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Copyright and Warranty Notice
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on part of the vendor, who assumes no liability or responsibility for any errors that may appear in this manual. No warranty or representation, either expressed or implied, is made with respect to the quality, accuracy or fitness for any particular part of this document. In no event shall the manufacturer be liable for direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages arising from any defect or error in this manual or product. Product names appearing in this manual are for identification purpose only and trademarks and product names or brand names appearing in this document are property of their respective owners. This document contains materials protected under International Copyright Laws. All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced, transmitted or transcribed without the expressed written permission of the manufacturer and authors of this manual. If you do not properly set the motherboard settings causing the motherboard to malfunction or fail, we cannot guarantee any responsibility.
BF6 Motherboard User's Manual
Table of Contents CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION OF BF6 FEATURES 1-1. FEATURES OF THIS MOTHERBOARD 1-2. SPECIFICATIONS 1-3. LAYOUT DIAGRAM 1-4. THE SYSTEM BLOCK DIAGRAM CHAPTER 2. INSTALLING THE MOTHERBOARD 2-1. INSTALLING THE MOTHERBOARD TO THE CHASSIS 2-2. INSTALLATION OF THE PENTIUM II/III, CELERONTM CPU 2-3. INSTALLING SYSTEM MEMORY 2-4. CONNECTORS, HEADERS AND SWITCHES 2-5. CPU FREQUENCY SETTINGS CHAPTER 3. INTRODUCTION OF THE BIOS 3-1. SOFTMENU III SETUP 3-2. STANDARD CMOS FEATURES SETUP MENU 3-3. ADVANCED BIOS FEATURES SETUP MENU 3-4. ADVANCED CHIPSET FEATURES SETUP MENU 3-5. INTEGRATED PERIPHERALS 3-6. POWER MANAGEMENT SETUP MENU 3-7. PNP/PCI CONFIGURATIONS 3-8. PC HEALTH STATUS 3-9. LOAD FAIL-SAFE DEFAULTS 3-10. LOAD OPTIMIZED DEFAULTS 3-11. SET PASSWORD 3-12. SAVE & EXIT SETUP 3-13. EXIT WITHOUT SAVING 1-1 1-1 1-2 1-5 1-6 2-1 2-2 2-3 2-3 2-6 2-17 3-1 3-4 3-9 3-14 3-20 3-24 3-29 3-37 3-42 3-43 3-43 3-44 3-45 3-46
MN-172-2A2-81
Rev. 1.02
APPENDIX A APPENDIX B APPENDIX C
BIOS FLASHING USER INSTRUCTIONS INSTALLING THE HIGHPOINT XSTORE PRO UTILITY HARDWARE MONITORING FUNCTION (INSTALLING THE WINBOND HARDWARE DOCTOR UTILITY) THE THERMAL CABLE BX 133 OVERCLOCKING GUIDE HOW TO GET TECHNICAL SUPPORT TROUBLESHOOTING (NEED ASSISTANCE?)
APPENDIX D APPENDIX E APPENDIX F APPENDIX G
Introduction of BF6 Features
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Chapter 1. Introduction of BF6 Features
1-1.Features of This Motherboard
The motherboard is designed for a new generation CPUs. It supports the Intel SLOT1 structure (Pentium II/III and CeleronTM processors), up to 768MB of memory, super I/O, and Green PC functions. The motherboard provides high performance for server systems and meets the requirements for desktop system for multimedia in the future. The BF6 has built-in hardware monitoring functions (you can refer to Appendix C for detailed information), they can monitor and protect your computer insuring a safe computing environment. The BF6 also supports the PS/2 keyboard, PS/2 mouse, password and hot key wake up features (you can refer to section 3-5 for detailed information), letting you easily wake up your system by these devices. The motherboard can provide high performance for workstations and meets the requirements for desktop systems for multimedia in the future. The BF6 uses the ABIT newest BIOS technology CPU Soft MenuTM III. The ABIT CPU Soft MenuTM III technology not only lets you configure CPU settings easily but also lets you have a greater choice of CPU FSB clock settings. It provides 120 different CPU FSB clock settings. From 84 to 200 MHz, the increment for CPU FSB clock settings is 1Mhz by 1MHz (you can refer to section 3-1 for detailed information).
Sets You Free From the Y2K Threat The potential threat of Year 2000 (Y2K) problems are making everyone very nervous. The Y2K issue applies to almost any device, firmware, or software that operates on or with year based dates. This problem is caused by a design flaw in the Real Time Clock (RTC) unit. The RTC only changes the last two digits of the year code, but not the century information. As a result, when it comes to 12:00 AM January 1, 2000 the RTC will switch from December 31 11:59 PM 1999 to 12:00 AM January 1 1900. Y2K compliance deals with the date change over from 31 December 1999 to 1 January 2000, and with recording and reporting of all dates from the RTC including leap year dates. This motherboard is free from the Y2K problem because its BIOS are Y2K compliant.
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Please Note If the operating system or application software cannot handle Year 2000 dates, you will still be facing the Y2K threat because it is not a hardware problem that relates to the motherboard itself. According to Award BIOS, it is BIOS source code released after 31 May 1995 complies with all known Y2K issues; however, it may still fail the 2000.exe test. Award has modified its BIOS source code to accommodate the requirements of 2000.exe. Award BIOS source code issued later than 18 November 1996 passes the NTSL 2000.exe test program.
