Micronics M54Pe User Manual

M54Pe PCI/EISA

Dual Pentium Processor

System Board Manual

Document Number: 06-00210-05, Rev. 1B

221 Warren Ave., Fremont, CA 94539-7085

November 1995

Copyright Notices

Micronics Computers, Inc.

The information contained in the M54Pe PCI/EISA Dual Pentium Processor
system board 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.

COPYRIGHT (C) 1994, 1995 Micronics Computers, Inc.

P ortions of the Manual

Portions of this manual were copied (with permission) from Phoenix Tech­nologies, Ltd. and Micro Computer Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Trademarks

IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines.
Microsoft, Microsoft Word, Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation. Intel and PCI are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
UNIX is a registered trademark of AT&T Corporation. Lotus 1-2-3 is a
registered trademark of Lotus Development Corp. MCS is a trademark of
Micro Computer Systems. All other product names mentioned herein are
used for identification purposes only and may be the trademarks of their
respective companies.

ii

Micronics 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:

1. Make backup copies of your installation and configuration diskettes.

2. Ground yourself to prevent damaging static discharge, then remove the
M54Pe from its packaging.

3. Configure and verify the system board’s jumper settings. (See Jumper
Settings in Chapter 2)

4. Install the CPU and the system memory (Chapter 3).

5. Install the motherboard into the system case and make all necessary
case connections.

6. Install any ISA, PCI, and EISA add-on peripherals (Chapter 3).

7. Turn the computer on and press the <F2> key when you see the screen
below:

iii

8. 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. (See Chapter 4)

9. 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 (Chapter 4).

10. Insert the MCS EISA Configuration Utility into Drive A or Drive B and
type:

a:cf <Enter>

or

b:cf <Enter>

Follow the directions to install the necessary drivers for your EISA
peripherals (Chapter 5).

iv

Contents

Introduction........................................................................ 1-1

Features..................................................................................... 1-2

Software Compatibility ............................................................. 1-2

Configuring the M54Pe...................................................... 2-1

Static Electricity........................................................................ 2-1

Office Environment................................................................... 2-1

M54Pe Components.................................................................. 2-2

Jumper Settings......................................................................... 2-3

Installing the M54Pe, System Memory, CPUs and

Peripherals......................................................................... 3-1

Installation of the M54Pe.......................................................... 3-2

Tools Required ....................................................................................... 3-2

Equipment Required .............................................................................. 3-2

System Memory ........................................................................ 3-3

SIMMs Supported .................................................................................. 3-3

Upgrading Rules .................................................................................... 3-3

Common Memory Configurations ......................................................... 3-4

Installing the SIMMs ............................................................................. 3-5

Removing SIMMs .................................................................................. 3-5

Installing a CPU ........................................................................ 3-6

Installing Cache Memory .......................................................... 3-7

Installing a PCI Peripheral Card................................................ 3-8

Installing an EISA Peripheral Card ........................................... 3-9

Installing a Plug & Play Peripheral Card................................. 3-10

The BIOS Setup Utility....................................................... 4-1

Configuration ............................................................................ 4-1

Initial Boot Up .......................................................................... 4-1

Setup ......................................................................................... 4-2

Running the Setup Procedure ................................................... 4-3

Setting the Main Screen............................................................ 4-3

System Time and Date ........................................................................... 4-3

v

Diskette A or B....................................................................................... 4-4

IDE Devices (Hard Disk Setup) ............................................................. 4-4

Video System.......................................................................................... 4-5

Video BIOS Shadow .............................................................................. 4-5

System Memory...................................................................................... 4-5

Extended Memory .................................................................................. 4-5

Cache State............................................................................................. 4-5

Setting the Advanced Screen .................................................... 4-6

Boot Options .......................................................................................... 4-6

Integrated Peripherals ............................................................................ 4-8

Plug and Play O/S .................................................................................. 4-9

Security Screen....................................................................................... 4-9

Supervisor Password is .......................................................................... 4-9

User Password is .................................................................................. 4-10

Set Supervisor Password ...................................................................... 4-10

Set User Password ................................................................................ 4-10

Password on Boot ..................................................................................4-11

Diskette Access .....................................................................................4-11

Fixed Disk Boot Sector .........................................................................4-11

Exit Screen.............................................................................. 4-12

EISA Utility ......................................................................... 5-1

Introduction .............................................................................. 5-1

When Should You Run the EISA Utility?................................. 5-1

What You Will Need ................................................................. 5-1

Starting the Utility..................................................................... 5-2

Main Menu................................................................................ 5-3

Step 1: Important EISA Configuration Information ................ 5-3

Step 2: Add or Remove Boards............................................... 5-4

Step 3: View or Edit Details .................................................... 5-6

Advanced Submenu ............................................................................... 5-6

Step 4: Examine Switches or Print Report ............................... 5-8

Examine Switches .................................................................................. 5-8

Print Report ............................................................................................ 5-8

Step 5: Save and Exit............................................................... 5-8

POST Messages................................................................ A-1

Beep and POST Codes..................................................... B-1

vi

Hard Disk Drive T ypes ...................................................... C-1

Specifications ................................................................... D-1

Environmental Specifications....................................................D-2

Temperature Range ................................................................................ D-2

Relative Humidity ..................................................................................D-2

Battery Disposal........................................................................D-3

FCC W arning Statement ........................................................... F-1

Glossary ....................................................................................G-1

Limited W arranty ..................................................................... W-1

Non-W arranty Service..............................................................W-2

vii

List of Figures

Figure 2-1: M54Pe System Board................................................................ 2-2

Figure 3-1: Installing a 72-Pin SIMM......................................................... 3-5

Figure 3-2: Upgrading the External Cache ................................................. 3-7

Figure 3-3: Installing a PCI Card ................................................................ 3-8

Figure 3-4: Installing an EISA Card ........................................................... 3-9

Figure 3-5: Installing a Plug & Play Card................................................. 3-10

Figure 4-1: Power-Up Screen....................................................................... 4-2

Figure 4-2: CMOS Main Screen .................................................................. 4-3

Figure 4-3: IDE Device Submenu................................................................ 4-4

Figure 4-4: Advanced Setup Screen ............................................................ 4-6

Figure 4-5: Boot Options Submenu ............................................................. 4-7

Figure 4-6: Integrated Peripherals Submenu............................................... 4-8

