Micronics M6Me Pentium Pro PCI/EISA User Manual

M6Me Pentium Pro

PCI/EISA

System Board Manual

Document Number: 06-00271-01, Rev. 2A

August 1996

221 Warren Ave., Fremont, CA 94539-7085

Copyright Notices

Copyright  1996 Micronics Computers, Inc. The information contained
in the M6Me PCI/EISA Dual Pentium Pro Processor system board manual

2

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. and Micro Computer Systems, Inc. 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.

Revision History

Revision Revision History Date

-01 First Release of the M6Me Manual 8/96

M6Me System Board Manual

Table of Contents

Introduction 5
Features 6
Software Compatibility 7
Before You Begin 8

Chapter 1 - Quick Installation 9

Installing the M6Me 9

Chapter 2 - Configuring the M6Me 11

Static Electricity 11
Office Environment 11
M6Me System Board 12
Jumper Settings 13

Chapter 3 - Installing the M6Me 17

Introduction 17
System Memory Support 17
Installing the M6Me 18

Tools Required 18
Equipment Required 18

System Memory 19

SIMMs Supported 19
Upgrading Rules 19

Mixing EDO and FPM Memory 20
Memory Configurations 21
Installing the SIMMs 25

Removing SIMMs 25
Installing a CPU 26
Installing a PCI Peripheral Card 27
Installing an EISA Peripheral Card 28
Installing a Plug and Play Card 29

M6Me System Board Manual

1

Connecting the Graphics Option 30
Connecting the SCSI Option 31

Chapter 4 - The BIOS Setup Utility 33

Configuration 33
Initial Bootup 33
Setup 33
Running the Setup Procedure 3 5
Setting the Main Screen 35
Setting the Advanced Screen 40
Boot Screen 43
Security Screen 45
Exit Screen 48

Chapter 5 - The EISA Utility 49

Introduction 49
When Should You Run the EISA Utility? 49
What You Will Need 49
Starting the Utility 50
Main Menu 51

Step 1: Important EISA Configuration Information 51
Step 2: Add or Remove Boards 52
Step 3: View or Edit Details 54
Step 4: Examine Switches or Print Report 56
Step 5: Save and Exit 56

Chapter 6 - Installing Device Drivers 57

About Device Drivers 57
Installing the Video Drivers 57

Windows 95 57
Windows NT 5 8

Installing the SCSI Drivers 58

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M6Me System Board Manual

Appendix A - Technical Information 59

Specifications 59
Environmental Specifications 60

Temperature Range 60

Relative Humidity 60
Battery Disposal 61
Technical Support 62
Online Services 63

Appendix B - Post Messages 65

Appendix C - Beep and POST Codes 67

Appendix D - Hard Disk Drive Types 71

Appendix E - Updating the System BIOS 73

Limited Warranty 75

Non-Warranty Service 76

FCC Statement 77

Declaration of Conformity 78

Glossary 79

Index 83

M6Me System Board Manual

3

List of Figures

Figure 1.1: Power-Up Screen 10
Figure 2.1: M6Me System Board 12
Figure 3.1: Installing a 72-Pin SIMM 25
Figure 3.2: Installing a PCI Card 27
Figure 3.3: Installing an EISA Card 28
Figure 3.4: Installing a Plug and Play Card 29
Figure 4.1: Power-Up Screen 34
Figure 4.2: CMOS Main Screen 35
Figure 4.3: IDE Device Submenu 37
Figure 4.4: Advanced Screen 40
Figure 4.5: Boot Screen 43
Figure 4.6: Security Setup Screen 45
Figure 4.7: Supervisor Password Submenu 46
Figure 4.8: Exit Screen 48
Figure 5.1: EISA Configuration Introduction Screen 50
Figure 5.2: EISA Configuration Main Menu 51
Figure 5.3: Add or Remove Boards Screen 52
Figure 5.4: Adding an EISA Configuration (CFG) File 53
Figure 5.5: View or Edit Details Menu 54
Figure 5.6: Advanced Submenu 55

List of Tables

Table 2.1: CPU Clock Ratio Speed Selection 13
Table 2.2: System Power-On Selection 13
Table 2.3: CPU Clock Selection 14
Table 2.4: Clear ECMOS Selection 14
Table 2.5: Reset the Realtime Clock 14
Table 2.6: Optional Onboard SCSI Selection 15
Table 2.7: Optional Onboard VGA Selection 15
Table 2.8: Optional Onboard Ultra Wide SCSI Selection 15
Table 2.9: Case and Peripheral Connections 16
Table 3.1: Memory Configurations 21

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M6Me System Board Manual

Introduction

Thank you for choosing the M6Me system board. The
M6Me 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 M6Me supports the
most advanced processor architecture, the Pentium Proâ,
which provides the speed and performance necessary to
address the most intensive computational applications.
Integrated Ultra Wide SCSI (up to 40MB/s transfer rate),
64-bit PCI video, PCI and EISA slots and up to 512K
Level 2 cache on the CPU make this board powerful and
feature rich.

Designed to fit into the standard AT case, the flexible
M6Me also features support for Fast Page Mode (FPM)
and Extended Data Out (EDO) DRAM advanced
memory and Error Checking and Correction (ECC).

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.