1-2. Specifications
1. CPU
! ! ! ! Supports Intel Pentium III 450 ~800 MHz Processor cartridge. Supports Intel Pentium II 233 ~ 450 MHz Processor cartridge. Supports Intel® CeleronTM 266 ~ 533MHz processors (Based on 66MHz PPGA package) Supports 66 and 100MHz CPU external clock speeds
2. Chipset
! ! ! ! Intel® 440BX chipset (82443BX and 82371EB) Supports Ultra DMA/33 IDE protocol Supports Advanced Configuration and Power Management Interface (ACPI) Accelerated Graphics Port connector supports AGP 1x and 2x mode (Sideband) 3.3V device
3. Memory (System Memory)
! Three 168-pin DIMM sockets support SDRAM modules ! Supports up to 768MB MAX. (8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256 MB SDRAM) ! Supports ECC
4. System BIOS
! ! ! ! ! ! CPU SOFT MENUTM III, can easily set the processor parameters AWARD 6.0 Version BIOS Supports Plug-and-Play (PnP) Supports Advanced Configuration Power Interface (ACPI) Supports Desktop Management Interface (DMI) Year 2000 compliant
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5. Multi I/O Functions
! ! ! ! ! ! 2x Channels of Bus Master IDE Ports supporting up to four Ultra DMA 33 devices PS/2 Keyboard and PS/2 Mouse Connectors 1x Floppy Port ( up to 2.88MB) 1x Parallel Port (EPP/ECP) 2x Serial Ports 2x USB Connectors
6. Miscellaneous
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ATX form factor One AGP slot, six PCI slots and one ISA slot Supports PS/2 keyboard, PS/2 mouse, password and hot key wake-up functions Built-in Wake on LAN header Built-in IrDA TX/RX header Built-in SB-LinkTM header Built-in Wake On Ring header Built-in two SMBus headers Hardware monitoringIncluded fan speed, voltages, CPU and system environment temperature ! One Thermal Sensor Cable included ! Board size: 305 * 200mm
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" Supports Wake On LAN, Keyboard or Mouse, but your ATX power supply 5V standby power must be able to provide at least a 720mA current capacity. Otherwise, the functions may not work normally. " PCI slot 2 shares IRQ signals with the PCI slot 5 " PCI slot 3 shares IRQ signals with the PCI slot 6 " PCI slot 4 shares IRQ signals with the USB controller " PCI slot 6 is fully bus slave. Thus you can't install a PCI card that needs to use bus master signals into PCI slot 6. But you can install voodoo 1 or 2 that doesn't need to use bus aster signals into PCI slot 6. # Above 66MHz/100MHz bus speeds are supported but not guaranteed due to the PCI and chipset specifications. # Sound BlasterTM is a registered trademark of Creative Technology Ltd. in the United States and certain other countries. Sound Blaster - LINKTM and SB-LINKTM are trademarks of Creative Technology Ltd. # Specifications and information contained in this manual are subject to change without notice. Note All brand names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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1-3. Layout Diagram
Figure 1-2. Motherboard component location
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1-4. The System Block Diagram
Figure 1-3. System diagram of the 440BX chipset
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Chapter 2. Installing the Motherboard
This BF6 motherboard not only provides all standard equipment for classic personal computers, but also provides great flexibility for meeting future upgrade demands. This chapter will introduce step by step all the standard equipment and will also present, as completely as possible, future upgrade capabilities. This motherboard is able to support all Intel Pentium II/III processors and Intel Celeron processor now on the market. (For details, see specifications in Chapter 1.) This chapter is organized according the following features: 2-1 2-2 2-3 2-4 2-5 Installing the Motherboard to the Chassis Installation of the Pentium II/III, Celeron CPU Installing System Memory Connectors, Headers and Switches CPU Frequency Settings
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Before Proceeding with the Installation
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Before you install or unplug any connectors or add-on cards, please remember to turn the ATX power supply switch off (fully turn the +5V standby power off), or take the power cord off. Otherwise, you may cause the motherboard components or add-on cards to malfunction or be damaged.
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User Friendly Instructions Our objective is to enable the novice computer user to perform the installation by himself. We have attempted to write this document in a very clear, concise and descriptive manner to help overcome any obstacles you may face during installation. Please read our instructions carefully and follow them step-by-step.
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2-1. Installing the Motherboard to the Chassis
Most computer chassis will have a base on which there will be many mounting holes that allows the motherboard to be securely attached and at the same time, prevents short circuits. There are two ways to attach the motherboard to the base of chassis: ! with studs ! or with spacers Please refer to the figure 2-1 that shows the studs and spacers, they may have several types, but all look like the figures below: In principle, the best way to attach the motherboard is with studs, and only if you are unable to do this should you attach the board with spacers. Take a careful look at the motherboard and you will see many mounting holes on it. Line these holes up with the mounting holes on the base. If the holes line up, and there are screw holes this means you can attach the motherboard with studs. If the holes line up and there are only slots, this means you can only attach the motherboard with spacers. Take the tip of the spacers and insert them into the slots. After doing this to all the slots, you can slide the motherboard into position aligned with the slots. After the motherboard has been positioned, check to make sure everything is OK before putting the casing back on. Figure 2-2 shows you the way to affix the motherboard using studs or spacers:
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Note If the motherboard has mounting holes, but they don't line up with the holes on the base and there are no slots to attach the spacers, don't worry, you can still attach the spacers to the mounting holes. Just cut the bottom portion of spacers (the spacer may be a little hard to cut off, so be careful of your hands). In this way you can still attach the motherboard to the base without worrying about short circuits. Sometimes you may need to use the plastic springs to isolate the screw from the motherboard PCB surface, because the circuit wire may be near by the hole. Be careful, don't let the screw contact any printed circuit wire or parts on the PCB that are near the fixing hole, otherwise it may damage the board or cause board malfunctioning.
2-2. Installation of the Pentium II/III, CeleronTM CPU
The installation method for the CPU is printed on the package of the retention mechanism that comes with the motherboard. You can refer to it while you install the CPU. This motherboard also supports the CeleronTM PPGA processor. If you want to install the CeleronTM PPGA processor, you have to use an additional adapter that allows you to use a CeleronTM PPGA processor in a slot 1 board. For this ABIT makes the SlotKET adapter.
Note: ! Installing a heat sink and cooling fan is necessary for proper heat dissipation from your CPU. Failing to install these items may result in overheating and damage of your CPU. ! Please refer to your boxed processor installation or other documentation attached with your CPU for detailed installing instructions.
2-3. Installing System Memory
This motherboard provides three 168-pin DIMM sites for memory expansion. The DIMM sockets support 1Mx64 (8MB), 2Mx64 (16MB), 4Mx64 (32MB), 8Mx64 (64MB), 16Mx64 (128MB), and 32Mx64 (256MB) or double sided DIMM modules. Minimum memory size is 8MB and maximum memory size is 768MB SDRAM. There are three Memory module sockets on the system board. (Total six banks)
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In order to create a memory array, certain rules must be followed. The following set of rules allows for optimum configurations. ! The memory array is 64 or 72 bits wide. (depending on with or without parity) ! Those modules can be populated in any order. ! Supports single and double density DIMMS. Table 2-1. Valid Memory Configurations Bank Bank 0, 1 (DIMM1) Bank 2, 3 (DIMM2) Bank 4, 5 (DIMM3) Total System Memory Memory Module 8MB, 16MB, 32MB, 64MB, 128MB, 256MB 8MB, 16MB, 32MB, 64MB, 128MB, 256MB 8MB, 16MB, 32MB, 64MB, 128MB, 256MB Total Memory 8MB ~ 256MB 8MB ~ 256MB 8MB ~ 256MB 8MB ~ 768MB
Generally, installing SDRAM modules to your motherboard is an easy thing to do. You can refer to figure 2-3 to see what a 168-pin PC100 SDRAM module looks like. Unlike installing SIMMs, DIMMs may be "snapped" directly into the socket. Note: Certain DIMM sockets have minor Figure 2-3 PC100 Module and Component Mark physical differences. If your module doesn't seem to fit, please do not force it into the socket as you may damaged your memory module or DIMM socket. The following procedure will show you how to install a DIMM module into a DIMM socket. Step 1. Before you install the memory module, please place the computer power switch in the off position and disconnect the AC power cord from your computer. Step 2. Remove the computer's chassis cover. Step 3. Before touching any electronic components, make sure you first touch an unpainted, grounded metal object to discharge any static electricity stored on your clothing or body. Figure 2-4. Memory module installation BF6
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Step 4. Locate your computer's 168-pin memory expansion DIMM socket. Step 5. Insert the DIMM module into the expansion socket as shown in the illustration. Note how the module is keyed to the socket. You can refer to figure 2-4 for the details. This insures the DIMM module will be plugged into the socket in one way only. Firmly press the DIMM module into the DIMM socket, making certain the module is completely seated in the DIMM socket. Step 6. Once the DIMM module has been installed, the installation is complete and the computer's cover can be replaced. Or you can continue to install other devices and add-on cards that are mentioned in the following section. Note When you install a DIMM module fully into the DIMM socket, the eject tab should be locked into the DIMM module very firmly and fit into its indention on the both sides.
