Asus A7S8X-MX: Chapter 4
Chapter 4: Asus A7S8X-MX
Chapter 4
BIOS setup
ASUS A7S333 motherboard
4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS
4.1.1 Using the computer system for the first time
It is recommended that you save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS
along with a Flash Memory Writer utility (AFLASH.EXE) to a bootable floppy
disk in case you need to reinstall the BIOS later. AFLASH.EXE is a Flash
Memory Writer utility that updates the BIOS by uploading a new BIOS file to
the programmable flash ROM on the motherboard. This file works only in
DOS mode. To determine the BIOS version of your motherboard, check the
last four numbers of the code displayed on the upper left-hand corner of your
screen during bootup. Larger numbers represent a newer BIOS file.
1. Type FORMAT A:/S at the DOS prompt to create a bootable system disk.
DO NOT copy AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS to the disk.
2. Type COPY D:\AFLASH\AFLASH.EXE A:\ (assuming D is your CD-ROM
drive) to copy AFLASH.EXE to the boot disk you created.
NOTE! AFLASH works only in DOS mode. It does not work in the DOS
prompt within Windows, and does not work with certain memory drivers
that may be loaded when you boot from the hard drive. It is recommended
that you reboot using a floppy disk.
3. Reboot the computer from the floppy disk.
NOTE! BIOS setup must specify “Floppy” as the first item in the boot
sequence.
4. In DOS mode, type A:\AFLASH <Enter> to run AFLASH.
IMPORTANT! If the word “unknown” appears after Flash Memory:, the
memory chip is either not programmable or is not supported by the ACPI
BIOS and therefore, cannot be programmed by the Flash Memory Writer
utility.
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5. Select 1. Save Current BIOS to File from the Main menu and press
<Enter>. The Save Current BIOS To File screen appears.
6. Type a filename and the path, for example, A:\XXX-XX.XXX, then
press <Enter>.
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Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
4.1.2 Updating BIOS procedures
CAUTION! Update the BIOS only if you have problems with the
motherboard and you are sure that the new BIOS revision will solve your
problems. Careless updating may result to more problems with the
motherboard!
1. FTP) (see ASUS CONTACT INFORMATION on page x for details) and
save to the boot floppy disk you created earlier.
2. Boot from the floppy disk.
3. At the “A:\” prompt, type AFLASH and then press <Enter>.
4. At the Main Menu, type 2 then press <Enter>. The Update BIOS Including
Boot Block and ESCD screen appears.
5. Type the filename of your new BIOS and the path, for example, A:\XXX-
XX.XXX, then press <Enter>.
To cancel this operation, press <Enter>.
6. When prompted to confirm the BIOS update, press Y to start the
update.
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7. The utility starts to program the new BIOS information into the Flash
ROM. The boot block is updated automatically only when necessary.
This minimizes the possibility of boot problems in case of update failures.
When the programming is done, the message “Flashed Successfully”
appears.
8. Follow the onscreen instructions to continue.
WARNING! If you encounter problems while updating the new BIOS,
DO NOT turn off the system because this may cause boot problems.
Just repeat the process, and if the problem persists, load the original
BIOS file you saved to the boot disk. If the Flash Memory Writer utility is
not able to successfully update a complete BIOS file, the system may not
boot. If this happens, call the ASUS service center for support.
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Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
4.2 BIOS Setup program
This motherboard supports a programmable EEPROM that you can update
using the provided utility described in section “4.1 Managing and updating
your BIOS.”
Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard,
reconfiguring your system, or prompted to “Run Setup”. This section explains
how to configure your system using this utility.
Even if you are not prompted to use the Setup program, you may want to
change the configuration of your computer in the future. For example, you
may want to enable the security password feature or make changes to the
power management settings. This requires you to reconfigure your system
using the BIOS Setup program so that the computer can recognize these
changes and record them in the CMOS RAM of the EEPROM.
The EEPROM on the motherboard stores the Setup utility. When you start
up the computer, the system provides you with the opportunity to run this
program. Press <Delete> during the Power-On Self Test (POST) to enter the
Setup utility, otherwise, POST continues with its test routines.
If you wish to enter Setup after POST, restart the system by pressing <Ctrl>
+ <Alt> + <Delete>, or by pressing the reset button on the system chassis.
You can also restart by turning the system off and then back on. Do this last
option only if the first two failed.
