VIA Technologies EPIA-M Mini-ITX, EPIA-M User Manual

i

Version 1.3

January 23, 2003

VIA

User’s Manual

VIA EPIA-M

Mini-ITX Mainboard

ii

Copyright

Copyright by VIA Technologies Inc. (“VIA”). No part of this manual
may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without express written
authorization from VIA.

Trademarks

All trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

Data protection

All data should be backed-up prior to the installation of any drive unit or
storage peripheral. VIA will not be responsible for any loss of data
resulting from the use, disuse or misuse of this or any other VIA product.

No Warranty

VIA has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the content of
this manual. However, it is possible that it may contain technical
inaccuracies or typographical or other errors. VIA will assume no liability
for any inaccuracy found in this publication, nor for damages, direct,
indirect, incidental, consequential or otherwise, that may result from
such an inaccuracy, including without limitation loss of data or profits.

VIA provides this manual “as is”, and does not issue a warranty of any
kind, express or implied, including without limitation implied warranties
of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

The information provided in this manual is subject to change without
notice. VIA reserves the right to alter product designs, layouts or drivers
without notification.

iii

FCC-B Radio Frequency Interference Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for
a class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial
environment. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is
likely to cause harmful interference, in which case the user will be

required to correct the interference at his own expense.

Notice 1

The changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party re­sponsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.

Notice 2

Shielded interface cables and A.C. power cord, if any, must be used in
order to comply with the emission limits.

VOIR LA NOTICE D’INSTALLATION AVANT DE RACCORDER AU

RESEAU.

VIA EPIA-M Mini-ITX Mainboard

Tested to comply

with FCC Standard

For Home or Office Use

iv

Copyright Notice

We take every care in the preparation of this document, but no guaran­tee is given as to the correctness of its contents. Our products are
under continual improvement and we reserve the right to make changes
without notice.

Trademarks

All trademarks used in this manual are the property of their respective
owners.

PS/2 and OS/2 are registered trademarks of IBM Corporation.
Windows 95/98/98SE/ME/2000/NT and Windows XP are registered
trademarks of Microsoft.
Netware is a registered trademark of Novell.
Award is a registered trademark of Award Software Inc.

v

NOTE

1. Always read the safety instructions carefully.

2. Keep this User’s Manual for future reference.

3. Keep this equipment away from humidity.

4. Lay this equipment on a reliable flat surface before setting it up.

5. The openings on the enclosure are for air convection hence pro­tects the equipment from overheating. DO NOT COVER THE OPEN­INGS.

6. Make sure the voltage of the power source and adjust properly 110/
220V before connecting the equipment to the power inlet.

7. Place the power cord in such a way that people cannot step on it.
Do not place anything over the power cord.

8. Always unplug the power cord before inserting any add-on card or
module.

9. All cautions and warnings on the equipment should be noted.

10. Never pour any liquid into the opening. Liquid can cause damage
or electrical shock.

11. If any of the following situations arises, get the equipment checked
by a service personnel:

• The power cord or plug is damaged

• Liquid has penetrated into the equipment

• The equipment has been exposed to moisture

• The equipment has not work well or you can not get it work

according to User’s Manual.

• The equipment has dropped and damaged

• If the equipment has obvious sign of breakage

12. DO NOT LEAVE THIS EQUIPMENT IN AN ENVIRONMENT UNCON­DITIONED, STORAGE TEMPERATURE ABOVE 600 C (1400F), IT
MAY DAMAGE THE EQUIPMENT.

Safety Instructions

CAUTION: Explosion or serious damage may occur if the

battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same
or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer.

vi

This VIA EPIA-M Mini-ITX Mainboard package should contain the follow­ing items:

• 1 x VIA EPIA-M Mini-ITX Mainboard

• 1 x User’s manual

• 1 x ATA-33/66/100 Hard drive ribbon cable

• 1 x Floppy ribbon cable

• 1 x Combo Module (2 port USB 2.0 and 2 port IEEE1394)

• 1 x Driver Utilities CD

Box Contents

vi

Contents

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

Mainboard Specifications................................................ 1-2

Mainboard Layout............................................................ 1-4

Connectors Guide ............................................................ 1-5