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2-4. Connectors, Headers and Switches
Inside the case of any computer several cables and plugs have to be connected. These cables and plugs are usually connected one-by-one to connectors located on the motherboard. You need to carefully pay attention to any connection orientation the cables may have and, if any, notice the position of the first pin of the connector. In the explanations that follow, we will describe the significance of the first pin. We will show you all connectors, headers and switches here, and tell you how to connect them. Please pay attention and read the whole section for necessary information before attempting to finish all of the hardware installation inside the computer chassis. Figure 2-5 shows you all of the connectors and headers that we'll discuss in the next section, you can use this diagram to visually locate each connector and header we describe. All connectors, headers and switches mentioned here, will depend on your system configuration. Some features you may (or may not) have and need to connect or configure depending on the peripheral. If your system doesn't have such add-on cards or switches you can ignore some special feature connectors.
Figure 2-5. All Connectors and Headers for the BF6 First, Let's see the headers that BF6 uses, and what their functions are.
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ATX: ATX Power Input Connector Caution If the power supply connectors are not properly attached to the ATX power supply, the power supply or add-on cards may be damaged. Attach the connector from the power supply to the ATX connector here. Remember you have to push the connector from the ATX power supply firmly to the end with the ATX connector, insuring that you have a good connection. Note: Watch the pin position and the orientation
FAN1, FAN2 & FAN3: FAN header Attach the connector from the individual CPU fan to the header named FAN1, and attach the connector from the chassis fan to FAN2 or & FAN3 header. You must attach the CPU fan to the processor, or your processor will work abnormally or may be damaged by overheating. Also, if you want the computer case's internal temperature to be kept steady and not too high, you had better connect the chassis fan to reach this goal. Note: Watch the pin position and the orientation
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IR: IR Header (Infrared) There is a specific orientation for pins 1 through 5, attach the connector from the IR KIT or IR device to the IR header. This motherboard supports standard IR transfer rates. Note: Watch the pin position and the orientation
SB-Link: SB-LinkTM Header If your PCI audio adapter supports this feature, then you can connect the specific cable from the audio adapter to this header. SB-LINKTM combines Intel's PC-PCI and "Serialized IRQ" protocols. These technologies can be found in Intel's TX, LX, BX and newer core logic chipsets. This technology provides the DMA and IRQ signals present in ISA Bus today, but not available on the PCI Bus. The SB-LINKTM serves as a bridge between the motherboard and PCI sound card to deliver Sound card for real-mode DOS games. Check to see if your card supports this. Note: Watch the pin position and the orientation
WOR: Wake On Ring Header If you have an internal modem adapter that supports this feature, then you can connect the specific cable from the internal modem adapter to this header. This feature lets you wake up your computer via remote control through the modem. Note: Watch the pin position and the orientation
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WOL: Wake on LAN Header If you have a Network adapter that supports this feature, then you can connect the specific cable from the network adapter to this header. This feature lets you wake up your computer via remote control through a local area network. You may need a specific utility to control the wake up event, like using the Intel® LDCM® utility or other similar utilities. Note: Watch the pin position and the orientation SMB1 & SMB2 header: System Management Bus Connector This connector is reserved for system management bus (SMBus). The SMBus is a specific implementation of an I2C bus. I2C is a multi-master bus, which means that multiple chips can be connected to the same bus and each one can act as a master by initiating a data transfer. If more than one master simultaneously tries to control the bus, an arbitration procedure decides which master gets priority. Note: Watch the pin position and the orientation
TSYS2 header: The TSYS2 is for you to connect an additional thermistor to detect the temperature in the location of your choice. You can attach one end of the two-threaded thermal cable that comes with the motherboard to the TSYS2 header, then tape the other end of thermal cable on the device you want to detect its temperature.
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JP1 Header: Disable or Enable Keyboard/Mouse Wake Up This header is used to Disable or Enable keyboard/mouse wake up function. This function has to cooperate with the BIOS setting (see section 3-5).
Short pin 1-2 Short pin 2-3 Disable keyboard/mouse Wake Up Enable keyboard/mouse Wake Up (default)
JP2 Header: Disable or Enable Power Recovery This header is used to Disable or Enable power recovery function. This function has to cooperate with the BIOS setting (see section 3-5).
Short pin 1-2 Short pin 2-3 Disable power recovery Enable power recovery (default)
NOTE If you enable the power recovery function and connect a ZIP device to the LPT port, you have to turn off the power of your ZIP device after you shutdown your computer. Otherwise, the onboard battery will run down.
CCMOS: CMOS Discharge Jumper Jumper CCMOS discharge CMOS memory. When you install the motherboard, make sure this jumper is set for normal operation (pin 1 and 2 shorted). See figure 2-6.
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Normal Operation (Default) Discharge CMOS Figure 2-6. CCMOS jumper setting Note Before you clear the CMOS, you have to turn the power off first (including the +5V standby power). Otherwise, your system may work abnormally or malfunction.
PN1 and PN2 Headers PN1 and PN2 are for switches and indicators for the chassis's front panel, there are several functions that come from these two headers. You have to watch the pin position and the orientation, or you may cause system malfunctions. Figure 2-7 shows you the PN1 and PN2 functions of the pins.
Figure 2-7. The definition of PN1 and PN2 pins
PN1 (Pin 1-2-3-4-5): Power LED and Keylock Switch Headers There is a specific orientation for pins 1 through 3. Insert the three-threaded power LED cable to pins 1~3, and the two-threaded keylock cable into pin 4 and pin 5. Check to make sure the correct pins go to the correct connectors on the motherboard. If you install them with the wrong direction, the power LED light will not illuminate correctly. User's Manual
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Note: Watch the power LED pin position and orientation. PN1 (Pin 6-7): HDD LED Header Attach the cable from the case's front panel HDD LED to this header. If you install it in the wrong direction, the LED light will not illuminate correctly. Note: Watch the HDD LED pin position and the orientation. PN1 (Pin 8-9): Power on Switch Header Attach the cable from the case's front panel power switch to this header.
PN1 (Pin 10-11): Hardware Suspend Switch (SMI Switch) Header Attach the cable from the case's front panel suspend switch (if there is one) to this header. Use this switch to enable/disable the power management function by hardware. Note: If you enable the ACPI function in the BIOS setup, this function will not work.
PN2 (Pin 1-2): Hardware Reset Switch Header Attach the cable from the case's front panel Reset switch to this header. Press and hold the reset button for at least one second to reset the system.
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PN2 (Pin 4-5-6-7): Speaker Header Attach the cable from the system speaker to this header.