The Setup program is designed to make it as easy to use as possible. It is a
menu-driven program, which means you can scroll through the various sub-
menus and make your selections among the predetermined choices.
NOTE! Because the BIOS software is constantly being updated, the
following BIOS setup screens and descriptions are for reference purposes
only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen.
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4.2.1 BIOS menu bar
The top of the screen has a menu bar with the following selections:
MAIN Use this menu to make changes to the basic system
configuration.
ADVANCED Use this menu to enable and make changes to the
advanced features.
POWER Use this menu to configure and enable Power Management
features.
BOOT Use this menu to configure the default system device used
to locate and load the Operating System.
EXIT Use this menu to exit the current menu or to exit the Setup
program.
To access the menu bar items, press the right or left arrow key on the keyboard
until the desired item is highlighted.
4.2.2 Legend bar
At the bottom of the Setup screen is a legend bar. The keys in the legend bar
allow you to navigate through the various setup menus. The following table
lists the keys found in the legend bar with their corresponding functions.
Navigation Key(s) Function Description
<F1> or <Alt + H> Displays the General Help screen from any-
where in the BIOS Setup
<Esc> Jumps to the Exit menu or returns to the main
menu from a sub-menu
Left or Right arrow Selects the menu item to the left or right
Up or Down arrow Moves the highlight up or down between fields
- (minus key) Scrolls backward through the values for the
highlighted field
+ (plus key) or spacebar Scrolls forward through the values for the high-
lighted field
<Enter> Brings up a selection menu for the highlighted
field
<Home> or <PgUp> Moves the cursor to the first field
<End> or <PgDn> Moves the cursor to the last field
<F5> Resets the current screen to its Setup Defaults
<F10> Saves changes and exits Setup
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Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
General help
In addition to the Item Specific Help window, the BIOS setup program also
provides a General Help screen. You may launch this screen from any menu
by simply pressing <F1> or the <Alt> + <H> combination. The General Help
screen lists the legend keys and their corresponding functions.
Saving changes and exiting the Setup program
See “4.7 Exit Menu” for detailed information on saving changes and exiting
the setup program.
Scroll bar
When a scroll bar appears to the right of a help window, it indicates that
there is more information to be displayed that will not fit in the window. Use
<PgUp> and <PgDn> or the up and down arrow keys to scroll through the
entire help document. Press <Home> to display the first page, press <End>
to go to the last page. To exit the help window, press <Enter> or <Esc>.
Sub-menu
Note that a right pointer symbol (as shown on
the left) appears to the left of certain fields. This
pointer indicates that you can display a sub-
menu from this field. A sub-menu contains
additional options for a field parameter. To
display a sub-menu, move the highlight to the
field and press <Enter>. The sub-menu appears.
Use the legend keys to enter values and move
from field to field within a sub-menu as you would
within a menu. Use the <Esc> key to return to
the main menu. Take some time to familiarize
yourself with the legend keys and their
corresponding functions. Practice navigating through the various menus and
sub-menus. If you accidentally make unwanted changes to any of the fields,
use the set default hot key <F5> to load the Setup default values. While
moving around through the Setup program, note that explanations appear in
the Item Specific Help window located to the right of each menu. This window
displays the help text for the currently highlighted field.
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4.3 Main Menu
When you enter the Setup program, the following screen appears.
System Time [XX:XX:XX]
Sets the system to the time that you specify (usually the current time). The
format is hour, minute, second. Valid values for hour, minute and second are
Hour: (00 to 23), Minute: (00 to 59), Second: (00 to 59). Use the <Tab> or
<Shift> + <Tab> keys to move between the hour, minute, and second fields.
System Date [XX/XX/XXXX]
Sets the system to the date that you specify (usually the current date). The
format is month, day, year. Valid values for month, day, and year are Month:
(1 to 12), Day: (1 to 31), Year: (up to 2084). Use the <Tab> or <Shift> +
<Tab> keys to move between the month, day, and year fields.
Legacy Diskette A / B [1.44M, 3.5 in.]
Sets the type of floppy drive installed. Configuration options: [None] [360K,
5.25 in.] [1.2M , 5.25 in.] [720K , 3.5 in.] [1.44M, 3.5 in.] [2.88M, 3.5 in.]
