45365 Northport Loop West., Fremont, CA 94538-6417
Copyright Notices
Copyright 1997 Micronics Computers, Inc. The information contained
in the M6DPi PCI/ISA Dual Pentium Pro Processor system board
manual has been carefully checked and is believed to be accurate.
2
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.
M6DPi System Board Manual
Table of Contents
Introduction5
Features6
Software Compatibility7
Before You Begin8
Chapter 1 - Quick Installation9
Installing the M6DPi9
Chapter 2 - Configuring the M6DPi11
Static Electricity11
Environment Considerations11
M6DPi System Board12
Jumper Settings13
Chapter 3 - Installing the M6DPi17
Introduction17
System Memory Support17
Installing the M6DPi18
Thank you for choosing the M6DPi system board. The
M6DPi supports the most advanced Dual Pentium Pro
processor technology to provide the latest high-performance high-capacity server and workstation solution.
The M6DPi features Wide SCSI, Universal Serial Bus
(USB), RAID-ready support and optional 64-bit graphics
accelerator. The USB interface has a maximum bandwidth of 12Mbps and can connect as many as 127 devices
to a host system. USB supports both standard devices that
operate at the full 12Mbps rate and low-end devices that
use only a 1.5Mbps subchannel. Based on the Intel
440FX PCIset and i960
the PCI to PCI Bridge and I2O technology that sets
valuable resources free.
Designed to fit into the AT form factor, the versatile
M6DPi features support for Fast Page Mode (FPM) and
Extended Data Out (EDO) DRAM advanced memory,
and Error Checking and Correction (ECC) when using
parity memory.
processor, the M6DPi supports
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.
M6DPi System Board Manual
5
Introduction
Features
The M6DPi includes the following features:
▲ Dual ZIF Socket 8
Intel Pentium
Pro - 150-200MHz
Two VRM headers to supply CPU-specific voltages
▲ PCI-to-PCI Bridge
Intelligent I/O (I
2
O)
i960RP - 33MHz or
i960RD - 66MHz
Inter-integrated circuit (I2C) onboard
▲ Seven 32-bit PCI slots
Two 16-bit ISA slots
One is a shared PCI/ISA slot
One RAID Port (ARO 1130) attached to PCI slot
▲ Maximum memory - 1 Gbyte (primary memory)
Four 3.3V unbuffered 64/72-bit 168-pin DIMM sockets
Maximum memory - 128MB memory (for i960
processor)
Two 32/36-bit 72-pin SIMM sockets
▲ Supports FPM and EDO DRAM memory
ECC support via chipset when using parity memory
▲ Fast/Wide SCSI Bus Mastering controller w/ 50-pin S CSI
connector, 68-pin SCSI connector and EZ-SCSI drivers
(optional)
▲ Cirrus Logic 5436/5440 PCI graphics accelerator
(optional)
▲ Two Universal Serial Bus (USB) headers
6
M6DPi System Board Manual
Introduction
Software Compatibility
The M6DPi system board has been thoroughly tested for
compatibility with a variety of operating systems and environments, including:
▲ Microsoft
DOS 5.0
DOS 6.2
Windows 95
Windows NT 3.51
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
M6DPi System Board Manual
7
Introduction
This manual will familiarize you with the features, installation and use of your M6DPi. 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
DTMFDesktop Management Task Force
ECCError Checking and Correction
EDOExtended Data Out
FPMFast Page Mode
IDEIntegrated Drive Electronics
PCIPeripheral Component Interconnect
RAIDRedundant Array of Inexpensive Disks
SCSISmall Computer System Interface
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
M6DPi System Board Manual
Chapter
1
STATIC!
Before
handling the
M6DPi, be
properly
grounded by
using a
special wrist
or ankle
strap, or
touch a
safely
grounded
object.
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 M6DPi
1.Make backup copies of your installation and configuration diskettes.
2.Ground yourself to prevent damaging static discharge, then remove the M6DPi from its packaging.
3.Configure and verify the system board’s jumper settings (refer to Jumper Settings in Chapter 2).
4.Install the CPU and the system memory (refer to
Chapter 3).
5.Install the system board into the chassis and make all
necessary case connections.
6.Install any ISA and/or PCI add-on peripherals (refer
to Chapter 3).
7.Now you can connect any optional devices (refer to
Chapter 3).
8.Turn the computer on and press the <F2> key
when you see the screen in Figure 1.1.
M6DPi System Board Manual
9
Chapter 1: Quick Installation
Figure 1.1: Power-Up Screen
9.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).
10. 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).
11. Install the video controller device drivers (optional).
Refer to Chapter 5.
12. Install the SCSI device drivers (optional). Refer to
Chapter 5.
10
M6DPi System Board Manual
Chapter 2: Configuring the M6DPi
Chapter
2
Configuring the M6DPi
Although the M6DPi system board is packaged in protective materials, it is important to use care while unpacking and setting up.
Static Electricity
The M6DPi 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 M6DPi via the solder
pads surrounding one of its mounting holes.
Once the M6DPi 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.
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.
M6DPi System Board Manual
11
Chapter 2: Configuring the M6DPi
M6DPi System Board
12
Figure 2.1: M6DPi System Board
M6DPi System Board Manual
Chapter 2: Configuring the M6DPi
Jumper Settings
This chapter gives you the jumper settings used for the M6DPi system
board.