PN2 (Pin 9-10): Suspend LED Header Insert the two-threaded suspend LED cable into pin 9 and pin 10. If you install it in the wrong direction, the LED light will not illuminate correctly. Note: Watch the HDD LED pin position and the orientation. For the PN1 and PN2 pin's count-name list, please refer to table 2-2. Table 2-2. PN1 and PN2 pin count name list PIN Name PIN 1 PIN 2 PIN 3 PIN 4 PN1 PIN 5 PIN6 PIN 7 PIN 8 PIN 9 Significance of signal +5VDC No connection Ground Keyboard inhibit Signal Ground LED power HDD active Ground Power On/Off signal PN2 PIN Name PIN 1 PIN 2 PIN 3 PIN 4 PIN 5 PIN6 PIN 7 PIN 8 PIN 9 Significance of signal Ground Reset input No connection +5VDC Ground Ground Speaker data No connection +5VDC
PIN 10 +3V Standby PIN 11 Suspend signal
PIN 10 Suspend LED active PIN 11 No connection
Let's now see the I/O connectors that BF6 uses, and what their functions are.
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FDC1 Connector This 34-pin connector is called the "floppy disk drive connector". You can connect a 360K, 5.25", 1.2M, 5.25", 720K, 3.5'', 1.44M, 3.5" or 2.88M, 3.5" floppy disk drive, you can even connect a 3 Mode floppy disk drive (it's a 3 1/2" drive used in Japanese computer systems). A floppy disk drive ribbon cable has 34 wires and two connectors to provide for the connection of two floppy disk drives. After connecting the single end to the FDC1, connect the two connectors on the other end to the floppy disk drives. In general, people only install one floppy disk drive on their computer system. Note A red mark on a wire typically designates the location of pin 1. You need to align the wire pin 1 to the FDC1 connector pin 1, then insert the wire connector into the FDC1 connector.
IDE1 and IDE2 Connectors An IDE hard disk drive ribbon cable has 40 wires and two connectors to provide a connection for two IDE hard disk drives. After connecting the single end to the IDE1 (or IDE2), connect the two connectors on the other end to the IDE hard disk drives (or CD-ROM drive, LS-120, etc.). Before you install a hard disk, there are some things you need to be aware of: "Primary" refers to the first connector on the motherboard, that is, the IDE1 connector on the motherboard. "Secondary" refers to the second connector on the motherboard, that is, the IDE2 connector on the motherboard. Two hard disks can be connected to each connector: BF6
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The first HDD is referred to as the "Master", The second HDD is referred to as the "Slave". For performance issues, we strongly suggest you don't install a CD-ROM drive on the same IDE channel as a hard disk. Otherwise, the system performance on this channel may drop. (how much depends on your CD-ROM drive performance) Note !The Master or Slave status of the hard disk drive is set on the hard disk itself. Please refer to the hard disk drive user's manual. !A red mark on a wire typically designates the location of pin 1. You need to align the wire pin 1 to the IDE1 (or IDE2) connector pin 1, then insert the wire connector into the IDE1(or IDE 2) connector.
Figure 2-8. BF6 back panel connectors Figure 2-8 shows the BF6 back panel connectors, these connectors are for connection to outside devices to the motherboard. We will describe which devices will attach to these connectors below.
KBM Lower: PS/2 Keyboard Connector Attach a PS/2 keyboard connector to this 6pin Din-connector. If you use an AT keyboard, you can go to a computer store to purchase an AT to ATX converter adapter, then you can connect your AT keyboard to this connector. We suggest you use a PS/2 keyboard for best compatibility.
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KBM Upper: PS/2 Mouse Connector Attach a PS/2 mouse to this 6-pin Dinconnector.
USB Port Connectors This motherboard provides two USB ports. Attach the USB connector from the individual device to these connectors. You can attach USB devices such as a, scanner, monitor, mouse, keyboard, hub, CD-ROM, joystick etc. to one of each USB connector. You must make sure your operating system supports this feature and you may need to install an additional driver for individual devices. Please refer to your device user's manual for detailed information.
Serial Port COM1 and COM2 Connector This motherboard provides two COM ports, you can connect an external modem, mouse or other devices that support this communication protocol.
Parallel Port Connector This parallel port is also called an "LPT" port, because it usually connects to the printer. You can connect other devices that support this communication protocol, like a scanner, M.O. drive, etc.
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2-5. CPU Frequency Settings
The BF6 provides two ways to configure CPU settings. One uses the ABIT CPU Soft Menu III technology, the other uses DIP Switches. You can use the DS10 to enable or disable Soft Menu III. NOTE When you enable Soft Menu III, all DIP switches must be set to OFF.
DIP SW (DS1~DS8): DIP Switch for Setting CPU Frequency The following tables will present the adjustment for the CPU frequency and multiplier factor. (The default settings are all "OFF.") Multiplier Factor 1.5 2.0 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5 8.0 External Clock Frequency 66 75 83 100 103 112 124 133
DS1 ON OFF ON OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF ON ON ON ON ON
DS2 OFF ON OFF OFF ON OFF ON OFF ON OFF ON OFF ON OFF ON
DS3 ON ON OFF ON OFF OFF ON ON OFF OFF ON ON OFF OFF ON
DS4 ON OFF ON OFF OFF OFF ON ON ON ON OFF OFF OFF OFF ON
DS5 OFF OFF ON OFF ON OFF ON ON
DS6 OFF ON OFF OFF ON ON ON OFF
DS7 OFF OFF OFF ON ON ON OFF ON
DS8 OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF
AGP Frequency The DS9 lets you set the frequency ratio between AGP clock and the Front Side Bus (CPU Bus). Generally, if you set the CPU FSB clock to 66MHz, you ought to set this switch to "OFF (1/1)". If you set the CPU FSB clock to 100Mhz or higher, you ought to set this switch to "ON (2/3)"
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DS9 ON OFF AGP Clock / Front Side Bus = 2/3 AGP Clock / Front Side Bus = 1/1
Soft Menu III The DS10 lets you enable or disable Soft Menu III. The Soft Menu III allows you to configure the CPU settings easily through BIOS setup (refer to section 3-1). When you enable Soft Menu III, all DIP switches must be set to OFF. DS10 ON OFF Disable Soft Menu III Enable Soft Menu III
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Chapter 3. Introduction of the BIOS
The BIOS is a program located on a Flash Memory chip on the motherboard. This program will not be lost when you turn the computer off. This program is also referred to as the "boot" program. It is the only channel for the hardware circuit to communicate with the operating system. Its main function is to manage the setup of the motherboard and interface cards parameters, including simple parameters such as time, date, hard disk drive, as well as more complex parameters such as hardware synchronization, device operating mode, CPU SOFT MENUTM III features and setup of CPU speed. The computer will operate normally, or will operate at its best, only if all these parameters are correctly and optimally configured through the BIOS.
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Do not change the parameters inside the BIOS unless you fully understand their meanings and consequences.