Floppy 3 Mode Support [Disabled]
This is required to support older Japanese floppy drives. The Floppy 3 Mode
feature allows reading and writing of 1.2MB (as opposed to 1.44MB) on a
3.5-inch diskette. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
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Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
4.3.1 Primary and Secondary Master/Slave
Type [Auto]
Select [Auto] to automatically detect an IDE hard disk drive. If automatic
detection is successful, Setup automatically fills in the correct values for the
remaining fields on this sub-menu. If automatic detection fails, this may be
because the hard disk drive is too old or too new. If the hard disk was already
formatted on an older system, Setup may detect incorrect parameters. In
these cases, select [User Type HDD] to manually enter the IDE hard disk
drive parameters. Refer to the next section for details.
CAUTION! Before attempting to configure a hard disk drive, make sure
you have the correct configuration information supplied by the drive
manufacturer. Incorrect settings may cause the system to fail to recognize
the installed hard disk.
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[User Type HDD]
Manually enter the number of cylinders, heads and sectors per track for the
drive. Refer to the drive documentation or on the drive label for this information.
NOTE! After entering the IDE hard disk drive information into BIOS, use
a disk utility, such as FDISK, to partition and format new IDE hard disk
drives. This is necessary so that you can write or read data from the hard
disk. Make sure to set the partition of the Primary IDE hard disk drives to
active.
If no drive is installed or if you are removing a drive and not replacing it,
select [None].
Other options for the Type field are:
[CD-ROM] - for IDE CD-ROM drives
[LS-120] - for LS-120 compatible floppy disk drives
[ZIP] - for ZIP-compatible disk drives
[MO] - for IDE magneto optical disk drives
[Other ATAPI Device] - for IDE devices not listed here
After making your selections on this sub-menu, press the <Esc> key to return
to the Main menu. When the Main menu appears, the hard disk drive field
displays the size for the hard disk drive that you configured.
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Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
Translation Method [LBA]
Select the hard disk drive type in this field. When Logical Block Addressing
(LBA) is enabled, the 28-bit addressing of the hard drive is used without
regard for cylinders, heads, or sectors. Note that LBA Mode is necessary for
drives with more than 504MB storage capacity. Configuration options: [LBA]
[LARGE] [Normal] [Match Partition Table] [Manual]
Cylinders
This field configures the number of cylinders. Refer to the drive documentation
to determine the correct value. To make changes to this field, set the Type
field to [User Type HDD] and the Translation Method field to [Manual].
Head
This field configures the number of read/write heads. Refer to the drive
documentation to determine the correct value. To make changes to this field,
set the Type field to [User Type HDD] and the Translation Method field to
[Manual].
Sector
This field configures the number of sectors per track. Refer to the drive
documentation to determine the correct value. To make changes to this field,
set the Type field to [User Type HDD] and the Translation Method field to
[Manual].
CHS Capacity
This field shows the drive’s maximum CHS capacity as calculated by the
BIOS based on the drive information you entered.
Maximum LBA Capacity
This field shows the drive’s maximum LBA capacity as calculated by the
BIOS based on the drive information you entered.
Multi-Sector Transfers [Maximum]
This option automatically sets the number of sectors per block to the highest
number that the drive supports. Note that when this field is automatically
configured, the set value may not always be the fastest value for the drive.
You may also manually configure this field. Refer to the documentation that
came with the hard drive to determine the optimum value and set it manually.
To make changes to this field, set the Type field to [User Type HDD].
Configuration options: [Disabled] [2 Sectors] [4 Sectors] [8 Sectors] [16
Sectors] [32 Sectors] [Maximum]
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SMART Monitoring [Disabled]
This field allows you to enable or disable the S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring,
Analysis and Reporting Technology) system that utilizes internal hard disk
drive monitoring technology. This parameter is normally disabled because
the resources used in the SMART monitoring feature may decrease system
performance. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
PIO Mode [4]
This option lets you set a PIO (Programmed Input/Output) mode for the IDE
device. Modes 0 through 4 provide successive increase in performance.
Configuration options: [0] [1] [2] [3] [4]
Ultra DMA Mode [Disabled]
Ultra DMA capability allows improved transfer speeds and data integrity for
compatible IDE devices. Set to [Disabled] to suppress Ultra DMA capability.
To make changes to this field, set the Type field to [User Type HDD].