Table 2-1 lists the jumper settings to select the system-speed settings.
Jumper
System Speed (Intel Processors)W7W7W7W7W8
1-23-45-67-8
150 MHz Exter nal, 60 MHz Interna lCloseCloseCloseOpenCl ose
166 MHz Exter nal, 66 MHz I nterna lCloseCloseCloseOpenOpen
180 MHz Exter nal, 60 MHz I nterna lCloseCloseOpenCloseClose
200 MHz Exter nal, 66 MHz I nterna lCloseCloseOpenCloseOpen
Table 2-1: CPU Speed Selections
Table 2-2 lists the available clock ratios (internal/external) and the
corresponding jumper settings. Note that these settings are also included in Table 2-1.
Table 2-3 lists the settings for the Soft Power selection.
repmuJrewoPtfoSgnitteS
21W
Table 2-3: Soft Power Settings
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nOgnilcyCdecroF
2-1
3-2
Table 2-4: Jumper settings to clear the CMOS settings. 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.
CTRteseR31W
)tluafed(lamroN2-1
CTRteseR3-2
Table 2-4: Clear CMOS Settings
Table 2-5 lists the settings to select the optional onboard VGA.
oediV11W
)tluafed(lamroN2-1
AGVelbasiD3-2
Table 2-5: VGA Selection
14
M6DPi System Board Manual
Chapter 2: Configuring the M6DPi
Table 2-6 lists the settings to select the optional onboard Fast SCSI.
ISCStsaF01W
)tluafed(lamroN2-1
ISCSelbasiD3-2
Table 2-6: Fast SCSI Selection
Table 2-7 lists the settings to select the optional onboard Wide SCSI.
ISCSediW41W
tceteD-otuA2-1
ISCSediW3-2
Table 2-7: Wide SCSI Selection
Table 2-8 lists the settings to enable or disable Error Checking and
Correction.
snoitcerroCrorrEyromeM2W
CCEelbanEnepO
CCEelbasiDesolC
Table 2-8: ECC Selection
Table 2-9 lists the settings for the i960 processor support.
repmuJ069ignitteS
81W,71W
02W,91W
32W
T able 2-9: i960 Processor Settings
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lamroN
)gnittes
egnahctonod(
M6DPi System Board Manual
nepO
esolC
nepO
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2-1
15
Chapter 2: Configuring the M6DPi
Table 2-10 lists the connectors and their functions.
This chapter explains how to install the M6DPi 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 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 M6DPi is augmented by its support
for EDO and FPM DRAM memory and ECC. The
M6DPi supports ECC (with 72-bit DIMMs or 36-bit
SIMMs) 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 M6DPi system
board.
M6DPi System Board Manual
17
Chapter 3: Installing the M6DPi
Installing the M6DPi
Installation of the M6DPi system board depends on the
type of case you use. The M6DPi is designed for the fullsize AT form factor and is likely to be limited to tower
cases. 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 M6DPi:
❏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 M6DPi for a typical configuration:
❏Chassis with standard hardware (tower case prefer-
able).
❏A high-quality power supply capable of providing
continuous power within a 5 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).
❏Heat sink with cooling fan for each CPU (required).
18
M6DPi System Board Manual
Chapter 3: Installing the M6DPi
System Memory
System memory is necessary to operate the M6DPi system board. The M6DPi supports DIMM modules for the
main memory. There are four 168-pin 3.3V unbuffered
DIMM sockets for a maximum of 1 Gbyte of memory.
Each socket provides a 64/72-bit wide data path.
The M6DPi also supports SIMM modules for the i960
processor. There are two 72-pin SIMM sockets for a
maximum of 128MB of memory. Each socket provides a
32/36-bit wide data path. These sockets are needed only
when using the i960 processor.
Support is provided for EDO and FPM DRAM memory.
This section lists the rules for adding memory to the
M6DPi, 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 upgrading
DIMMs and SIMMs. If you follow these rules, your
upgrade should be trouble-free:
❏ Use 70ns or faster DIMMs and SIMMs. NOTE: For
long term reliability, Micronics recommends using DIMMs
with gold-plated contacts and SIMMs with tin-plated
contacts.
❏Both SIMM and DIMM (unbuffered) memory mod-
ules support FPM and EDO memory types.
❏Singled-sided and double-sided memory modules
supported.
❏Use the same type and size of memory for every bank.
Different memory types and sizes in separate banks
will cause performance of the memory to run at the
speed of the slowest RAM installed.
M6DPi System Board Manual
19
Chapter 3: Installing the M6DPi
Memory Type
SIMM and DIMM memory descriptions are described
below. Note that two (2) SIMM slots make up one (1)
bank whereas only one (1) DIMM slot makes up one (1)
bank.
72-Pin SIMM168-Pin DIMM
20
M6DPi System Board Manual
There is no
need to set
any jumpers.
When you
reboot, the
size and
type of
memory are
automatically
detected.
Chapter 3: Installing the M6DPi
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
configuration possibilities.
MemoryBank 1Bank 2Bank 3Bank 4
8MB1Mx64
16MB2Mx64
16MB1Mx641Mx64
When
installing
memory,
consider
using the
same speed.
Mixing
memory
speed will
force all
memory to
operate at
the slowest
speed.