Figure 4-7: Security Setup Screen ............................................................... 4-9

Figure 4-8: Supervisor Password Screen ................................................... 4-10

Figure 4-9: Exit Screen .............................................................................. 4-12

Figure 5-1: EISA Configuration Introduction Screen ................................. 5-2

Figure 5-2: Configuration Main Menu ........................................................ 5-3

Figure 5-3: Add or Remove Boards Screen ................................................. 5-4

Figure 5-4: Adding an EISA Configuration (CFG) File ............................. 5-5

Figure 5-5: View or Edit Details Menu ....................................................... 5-6

Figure 5-6: Advanced Submenu .................................................................. 5-7

List of Tables

Table 2-1: Cache Type Selection.................................................................. 2-3

Table 2-2: Host CPU Speed Selection.......................................................... 2-3

Table 2-3: Cache Size Selection................................................................... 2-3

Table 2-4: PCI IDE Hard Disk IRQ14 Selection......................................... 2-3

Table 2-5: Secondary IDE Controller IRQ Selection .................................. 2-4

Table 2-6: Video Selection ........................................................................... 2-4

Table 2-7: Reserved Jumpers ....................................................................... 2-4

Table 2-8: Peripheral and Case Connections............................................... 2-5

Table 3-1: Common Memory Configurations.............................................. 3-4

viii

Introduction

1

Congratulations for choosing the Micronics M54Pe! The M54Pe is a
high-performance system board designed to be a foundation for
advanced systems and applications.

The M54Pe is a dual Pentium processor board and is the most powerful
Intel-based product on the market. You can operate the M54Pe with a
single Pentium processor or add a second matching processor for
increased performance.

The M54Pe comes with many built in features. These include on board
support for four IDE hard drives, two floppy drives, a bi-directional
parallel port, and two high speed serial ports.

Micronics builds all products to exacting standards, using the highest
quality components available. We are proud to provide this system
board and hope it brings you years of reliable service.

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Micronics M54Pe System Board Manual

Features

The M54Pe includes the following features:

m Dual Pentium processor support for 90MHz or 100MHz processors.
m Two 32-bit PCI slots, five EISA slots, and one shared (PCI or EISA) slot.
m L2 Write-back cache support (256K or 512K).
m Intel 82430 Neptune chipset.
m Support for up to 512MB of on-board system memory.
m PCI Mode 3 IDE controller (supports two drives).
m Secondary ISA IDE controller (supports two drives).
m Floppy controller for two floppy drives (Supports 2.88MB, 1.44MB,

1.2MB, 720KB, and 360KB floppy drives).

m Two high speed NS16550 compatible serial ports.
m Bi-directional parallel port that is EPP and ECP compatible (see

Specifications).
m Upgradeable Flash Phoenix BIOS.

Software Compatibility

The M54Pe system board has been thoroughly tested for compatibility with a
variety of operating systems and environments, including:

m Windows and Windows NT
m OS/2 version 2.11 & SMP
m SCO UNIX and Open Desktop
m Novell Netware
m MS-DOS
m PC-DOS
m NeXTStep 3.2

1-2

Configuring the M54Pe

2

Although the M54Pe system board is packaged in protective materials,
it is important to use care while unpacking and setting up.

Static Electricity

The M54Pe is shipped from the factory in an antistatic bag. To reduce
the possibility of damage, it is important to neutralize any accumulated
static charges on your body before handling the board. The best way to
do this is to ground yourself using a special wrist or ankle strap. If you
do not have a strap, you should touch both of your hands to a safely
grounded object. After you have grounded yourself, ground the M54Pe
via the solder pads surrounding one of its mounting holes.

Once the M54Pe is removed from its packaging, place it on top of the
antistatic bag. Carefully inspect the board for damage which may have
occurred during shipment.

Office Environment

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.

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Micronics M54Pe System Board Manual

M54Pe Components

2-2

Figure 2-1 M54Pe System Board

Jumper Settings

Jumper Settings

Table 2-1 lists the jumper settings to select between write-back and write­through cache.

Jumper Function Setting

W1 write-through

write-back (default)

Table 2-1 Cache Type Selection

Table 2-2 lists the jumper settings to select the speed of the CPU.

close
open

100MHz

66MHz

Jumper

CPU Speed

Bus Speed

75MHz
50MHz

90MHz
60MHz

(default)

W6 2-3 1-2 2-3
W40 close open open

Table 2-2 Host CPU Speed Sel ection

Table 2-3 lists the jumper settings to select the size of the external cache.

Jumper

W5 W10

Cache

256K 1-2 1-2

512K (default) 2-3 2-3

Table 2-3 Cache Size Select ion

Table 2-4 lists the jumper settings to set the PCI IDE hard disk controller for
IRQ14. Leave this set to IRQ14 unless you are using a SCSI controller and
need to free up an unnecessary IRQ, or if you want to use the ISA IDE
controller as the primary IDE controller.

Jumper Function Setting

W28 IRQ14 (default)

disable

Table 2-4 PCI IDE Hard Disk IRQ14 Selection

close
open

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Micronics M54Pe System Board Manual

Table 2-5 lists the jumper settings to set the secondary IDE controller for
IRQ14, IRQ15, or Disabled. If you set this for IRQ14, you must disable the
PCI IDE controller (Table 2-4).

Jumper Function Setting

W25 IRQ 14

IRQ15 (default)
disable

Table 2-5 Secondary IDE Con troller IRQ Selection

1-2
2-3

none

Table 2-6 lists the jumper settings to select the type of video installed.

Jumper Function Setting

W20 color

monocrome

Table 2-6 Video Selecti on

close
open

Table 2-7 lists jumpers with factory reserved settings. Do not reconfigure
these jumpers.

2-4

Jumper Function Setting

W2 Reserved open
W11 Reserved close
W16 Reserved 1-2
W17 Reserved close
W21 AT Version

PS/2 Version

open

close
W22 Reserved none
W23 Reserved none
W27 Reserved open
W30 Reserved open
W41 Reserved close

Table 2-7 Reserved Jumpers

Jumper Settings

Table 2-8 lists the jumper settings for case and peripheral connections.

Jumper Function Notes

J14 PCI IDE Connector Primary
J13 ISA IDE Connector Secondary
J10 Floppy Connector

J9 Parallel Port Connector Can be disabled at the

CMOS configuration screen.

J11 Serial Port (Com1) Can be disabled at the

CMOS configuration screen.