M6Me System Board Manual

5

Features

The M6Me includes the following features:

Dual ZIF socket 8 for Intel Pentium Pro 150-200MHz.
Dual VRM headers to supply CPU-specific voltages

Intel 440FX PCIset
Intel PCEB/ESC EISA Bridge
SMC FDC37C93X Ultra I/O chip

16K Level 1 Write Back cache on the CPU chip
256K or 512K Level 2 Cache in CPU package

Three 32-bit PCI slots, one is a shared PCI/EISA slot
Six 32-bit EISA slots
Three add-in PCI Bus Master devices

Eight 32/36-bit 72-pin (double-sided) SIMM sockets to
accommodate up to 512MB of onboard system memory

Supports FPM and EDO DRAM memory
ECC support via chipset

Fast Wide SCSI Bus Mastering controller, 50 pin SCSI
connector, 68 pin SCSI connector (Ultra-Wide SCSI),
EZ-SCSI drivers (optional)

Cirrus Logic 5436 64-bit graphics accelerator with 1MB
frame buffer (expandable to 2MB), Resolutions sup­ported: 640x480x24, 800x600x16, 1024x768x16,
1280x1024x16, Video cable with VGA connector
(optional)

Primary 40-pin IDE connectors (ISA)
Floppy controller for two floppy drives (supports 2.88MB,

1.44MB, 1.2MB, 720K or 360K floppy drives)
auto detection of add-in floppy controllers

Two high speed NS16550 compatible serial ports
PS/2 style keyboard and mouse connectors

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M6Me System Board Manual

Bi-directional parallel port (ECP and EPP compatible)
Field upgradeable Flash Phoenix BIOS

Software Compatibility

The M6Me system board has been thoroughly tested for
compatibility with a variety of operating systems and envi­ronments, including:

Windows 95 and Windows NT
OS/2 Warp
SCO UNIX and Open Desktop
Novell Netware
MS-DOS 5.0 and 6.2
PC-DOS

M6Me System Board Manual

7

Before You Begin

This manual will familiarize you with the features, installa­tion and use of your M6Me. There are several symbols and
conventions used throughout this manual to help draw your
attention to a feature or to focus on important information:

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.

Common Names

DRAM Dynamic Random Access Memory
ECC Error Checking and Correction
EDO Extended Data Out
EISA Extended Industry Standard Architecture
FPM Fast Page Mode
IDE Integrated Drive Electronics
PCI Peripheral Component Interconnect
SIMM Single Inline Memory Module
VRM Voltage Regulator Module

8

M6Me System Board Manual

Chapter

1

STATIC!

Before
handling the
M6Me, 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 M6Me

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

2. Ground yourself to prevent damaging static dis­charge, then remove the M6Me 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 PCI and EISA 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.

M6Me 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 SCSI device drivers (optional). Refer to
Chapter 6.

12. Install the video device drivers (optional). Refer to
Chapter 6.

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M6Me System Board Manual

Chapter 2: Configuring the M6Me

Chapter

2

Configuring the M6Me

Although the M6Me system board is packaged in protec­tive materials, it is important to use care while unpack­ing and setting up.

Static Electricity

The M6Me 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 you
hands to a safely grounded object. After you have
grounded yourself, ground the M6Me via the solder pads
surrounding one of its mounting holes.

Once the M6Me 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.

M6Me System Board Manual

11

Chapter 2: Configuring the M6Me

M6Me System Board

12

Figure 2.1: M6Me System Board

M6Me System Board Manual

Chapter 2: Configuring the M6Me

Jumper Settings

This chapter gives you the jumper settings used for the M6Me system
board.

Table 2-1: Jumper settings to select the clock ratio speed of the CP

Clock Ratio Jumper

W7 1-2 3-4 5-6 7-8

2:1

2.5:1
3:1

3.5:1
4:1

4.5:1
5:1

5.5:1

Table 2-2: Jumper settings to set the system power on setting. NOTE
Set pins 1-2 only if your power supply has the Soft Power optio
Default setting is 0-1.

Jumper Function Settings

W12 Soft Power

Close Close Close Close

"

Close Close Close Open

"

Close Close Open Close

"

Close Close Open Open

"

Close Open Close Close

"

Close Open Close Open

"

Close Open Open Close

"

Close Open Open Open

"

Table 2-1: Clock Ratio Settings

Forced On (for power
cycling

1-2
2-3

Table 2-2: Power On Setting

M6Me System Board Manual

13

Chapter 2: Configuring the M6Me

Table 2-3: Jumper settings for the CPU clock selection. The CPU
speed is determined by the External Bus speed selection jumper
(W8) and the Speed Ratio (W7). Table 2-3 shows typical settings.

CPU

Speed

W8 W7

1-2

W7
3-4

W7
5-6

W7

7-8
120 MHz 60 x 2.0 Close Close Close Close Close
133 MHz 66 x 2.0 Open Close Close Close Close
150 MHz 60 x 2.5 Close Close Close Close Open
166 MHz 66 x 2.5 Open Close Close Close Open
180 MHz 66 x 3.0 Close Close Close Open Close
200 MHz 66 x 3.0 Open Close Close Open Close

Table 2-3: CPU Clock Settings

Table 2-4: Jumper settings to clear the EISA 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.

Jumper Function Settings

W9 Normal (default)

Clear ECMOS

1-2
2-3

Table 2-5: Jumper settings to reset the realtime clock.

