMA department
at (510) 661-3030. The RMA department is open between 8:30 A.M. and 4:45P.M. Pacific Standard Time.
72
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
Page 75
Appendix F: Warranties and Notices
FCC Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply
within 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 used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Interference to radio or television reception can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on. You are encouraged to
try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
▲Reorient the receiving antenna.
▲Increase the separation between the equipment and
the receiver.
▲Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit
different from that to which the receiver is connected.
▲Consult your dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
To meet FCC requirements, shielded cables are required.
NOTE: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by
Micronics could void your authority to operate the equipment.
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
73
Page 76
Glossary
Glossary
16550 UART - A high speed chip for
controlling serial ports. Although unnecessary for a mouse, it is required for
modems that are 14,400 baud or faster.
APM - An acronym for Advanced
Power Management.
The APM specification defines a layer of software
that supports power management
in computers with power manageable hardware.
Asynchronous - Operations that do
not require the clocks of communicating devices to be coordinated. See Synchronous.
ATX - A system board size measuring
approximately 12” x 9.6”.
Bidirectional Parallel Port - A type of
parallel port that can send and receive
information.
BIOS - An Acronym for Basic Input/
Output System. Configures the system
board and provides hardware information to the operating system.
Bit - A contraction of Binary digit.
The smallest unit of information in a
binary number system. A bit represents a choice between either zero or
one.
ering action increases the maximum
number of modules on the same system board. The buffered DIMMs come
with standard DRAM chips for either
5V or 3.3V operation.
Bus - A group of electronic paths used
to send data between parts of the system. On a system board, the bus connects the peripheral cards with the
microprocessor via the expansion slots.
Bus Mastering - The ability of a
peripheral card to control the bus without requiring intervention of the CPU.
Byte - A group of adjacent bits treated
as a unit. Eight bits are typically considered one byte. Also called a character.
Cache - A process where information
is copied from the slower memory
(DRAM) to the faster memory
(SRAM). Information that is likely to
be read or edited is stored in the cache
providing significant performance increases.
Cache Hit - The percentage of request
for data from memory that can be
served from the cache.
Cache Miss - A memory access which
cannot be supplied from cache.
Boot - To start up the computer and
load the operating system software. See
cold boot and warm boot.
Buffered DIMMs - The 168-pin buffered DIMM modules use buffer logic
chips on their control lines to reduce
loading on the system board. This buff-
74
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
Cold Boot - Starting the computer by
turning on the power or pressing the
RESET button. A cold boot makes the
processor execute all of the diagnostics.
See boot and warm boot.
Page 77
Glossary
CPU - An acronym for Central Processing Unit. A CPU performs arithmetic calculations, makes logical
decisions, and directs the operation of
the computer in conjunction with the
operating system.
DIMM - An acronym for Dual Inline
Memory Module. A small printed circuit board containing memory chips.
Disk Drive - A hardware device which
provides for the storage of data on diskettes or hard metal disks that have a
magnetic coating. A disk drive functions by spinning at high speed while
moving a device called the read/write
head across the disk’s surface in order
to read or write data in magnetic code.
DMI - An acronym for Desktop Management Interface. DMI makes hardware inventory easier. It defines a format of a management agent for desktop systems. Its layered-model architecture allows a wide range of software and
hardware components to pass information about themselves to an asset management system.
DRAM - An acronym for Dynamic
Random Access Memory. A type of
memory chip that only keeps its
memory if supplied with regular clock
pulses and a chance to regularly refresh
its data. It is slower and more cost effective than SRAM. See SRAM.
ECC - An acronym for Error Checking and Correction. ECC is logic designed to correct memory errors. The
number of errors that can be corrected
depends upon the algorithms used, and
the number of error correction bits
(non-data bits) present.
ECP - An acronym for Expanded
Capabilities Port. A standard set by
Hewlett Packard and Microsoft Corporation to expand the capabilities of the
parallel port.
EDO Memory - An acronym for Extended Data Out. A DRAM performance feature that permits multiple bit
of data in a single row to be accessed
quickly.
EPP - An acronym for Enhanced Parallel Port. A standard which increases
the capabilities of the parallel port.
EPROM - Acronym for Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory. A
type of ROM chip that can be programmed with relatively simple tools
that will retain its data until erased. It
can only be erased by exposing the circuitry in the chip to ultraviolet light.
See also Flash ROM.
Flash ROM - A type of ROM chip that
will retain its data until erased. It can
be erased or reprogrammed by supplying it with +12V of voltage. See ROM
and EPROM.