J12 Serial Port (Com 2) Can be disabled at the

CMOS configuration screen.

J5 AT Keyboard

J6 & J8 PS/2 Mouse and Keybd. PS/2 Version only

W19 Ext. Keyboard 1- Clock(Keybd), 2-Data,

3-N/C, 4-Ground, 5-VCC

J1 & J2 Power Supply Connector

J26 Optional Power Supply

Connector

For specially equipped

power supplies
W24 or W38 Hard Disk LED 1-+5V DC, 2-Ground
W13 or W32 Reset
W15 or W34 Turbo Switch
W14 or W33 Turbo LED 1-+5V DC, 2-Ground
W18 or W37 Keylock/Power LED 1-Power; 2-N/C; 3-Ground;

4-Keyboard Lock; 5-Ground
W12 or W31 Speaker Connector 1-Spea ker; 2-N/C;

3-Ground; 4-5V DC

W35 12V Fan Connector 1-+12V DC, 2-Ground
W36 12V Fan Connector 1-+12V DC, 2-Ground

J25 Reserved Not Supported

Table 2-8 Peripheral and Case Connections

2-5

Installing the M54Pe , System

3

Memory, CPUs and Peripherals

This section explains how to install the M54Pe system board, SIMMs,
CPUs, 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 anti­static precautions described on page 2-1. Micronics recommends
only trained technicians operate on 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
outlet where you purchased the peripheral or Micronics’ Technical
Support Department.



3-1

Micronics M54Pe System Board Manual

Installation of the M54Pe

The installation of the M54Pe system board depends on the type of case you
use. The M54Pe is a Standard AT motherboard and is likely to be limited to
tower cases.

If you are unfamiliar with installing a system board, Micronics highly
recommends 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 M54Pe:

m Small Phillips screwdriver.

m Tweezers or a pair of needle-nose pliers.

m Tray (to hold loose screws).

Equipment Required

Micronics recommends using the following equipment with the M54Pe for a
typical configuration:

m Chassis with standard hardware (tower case preferable).

m A high quality power supply capable of providing continuous power

within a 5 volt range, plus or minus 5% (eg. 4.75 to 5.25). A power
filter may be used with a noisy AC power source.

m PS/2 or compatible keyboard (depends on model).

m AT-compatible keyboard (depends on model).

m Eight ohm speaker.

m Standard ribbon cables for internal connections.

m Standard power cord (grounded).

m Heat sink with cooling fan for each CPU (required).

3-2

Installing System Memory and Add-On Peripherals

System Memory

System memory devices, commonly known as SIMMs (Single Inline Memory
Modules), are necessary to operate the M54Pe system board. The M54Pe has
eight SIMM sockets and can be upgraded to 512 Megabytes of RAM. This
section will explain the type of SIMMs supported, list the rules of adding
memory to the M54Pe, give some examples of common memory configura­tions, and show how to physically install the new SIMMs.

SIMMs Supported

The M54Pe supports the following 72 pin, 60 or 70ns SIMMs:

4MB (1Mx36)
8MB (2Mx36)
16MB (4Mx36)
32MB (8Mx36)
64MB (16Mx36)

Upgrading Rules

The following is a list of rules to follow when upgrading SIMMs. If you
follow these rules, your upgrade should be trouble-free:

m Use 70ns or faster SIMMs.

m Upgrade SIMMs one bank at a time. Each bank must contain two

SIMMs of the same size and preferably from the same manufacturer.
For example, to add 16MB of memory to the system board, install
two 8MB SIMMs into the same bank.

m When installing SIMMs, start with bank 0 and work your way up

(0,1,2,3).

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Micronics M54Pe System Board Manual

Common Memory Configurations

The following table (Figure 3-1) lists the most common memory configura­tions. The M54Pe will accept any combination of SIMMs as long as the rules
in the previous section are followed.

Memory Bank 0 Bank 1 Bank 2 Bank 3

8MB (2) 1Mx36
16MB (2) 1Mx36 (2) 1Mx36
16MB (2) 2Mx36
24MB (2) 1Mx36 (2) 1Mx36 (2) 1Mx36
24MB (2) 2Mx36 (2) 1Mx36
32MB (2) 4Mx36
32MB (2) 2Mx36 (2) 2Mx36
32MB (2) 1Mx36 (2) 1Mx36 (2) 1Mx36 (2) 1Mx36
48MB (2) 2Mx36 (2) 2Mx36 (2) 2Mx36
64MB (2) 8Mx36
64MB (2) 4Mx36 (2) 4Mx36
64MB (2) 2Mx36 (2) 2Mx36 (2) 2Mx36 (2) 2Mx36
64MB (2) 4Mx36 (2) 2Mx36 (2) 2Mx36
72MB (2) 8Mx36 (2) 1Mx36
80MB (2) 8Mx36 (2) 2Mx36
80MB (2) 4Mx36 (2) 4Mx36 (2) 1Mx36 (2) 1Mx36
96MB (2) 4Mx36 (2) 4Mx36 (2) 4Mx36
96MB (2) 8Mx36 (2) 2Mx36 (2) 2Mx36

104MB (2) 8Mx36 (2) 2Mx36 (2) 2Mx36 (2) 1Mx36
104MB (2) 4Mx36 (2) 4Mx36 (2) 4Mx36 (2) 1Mx36
128MB (2) 16Mx36
128MB (2) 8Mx36 (2) 8Mx36
128MB (2) 4Mx36 (2) 4Mx36 (2) 4Mx36 (2) 4Mx36
192MB (2) 8Mx36 (2) 8Mx36 (2) 8Mx36
256MB (2) 16Mx36 (2) 16Mx36
256MB (2) 8Mx36 (2) 8Mx36 (2) 8Mx36 (2) 8Mx36
384MB (2) 16Mx36 (2) 16Mx36 (2) 16Mx36
512MB (2) 16Mx36 (2) 16Mx36 (2) 16Mx36 (2) 16Mx36

3-4

Table 3-1 Common Memory Configurations

Installing System Memory and Add-On Peripherals

Installing the SIMMs

To install the SIMMs, locate the memory banks on the system board and
perform the following steps:

1. Hold the SIMM so that the notched edge is aligned with the notch on
the SIMM socket (Figure 3-1).

2. Insert the SIMM at a 45 degree angle.

3. Gently push the SIMM into an upright position until it locks into
place (past the release tabs).

Figure 3-1 Installing a 72-Pin SIMM

Removing SIMMs

Perform the following steps to remove SIMMs, if necessary:

1. With both thumbs (or fingers), press the release tabs away from the
socket.

2. With the SIMM free from the release tabs, lift the module up and
place in an anti-static bag or package.

3-5

Micronics M54Pe System Board Manual

Installing a CPU

The M54Pe is designed to support dual Pentium processors. Follow the steps
below to install either the host or the upgrade processor:

1. Turn off the computer and remove its cover.

2. Locate the ZIF socket illustrated in Figure 2-1.

3. Lift the lever of the socket.

4. Locate pin 1 on the processor and pin 1 on the socket (Figure 2-1).
Gently set the processor into the socket, making sure pin 1 on the
processor and pin 1 on the socket are aligned.