Installation ............................................................. 2-1

CPU ................................................................................. 2-2

The VIA C3™ E-Series Processor ................................... 2-2

The VIA Eden Processor .................................................. 2-3

Memory Installation ......................................................... 2-4

DDR SDRAM Module Installation Procedures ................. 2-4

Available DDR SDRAM Configurations ........................... 2-5

Power Supply .................................................................. 2-6

ATX 20-Pin Power Connector: ATXPWR ....................... 2-6

Back Panel ....................................................................... 2-7

Mouse Connector: JMS1 .................................................. 2-7

Keyboard Connector: JKB1 .............................................. 2-7

USB Port Connectors ....................................................... 2-8

RJ-45 NIC Port ................................................................. 2-8

Parallel Port Connector: LPT1 ......................................... 2-8

Serial Port Connector: COM 1 .......................................... 2-9

S-Video Port ..................................................................... 2-9

Audio Port Connectors ..................................................... 2-9

RCA or S/PDIF Port......................................................... 2-9

VGA Out ........................................................................... 2-9

Connectors ..................................................................... 2-10

Hard Disk Connectors: IDE1 & IDE2 ............................ 2-10

Case Connectors: F_PANEL ........................................... 2-11

Fast IrDA Infrared Module Connector: FIR .................... 2-12

CIR/PS2 (EXT_KBMS) Header: CIR ............................ 2-12

USB pin-header: USB3/4 ................................................ 2-13

Wake-On LAN Connector: WOL ................................... 2-13

FireWire: IEEE1394 ........................................................ 2-14

vii

COM2: The Second Serial Port ...................................... 2-14

Chassis Intrusion Connector: CI...................................... 2-15

CD-In Connector: CD_IN ............................................... 2-16

I2C Connector: I2C .......................................................... 2-16

Front Audio Connector: F_Audio .................................... 2-17

LVDS Module Connector: LVDS (Optional) ................... 2-17

Jumpers.......................................................................... 2-18

Clear CMOS Jumper: CLEAR_CMOS ........................... 2-18

RCA Video or S/PDIF Select: SPDIF_SEL .................... 2-18

Slots............................................................................... 2-19

PCI Slots ......................................................................... 2-19

PCI Interrupt Request Routing ....................................... 2-19

BIOS Setup............................................................ 3-1

Entering Setup.................................................................. 3-2

Control Keys.................................................................... 3-2

Getting Help .................................................................... 3-3

The Main Menu................................................................ 3-4

Standard CMOS Features ................................................ 3-6

Advanced BIOS Features ................................................ 3-8

Advanced Chipset Features ........................................... 3-11

Integrated Peripherals .................................................... 3-13

Power Management Setup.............................................. 3-17

PNP/PCI Configurations ................................................ 3-22

PC Health Status ............................................................ 3-24

Frequency/Voltage Control ............................................ 3-25

Load Fail-Safe Defaults................................................. 3-27

Load Optimized Defaults ............................................... 3-28

Set Supervisor/User Password ...................................... 3-29

Save & Exit Setup.......................................................... 3-31

Exit Without Saving ....................................................... 3-32

viii

Software Setup...................................................... 4-1

Driver Utilities CD Content ............................................. 4-2

Getting Started ................................................................. 4-2

Running the Driver Utilities CD ..................................... 4-2

CD Content ...................................................................... 4-2

Appendix ................................................................ 5-1

Smart 5.1 - Intelligent 6 Channel Audio........................... 5-2

Specifications

1-1

The ultra-compact and highly intergrated VIA
EPIA-M Mini-ITX Mainboard is the smallest form
factor mainboard specification available today,
developed by VIA Technologies, Inc as part of the
company’s open industry-wide total connectivity
initiative. The mainboard enables the creation of an
exciting new generation of small, ergonomic, innovative
and affordable embedded systems. Through high level
of integration, mini-ITX only occupy 66% of the size
of FlexATX mainboard form factor. The mainboard
comes with an embedded VIA Processor, boasting ultra

low power consumption and cool, quiet operation.