Jumper Function Settings

14

Table 2-4: Clear ECMOS Settings

W13 Normal (default)

Reset RTC

Table 2-5: Reset Realtime Clock

M6Me System Board Manual

1-2
2-3

Chapter 2: Configuring the M6Me

Table 2-6: Jumper settings to select the onboard SCSI.

Jumper Function Settings

W10 Normal (default)

Disable SCSI

Table 2-6: Onboard SCSI Setting

1-2
2-3

Table 2-7: Jumper settings to select the onboard VGA.

Jumper Function Settings

W11 Normal (default)

Disable VGA

Table 2-7: Onboard VGA Setting

1-2
2-3

Table 2-8: Jumper settings to select the Ultra Wide SCSI
detection.

Jumper Function Settings

W14 Auto-detect (default)

Ultra-Wide SCSI

Table 2-8: Onboard Ultra Wide SCSI Setting

1-2
2-3

M6Me System Board Manual

15

Chapter 2: Configuring the M6Me

Table 2-9: Case and peripheral connections.

Connectors Function Notes

J14 Speaker 14 - Speaker; 17 - +5V DC
J21 Keylock 21 - Keylock; 22 - Ground
J22 Infared Port Connector 1 - IRRX; 2 - Ground; 3 - IRTX;

4 - +5 V

J24 Parallel Port Can be disabled at the CMOS

configuration screen

J25, J26 COM1, COM2 Ports Can be disabled at the CMOS

configuration screen
J27 Floppy Drive
J28 PS/2 Mouse
J30 PS/2 Keyboard
J32 IDE Connector
J33 IDE LED 23 - Positive; 24 - Negative
J34 AT Power Supply ±5.5 V and ±12 V

J35 Power Supply 3.3 V

J36, J37 Voltage Regulator

J38 Turbo LED 25 - Positive; 26 - Ground

J39, J40 CPU Fan 1 - 12+V Power; 2 - Ground

J41 Reset 12 - Reset; 13 - Ground
J42 SCSI 50-pin Cable

Connector (optional)

J43 SCSI 68-pin Cable

Connector (optional)

J44 VESA Feature Connector Standard 26-pin
J45 VGA Cable Connector Standard 15-pin D-shell
J46 Soft Power Standby +5V

and Signal Connector

J47 Soft Power Switch
J53 Additional +5V Power

Table 2-9: Case & Peripheral Connections

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M6Me System Board Manual

Fast Wide SCSI

Ultra Wide SCSI

Chapter 3: Installing the M6Me

Chapter

3

Installing the M6Me

Introduction

This chapter explains how to install the M6Me 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 M6Me is augmented by its support
for Error Checking and Correction (ECC), Extended
Data Out (EDO) DRAM memory and Fast Page Mode
(FPM) DRAM memory. The M6Me allows vast memory
capability without worrying about memory errors. It
does this by providing ECC which enables parity check­ing to detect and correct memory errors.

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 M6Me system board.

M6Me System Board Manual

17

Chapter 3: Installing the M6Me

Installing the M6Me

Installation of the M6Me system board depends on the
type of case you use. The M6Me is designed for the
standard 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 M6Me:

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 M6Me for a typical configuration:

Chassis with standard hardware (tower case prefer­able).

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 CPU (required).

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M6Me System Board Manual

Chapter 3: Installing the M6Me

System Memory

System memory devices, commonly known as SIMMs,
are necessary to operate the M6Me system board. The
M6Me has eight 32/36-bit SIMM sockets and can be
upgraded to 512 Megabytes of RAM. In addition, support
is provided for Error Checking (ECC), Extended Data
Out (EDO) DRAM memory and Fast Page Mode (FPM)
DRAM memory. This chapter will explain the type of
SIMMs supported, list the rules for adding memory to the
M6Me, give some examples of common memory configu­rations and show how to physically install the new SIMMs.

For long
term
reliability,
Micronics
recom­mends using
SIMMs with
tin-plated
contacts.
The use of
gold-plated
contacts
may conflict
with the tin­alloy on the
SIMM
socket.

SIMMs Supported

The M6Me supports the following types of 60 or 70ns
SIMMs:

4MB (1MBx32/36)
8MB (2MBx32/36)
16MB (4MBx32/36)
32MB (8MBx32/36)
64MB (16MBx32/36)

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:

Use 70ns or faster SIMMs.
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.

M6Me System Board Manual

19

Chapter 3: Installing the M6Me

Mixing EDO and FPM Memory

The M6Me can handle a combination of EDO and FPM
memory. The memory will default to the speed of the
slowest RAM installed.

Follow the rules below:

Install the two types of memory in separate banks.
(For example, install EDO memory in Bank 0 and
FPM memory in Bank 1.)

NOTE: Mixing EDO and FPM memory is not recom­mended.

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M6Me System Board Manual

Chapter 3: Installing the M6Me

Memory Configurations

There is no
need to set
any jumpers.
When you
reboot, the
size and
type of
memory are
automatically
detected.

The following tables list the most common memory
configurations. The memory available depends on the
number of SIMMs installed.