FPM - An acronym for Fast Page Mode.
A timing option that permits several
bits of data in a single row on a DRAM
to accessed at an accelerated rate.
Gigabyte - A disk storage capacity measurement. Approximately one thousand
megabytes or 1,073,741,824 bytes.
IDE - An acronym for Integrated
Device Electronics. A standard for
communicating between a hard drive
and a computer.
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
75
Page 78
Glossary
Internal Cache - Cache which is built
into the CPU. See Cache.
ISA - An acronym for Industry Standard Architecture. A well-established
bus standard that originated with the
IBM AT. See PCI and VESA Local Bus.
NS - An acronym for Nanosecond. One
billionth of a second. Measure of the
access time of RAM.
Parallel - A form of data transmission
in which the data is sent one byte at a
time over several wires that each carry
one byte. In parallel transmission, all
the bytes arrive simultaneously, as opposed to serial transmission in which
bits arrive one by one.
Parallel Port - A connection for a
printer or similar peripheral. Generally,
parallel ports are output only. See Bidirectional Parallel Port and ECP.
Parity - Logic that detects the presence
of an error in memory. Generally, a
single parity bit is used for each byte (8
bits) of data. The most commonly used
forms of parity are even parity, odd parity and checksums.
PCI - An acronym for Peripheral Component Interconnect. A high performance 32-bit or 64-bit bus developed
by Intel Corporation. PCI is
designed to be independent of the hardware architecture to ensure compatibility with future computer systems. See
VESA Local Bus and ISA.
Pentium - A high performance 64-bit
CISC processor designed and manufactured by Intel Corporation.
Pipeline - In DRAMs and SRAMs, a
method for increasing the performance
using multistage circuitry to stack or
save data while new data is being accessed.
Plug and Play - A standard developed
to ensure easy installation of peripherals. Theoretically, a newly installed card
will automatically configure itself and
work properly without requiring jumper
configuration or device drivers.
POST - An acronym for Power On Self
Test. A diagnostic program that is run
whenever the system is cold booted.
RAM - An acronym for Random
Access Memory. A type of memory that
is used as the “working memory” of a
computer system. See DRAM and
SRAM.
ROM - An acronym for Read Only
Memory. A type of memory that retains
its data without requiring power. Once
written, it cannot be modified. See
EPROM and Flash ROM.
Serial Port - A communications port
used to connect peripherals such as
modems and mice.
Setup - A program that allows you to
make changes to the system configuration.
76
Dual Fortress System Board Manual
Page 79
Glossary
Shadow RAM - A technique used to
load a duplicate copy of BIOS from
slower ROM into faster RAM. This
enhances system performance because
it provides higher access speed to the
BIOS.
SIMM - An acronym for Standard
Inline Memory Module. A small printed
circuit board containing memory chips.
SRAM - An acronym for Static Random Access Memory. A type of memory
that can retain data without requiring
a regular clock signal.
Although they are faster than DRAM,
they hold less data and are more expensive.
Synchronous Cache - A type of cache
that uses a clock signal to latch the inputs and the data output. This structure spreads the cache access across two
or three cycles while maintaining a
bandwidth of one access per cycle.
Improves performance by 5-10%.
dresses. With USB, you can attach and
detach peripherals without opening the
computer or even shutting it down.
VESA - An acronym for Video Electronics and Standards Association.
VESA Local Bus (VL-Bus) - A high
performance bus designed by VESA. A
32-bit version of the ISA bus which operates at the speed of the computer’s
CPU. See PCI and ISA.
VRM - Voltage Regulator Module.
Supplies CPU specific voltages for the
Secondary CPU.
Warm Boot - Restarting the system by
simultaneously pressing the <Ctrl>,
<Alt> and <Delete> keys.
Write-Back Cache - Upon a cache hit,
the cache is updated and the main
memory is not affected. Upon a cache
miss, only the main memory is updated.
Unbuffered DIMMs - The unbuffered
DIMM modules do not use any buffer
logic chips, thus achieving faster operation due to the elimination of the
propagation delay of the logic buffer.
This increase in speed comes at the cost
of reducing the maximum number of
modules on the same system board.
USB - An acronym for Universal Serial Bus. The simple and flexible way
to connect devices to your desktop or
notebook PC. USB allows virtually unlimited PC expansion with no more
hassles over add-in cards, dip switches,
jumper cables, software drivers, IRQ
settings, DMA channels and I/O ad-