5. Push the lever down until it locks into place.

6. Make sure jumper W6 is set correctly (Chapter 2).

7. If you are only installing the upgrade processor, you do not need to
change any jumpers or BIOS settings. The system will automatically
recognize the new processor.

Warning:
Pentium processors require a heat-sink with a cooling fan. Failure to
provide adequate cooling of the processor may seriously affect system
performance or cause permanent damage to the processor.

3-6

Installing System Memory and Add-On Peripherals

Installing Cache Memory

In addition to the 16K of internal (L1) cache built into the Pentium proces­sors, the M54Pe also supports external (L2) cache. The M54Pe is available
with 256K or 512K external cache.

To upgrade to 512K cache, install eight 32Kx8-15ns SRAMs into the open
SRAM sockets (Figure 3-2). After installing the cache upgrade, refer to
Table 2-4 for the correct external cache jumper settings.

Figure 3-2 Upgrading the External Cache

3-7

Micronics M54Pe System Board Manual

Installing a PCI Peripheral Card

Micronics PCI slots accommodate all PCI peripherals which meet the PCI 2.0
specifications. Complete the following steps 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 into place.

6. Replace the computer cover.

7. Read the card’s manual for additional instructions concerning
installation and software drivers.

3-8

Figure 3-3 Installing a PCI Card

Installing System Memory and Add-On Peripherals

Installing an EISA Peripheral Card

Micronics EISA slots accommodate all EISA peripherals which meet the
EISA standard. Complete the following steps to install an EISA card:

1. Turn the computer system off and remove its cover.

2. Choose an unused EISA 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 into place.

6. Replace the computer cover.

7. Read the card’s manual for additional instructions concerning
installation and software drivers.

8. Run the EISA configuration utility discussed in Chapter 5.

Figure 3-4 Installing an EISA Card

3-9

Micronics M54Pe System Board Manual

Installing a Plug & Play Peripheral Card

Micronics EISA slots accommodate all ISA Plug & Play peripherals which
meet the Plug and Play standard. Complete the following steps to install a
Plug and Play card:

1. Turn the computer system off and remove its cover. Note the slot

number where you choose to install the Plug and Play card. You
will need this information when you run the EISA configuration
utility.

2. Choose an unused EISA 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 into place.

6. Replace the computer cover.

7. Read the card’s manual for additional instructions concerning
installation and software drivers.

8. Run the EISA configuration utility discussed in Chapter 5.

Figure 3-5 Installing a Plug & Play Card

3-10

4The BIOS Setup Utility

Configuration

After the M54Pe 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.

It is recommended you keep the computer cover off the first time you
boot the system. If you have any difficulties, they will be easier to
correct.

Initial Boot Up

Power up the M54Pe. If the system doesn’t properly boot, check all
your cables and peripherals for bad connections. You may also get beep
codes or error messages. If this occurs, consult Appendices A and/or B
for a guide to possible solutions.

After the system properly boots, it is ready to be configured. The
following pages explain the proper procedures for BIOS configuration.

4-1

Micronics M54Pe System Board Manual

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
motherboard 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.

After the system is turned on and goes through a memory test, the Power-Up
Screen (Figure 4-1) will appear on your monitor:

Figure 4-1 Power-Up Screen

When “Press <F2> to enter SETUP” appears at the bottom of the screen,
press the <F2> key to begin the Setup procedure. The CMOS Main Screen
(Figure 4-2) should appear and the prompt should be on the time line. The
Setup procedure can only be activated during the boot sequence.

4-2

The BIOS Setup Utility

Running the Setup Procedure

The M54Pe system board has four primary CMOS configuration screens: the
Main Screen (Figure 4-2), the Advanced Screen (Figure 4-4), the Security
Screen (Figure 4-7), and the Exit Screen (Figure 4-9). 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 the hard disks, and to configure the video.
This section explains how to configure each of these categories. To move
between the categories, use the up arrow <↑> and the down arrow <↓>.

Figure 4-2 CMOS Main Screen

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

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Micronics M54Pe System Board Manual

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 drive you wish to set. Use the
<+/-> keys to change the setting until it matches the floppy drive you have
installed. The BIOS supports 2.88MB, 1.44MB, 1.2MB, 720KB, and 360KB
floppy drives.

IDE Devices (Hard Disk Setup)

If you are setting up a SCSI hard disk, you will probably need to select [None]
in the IDE Device parameters (see you SCSI card manual for more details).

To install an IDE device, select the device you wish to configure and press
<Enter>. An IDE Device submenu will appear. (Figure 4-3).

Figure 4-3 IDE Device Submenu

The easiest way to set your IDE devices is to let the BIOS do it for you.
When the IDE Device submenu first appears, the Autotype Fixed Disk
selection will be highlighted. Simply press <Enter>, and the remaining
information will automatically be entered.

4-4

The BIOS Setup Utility

Do not adjust the rest of the settings unless absolutely necessary. The BIOS
will automatically enter the optimal settings.

Video System

This sets the type of video board installed into the system. You may choose
from: VGA/SVGA (default), CGA 80x25, MONO, and Not Installed.

Video BIOS Shadow

Enabling the category allows you to “Shadow” the BIOS on the video card for
faster video performance. Some video cards do not support Video BIOS
Shadowing. Disable this option if video problems occur.

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.

Cache State

This category enables or disables the external (L2) cache.

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Micronics M54Pe System Board Manual

Setting the Advanced Screen

The first page of the Advanced Screen (Figure 4-4) has two submenus: Boot
Options (Figure 4-5) and Integrated Peripherals (Figure 4-6).