Memory Bank 0 Bank 1 Bank 2 Bank 3

8MB (2) 1MBx32/36
16MB (2) 1MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36
16MB (2) 2MBx32/36
24MB (2) 1MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36
24MB (2) 2MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36
32MB (2) 1MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36
32MB (2) 2MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36
32MB (2) 2MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36
32MB (2) 4MBx32/36
40MB (2) 2MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36
40MB (2) 2MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36
40MB (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36
48MB (2) 2MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36
48MB (2) 2MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36
48MB (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36
48MB (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36
56MB (2) 2MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36
56MB (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36
56MB (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36
64MB (2) 2MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36
64MB (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36
64MB (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36
64MB (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36
64MB (2) 8MBx32/36

T able 3-1: Memory Configurations

M6Me System Board Manual

21

Chapter 3: Installing the M6Me

Memory Bank 0 Bank 1 Bank 2 Bank 3

72MB (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36
72MB (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36
72MB (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36
80MB (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36
80MB (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36
80MB (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36
80MB (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36
80MB (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36
88MB (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36
88MB (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36
88MB (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36
96MB (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36
96MB (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36
96MB (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36
96MB (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36

96MB (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36
104MB (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36
104MB (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36
104MB (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36
112MB (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36
112MB (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36
112MB (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36
112MB (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36
120MB (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36
128MB (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36
128MB (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36
128MB (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36
128MB (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 8MBx32/36
128MB (2) 16MBx32/36

22

T able 3-1: Memory Configurations

M6Me System Board Manual

Chapter 3: Installing the M6Me

(2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36

Memory Bank 0 Bank 1 Bank 2 Bank 3

192MB (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 8MBx32/36
200MB (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36
200MB (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36
200MB (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36
208MB (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36
208MB (2) 168MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36
208MB (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36
208MB (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36
216MB (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36
224MB (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36
224MB (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36
224MB (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36
224MB (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36
232MB (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36
240MB (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36
256MB (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 8MBx32/36
256MB (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36
256MB (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 8MBx32/36
256MB (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 16MBx32/36
264MB (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36
264MB (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 16MBx32/36
272MB (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36
272MB (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36
272MB (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36
280MB (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36
288MB (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36
288MB (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36
288MB (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36
296MB

T able 3-1: Memory Configurations

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Chapter 3: Installing the M6Me

Memory Bank 0 Bank 1 Bank 2 Bank 3

304MB (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36
320MB (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36
320MB (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 8MBx32/36
320MB (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 8MBx32/36
328MB (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36
336MB (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36
352MB (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36
384MB (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 8MBx32/36 (2) 8MBx32/36
384MB (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 16MBx32/36
392MB (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 1MBx32/36
400MB (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 2MBx32/36
416MB (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 4MBx32/36
448MB (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 8MBx32/36
512MB (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 16MBx32/36 (2) 16MBx32/36

24

T able 3-1: Memory Configurations

M6Me System Board Manual

Chapter 3: Installing the M6Me

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).

Removing SIMMs

To remove SIMMs, follow the steps below:

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.

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Chapter 3: Installing the M6Me

Installing a CPU

The M6Me is designed to support dual Pentium Pro
processors. Follow the steps below to install the main or
second 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
(refer to Figure 2-1). Gently place 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 the speed selection jumpers are set cor­rectly (refer to Chapter 2 - Jumper Settings).

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.

NOTE: If your operating system supports dual processors,
you may need to reconfigure or reinstall your operating
system. Refer to your software documentation for more
information.

WARNING: Pentium Pro 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.

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M6Me System Board Manual

Chapter 3: Installing the M6Me

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 into place.

6. Replace the computer cover.

7. Refer to the PCI card’s documentation additional
instructions regarding installation and software driv­ers.

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Chapter 3: Installing the M6Me

Installing an EISA Peripheral Card

Micronics EISA slots accommodate all EISA peripherals
that meet the EISA standard. Follow the steps below 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. Refer to the card’s documentation for additional
instructions regarding installation and software driv­ers.

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

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M6Me System Board Manual

Chapter 3: Installing the M6Me

Installing a Plug & Play Card

Micronics EISA slots accommodate all ISA Plug & Play
peripherals that meet the Plug and Play standard. Follow
the steps below to install a Plug and Play peripheral 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. Replace the screw which
holds the card into place.

5. Replace the computer cover.

6. Refer to the card’s documentation for additional
instructions regarding installation and software driv­ers.

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

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Chapter 3: Installing the M6Me

Connecting the Graphics Option

The M6Me is designed to accommodate an optional
VGA video connector and comes with a 15-pin monitor
cable. NOTE: The connector pin-outs for both the 15­pin VGA onboard connector and monitor cable con­nector are the same as the standard 15-pin D-shell
connector pin-outs.

The graphics option comes with up to 2MB of DRAM
memory. The 64-bit graphics processor provides high­speed acceleration in all graphic modes. It uses a full 64­bit non-interleaved DRAM interface, which is twice the
throughput of 32-bit controllers. Full motion digital
video can be scaled up to full screen at 1024x768
resolution.

Connecting the Video Cable

1. Turn the computer system off.

2. Locate the monitor's power switch and make sure it
is turned OFF.

3. Plug the end of the video cable with the 15-pin
connector (which is larger than the other connec­tor) into the video socket on the back of your
monitor. Then tighten the two thumbscrews on the
cable connector.

4. Plug the other end of the video cable into the video
socket on the M6Me and tighten the thumbscrews
(see Figure 2.1).

See Chapter 6 for information on installing video device
drivers.