The parameters inside the BIOS are used to setup the hardware synchronization or a device's operating mode. If the parameters are not correct, they will produce errors, the computer will crash, and sometimes you will even not be able to boot the computer after it has crashed. We recommend that you do not change the parameters inside the BIOS unless you are very familiar with them. If you are not able to boot your computer anymore, please refer to the "CMOS Discharge Jumper" in Section 2-4, Chapter 2. When you start the computer, it is controlled by the BIOS program. The BIOS first operates an auto-diagnostic test called POST (Power On Self Test) for all the necessary hardware, it then configures the parameters of the hardware synchronization, and detects all the hardware. Only when these tasks are completed does it give up control of the computer to the program of the next level, which is the operating system (OS). Since the BIOS is the only channel for hardware and software to communicate, it is the key factor for system stability, and in insuring that your system performs at its best. After the BIOS has achieved the auto-diagnostic and auto-detection operations, it will display the following message: PRESS DEL TO ENTER SETUP The message will be displayed for three to five seconds, if you press the Del key, you will access the BIOS Setup menu. At that moment, the BIOS will display the following screen:
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Note ' To improve stability and functions, BIOSes are constantly improving, therefore; the BIOS screens in this chapter may not fully match your current BIOS screen. ( All default setting is use the Load Optimized Defaults settings. If you use the Load Fail-Safe Defaults, some items default values will be changed.
Figure 3-1. CMOS Setup Utility Main Screen Shot This motherboard uses a totally different operating interface so the Award BIOS screens are different than in other versions. It provides more functions with increased user friendliness. In the BIOS Setup main menu in Figure 3-1, you can see several options. We will explain these options step by step in the following pages of this chapter, but let us first see a short description of the function keys you may use here: ! Press !"#$ (up, down, and right) to choose the option you want to confirm or to modify in the main menu. ! Press the Enter key to select the item you want. Simply move the highlight to the field you want to select, and press Enter. ! Press F10 when you have completed setting up the BIOS parameters to save them and exit the BIOS Setup menu. ! Press Esc to Exit the BIOS Setup. ! Press F1 to display the General Help screen. In addition to the Item Help window, more information can be provided for the alternate BF6
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function by pressing the F1 key in any menu in the BIOS. ! Press F5 to reset current screen settings to their Setup Default values. ! Press F6 to return to the Fail-Safe Default setting i.e. if you use the wrong settings causing a system boot failure, use this function key to quickly return to the system default settings. ! Press F7 to quickly set the system to the Optimized Defaults setting. In some setup menu screens, you can see the scroll bar on the right side of the window. You can use the ) and * keys or the up and down arrow keys to scroll the screen to view more help information or functions to select.
You may see the right cursor symbol appear on the left side of some items, indicating that additional information or options can be select in a Sub-Menu for this item.
Note The item heading in the square outlet represents the default setting for that field Computer Knowledge: CMOS Data Maybe you have heard of someone losing CMOS DATA. What is the CMOS? Is it important? CMOS is the memory in which the BIOS parameters that you have configured are stored. This memory is passive, you can both read its data, and store data in it. But this memory has to be powered by a battery in order to avoid data loss when the computer is turned off. If the CMOS battery dies, you will loose all CMOS data. We therefore recommend that you write down all the parameters of your hardware, or you put a label with these parameters on your hard disk.
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3-1. SoftMenu III Setup
The CPU can be setup through a programmable switch (CPU SOFT MENUTM III), that replaces the traditional manual hardware configuration. This feature allows the user to more easily complete the installation procedures. You can install the CPU without configuring any jumpers or switches. The CPU must be setup according its specifications.
Figure 3-2. CPU Soft MenuTM III Screen Shot
System Processor Type: Intel Pentium III MMX Intel Pentium II MMX Intel Celeron MMX
CPU Operating Frequency: This option sets the CPU speed. In this field, the CPU speed is indicated like this: CPU speed = External clock * Multiplier factor, select the CPU speed according the type and the speed of your CPU. For Intel Pentium II and CeleronTM PPGA MMX processors, you can choose the following settings:
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233 (66) 350 (100) 433 (66) 500 (100) 667 (133) 800 (133)
266 (66) 400(100) 466 (66) 550 (100) 700 (100) User Define
300 (66) 450 (100) 500 (66) 600(100) 750 (100)
333 (66) 366 (66) 533 (66) 600 (133) 800 (100)
300 (100) 400 (66) 533 (133) 650 (100) 733 (133)
Note CPU bus speed above 66MHz/100MHz supported but not guaranteed due to the PCI and chipset specs. User defined external clock and multiplier factor: User Defined: When you choose the User Define, you will be able to set the following five items.
!!!!
Warning
!!!!
The wrong settings of the multiplier and external clock in certain circumstances may cause CPU damage. Setting the working frequency higher than the PCI chipset or processor specs, may cause abnormal memory module functioning, system hangs, hard disk drive data lose, abnormal functioning of the VGA card, or abnormal functioning with other add-on cards. Using non-specification settings for your CPU is not the intention of this explanation. These should be used for engineering testing, not for normal applications. If you use non-specification settings for normal operation, your system may not be stable, and may effect system reliability. Also, we do not guarantee the stability and compatibility for settings that are not within specification, and any damage of any elements on the motherboard or peripherals, is not our responsibility. CPU FSB Clock: 66MHz (1/2) 75MHz (1/2) * 84Mhz ~ 200MHz Note CPU bus speed above 66MHz/100MHz supported but not guaranteed due to the PCI and chipset specs.
83MHz (1/2)*
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Multiplier Factor: You can choose the following multiplier factors: x2 x 2.5 x 3 x 3.5 x 4 x 4.5 x 5 x 6.5 x 7 x 7.5 x 8
x 5.5 x 6
SEL100/66# Signal Two options are available: Default and Low. The default setting is "Default". PCI Clock/CPU FSB Clock Three options are available: 1/2, 1/3 and 1/4. This item lets you set the PCI clock. It correlates with the CPU FSB clock you set. For example, if you set the CPU FSB clock to 100MHz and choose 1/3 here, the PCI clock will be 33.3 MHz. AGP Clock/CPU FSB Clock Two options are available: 1/1 and 2/3. This item lets you set the AGP clock. It correlates with the CPU FSB clock you set. The default setting is "1/1". In this case, the AGP clock will equal to the CPU FSB clock. If you choose "2/3", the AGP clock will be the CPU FSB clock divided by 3 and times 2. Generally, if you set the CPU FSB clock to 66MHz, you ought to select "1/1". If you set the CPU FSB clock to 100Mhz or higher, you ought to select "2/3". AGP Transfer Mode This function allows the user to determine the capability of the AGP device. Selecting "Default" gives optimized performance. The video driver will decide the data transfer mode automatically. If the CPU FSB clock exceeds 125MHz, setting AGP Transfer Mode to "Normal" will result in a more stable system. CPU Core Voltage This item lets you select the CPU core voltage manually. You can change values in the "CPU Core Voltage" option lists by using the arrow up and down keys. !!! Warning !!! You must check the CPU document to make sure your CPU core voltage before you want to adjust this item. Incorrect CPU core voltage settings in certain circumstances may cause CPU damage. I/O Voltage This item lets you select the voltage supplied to the DRAM, chipset and AGP. You can change values in the "I/O Voltage" option lists by using the arrow up and down keys.