Use the up and down arrows <↑/↓> to select a menu and press <Enter>.

Figure 4-4 Advanced Setup Screen

Boot Options

The Boot Options Submenu (Figure 4-5) has several useful options. Use the
up and down arrow keys <↑/↓> to select a category and the plus and minus
keys <+/-> to change the settings.

4-6

The BIOS Setup Utility

Figure 4-5 Boot Options Submenu

Boot Sequence

This category selects the order the system searches for a boot disk and can be
set for:
A: then C:
C: then A:
C: only

Swap Floppies

This category can be set to remap the floppy drives. It can be set for NOR­MAL (default) or SWAPPED. For normal operation, Drive A: and Drive B:
work normally. When “Swapped” is selected, Drive A: becomes Drive B:,
and Drive B: becomes Drive A:.

Floppy Check

When enabled, this category verifies the floppy drive is installed on boot. For
faster booting, select DISABLED (default).

SETUP Prompt

When enabled, this category allows the system to display the “Press <F2> to
enter SETUP” message during boot.

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Micronics M54Pe System Board Manual

Post Errors

When enabled, this category allows the system to display the “Press <F1> to
resume, <F2> to SETUP” and pause if errors occur during boot. If disabled,
the system will ignore any errors and will always attempt to boot.

Integrated Peripherals

The Integrated Peripherals submenu (Figure 4-6) allows you to individually
enable or modify the drives, I/O ports, and other settings. Use the up and
down arrow keys <↑/↓> to select a category and the plus and minus keys <+/­> to change the settings.

Figure 4-6 Integrated Peripherals Submenu

Serial Port A

Serial Port A may be set for COM1 (default), COM3, or may be disabled.

Serial Port B

Serial Port B may be set for COM2 (default), COM4, or may be disabled.

Parallel Port

The parallel port may be set for LPT1 (default), LPT2, or may be disabled.

Parallel Port Mode

The parallel port may be set for output mode (AT), bidirectional mode (PS/2),
Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP), Extended Capabilities Port (ECP), or may be
disabled.

4-8

The BIOS Setup Utility

Memory Gap

When enabled, this category removes the memory between 15 and 16 mega­bytes from the system. This one megabyte hole will allow some ISA network
cards to map into this memory space. Banyon network cards require this
feature. Enable this feature only if needed.

Plug and Play O/S

This category, when enabled, allows the system to work with Windows 95.
The default setting is disabled.

Security Screen

The Security Screen (Figure 4-7) 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 will allow
access to the system, but not to all Setup features.

Figure 4-7 Security Setup Screen

Supervisor Passwor d is

If a Supervisor Password has been set up for the system, it will read “Supervi­sor Password is ENABLED.” If the password has not been set up, it will be
disabled (default).

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Micronics M54Pe System Board Manual

User Password is

If a User Password has been set up for the system, it will read “User Password
is ENABLED.” If the password has not been set up, it will be disabled
(default).

Set Supervisor Password

Press the <Enter> key to enter the Supervisor Password submenu (Figure 2-

8).

Figure 4-8 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

Follow the same procedure used to set the Supervisor Password.

Note:
When a password has been entered, it is saved immediately. All other
changes may still be discarded (see Exit Screen).

4-10

The BIOS Setup Utility

Password on Boot

When enabled, the system will require a password to be entered upon boot.
Either the Supervisor or User Password may be entered.

Diskette Access

This category allows floppy disk access with an option of the supervisor or
user. Selecting Supervisor will give floppy disk access to the supervisor only.
Selecting User (default) will give floppy disk access to both the user and the
supervisor. If the passwords are enabled, this option may only be changed by
the supervisor.

Fixed Disk Boot Sector

This category allows the boot sector of the fixed disk to be write protected.
The default setting is Normal. When set for Write Protect, it serves as a form
of virus protection. If the passwords are enabled, this option may only be
changed by the supervisor.

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Micronics M54Pe System Board Manual

Exit Screen

After you have completed configuring the BIOS, select the Exit Screen
(Figure 4-9).

Figure 4-9 Exit Screen

Choose “Save Changes and Exit” and reboot the computer. After running the
EISA configuration utility explained in Chapter 5, the computer will be ready
for use.

4-12

5EISA Utility

Introduction

The M54Pe is shipped with the Micro Computer System EISA Con­figuration Utility. The EISA Configuration Utility is a software utility
designed to configure EISA peripherals.

The MCS EISA utility is designed to optimize the performance of your
EISA peripherals and to maintain conflict-free configuration informa­tion. This is achieved through a series of initialization commands
stored in non-volatile memory. The EISA Utility determines the
configuration, creates the initialization commands, and makes sure the
configuration is correct.

Note:
For more information on the EISA Configuration Utility, consult the
manual on the CF diskette.

When Should You Run the EISA Utility?

The EISA utility retains the configuration information in non-volatile
memory. If this information is lost, the utility retains a backup copy
(the file with the .sci extension) on your hard disk.

Run the EISA utility the first time your computer is booted up and
every time you add or remove EISA peripheral cards.

What Y ou Will Need

Prior to running the EISA utility, you will need to do the following:

Install all peripheral cards.

Locate and set aside the EISA Utility diskette and all diskettes that
came with your EISA peripherals. They contain the .cfg and .ovl files
necessary for configuration.

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Micronics M54Pe System Board Manual

Starting the Utility

Perform the following steps to start the EISA utility:

1. Insert the System Configuration diskette into Drive A (or B).

2. At the A: prompt, type “cf” and press <Enter>. The Configuration
Introduction screen will appear (Figure 5-1).

5-2

.

Figure 5-1 EISA Configuration Introduction Screen

The EISA Utility

Main Menu

After pressing <Enter>, the main menu appears. The main menu lists 5 steps
for configuring the system board. To select a step, highlight the appropriate
selection, and press <Enter>. Figure 5-2 shows the main menu.

Figure 5-2 EISA Configuration Main Menu

Step 1: Important EISA Configuration
Information

Step 1 provides seven pages of useful information on the configuration utility.
Read this prior to using the utility.

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Micronics M54Pe System Board Manual

Step 2: Add or Remove Boards

When this section is accessed, the utility scans and locates the EISA boards
installed.

This section allows you to add or remove any EISA, PCI, and ISA Plug and
Play peripherals. Beyond physically adding or removing the boards, it is
important that you run this utility in order for your system to run properly.