This chapter includes the following sections:

Mainboard Specifications 1-2

Mainboard Layout 1-4

Connectors Guide 1-5

Specifications

1

Chapter 1

1-2

CPU

• VIA C3 / EDEN EBGA Processor (on board)

• Enhanced Ball Grid Array Package (EBGA)

• Internal L1 128KB and L2 64KB cache memory

Chipset

• VIA CLE266 North Bridge

• VT8235 South Bridge

Graphics

• Integrated CastleRock graphics with MPEG-2 decoder

Audio

• VT1616 six channel AC’97 Codec

• 3 Audio jacks: Line-in, Line-out and Mic-in; switched to 6-channel output

during 6-channel operations with Smart 5.1 (See Appendix 5-1)

Main Memory

• 1 DDR266 DIMM socket

• Up to 1GB memory size

PCI Bus IDE

• 1 PCI slot

• 2 X UltraDMA 66 / 100 / 133 Connector

LAN

• VIA VT6103 10 / 100 Base-T Ethernet PHY

USB

• USB v2.0 / v1.1

Firewire

• IEEE 1394; VIA VT6307S 2-port Firewire

Specifications

Specifications

1-3

TV-Out

• VIA VT1622/M (Macrovision) TV-Out Controller

• Supports 640 x 480, 800 x 600, and 1024 x 768 NTSC/PAL TV

Onboard I/O Connectors

• Two 1394 connectors for two 1394 ports

• Front-panel audio connectors (Mic and Line Out)

• CD Audio-in connector

• 1 FIR connector; 1 PS2 connector

• Wake-on-LAN

• CPU / Sys Fan / FAN3

• System intrusion connector

• 1 I

2

C connector

• 1 Connector for LVDS module (Optional)

• Serial port connector for second com port

Back Panel I/O Ports

• 1 PS2 mouse port; 1 PS2 keyboard port

• 1 Parallel; 1 RJ-45 LAN port; 1 Serial port

• 2 USB 2.0 ports; 1 VGA port

• 1 RCA port (SPDIF or TV out); 1 S-Video port

• 3 Audio jacks: line-out, line-in and mic-in; can be switched to 6 channel

output with Smart 5.1 (See Appendix 5-1)

BIOS

• Award BIOS with 2 / 4Mbit flash memory

Form Factor

• 17 cm X 17 cm Mini-ITX (4 layers)

Chapter 1

1-4

VIA EPIA-M Mini-ITX Mainboard

Layout

CPUFAN

WOL

1394_1

1394_2

FAN3

F_PANEL

DIMM

IDE1IDE2

ATXPWR

IR

I2C

COM2

USB 3/4

F_Audio

CD_IN

Top: Mouse

Bottom: Keyboard

Top: RJ45

Bottom: USB ports

CRT (VGA)