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M6Me System Board Manual

Chapter 3: Installing the M6Me

Connecting the SCSI Option

The M6Me is designed to accommodate optional inte­grated Ultra Wide SCSI PCI throughput (up to 40MBytes/
sec data rate). Connectors are provided for Normal (Fast
Wide) SCSI (50-pin connector) and Wide (Ultra Wide)
SCSI (68-pin connector). The Wide SCSI configuration
allows up to 15 SCSI peripherals to be connected. The
M6Me SCSI interface is Plug and Play compliant and is
fully compatible with the PCI 2.0 specification.

Refer to the "Adaptec AHA-2940Ultra/2940Ultra Wide
User's Guide" for information on installing and connect­ing SCSI devices.

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31

Chapter 3: Installing the M6Me

32

M6Me System Board Manual

Chapter 4: The BIOS Setup Utility

Chapter

4

The BIOS Setup Utility

Configuration

After the M6Me 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. This will make it easier to
correct any difficulties that might arise.

Initial Boot Up

Power up the M6Me. 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 Appendices B and/or C
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.

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33

Chapter 4: The BIOS Setup Utility

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.

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M6Me System Board Manual

Chapter 4: The BIOS Setup Utility

Running the Setup Procedure

The M6Me system board has five primary CMOS con­figuration screens: Main Screen, Advanced Screen, Boot
Screen, Security 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

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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.

IDE Adapters (Hard Disk Setup)

If you are setting up a SCSI hard disk, select None in the
IDE Device parameters (see your SCSI card manual for
more details). To install an IDE device, select the device
to configure and press ENTER. An IDE Device submenu
will appear (see Figure 4-3).

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M6Me System Board Manual

Chapter 4: The BIOS Setup Utility

Figure 4-3: IDE Device Submenu

Autotype Fixed Disk

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

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

Type

This category selects the drive type installed in the
system. The options are Auto, 1-39, User and None
(default). 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 that came with your system. If not, contact your
dealer or the hard drive manufacturer to fill in this

M6Me System Board Manual

37

Chapter 4: The BIOS Setup Utility

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
Disabled (default), 2 Sectors, 4 Sectors, 8 Sectors, and 16
Sectors.

LBA Mode Control

Enable LBA (Logical Block Addressing) to support IDE
drives larger than 528MB in size. The default setting is
Disabled.

32-Bit I/O

This category allows the user 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 provides the transfer modes for internal
and external devices. The Standard option is the default
setting for internal devices. The Fast PIO 1, Fast PIO 2,
Fast PIO 3 and Fast PIO 4 options are for external
devices.

System Memory

The System Memory category identifies the size of the
base memory. It cannot be changed.

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M6Me System Board Manual

Chapter 4: The BIOS Setup Utility

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

This selection allows you to enable the memory cache.
For optimal performance, select Enabled (default).

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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 set for Auto (default), COM1,
COM2, COM3, COM4 or Disabled.

Serial Port B

Serial Port B may be set for Auto (default), COM1,
COM2, COM3, COM4 or Disabled.

Serial Port B Mode

Serial Port B Mode may be set for COM Port (default),
IrDA or ASKIR. This selection sets the interface to
standard or infrared.

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M6Me System Board Manual

Chapter 4: The BIOS Setup Utility

Parallel Port

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

Parallel Port Mode

The parallel port may be set for output mode (AT)
(default), bidirectional mode (PS/2) and Extended Capa­bilities Port (ECP).

Diskette Controller

The floppy disk controller may be enabled or disabled.

Integrated IDE Adapter

Enables the integrated Local Bus IDE adapter. The IDE
controller may be enabled or disabled.

DRAM Speed

The memory speed can be set for 50ns, 60ns or 70ns
(default).

Plug & Play O/S

This selection, when set to Yes, allows the system to work
with a Plug and Play operating system such as Windows

95. The default setting is No.

Reset Configuration Data

Select Yes to clear the system configuration data. The
default setting is No.

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Chapter 4: The BIOS Setup Utility

Multiprocessor Selection

This selection allows you to select the 1.1 (default) or 1.4
multiprocessor specification.

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.

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. Banyan network cards require
this feature. Enable this feature only if needed. The
default is Disabled.

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M6Me System Board Manual

Chapter 4: The BIOS Setup Utility

Boot Screen

The Boot screen allows you to configure the power-up
system configuration settings.

Figure 4-5: Boot Screen

Boot Sequence

This selection will read the diskette drive (default) and
the hard drive in sequence on boot.

Setup Prompt

If this selection is enabled, the message "Press F2 to ente
Setup" is displayed on boot. The default setting is En­abled.

POST Errors

If this selection is enabled (default) and an error occurs on
boot, the BIOS will display a SETUP entry or resume
prompt. If this selection is disabled, the system will always
attempt to boot.

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Chapter 4: The BIOS Setup Utility

Floppy Check

This selection checks for the existence of a floppy
drive.

Numlock

Setting this to Enabled activates Numlock upon boot.
Setting this to Auto activates Numlock if the BIOS
detects a numeric keyboard. It may also be disabled.

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M6Me System Board Manual

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 4-6: Security Setup Screen

Supervisor Password Is

If a Supervisor Password is set up for the system, it reads
Enabled. If the password is not set up, it reads Disabled
(default).

User Password Is

If a User Password is set up for the system, it reads
Enabled. If the password is not set up, it reads Disabled
(default).

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Chapter 4: The BIOS Setup Utility

Set Supervisor Password

Press the ENTER key to enter the Supervisor Password
submenu.

Figure 4-7: 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: After a password is entered, it is saved immediately.
All other changes may still be discarded (see Exit Screen).