When you select “Step 2: Add or Remove Boards,” the following screen
(Figure 5-3) will appear.

Figure 5-3 Add or Remove Boards Screen

Press <Insert> to add the boards which could not be detected or which you
plan to install. After you press the <Insert> key, the following screen (Figure
5-4) will appear.

You will need to have the configuration disks that came with each of the add­on cards you are installing. Insert the configuration disk for the peripheral
you are installing and press <Enter>.

5-4

The EISA Utility

Figure 5-4 Adding an EISA Configuration (CFG) File

When you are finished installing the EISA CFG files, press the <F10> key.

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Micronics M54Pe System Board Manual

Step 3: View or Edit Details

When you select the “View or Edit Details” menu (Figure 5-5), a display of
your system resources appears. You may edit this menu to optimize the
system performance and allocation of resources.

If you need to change information on this menu, select the item you wish to
change and press <Enter>.

Figure 5-5 View or Edit Details Menu

Advanced Submenu

The Advanced submenu (Figure 5-6) will allow you to make specialized
configuration adjustments. To select this menu, press the <F7> key.

5-6

The EISA Utility

Figure 5-6 Advanced Submenu

Lock/Unlock Boards

Locking a board will prevent changes from being made to a board’s settings.
You may lock or unlock each board individually.

View Additional Systems Information Menu

This is another submenu which will allow you to view board specifications,
system specifications, used resources, and available resources.

Set Verification Mode Menu

You may set this for Automatic (default) or Manual. Automatic Verification
turns on automatic detection and resolution of resource conflicts caused by
configuration changes.

Maintain SCI Files Menu

‘Open’ will allow you to load a SCI file to replace your existing EISA
configuration.

When you have finished making changes to the Advanced Submenu, press
<F10> until you are back to the Main Menu.

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Micronics M54Pe System Board Manual

Step 4: Examine Switches or Print Report

Examine Switches

This section displays a listing of the motherboard jumper settings.

Print Report

This feature is not currently supported.

Step 5: Save and Exit

Save the new configuration when you exit the utility. When you select Step 5,
the Save and Exit Screen appears. It will give you the option of saving the
new configuration or returning to the Main menu. If you have finished
configuring your EISA utility, select “Save the configuration and restart the
computer.”

The Reboot Screen will then appear. Press the <Enter> key and the computer
will reboot. Now the changes are complete and you are ready to use your
computer.

5-8

A

POST Messages

The following table lists the Power On Self Test (POST) messages,
possible causes, and solutions.

Message Possible Cause Solution

DISKETTE DRIVE A
FAILURE

DISKETTE DRIVE B
FAILURE

EXTENDED RAM
FAILED AT
OFFSET: nnnn

FAILING BITS: nnnn

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 memory.

Check Setup and cable
connections.

Check Setup and cable
connections.

Replace defective
memory.

Replace defective
memory.

FIXED DISK X
FAILURE (where X
=0 or 1)

FIXED DISK
CONTROLLER
FAILURE

INCORRECT DRI VE
A TYPE

INCORRECT DRI VE
B TYPE

INVAL ID NVRAM
MEDIA TYPE

KEYBOARD
ERROR, or
KEYBOARD
CONTROLLER
ERROR

KEYBOARD
ERROR nn

KEYBOARD
LOCKED

The hard disk is not
configured or working
properly.

The controller card has
failed.

Floppy drive A: not set
correctly in Setup.

Floppy drive A: not set
correctly in Setup.

NVRAM chip is bad. R equi res 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.

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.

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Micronics M54Pe System Board Manual

Message Possible Cause Solution

MONITOR TYPE
DOES NOT MATCH
CMOS

Monitor type not
correctly identified in
Setup.

Run Setup and enter
correct monitor type.

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 BATTERY
IS DEAD

Operating system
cannot be located on
Drive C: or Drive A:

Check Setup to see if
Drive A: and C: are
properly configured, or
put a bootable disk in
Drive A:

Parity error found in the
system bus.

Parity error found in the
I/O bus.

Previous POST did not
complete successfu ll y.

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

Real-time clock failed
BIOS test.

May require battery
replacement or board
repair.

Shadow RAM failed. May require repair of

system board.

System battery died. Replace the system

battery and run Setup to
reconfigure the system.

SYSTEM CACHE
ERROR - CACHE
DISABLED

SYSTEM CMOS
CHECKSUM BAD ­RUN SETUP

SYSTEM RAM
FAILED AT
OFFSET: nnnn

SYSTEM TIMER
ERROR

A-2

External (L2) cache
failed BIOS test.

System will still run, but
slower. Replace cache
at convenience.

System CMOS has been
corrupted or modified

Run Setup and
reconfigure the system.

incorrectly.
System RAM failed. Replace defective RAM.

Timer test failed. Requires repair of system

board.

Beep and POST Codes

B

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 LPM30 has completed POST; any
other tone from the speaker indicates something other than a POST
error. These tones are not described in Table B-1.

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 table provides a list of all beep codes and POST rou­tines..

B-1

Micronics M54Pe System Board Manual

Code Beeps POST Routine Description

02 Verify Real Mode.
04 Get CPU type.
06 Initialize system hardware.
08 Initialize chipset registers with initial POST values.

09 Get in POST Reg.
0A Initialize CPU registers.
0C Init ialize cache ini ti a l P OST values.

OE Initialize I/O.
OF Initi a lize the localbus IDE.

10 Initialize Power Management.
11 Load alternate registers with initial POST values.
12 Jump to UserPatch0.
14 Initialize keyboard controller.
16 2-2-3 BIOS ROM checksum.
18 8254 timer initialization.
1A 8237 DMA controller initialization.
1C Reset Programmable Interrupt Controller.
20 3-1-1 Test DRAM refresh.
22 3-1-3 Test 8742 Keyboard Controller.
24 Set ES segment register to 4 GB.
28 Autosize DRAM.
2A Clear 512 K base RAM.
2C 3-4-1 Test 512K base address lines.
2E 3-4-3 Test 512K base memory.
32 Test CPU bus-clock frequency.
34 Test CMOS RAM.
35 Initialize alternate chipset registers.
37 Reinitialize the chipset (MB only).
38 Shadow system BIOS ROM.
39 Reinitialize the cache (MB only).
3A Autosize cache.
3C Configure advanced chipset registers.
3D Load alter nate registers with CMOS values.
40 Set initial CPU speed.
42 Initialize interrupt vectors.
44 Initialize BIOS interrupts.
46 2-1-2-3 Check ROM copyright notice.
47 Initialize manager for PCI Option ROMs.
48 Check video configuration against CMOS.
49 Initialize PCI bus and devices.