SYSFAN

FDD

COM1

Top: Parallel port

Bottom: S-Video /

Composite

Top: Line-In

Middle: Line-Out

Bottom: Mic

CIR

CI

CLEAR_CMOS

SPDIF_SEL

LVDS

Specifications

1-5

Component Function Reference

SYSFAN/CPUFAN/FAN3 Fan power connectors See p. 2-2

DIMM DIMM slot See p. 2-4

ATX Power Connector Connecting ATX power supply See p. 2-6

PS/2 Mouse Mouse connector See p. 2-7

PS/2 Keyboard Keyboard connector See p. 2-7

LPT Connector Parallel port connector See p. 2-8

USB 1, USB 2 Connecting to USB devices See p. 2-8

RJ-45 NIC Port Connecting to a LAN See p. 2-8

COM Port Serial port connector See p. 2-9

Line Out Connecting Headphones/Speakers See p. 2-9

Line In Connecting an audio device See p. 2-9

Mic In Connecting a Micorphone See p. 2-9

S-Video Connect to S-Video See p. 2-9

S/PDIF_SEL Connect to RCA video or S/PDIF See p. 2-9

VGA Out Connect to CRT monitor See p. 2-9

IDE 1, IDE 2 Connecting IDE devices See p. 2-10

F_Panel Front panel connectors See p. 2-11

IR FIR module connector See p. 2-12

CIR CIR / PS2 (EXT_KBMS) header See p. 2-12

USB_3/4 USB pin-header connector See p. 2-13

WOL Wake-On LAN connector See p. 2-13

FireWire IEEE1394 See p. 2-14

COM2 The second serial port See p. 2-14

CI Chassis Intrusion connector See p. 2-15

FDD Floppy Drive Connector See p. 2-15

CD_IN CD_In Connector See p. 2-16

I2CI

2

C Connector See p. 2-16

F_Audio Front Audio Connector See p. 2-17

LVDS LVDS module connector See p. 2-17

Clear_CMOS Clear CMOS jumper See p. 2-18

S/PDIF_SEL Connecting RCA Video or SPDIF See p. 2-18

PCI Slot Connecting to expansion cards See p. 2-19

Connectors Guide

Hardware Setup

2-1

This chapter provides you with the information about hard­ware setup procedures. While installing, be careful in
holding the components and follow the installation
procedures. Some components can be damaged if installed
incorrectly. If possible, use a grounded wrist strap before
handling computer components. The components can be
damaged by static electricity.

This chapter contains the following topics:

Central Processing Unit (CPU) 2-2
Memory Installation 2 -4
Power Supply 2-6
Back Panel 2 -7
Connectors 2-10
Jumpers 2-18
Slots 2-19

Installation

2

Chapter 2

2-2

CPU Fan Cable CPU Fan / Heatsink

CPU Fan Connector

The VIA C3™ E-Series Processor

With low power consumption and advanced thermal dissipation properties,
the embedded VIA C3™ E-Series requires only a small fan to guarantee
performance and reliability. Ensure that the CPU Fan Connector is correctly
installed, as displayed below.

The VIA EPIA-M Mini-ITX Mainboard includes an embedded VIA Eden Proc­essor or VIA C3™ E-Series Processor. The CPUF AN (CPU fan) and SYSFAN
(system fan) run on +12V and maintain system cooling. When connecting
the wire to the connectors, always be aware that the red wire is the Positive
and should be connected to the +12V. The black wire is Ground and should
be connected to GND. Both CPU and System fan connectors have sensors to
detect fan speed, but the power fan does not have sensor. FAN3 is an addi­tional FAN connector.

CPU

CPUFAN

SENSOR

+12V

GND

FAN3

+12V

GND

SENSOR

SYSFAN

+12V
GND

Hardware Setup

2-3

CPU Heatsink

The VIA Eden Processor

Providing ultra-low power consumption and advanced thermal dissipation
properties, the VIA Eden Processor features a fanless design. The VIA Eden
Processor requires only a heatsink, as shown below.

Overclocking

This motherboard is not designed to support overclocking.
Any attempt to operate beyond product specifications is not
recommended. We do not guarantee the damages or risks

caused by operation beyond product specifications.

WARNING!

Chapter 2

2-4

DDR SDRAM Module Installation Procedures

1.) Push the white retaining latches at either end of the DIMM slot outwards.

2.) Align the DDR SDRAM module with the corresponding notches on the
DIMM slot. The modules will only fit if placed in the correct position.

3.) With both hands, press the DDR SDRAM module down into the DIMM
slot so that the white retaining latches rotate up and secure the module in
place (see picture below).

The VIA EPIA-M Mini-ITX Mainboard provides one 184-pin DIMM slot for
DDR266 SDRAM memory modules.

Memory Installation

DIMM

Hardware Setup

2-5

Socket Memory Module Total Memory

DIMM 64MB, 128MB,

256MB, 512MB, 1GB

64MB~1GB

Maximum System Memory Supported

1GB

Available DDR SDRAM Configurations

Refer to the table below for available DDR SDRAM configurations on the
mainboard.

Chapter 2

2-6

A TX 20-Pin Power Connector

To connect the ATX power supply, make sure the plugs of the power supply
are inserted in the proper orientation and the pins are correctly aligned. Then,
push down the power supply plug firmly into the connector.

The VIA EPIA-M Mini-ITX Mainboard requires an ATX power supply to be
connected. Before inserting the power supply connector, always make sure
that all components are installed correctly to ensure that no damage will be
caused.

Power Supply

PIN SIGNAL

11 3.3V
12 -12V
13 GND
14 PS_ON
15 GND
16 GND
17 GND
18 -5V
19 5 V
20 5 V

PIN SIGNAL

1 3.3V
2 3.3V
3 GND
45V
5 GND
65V
7 GND
8 PW_OK
9 5V_SB
10 12V

A TXPWR Pin Definition

1

1020

11

Hardware Setup

2-7

COM Port

PS/2 Keyboard

PS/2 Mouse

USB Ports

RJ-45 Port

Back Panel

The back panel of the VIA EPIA-M Mini-ITX Mainboard contains the
following connectors:

LPT Connector

CRT Connector

S-Video Port

RCA Video

or

S / P DIF Port

Keyboard Connector: JKB1

The mainboard provides a standard PS/
2 keyboard connector for attaching a
PS/2 keyboard. You can plug a PS/2
keyboard directly into this connector.