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!!! Warning !!! Using a higher voltage may result in the shortening of your computer components' life. We strongly suggest you leave this item on default setting. In-Order Queue Depth Two options are available: 1 and 8. This item lets you set cache buffer for CPU data processing. If you are not well acquainted with this item setting, please leave it on the default setting (8). Level 2 Cache Latency: Sixteen setting are available, Default, and 1 to 15. This item can let you adjust the processor L2 cache speed, the larger the value, the faster the L2 cache will run. You have to be aware that if you set the L2 cache speed too fast, it will cause the L2 cache to fail. If the L2 cache fails it will cease to run until you reset the value, but the processor and L1 cache will still function, just not as well. To make sure your L2 cache functions properly please choose an appropriate setting. The default setting is Default. Normally, we do not recommend that you use the "User Define" option to setup CPU speed and multiplier factors This option is for setup of future CPUs whose specifications are still unknown. The specifications of all present CPUs are included in the default settings. Unless you are very familiar with all CPU parameters, it is very easy to make mistakes when you define the external clock and the multiplier factor by yourself. Solution in case of booting problem due to invalid clock setup: Normally, if the CPU clock setup is wrong, you will not be able to boot. In this case, turn the system off then on again. The CPU will automatically use its standard parameters to boot. You can then enter the BIOS Setup again and set up the CPU clock. If you can't enter the BIOS setup, you must try turning the system on a few times (3~4 times) or press "INSERT" key when turning on and the system will automatically use its standard parameters to boot. You can then enter BIOS SETUP again and set up the new parameters. When you change your CPU: This motherboard has been designed in such a way that you can turn the system on after having inserted a CPU in the socket without having to configure any jumpers or DIP switches. But if you change your CPU, normally you just have to turn off the power supply, change the CPU and then, set up the CPU parameters through SOFT MENUTM III. However, if the new CPU is slower than the old one (and is same brand and type), we offer you two methods to successfully complete the CPU change operation. User's Manual
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Method 1: Setup up the CPU for the lowest speed for its brand. Turn the power supply off and change the CPU. Then turn the system on again, and set up the CPU parameters through SOFT MENUTM III. Method 2: Since you have to open the computer case when you change the CPU, it could be a good idea to use the CCMOS jumper to erase the parameters of the original CPU and to enter BIOS Setup to set up CPU parameters again. Attention After setting up the parameters and leaving the BIOS SETUP, and having verified that the system can be booted, do not press the Reset button or turn off the power supply. Otherwise the BIOS will not read correctly, the parameters will fail and you must enter SOFT MENUTM III again to set up the parameters all over again.
Spread Spectrum Modulated For EMC (Electro-Magnetic Compatibility Test) testing you maybe need to adjust this item for optimal results, we do not recommend you change the default, except for special reasons.
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3-2. Standard CMOS Features Setup Menu
This contains the basic configuration parameters of the BIOS. These parameters include date, hour, VGA card, FDD and HDD settings.
Figure 3-3. Standard CMOS Setup Screen Shot
Date (mm:dd:yy): You can set the date in this item: month (mm), date (dd) and year (yy).
Time (hh:mm:ss): You can set the time in this item: hour (hh), minute (mm) and second (ss).
IDE Primary Master / Slave and IDE Secondary Master / Slave: These items have a sub-menu to let you choose further options. You can refer to the follow figure to check what options are available.
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Figure 3-4. IDE Primary Master Setup Screen Shot
+ IDE HDD Auto-Detection:
Press the Enter key for the BIOS to auto detect all detailed parameters of the hard disk drivers (HDD). If auto detection is successful, the correct values will be shown in the remaining items of this menu. Note ' A new IDE HDD must be first formatted, otherwise it can not read/write. The basic step in using a HDD is to make a HDD low-level format, then run FDISK, and then FORMAT the drive. Most current HDDs have already been subjected to low-level format at the factory, so you can probably skip this operation. Remember though, the primary IDE HDD must have its partition set to active within the FDISK procedure. ( If you are using an old HDD that is already formatted, auto detection can not detect the correct parameters. You may need to do a low-level format or set the parameters manually, and then check if the HDD is working.
+ IDE Primary Master:
Three settings are available: Auto, Manual and None. If you choose Auto, the BIOS will automatically check what kind hard disk you are using. If you want to set the HDD parameters yourself, make sure you fully understand the meaning of the parameters, and be sure to refer to the manual provided by the HDD manufacture to get the settings right.
+ Access Mode:
Since old operating systems were only able to support HDDs with capacities no bigger than 528MB, any hard disk with more than 528MB was unusable. AWARD BIOS features a BF6
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solution to this problem: you can, according to your operating system, choose four operating modes: NORMAL , LBA , LARGE ,Auto. The HDD auto detection option in the sub-menu will automatically detect the parameters of your hard disk and the mode supported. Auto: Just let the BIOS detect your HDD access mode and make the decisions. Normal mode: Standard normal mode supports hard disks of up to 528MB or less. This mode directly uses positions indicated by Cylinders (CYLS), Heads, and Sectors to access data. LBA (Logical Block Addressing) mode: The earlier LBA mode can support HDD capacities of up to 8.4GB, and this mode uses a different method to calculate the position of disk data to be accessed. It translates Cylinders (CYLS), Heads and Sectors into a logical address where data is located. The Cylinders, Heads, and Sectors displayed in this menu do not reflect the actual structure of the hard disk, they are just reference values used to calculate actual positions. Currently, all high capacity hard disks support this mode, that's why we recommend you use this mode. Currently, the BIOS can support the INT 13h extension function, enabling the LBA mode to support hard disk drive capacities exceeding 8.4GB. Large Mode: When the number of cylinders (CYLs) of the hard disk exceeds 1024 and DOS is not able to support it, or if your operating system does not support LBA mode, you should select this mode.
+ Capacity:
This item auto displays your HDD size. Note that this size is usually slightly greater than the size given by a disk checking program of a formatted disk. Note All the items below are available when you set the item Primary IDE Master to Manual.
+ Cylinder:
When disks are placed directly above one another along the shaft, the circular vertical "slice" consisting of all the tracks located in a particular position is called a cylinder. You can set the number of cylinders for a HDD. The minimum number you can enter is 0, the maximum number you can enter is 65536.
+ Head:
This is the tiny electromagnetic coil and metal pole used to create and read back the magnetic patterns on the disk (also called the read/write head). You can configure the User's Manual
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number of read/write heads. The minimum number you can enter is 0, the maximum number you can enter is 255.
+ Precomp:
The minimum number you can enter is 0, the maximum number you can enter is 65536. Warning Setting a value of 65536 means no hard disk exists.
+ Landing Zone:
This is a non-data area on the disk's inner cylinder where the heads can rest when the power is turned off. The minimum number you can enter is 0, the maximum number you can enter is 65536.
+ Sector:
The minimum segment of track length that can be assigned to stored data. Sectors usually are grouped into blocks or logical blocks that function as the smallest units of data permit. You can configure this item to sectors per track. The minimum number you can enter is 0, the maximum number you can enter is 255.
Driver A & Driver B: If you have installed the floppy disk drive here, then you can select the type of floppy drive it can support. Six options are available: None,360K, 5.25 in. , 1.2M, 5.25in. , 720K, 3.5 in. , 1.44M, 3.5 in. , 2.88M, 3.5 in.