B-2

Beep and POST Codes

Code Beeps POST Routine Description

4A Initialize all v ideo adapters in system.
4C Shadow video BIOS ROM.
4E Display copyright notice.
50 Display CPU type and speed.
51 Initialize EISA board.
52 Test keyboard.
54 Set key click if enabled.
56 Enable keyboard.
58 2-2-3-1 Test for unexpected interrupts.
5A Display prompt “Press F2 to enter SETUP”.
5C Test RAM between 512 and 640k.
60 Test extended memor y.
62 Test extended memor y address lines.
64 Jump to UserPatch1.
66 Configure advanced cache registers.
68 Enable external and CPU caches.
6A Display external cache size.
6C Display shadow message.
6E Display non-disposable segments.
70 Display error messages.
72 Check for confi guration errors.
74 Test real-time clock.
76 Check for keyboard errors.
7C S e t u p h a rd w a re in terrupt vec to rs.
7E Test coprocessor if present.
80 Disable onboard I/O ports.
82 Detect and install external RS232 ports.
84 Detect and install external parallel ports.
86 Re-initialize on-board I/O ports.
88 Initialize BIOSData Area.
8A I nitialize Extended BIOS Data Area.
8C Initialize floppy controller.
90 Initialize hard-disk controller.
91 Initialize localbus hard-disk controller.
92 Jump to UserPatch2.
93 Build MPTABLE for multi-processor boards.
94 Disable A20 address line.
96 Clear huge ES segment register.
98 Search for option ROMs.
9A Shadow option ROMs.

B-3

Micronics M54Pe System Board Manual

Code Beeps POST Routine Description

9C Set up Power M anagement.
9E Enable hardware interrupts.
A0 Set time of day.
A2 Check key lock.
A4 Initialize typematic rate.

A8 Eras e F2 prompt.
AA Scan for F2 keystroke.
AC Enter SETUP.
AE Clear in-POST flag.

B0 Check for errors.

B2 POST done - prepare to boot operating system.

B4 One beep.

B6 Check password (optional).

B8 Clear global descriptor table.
BC Clear parity checkers.
BE Clear screen (optional).

BF Check virus and backup reminders.

C0 Try to boot with INT 19.

D0 Interrupt handler error.

D2 Unknown interrupt error.

D4 Pending Interrupt.

D6 Initialize option ROM error.

D8 Shutdown error.
DA Extended Block Move.
DC Shutdown 10 error.

The following are for boot block in Flash ROM:
E2 Initialize the chipset.
E3 In itialize refresh counter.
E4 Check for Forced Flash.
E5 Check HW status of ROM.
E6 BIOS ROM is OK.
E7 Do a complete RAM test.
E8 Do OEM initialization.
E9 In itialize interrupt controller.

EA Read in the bootstrap code.
EB Initia lize all vecto rs .
EC Boot the Flash program.
ED Initialize the boot device.
EE Boot code was read OK.

B-4

CHard Disk Drive Types

The following table lists the hard disk types supported by M54Pe.

Type Cylinders Heads Write

Precomp

1 306 4 128 17 10
2 615 4 300 17 21
3 615 6 300 17 32
4 940 8 512 17 65
5 940 6 512 17 99
6 615 4 none 17 21
7 462 8 256 17 32
8 733 5 none 17 31

9 900 15 none 17 117
10 820 3 none 17 21
11 855 5 none 17 37
12 855 7 none 17 52
13 306 8 128 17 21
14 733 7 none 17 44
15 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
16 612 4 0 17 21
17 977 5 300 17 42
18 977 7 none 17 59
19 1024 7 512 17 62
20 733 5 300 17 31
21 733 7 300 17 94
22 733 5 300 17 31
23 306 4 0 17 10
24 612 4 305 17 21
25 612 2 300 17 10
26 614 4 none 17 21
27 820 6 none 17 42
28 977 5 none 17 42
29 1218 15 none 36 336
30 1224 15 none 17 159

Sectors Size

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Micronics M54Pe System Board Manual

Type Cylinders Heads Write

Sectors Size

Precomp

31 823 10 512 17 71
32 809 6 128 17 42
33 830 7 none 17 50
34 830 10 none 17 72
35 1024 5 none 17 44
36 1024 8 none 17 71
37 615 8 128 17 42
38 1024 8 none 26 109
39 925 9 none 17 72

C-2

Specifications

D

Host Processor 90MHz or 100MHz Pentium processor.

Upgrade Processor 90MHz or 100MHz Pentium processor.

Chipset Intel Neptune Chipset.

CPU Clock Select Frequency synthesizer chip. Jumper selectable

CPU selection.

Form Factor Full size (12" x 13.75"). 6 layer PCB.

Expansion Five 32-bit EISA slots.

Two 32-bit PCI slots.
One shared EISA/PCI slot.

BIOS Phoenix 4.04 Plug and Play BIOS on 1MB Flash

EPROM.
Mode 3 IDE drive support.
Auto-detection of memory size.
Auto-configuration of IDE hard disk drives.

RAM Capacity 512MB

Keyboard PS/2 (PS/2 version).

AT-Compatible (AT version).

Mouse Built-in PS/2 support (PS/2 version only).

Internal Cache 16K (per processor).

External Cache 256K or 512K write-back.

I/O Ports Built in support.

Two high speed serial ports (16550 compatible).
One bi-directional parallel port.

Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP) compatible.
Microsoft and Hewlett Packard Extended
Capabilities Port (ECP) compatible.

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Micronics M54Pe System Board Manual

Floppy Port Supports two floppy drives

(2.88, 1.44, 1.2, 720K, 360K).

PCI IDE Port Supports two IDE hard disks.

Mode 3 support.
Multiple sector transfer support.
LBA support.

Secondary IDE Support Supports two additional IDE hard disks.

LBA support.

Clock Benchmarq Real Time Clock.

Environmental Specifications

The environment in which the M54Pe is located is critical. Micronics
recommends the following environmental specifications:

Temperature Range

Operating: 50 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 50 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%

D-2

Battery Disposal

W arning:
DO NOT: open battery; dispose of in fire; recharge; put in backwards, mix
with used or other battery types.