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M6Me System Board Manual

Chapter 4: The BIOS Setup Utility

Password on Boot

When enabled, the system requires a password upon
powerup. Either the Supervisor or User Password may be
entered.

Diskette Access

This selection allows floppy disk access with an option of
the supervisor or user. Selecting Supervisor gives floppy
disk access to the supervisor only. Selecting User (de­fault) 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.

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.

System Backup Reminder

When enabled, this selection displays a message during
system bootup to remind you to backup your system. The
default setting is Disabled.

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Chapter 4: The BIOS Setup Utility

Exit Screen

After you complete configuring the BIOS, select the
Exit screen.

Figure 4-8: Exit Screen

Choose “Save Changes and Exit” and reboot the com­puter. Your computer is ready for use.

48

M6Me System Board Manual

Chapter 5: The EISA Utility

Chapter

5

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

The EISA Utility

Introduction

The M6Me 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 conflict­free configuration information. This is achieved through
a series of initialization commands stored in nonvolatile
memory. The EISA Utility determines the configuration,
creates the initialization commands and makes sure the
configuration is correct.

When Should You Run the EISA Utility?

The EISA utility retains the configuration information in
nonvolatile 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 You 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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49

Chapter 5: The EISA Utility

Starting the Utility

Follow the steps below to start the EISA utility:

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

2. At the A: prompt, type “cf” and press <ENTER>.
The Configuration Introduction screen will appear:

50

Figure 5-1: EISA Configuration Introduction Screen

M6Me System Board Manual

Chapter 5: The EISA Utility

Main Menu

After pressing <ENTER>, the main menu appears. The
main menu lists five 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 several pages of useful information on the
configuration utility. Read this prior to using the utility.

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Chapter 5: The EISA Utility

Step 2: Add or Remove Boards

When you select Step 2, the utility scans and locates the
EISA boards installed. This chapter allows you to add or
remove 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 will appear:

Figure 5-3: Add or Remove Boards Screen

Press <Insert> to add the boards that could not be
detected or boards 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 add-on cards you are installing. Insert
the configuration disk for the peripheral you are install­ing and press <ENTER>.

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M6Me System Board Manual

Chapter 5: 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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Chapter 5: The EISA Utility

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.

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M6Me System Board Manual

Chapter 5: 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 that 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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55

Chapter 5: The EISA Utility

Step 4: Examine Switches or Print
Report

Examine Switches

This chapter 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. The
changes are now complete and you are ready to use your
computer.

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M6Me System Board Manual

Chapter

6

Chapter 6: Installing Device Drivers

Installing Device Drivers

This chapter explains how to install the software device
drivers and utilities necessary to utilize the optional video
and SCSI support. Drivers are included for Windows 95
and Windows NT. 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 Video Drivers

Windows 95

1. Start Microsoft Windows 95. The New Hardware
Found screen appears.

2. Insert the M6Me Drivers and Utilities disk into your
floppy drive.

3. From the New Hardware Found screen, select the
Driver From Disk Provided by Hardware Manufac­turer option. Click on Next.

4. Type in the driver location: A:\ (where A is the
floppy drive letter). Click on OK.

5. Windows 95 copies the M6Me drivers and utilities to
your hard drive.

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57

Chapter 6: Installing Device Drivers

Windows NT

1. Boot Windows NT in VGA mode.

2. From the Main group, double-click on Control Panel,
then double-click on Display.

3. Select Change Display Type.

4. From the Change Display Type screen, select Change
for the adapter type.

5. Select the Other button.

6. Insert the M6Me Drivers and Utilities disk into your
floppy drive. Click on OK.

7. Click on the Install button.

8. Click on Yes to install the driver.

9. When the Windows NT Setup dialog box appears,
select drive A:\, then click on Continue.

10. When a message appears stating that the drivers
were successfully installed, click on OK.

11. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Installing the SCSI Drivers

Refer to the "Adaptec 7800 Family Manager Set User's
Guide" for driver and configuration information for your
operating system.

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M6Me System Board Manual

Appendix A: Technical Information

Appendix

A

Specifications

Part Number: 09-00271-01
Processor: Dual ZIF socket 8 for Intel Pentium

Pro processor support for
150-200MHz processors.
Dual VRM headers to supply CPU­specific voltages.

CPU Clock Select:Frequency synthesizer chip.

Support for 60 and 66MHz CPU bus.

Chipset: Intel 440FX PCIset.

Intel PCEB/ESC EISA Bridge.

SMC FDC37C93X Ultra I/O chip.
Form Factor: Standard AT footprint.
Expansion: Three 32-bit PCI slots.

Six 32-bit EISA slots.

One is a shared PCI/EISA slot.
BIOS: Phoenix 4.0X Plug and Play BIOS on

1MB Flash.

Auto-detection of memory size.

Auto-detection and display of ECC

and EDO memory.

Auto-configuration of IDE hard disk

types.
RAM Capacity: Maximum memory 512MB.

Supports FPM and EDO DRAM

memory.

ECC supported via chipset.
Cache: 16K Level 1 Write Back on CPU

chip.

256K/512K Level 2 cache in CPU

package.

M6Me System Board Manual

59

Appendix A: Technical Information

Fast Wide SCSI: Adaptec 7880 Fast Wide SCSI Bus Mastering
(optional) controller.

Resident 50-pin SCSI connector.
Resident 68-pin SCSI connector (Ultra Wide
SCSI).