Mouse Connector: JMS1

The mainboard provides a standard
PS/2 mouse connector for attaching
a PS/2 mouse. You can plug a PS/2
mouse directly into this connector.
The connector location and pin as­signments are as follows:

PS/2 Mouse (6-pin Female)

2

1

3

4

5

6

PS/2 Keyboard (6-pin Female)

21

34

5

6

Pin Definition

Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 Mouse DATA Mouse DATA
2 NC No connection
3 GND Ground
4 VCC +5V

5. Mouse Clock Mouse clock

6. NC No connection

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 Keyboard DATA Keyboard DATA
2 NC No connection
3 GND Ground
4 VCC +5V

5. Keyboard Clock Keyboard Clock

6. NC No connection

Mic In

Line Out

Line In

Chapter 2

2-8

USB Port Connectors

The mainboard provides 2 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (plus 1 pin-headers for up to 2
additional USB 2.0 connections). USB-compatible devices can be plugged
directly into these ports.

Parallel Port Connector: LPT1

The mainboard provides a 25-pin female connector for LPT (parallel port).
A parallel port is a standard printer port that supports Enhanced Parallel Port
(EPP) and Extended Capabilities Parallel Port (ECP) modes.

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 STROBE Strobe
2 DATA0 Data0
3 DATA1 Data1
4 DATA2 Data2
5 DATA3 Data3
6 DATA4 Data4
7 DATA5 Data5
8 DATA6 Data6
9 DATA7 Data7
10 ACK# Acknowledge
11 BUSY Busy
12 P E Paper End
13 SELECT Select
14 AUTO FEED# Automatic Feed
15 ERR# Error
16 INIT# Initialize Printer
17 SLIN# Select In
18 GND Ground
19 GND Ground
20 GND Ground
21 GND Ground
22 GND Ground
23 GND Ground
24 GND Ground
25 GND Ground

Pin Definition

USB Ports

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8

13

1

1425

RJ-45 NIC Port

The mainboard provides one standard
RJ-45 port for connection to the Lo­cal Area Network (LAN). You can con­nect a network cable to the LAN port.

Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 VCC +5V
2 -Data 0 Negative Data Channel 0
3 +Data 0 Positive Data Channel 0
4 GND Ground

5. VCC +5V

6. -Data 1 Negative Data Channel 1

7. +Data 1 Positive Data Channel 1

8. GND Ground

Hardware Setup

2-9

Serial Port Connectors: COM 1

The mainboard offers one 9-pin male Serial Port connector (COM 1) . You
can attach a serial mouse or other serial devices directly to this port.

S-Video Port

This port allows S-Video output in
NTSC and PAL modes.

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9

9-Pin Male DIN Connectors

Audio Port Connectors

Line-Out is a connector for speakers

or headphones. The Line-In connec-
tor can be used for an external CD
player, tape player, or other audio
devices. The Mic-In connector is for
connecting microphones. Please note
when 6-channel applications are used,
all three connectors become output
connectors. Line-Out becomes Front
L/R; Line-In becomes Rear L/R; Mic-
In becomes Center/Sub. Note:
Win98SE supports only 4-CH output.
See appendix 5-1 for Smart5.1.

VGA Out

A DB-15 pin female connector that
connects to a VGA monitor.

1/8” Stereo Audio Connectors

RCA Video or S/PDIF Port

This dual function port may be used ei­ther as a RCA Video port or as a S/
PDIF port.

(2 Channel) (6 Channel)

Line Out

MIC

Line In

L/R

Front

Rear

L/R

Sub

Center

Pin Definition

PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION

1 DCD Data Carry Detect
2 SIN Serial In or Receive Data
3 SOUT Serial Out or Transmit Data
4 DTR Data Terminal Ready

5. GND Ground

6. DSR Data Set Ready

7. RTS Request To Send

8. CTS Clear To Send

9. RI Ring Indicate