Configuration options: [0] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [Disabled]
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Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
4.3.2 Keyboard Features
Boot Up NumLock Status [On]
This field enables users to activate the Number Lock function upon system
boot. Configuration options: [Off] [On]
Keyboard Auto-Repeat Rate [12/Sec]
This controls the speed at which the system registers repeated keystrokes.
Options range from 6 to 30 characters per second. Configuration options: [6/
Sec] [8/Sec] [10/Sec] [12/Sec] [15/Sec] [20/Sec] [24/Sec] [30/Sec]
Keyboard Auto-Repeat Delay [1/4 Sec]
This field sets the time interval for displaying the first and second characters.
Configuration options: [1/4 Sec] [1/2 Sec] [3/4 Sec] [1 Sec]
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Language [English]
This field displays the BIOS language version.
Supervisor Password [Disabled] / User Password [Disabled]
These fields allow you to set passwords. To set a password, highlight the
appropriate field and press <Enter>. Type in a password then press <Enter>.
You can type up to eight alphanumeric characters. Symbols and other
characters are ignored. To confirm the password, type the password again
and press <Enter>. The password is now set to [Enabled]. This password
allows full access to the BIOS Setup menus. To clear the password, highlight
this field and press <Enter>. The same dialog box as above appears. Press
<Enter>. The password is set to [Disabled].
A note about passwords
The BIOS Setup program allows you to specify passwords in the Main
menu. The passwords control access to the BIOS during system startup.
Passwords are not case sensitive, meaning, passwords typed in either
uppercase or lowercase letters are accepted. The BIOS Setup program
allows you to specify two different passwords: a Supervisor password
and a User password. If you did not set a Supervisor password, anyone
can access the BIOS Setup program. If you did, the Supervisor password
is required to enter the BIOS Setup program and to gain full access to
the configuration fields.
Forgot the password?
If you forget your password, you can clear it by erasing the CMOS Real
Time Clock (RTC) RAM. The RAM data containing the password
information is powered by the onboard button cell battery. See section
“2.7Switches and jumpers” for information on how to erase the R TC
RAM.
Halt On [All Errors]
This field specifies the types of errors that will cause the system to halt.
Configuration options: [All Errors] [No Error] [All but Keyboard] [All but Disk]
[All but Disk/Keyboard]
Installed Memory [XXX MB]
This field automatically displays the amount of conventional memory detected
by the system during the boot process.
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Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
4.4 Advanced Menu
CPU Speed [Manual]
When the motherboard is set to JumperFree™ mode, this field allows you to
select the internal frequency of the CPU. Select [Manual] if you want to
make changes to the two subsequent fields. Note that selecting a frequency
higher than the CPU manufacturer recommends may cause the system to
hang or crash.
CPU Frequency Multiple (when CPU Speed is set to [Manual])
This field applies to unlocked processors only. If your processor frequency
multiple is locked, you cannot access this field. This field sets the frequency
multiple between the CPU’s internal frequency (CPU speed) and external
frequency. Set this field in conjunction with CPU Frequency (MHz) to match
the speed of the CPU. Configuration options: [5.0X]...[14.0X]
CPU / PCI Frequency (MHz) (when CPU Speed is set to [Manual])
This feature tells the clock generator what frequency to send to the system
bus and PCI bus. The bus frequency (external frequency) multiplied by the
bus multiple equals the CPU speed.
CPU / Memory Frequency Ratio [Auto]
This field determines whether the memory clock frequency is set to be in
synchronous or asynchronous mode with respect to the system frequency.
The options that appear in the popup menu vary according to the CPU
Frequency (MHz). Configuration options: [Auto] [1:1] [3:4] [4:3] [4:5]
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CPU Level 1 Cache, CPU Level 2 Cache [Enabled]
These fields selects the CPU Level 1 and Level 2 built-in cache. The default
enables the caches. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
CPU Level 2 Cache EEC Check [Enabled]
This fields sets up the check for the Level 2 built-in cache EEC check.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
BIOS Update [Enabled]
This field functions as an update loader integrated into the BIOS to supply
the processor with the required data. When set to [Enabled], the BIOS loads
the update on all processors during system bootup. Configuration options:
[Disabled] [Enabled]
PS/2 Mouse Function Control [Auto]
The default setting [Auto] allows the system to detect a PS/2 mouse at startup.
If a mouse is detected, the BIOS assigns IRQ12 to the PS/2 mouse.