Onboard Video: Cirrus Logic 5436 chipset with up to 2MB DRAM
(optional) Video cable with VGA monitor connector.

Keyboard/Mouse: PS/2 compatible.

Optional AT style DIN keyboard connector.

I/O Ports: Two high speed serial ports (16550 compatible).

Enhanced Parallel Port with ECP support.

Floppy Port: Auto-detection and support of two floppy drives

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

PCI IDE Ports: One resident 40-pin IDE connector (ISA).

Multiple sector transfer support.
Auto detection of add-in IDE board.

Environmental Specifications

The environment in which the M6Me 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%.

60

M6Me System Board Manual

Appendix A: Technical Information

Battery Disposal

WARNING:

Please do not open battery, dispose of in fire, recharge, put in backward
or mix with used or other battery types. The battery may explode or lea
and cause personal injury.

M6Me System Board Manual

61

Appendix A: Technical Information

Technical Support

If you need technical assistance, our Technical Support
staff will be glad to assist you. You can contact us via
telephone, fax or Bulletin Board System (BBS). Before
calling please have the following information ready:

❏ The model name and 09 part number of your Micron-

ics product.

❏ 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 (RMA) pur-

poses, please keep a copy of your product receipt.

In the United States:

Technical Support [phone]
Technical Support Fax [phone]
RMA Department [phone]

In Europe:

UK Technical Support [phone]
UK Technical Support Fax [phone]

Germany Technical Support [phone]
Germany Technical Support Fax[phone]

France Technical Support [phone]
France Technical Support Fax [phone]

62

M6Me System Board Manual

Appendix A: Technical Information

Online Services

Bulletin Board (BBS)

In the United States:

Technical Support BBS [phone]
14400 baud rate, Parity=N, Data Bits=8, Stop Bits=1,
YMODEM and ZMODEM (recommended file transfer
protocols)

In Europe:

UK Technical Support BBS [phone]
Germany Technical Support BBS+49 (0) 89 68 81 686
France Technical Support BBS [phone]

World Wide Web

You will find information on product support, new product
releases and other categories of information. Access the
Internet and type: http://www.micronics.com

M6Me System Board Manual

63

Appendix A: Technical Information

64

M6Me System Board Manual

Appendix B: POST Messages

Message

Possible Cause

Solution

Appendix

B

POST Messages

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

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

INCORRECT DRIVE
A TYPE

INCORRECT DRIVE
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 memory.

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. 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.

M6Me System Board Manual

65

Appendix B: POST Messages

Message

Possible Cause

Solution

SYSTEM TIMER

Requires repair of system

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 BATTERY
IS DEAD

SYSTEM CACHE
ERROR - CACHE
DISABLED

SYSTEM CMOS
CHECKSUM BAD ­RUN SETUP

SYSTEM RAM
FAILED AT
OFFSET: nnnn

ERROR

Monitor type not
correctly identified in
Setup.

Operating system
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) cache
failed BIOS test.

System CMOS has been
corrupted or modified
incorrectly.

System RAM failed. Replace defective RAM.

Timer test failed.

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 run Setup to
reconfigure the system.

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

Run Setup and
reconfigure the system.

board.

66

M6Me System Board Manual

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 M6Me 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
following 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 1-3­3 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.

The following tables list all beep codes and POST
routines.

M6Me System Board Manual

67

Appendix C: Beep and POST Codes

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 Initialize cache initial POST values.
OE Initialize I/O.
OF Initialize 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 512K 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 alternate 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.

68

M6Me System Board Manual

Appendix C: Beep and POST Codes

Code Beeps POST Routine Description

4A Initialize all video 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 memory.
62 Test extended memory 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 configuration errors.
74 Test real-time clock.
76 Check for keyboard errors.
7C Set up hardware interrupt vectors.
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 Initialize 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.

M6Me System Board Manual

69

Appendix C: Beep and POST Codes

Beeps

Code

9C Set up Power Management.
9E Enable hardware interrupts.
A0 Set time of day.
A2 Check key lock.
A4 Initialize typematic rate.
A8 Erase 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.

E2 Initialize the chipset.
E3 Initialize 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 Initialize interrupt controller.
EA Read in the bootstrap code.
EB Initialize all vectors.
EC Boot the Flash program.
ED Initialize the boot device.
EE Boot code was read OK.

POST Routine Description

The following are for boot block in Flash ROM:

70

M6Me System Board Manual

Appendix D: Hard Disk Drive Types

Appendix

D

Hard Disk Drive Types

The following table lists the IDE hard disk types sup­ported by the M6Me.

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

M6Me System Board Manual

71

Appendix D: Hard Disk Drive Types

Size

71

42

50

72

44

71

42

109

72

Type Cylinders Heads Write

Precomp

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

Sectors

72

M6Me System Board Manual

Appendix E: Updating the System BIOS

Appendix

E

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. For example, to
update the M6Me to BIOS version 01, you would
type:

PHLASH M6Me_01.ROM [ENTER]

4) Once the FLASH process has begun, select [Y]es, if
prompted, to allow auto-sensing of the part (the
FLASH chip itself).

5) 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 the BIOS is somehow erased or doesn’t seem
to accept the upgrade, you can have your original BIOS
chip reprogrammed manually by Technical Support.
There is a $29.95 fee for this service, which includes
shipping charges to send your FLASH EPROM chip

M6Me System Board Manual

73

Appendix E: Updating the System BIOS

back to you. Also, a preprogrammed FLASH EPROM
chip can be purchased from Technical Support for $50.00.
Overnight shipping costs an additional $10.00. (Price
and availability subject to change.)