Floppy 3 Mode Support: Four options are available: Disabled , Driver A , Driver B , Both. The default setting is Disabled. 3 Mode floppy disk drives (FDD) are 3 1/2" drives used in Japanese computer systems. If you need to access data stored in this kind of floppy, you must select this mode, and of course you must have a 3 Mode floppy drive.
Video: You can select the VGA modes for your video adapter, four options are available: EGA/VGA , CGA 40 , CGA 80 , MONO. The default setting is EGA/VGA.
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Halt On: You can select which type of error will cause the system to halt. Five options are available: All Errors , No Errors , All, But Keyboard , All, But Diskette , All, But Disk/Key. You can see your system memory list in the lower right box, it shows the Base Memory, Extended Memory and total Memory size configurations in your system. It is detected by the system during boot-up procedure.
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3-3. Advanced BIOS Features Setup Menu
In each item, you can press at any time to display all the options for this item. Attention Advanced BIOS Features Setup Menu has already been set for maximum operation. If you do not really understand each of the options in this menu, we recommend you use the default values.
Figure 3-5. Advanced BIOS Features Setup Screen Shot
Quick Power On Self Test: After the computer has been powered on, the BIOS of the motherboard will run a series of tests in order to check the system and its peripherals. If the Quick Power on Self-Test feature is enable, the BIOS will simplify the test procedures in order to speed up the boot process. The default setting is Enabled.
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Virus Warning: This item can be set to Enabled or Disabled, the default setting being Disabled. When this feature is enabled, if there is any attempt from a software or an application to access the boot sector or the partition table, the BIOS will warn you that a boot virus is attempting to access the hard disk.
CPU Level 1 Cache: This item is used to enable or to disable the CPU level 1 cache. When the cache is set to Disabled it is much slower, so the default setting for this item is Enabled since it will speed up memory access. Some old and very poorly written programs will make the computer malfunction or crash if the system speed is too high. In this case, you should disable this feature. The default setting is Enabled.
CPU Level 2 Cache: This item is used to enable or to disable the CPU level 2 cache. When the external cache is enable, it will speed up memory access, and the system works faster. The default setting is Enabled.
CPU L2 Cache ECC Checking: This item is used to enable or to disable the CPU level 2 cache ECC (Error Correction Code) checking function. The default setting is Enabled.
Processor Number Feature: This feature can let the program read the data inside your processor. This feature only works with Intel® Pentium® III processors. When you install a Pentium® III processor into your motherboard, and when your system boots-up then this item will show up in BIOS. Two items will be available: Enabled and Disabled. When you choose Enabled, the specific program can read your processor's serial number. When you choose Disabled it will not allow the program to read your processor's serial number. The default setting is Disabled.
First Boot Device: When the computer boots up, the BIOS attempts to load the operating system from the devices in the sequence selected in these items: floppy disk drive A, LS/ZIP devices, hard User's Manual
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drive C, SCSI hard disk drive or CD-ROM. There are ten options for the boot sequence that you can choose (The default setting is Floppy.): Floppy ! LS/ZIP ! HDD-0 ! SCSI ! CDROM ! HDD-1 ! HDD-2 ! HDD-3 ! LAN ! UDMA66. NOTE The UDMA66 option is only for the motherboard that has built-in HPT 366 IDE controller.
Second Boot Device: Description is the same as the First Boot Device, the default setting is HDD-0.
Third Boot Device: Description is same as the First Boot Device, the default setting is LS/ZIP
Boot Other Device: Two options are available: Enabled or Disabled. The default setting is Enabled. This setting allows the BIOS to try three kinds of boot devices that set from the above three items.
Swap Floppy Drive: This item can be set as Enabled or Disabled. The default setting is Disabled. When this feature is enabled, you don't need to open the computer case to swap the position of floppy disk drive connectors. Drive A can be set as drive B and drive B can be set as drive A.
Boot Up Floppy Seek: When the computer boots up, the BIOS detects if the system has a FDD or not. When this item is enable, if the BIOS detects no floppy drive, it will display a floppy disk drive error message. If this item is disabled, the BIOS will skip this test. The default setting is Disabled.
Boot Up NumLock Status: On: At boot up, the Numeric Keypad is in numeric mode. (Default Settings) Off: At boot up, the Numeric Keypad is in cursor control mode. BF6
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Typematic Rate Setting: This item allows you to adjust the keystroke repeat rate. When set to Enabled, you can set the two keyboard typematic controls that follow (Typematic Rate and Typematic Rate Delay). If this item is set to Disabled, the BIOS will use the default setting. The default setting is Enabled.
Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec): When you press a key continuously, the keyboard will repeat the keystroke according to the rate you have set (Unit: characters/second. Eight options are available: 6 ! 8 ! 10 ! 12 ! 15 ! 20 ! 24 ! 30 ! Back to 6. The default setting is 30.
Typematic Delay (Msec): When you press a key continuously, if you exceed the delay you have set here, the keyboard will automatically repeat the keystroke according to a certain rate (Unit: milliseconds). Four options are available: 250 ! 500 ! 750 ! 1000 ! Back to 250. The default setting is 250.
Security Option: This option can be set to System or Setup. The default setting is Setup. After you have created a password through PASSWORD SETTING, this option will deny access to your system (System) or modification of computer setup (BIOS Setup) by unauthorized users. SYSTEM: When you choose System, a password is required each time the computer boots up. If the correct password is not given, the system will not start. SETUP: When you choose Setup, a password is required only when accessing the BIOS Setup.
If you have not set a password in the PASSWORD SETTING option, this option is not available. To disable security, select Set Supervisor Password at main menu and then you will be asked to enter password. Do not type anything and just press the Enter key and it will disable security. Once security is disabled, the system will boot and you can enter the BIOS setup menu freely
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Notice Don't forget your password. If you forget the password, you will have to open the computer case and clear all information in the CMOS before you can start up the system. But by doing this, you will have to reset all previously set options.
OS Select For DRAM > 64MB: When the system memory is bigger than 64MB, the communication method between the BIOS and the operating system will differ from one operating system to another. If you use OS/2, select OS2; if you are using another operating system, select Non-OS2. The default setting is Non-OS2.
Report No FDD For WIN 95: When using Windows® 95 without a floppy drive, please set this item to Yes. Otherwise, set it to No. The default setting is No.
Video BIOS Shadow: This option is used to define whether the BIOS on the video card uses the shadow feature or not. You should set this option to Enabled, otherwise the display performance of the system will greatly decrease.
Shadowing address ranges: This option allows you to decide if the ROM BIOS area of an interface card at a specific address uses the shadow feature or not. If you have no interface card using this memory block, don't enable this option. You have six address ranges you can select: C8000-CBFFF Shadow, CC000-CFFFF Shadow, D0000-D3FFF Shadow, D4000-D7FFF Shadow, D8000-DBFFF Shadow, DC000-DFFFF Shadow.
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Computer Knowledge: SHADOW What is the SHADOW? The BIOS of standard video or interface cards is stored in ROM, and it is often very slow. With the Shadow feature, the CPU reads the BIOS on the VGA card and copies it into RAM. When the CPU runs this BIOS, the operation is speeded up.