May explode or leak and cause personal injury.

D-3

FCC Statement

FCC Warning 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.
The user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:

M Reorient the receiving antenna.

M Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.

M Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that

to which the receiver is connected.

M Consult your dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

To meet FCC requirements, shielded cables and power cords are required.

Note:
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Micronics could void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

F-1

Micronics M54Li System Board Manual

Declaration of Conformity

Application of Council Directives 89/336/EEC and 72/23/EEC.

Standards to which the conformity is declared:

EN55022 EN50082-1 EN 60950

Manufacturer's Name: Micronics Computers, Inc.

Manufacturers Address: 221 Warren Avenue

Fremont, California 94539
USA

Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Type of Equipment: 586-75/90/100/120/133

Tower Personal Computer

Model Name: M54Pe

Tested by: Rockford Engineering Services, Inc.

4750 Williams Wharf Road
St. Leonard, Maryland 20685
USA

Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Test Engineers Li-Ming Xu (EN55022)

Muyiwa Ogunfunmi (EN50082-1)
Bandele Adepoju (EN60950)

I, the undersigned, hereby declare that the specified equipment conforms to
the directives and standards listed above.

Ming Ming Hsu
Director of Technical Services
November 12, 1995

F-2

Glossary

Glossary

16550 UAR T - 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.

486DX - A type of 32-bit CPU with a built in
math-coprocessor and internal cache.

486DX2 - A 486DX CPU where the internal
speed of the CPU operates at twice the external
speed.

486DX4 - A 486DX CPU where the internal
speed of the CPU operates at three times the
external speed.

486SX - A 486DX CPU with no math­coprocessor.

Asynchronous - Operations that do not require the
clocks of communicating devices to be coordi­nated. See Synchronous.

Baby A T - A standard system board size
measuring approximately 13.25” x 8.5”.

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.

Boot - To start up the computer and load the
operating system software. See cold boot and
warm boot.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 an peripheral card
to control the bus without requiring intervention
of the CPU.

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
Output. A type of DRAM with built-in cache.

G-1

Micronics M54Pe System Board Manual

EISA - An acronym for Extended Industry
Standard Architecture. EISA is a bus design
standard which is fully backward compatible with
the ISA bus. Although it is a 32-bit bus, it only
runs at 8MHz. See PCI, VESA, and ISA.

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.

L1 Cache - See Internal Cache.

L2 Cache - See External Cache.

LBA - An acronym for Logical Block Address­ing. Any IDE hard drive that is larger than
528MB.

Math coprocessor - A microprocessor designed
specifically for performing mathematical
calculations. A math coprocessor performs these
calculations faster than the CPU, and by doing so,
frees the CPU for other activities.

Megabyte (MB) - 1,024 Kilobytes or 1,048,576
bytes.

External Cache - Cache which is external to the
CPU. See Cache.

Fast SCSI - A SCSI data transfer standard that
allows a rate of up to 10MB/sec.

Fast Wide SCSI - A SCSI data transfer that
allows a rate of up to 20MB/sec.

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.

Full Size - A standard system board size
measuring approximately 12" x 13.75".

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.

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 A T . See PCI, VESA, and

EISA.

Jumper - a small plug that fits over and shorts
pins on a circuit board. Jumpers allow the
various functions of the board to be enabled or
disabled.

Kilobyte (KB) - 1,024 bytes.

Mini A T - A standard system board size
measuring approximately 8.5" x 9.5".

Mode 1 - An IDE data transfer standard that
supports transfer rates of up to 5.22 Mbytes/sec.

Mode 2 - An IDE data transfer standard that
supports transfer rates of up to 8.33 Mbytes/sec.

Mode 3 - An IDE data transfer standard that
supports transfer rates of up to 11.1 Mbytes/sec.

Mode 4 - An IDE data transfer standard that
supports transfer rates of up to 15.5 Mbytes/sec.

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 .

PCI - An acronym for Peripheral Component
Interconnect. A high performance 32-bit or 64­bit bus developed by Intel Corporation. PCI is
designed to be independent of the hardware
architecture to ensure compatibility with future
computer systems. See VESA, EISA, and ISA.

Pentium- A high performance 64-bit CISC
processor designed and manufactured by Intel
Corporation. As of this writing, Pentium is the
highest performing X86 processor available.

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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.

SCSI - An acronym for Small Computer Systems
Interface. An interface standard used to interface
hard disk drives, removable cartridge drives, tape
drives, and CD-ROMs to the computer system.
SCSI allows multiple, high-performance
peripheral devices to be connected in a chain.
Each has its own address. Data and control signals
are sent along the chain and only the specifically
addressed device responds.

SCSI II - An interface standard that adds features
to the SCSI standard. These include 32-bit data
transfer, command queuing, Fast SCSI, and
support for a wider variety of peripherals.

SCSI III - A proposed standard that will support
transfer rates of up to 40MB/sec.

Serial - A type of data transmission in which the
data is sent one bit at a time over a single wire.
See parallel.

Serial Port - A communications port used to
connect peripherals such as modems and mice.

Setup - A program which allows you to make
changes to the system configuration.

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.

Glossary

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 - Protocols that require the clocks
of communicating machines or devices to be
coordinated.

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%.

Terabyte - A measurement for very , very large
storage capacity. One T erabyte is equivalent
one-thousand gigabytes, one-million megabytes,
or 1,099,511,627,766 bytes.

VESA - An acronym for Video Electronics and
Standards Association.

VESA Localbus (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 , EISA, and ISA.

VGA - An acronym for Video Graphics Array . A
standard for monitor displays.

VR - Pentium CPU voltage ranging from 3.300 -

3.465 V olts.

VRE - Pentium CPU voltage ranging from 3.400

- 3.600 V olts.

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.

Write-Through Cache - Upon a cache hit, the
cache and the main memory are updated. Upon a
cache miss, only the main memory is updated.

SIMM - An acronym for Standard Inline Memory
Module. A small printed circuit board containing
memory chips.

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Micronics M54Pe System Board Manual

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Limited W arranty

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, 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.

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Micronics M54Pe System Board Manual

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-W arranty 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 [phone] or [phone]. The
RMA department is open between 8:30 A.M. and 5 P.M. Pacific Standard
Time.

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