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.

74

M6Me System Board Manual

Limited Warranty

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 o
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

M6Me System Board Manual

75

Limited Warranty

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

76

M6Me System Board Manual

FCC Statement

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.

M6Me System Board Manual

77

Declaration of Conformity

Declaration of Conformity

Application of Council Directives 89/336/EEC. Standards to
which the conformity is declared:

EN55022 EN50082-1
Manufacturer's Name: Micronics Computers, Inc.
Manufacturers Address: 221 Warren Avenue

Fremont, California 94539

USA

Telephone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]
Type of Equipment: Dual Pentium Pro Motherboard

(AT Form Factor)

Full Tower Personal Computer
Model Name: M6Me
Tested by: Micronics Computers, Inc.

221 Warren Avenue

Fremont, CA. 94539

USA

Rockford Engineering Services, Inc.

9959 Calaveras Road

P.O. Box 543

Sunol, CA. 94586-0543

Telephone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]
Test Engineers John Y. Chan/Micronics (EN55022)

Paramjeet Singh/RES (EN50082-1)
I, the undersigned, hereby declare that the specified equip-

ment conforms to the directives and standards listed above.

Thomas Lui

Compliance Engineering Manager

July 19, 1996

78

M6Me System Board Manual

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.

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.

ATX - A system board size measuring
approximately 12” x 9.6”.

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

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

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

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.

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.

binary number system. A bit repre­sents a choice between either zero or
one.

M6Me System Board Manual

79

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.

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.

ECC - An acronym for Error Check­ing and Correction. ECC enables par­ity checking and can detect and cor­rect memory errors on the system
board.

ECP - An acronym for Expanded Ca­pabilities Port. A standard set by
Hewlett Packard and Microsoft Cor­poration to expand the capabilities of
the parallel port.

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 Local

Bus 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.

Fast SCSI - A SCSI data transfer rate
standard that allows a rate of up to 10
MBytes/sec on an 8-bit SCSI bus and
up to 20 MBytes/sec on a 16-bit
(Wide) SCSI bus.

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.

Gigabyte - A disk storage capacity
measurement. Approximately one
thousand megabytes or 1,073,741,824
bytes.

EDO Memory - An acronym for Ex­tended Data Out. A type of DRAM
with built-in cache for enhanced per­formance.

80

IDE - An acronym for Integrated De­vice Electronics. A standard for com­municating between a hard drive and
a computer.

M6Me System Board Manual

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, VESA Local Bus

and EISA.

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 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 EISA, VESA Local Bus 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.

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 - Small computer system inter­face. A bus interface standard that
defines physical and electrical char­acteristics for hardware devices. SCSI
provides a standard interface that en­ables many different kinds of devices,
such as disk drives and CD-ROM
drives to interface with the host com­puter.

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.

Glossary

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.

Setup - A program that 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

M6Me System Board Manual

81

Glossary

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.

Small Computer System Interface ­See SCSI.

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%.

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, EISA and

ISA.

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

VR - Pentium CPU voltage ranging
from 3.300 - 3.465 Volts.

VRE - Pentium CPU voltage ranging
from 3.400 - 3.600 Volts.

Warm Boot - Restarting the system
by simultaneously pressing the
<Ctrl>, <Alt> and <Delete> keys.

Wide SCSI - A SCSI-2 enhancement
that allows data to be transferred 16
or 32 bits at a time on the SCSI bus
instead of 8 bits at a time.

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.

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

VESA - An acronym for Video Elec­tronics and Standards Association.

82

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.

M6Me System Board Manual

Index

B

Battery Disposal - 61
Beep and POST Codes - 67
BIOS

Configuration - 33
Setup - 33, 35

Bulletin Board System (BBS) - 63

C

Configuring the M6Me - 11

Index

D

Device Drivers

SCSI - 58
Video - 57

Diagram (M6Me) - 12

E

Extended Data Out (EDO) Memory - 17, 19
Environmental Specifications - 60
Error Checking (ECC) - 17, 19

F

Fast Page Mode (FPM) Memory - 17, 19

M6Me System Board Manual

83

Index

H

Hard Disk Drive Types -71
Help

Bulletin Board System (BBS) - 63
Telephone Numbers - 62
Troubleshooting - 65

I

Installation

CPU - 25
Device Drivers - 57
Installing your M6Me - 18
EISA Peripheral Card - 28
PCI Peripheral Card - 27
Quick Installation - 9

J

Jumper Settings - 13

M

M6Me System Board Diagram - 12
Memory

Configurations - 21
Installing - 25
Mixing - 20
Removing - 25
Supported - 17, 19

O

Online Services - 63

84

M6Me System Board Manual

P

POST Messages - 65

S

SCSI Support - 31, 58
Specifications - 59
System BIOS - 73

T

Technical Specifications - 59
Technical Support - 62
Troubleshooting - 65

Index

U

Updating the System BIOS - 73
Utility Programs

Advanced Screen - 40
BIOS Setup - 33
Boot Screen - 43
Exit Screen - 48
IDE Device Submenu - 37
Main Screen - 33
Security Screen - 45

W

World Wide Web - 63

M6Me System Board Manual

85