Delay IDE Initial (sec): This item is used to support some old models or special types of hard disks or CD-ROMs. They may need a longer amount of time to initialize and prepare for activation. Since the BIOS may not detect those kinds of devices during system booting. You can adjust the value to fit such devices. Larger values will give more delay time to the device. The minimum number you can enter is 0, the maximum number you can enter is 15. The default setting is 0.
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3-4. Advanced Chipset Features Setup Menu
The Advanced Chipset Features Setup Menu is used to modify the contents of the buffers in the chipset on the motherboard. Since the parameters of the buffers are closely related to hardware, if the setup is not correct or is false, the motherboard will become unstable or you will not be able to boot up. If you don't know the hardware very well, use default values (i.e. use the Load Optimized Defaults option). The only time you might consider making any changes is if you discover that data is being lost while using your system.
Figure 3-6. Advanced Chipset Features Setup Screen Shot You can use the arrow keys to move between the items. Use ) , * and Enter key to change the values. When you have finished setting up the chipset, press Esc to go back to the main menu. The first chipset settings deal with CPU access to DRAM. The default timings have been carefully chosen and should only be altered if data is being lost. Such a scenario might well occur if your system has mixed speed DRAM chips installed so that greater delays may be required to preserve the integrity of the data held in the slower memory chips.
SDRAM RAS-to-CAS Delay Two options are available: 2 and 3. The default setting is 3. This item lets you insert a timing delay between the CAS and RAS strobe signals, used when DRAM is written to, read from, or refreshed. Fast gives faster performance; and Slow gives more stable performance. This item applies only when synchronous DRAM is installed in the system. BF6
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SDRAM RAS Precharge Time: Two options are available: 2 and 3. The precharge time is the number of cycles it takes for the RAS to accumulate its charge before DRAM refreshs. If insufficient time is allowed, refresh maybe incomplete and the DRAM may fail to retain data. This field applies only if synchronous DRAM is installed in the system.
SDRAM CAS Latency Time: Two options are available: 2 and 3. The default setting is 3. You can select SDRAM CAS (Column Address Strobe) latency time according your SDRAM specification.
SDRAM Precharge Control: This option determines the action taken when a page missing occurs (SDRAM only). When select Disabled, means SDRAM issue precharge on all command, and gives more stable performance.
DRAM Data Integrity Mode: Two options are available: Non-ECC or ECC. This option is used to configure the type of DRAM in your system. ECC is Error Checking and Correction, when your memory is ECC memory, choose the ECC option.
System BIOS Cacheable: You can select Enabled or Disabled. The default setting is Enabled. When you select Enabled allows caching of the system BIOS ROM at F0000h-FFFFFh, resulting in better system performance. However, if any program writes to this memory area, a system error may result.
Video BIOS Cacheable: You can select Enabled or Disabled. The default setting is Enabled. When you select Enabled allows caching of the video BIOS, resulting in better system performance. However, if any program writes to this memory area, a system error may result.
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Video RAM Cacheable: You can select Enable or Disable. When you select Enabled, you get faster video RAM executing speed via the L2 cache. You must check your VGA adapter manual to find out if any compatibility problems will occur.
8 Bit I/O Recovery Time: Nine options are available: NA , 8 , 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ,Back to NA. This option specifies the length of a delay inserted between consecutive 8 bit I/O operations. For an earlier 8 bit Add-on card, sometimes you need to adjust its recovery time to make it work normally.
16 Bit I/O Recovery Time: Five options are available: NA , 4 , 1 , 2 , 3 , Back to NA. This option specifies the length of a delay inserted between consecutive 16 bit I/O operations. For an earlier 16 bit Add-on card, sometimes you need to adjust its recovery time to make it work normally.
Memory Hole At 15M-16M: Two options are available: Enabled and Disabled. The default setting is Disabled. This option is used to reserve the memory block 15M-16M for ISA adapter ROM. Some special peripherals need to use a memory block located between 15M and 16M, and this memory block has a size of 1M. We recommend that you disable this option.
Passive Release: Two options are available: Enabled and Disabled. Set the option to enabled or disabled passive release for the Intel PIIX4 chip (Intel PCI to ISA bridge). This function is used to meet the latency of the ISA bus master, if you have an ISA card compatibility problem, you can try to enable or disable this option for optimal result.
Delayed Transaction: Two options are available: Enabled and Disabled. The default setting is Disabled. Set the option to enabled or disabled PCI 2.1 features including passive release and delayed transaction for the chipset. This function is used to meet the latency of PCI cycles to or from the ISA bus. This option must be enabled to provide PCI 2.1 compliance. If you have an ISA card compatibility problem, you can try to enable or disable this option for optimal results. BF6
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AGP Aperture Size (MB): Seven options are available: 4 , 8 , 16 , 32 , 64 , 128 , 256 , Back to 4. This option specifies the amount of system memory that can be used by the AGP device. The aperture is a portion of the PCI memory address range dedicated for graphics memory address space.
SDRAM Leadoff Command Two options are available: 3 and 4. This item lets you set the SDRAMs access speed. You can leave it on the default setting (3). If you want to adjust this item, you must check out your SDRAM SPD values first.
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3-5. Integrated Peripherals
In this menu, you can change the onboard I/O device and other hardware peripheral settings.
Figure 3-7. Integrated Peripherals Setup Screen Shot
Onboard IDE-1 Controller: The onboard IDE 1 controller can be set as Enabled or Disabled. The default setting is Enabled. The integrated peripheral controller contains an IDE interface with support for two IDE channels. If you choose Disabled, it will effect the settings of four items not available. For example, if you disabled the Onboard IDE-1 Controller, you will also disable the Master/Slave Drive PIO Mode and Master/Slave Drive Ultra DMA. Master/Slave Drive PIO Mode: Six options are available: Auto , Mode 0 , Mode 1 , Mode 2 , Mode 3 , Mode 4 , Back to Auto. The four IDE PIO (Programmed Input/Output) items let you set a PIO mode (0-4) for each of the four IDE devices that the onboard IDE interface supports. Modes 0 through 4 provide successively increased performance. In Auto mode (default setting), the system automatically determines the best mode for each device. BF6
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Master/Slave Drive Ultra DMA: Two options are available: Auto and Disabled. The default setting is Auto. Ultra DMA is a DMA data transfer protocol that utilizes ATA commands and the ATA bus to allow DMA commands to transfer data at a maximum burst rate of 33 MB/sec. Ultra DMA/33 or Ultra DMA/66 implementation is possible only if your IDE hard drive supports it and the operating environment includes a DMA driver (Windows® 95 OSR2 or a third-party IDE bus master driver). Auto: If your hard drive and your system software both support Ultra DMA/33, select Auto to enable BIOS support. For Ultra DMA/66 devices, please refer the requirements mentioned in page 2-18. (Default setting)
Disabled: If you encounter a problem in using Ultra DMA devices, you can try to disable this item.
Onboard IDE-2 Controller: Description is same as the Onboard IDE-1 Controller.
USB Keyboard Support: Two options are available: Enabled and Disabled. The default setting is Disabled. If your system contains a USB keyboard, set it to Enabled.
Init Display First This item allows you to decide to active whether PCI slot or AGP slot VGA first.
Ultra DMA-66 IDE Controller This item is only for the