Otherwise, IRQ12 can be used for expansion cards. When you set this field
to [Enabled], BIOS reserves IRQ12, whether or not a PS/2 mouse is detected
at startup. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Auto]
USB Legacy Support [Auto]
This motherboard supports Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices. The default
of [Auto] allows the system to detect a USB device at startup. If detected, the
USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If not detected, the USB controller
legacy mode is disabled. When you set this field to [Disabled], the USB
controller legacy mode is disabled whether or not you are using a USB device.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto]
OS/2 Onboard Memory > 64M [Disabled]
When using OS/2 operating systems with installed DRAM of greater than
64MB, you need to set this option to [Enabled]. Otherwise, leave to the default
setting [Disabled]. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
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Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
4.4.1 Chip Configuration
SDRAM Configuration [By SPD]
This parameter allows you to set the optimal timings for items 2–5, depending
on the memory modules that you are using. The default setting is [By SPD],
which configures items 2–5 by reading the contents in the SPD (Serial
Presence Detect) device. The EEPROM on the memory module stores critical
information about the module, such as memory type, size, speed, voltage
interface, and module banks. Configuration options: [User Defined] [By SPD]
NOTE! The following 4 SDRAM parameters appear only when you set
the SDRAM Configuration to [User Defined].
SDRAM CAS Latency [3T]
This item controls the latency between the SDRAM read command and the
time the data actually becomes available.
SDRAM RAS to CAS Delay [3T]
This item controls the latency between the SDRAM active command and the
read/write command.
SDRAM RAS Precharge Time [3T]
This item controls the idle clocks after issuing a precharge command to the
SDRAM.
SDRAM RAS Active Time [6T]
This item controls the clocks after issuing an active command to the SDRAM.
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Graphics Aperture Size [64MB]
This feature allows you to select the size of mapped memory for AGP
graphic data. Configuration options: [4MB] [8MB] [16MB] [32MB] [64MB]
[128MB] [256MB]
AGP Capability [4X Mode]
This motherboard supports the AGP 4X interface that transfers video data at
1066MB/s. AGP 4X is backward-compatible, so you may keep the default
[4X Mode] even if you are using an AGP 1X or 2X video card. [1X Mode]
provides a peak data throughput of 266MB/s even if using an AGP 2X/4X
card. [2X Mode] provides a peak data throughput of 533MB/s even if using
an AGP 4X card. Configuration options: [1X Mode] [2X Mode] [4X Mode]
AGP Fast Write Capability [Enabled]
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Video Memory Cache Mode [UC]
USWC (uncacheable, speculative write combining) is a new cache technology
for the video memory of the processor. It can greatly improve the display
speed by caching the display data. You must set this to UC (uncacheable) if
your display card does not support this feature, otherwise the system may
not boot. Configuration options: [UC] [USWC]
Memory Hole At 15M-16M [Disabled]
This field allows you to reserve an address space for ISA expansion cards.
Setting the address space to a particular setting makes that memory space
unavailable to other system components. Expansion cards can only access
memory up to 16MB. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
MA/Cmd leadoff timing [Default]
Configuration options: [Default] [Normal] [Fast]
Dram turn around timing [Normal]
Configuration options: [Normal] [Slow] [Fast]
Dram read latency timing [Normal]
Configuration options: [Normal] [Slow] [Fast]
PCI 2.1 Support [Enabled]
This field enables or disables support for PCI 2.1 features including passive
release and delayed transaction. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
Onboard PCI IDE Enable [Both]
This field allows you to enable either the primary IDE channel or secondary
IDE channel, or both. You can also set both channels to [Disabled].
Configuration options: [Both] [Primary] [Secondary] [Disabled]
I-Panel Hotkey Mapping [Group 1]
Configuration options: [Group 1] [Group 2] [Group 3] [Group 4]
I-Panel Update Timer [Disabled]
Configuration options: [Disabled] [8 Seconds] [16 Seconds] [32 Seconds]
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Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
4.4.2 I/O Device Configuration
Onboard FDC Swap A & B [No Swap]
This field reverses the hardware drive letter assignments of floppy disk drivers.
Configuration options: [No Swap] [Swap AB]
Floppy Disk Access Control [R/W]
When set to [Read Only], this parameter protects files from being copied to
floppy disks by allowing reads from, but not writes to, the floppy disk drive.
The default setting [R/W] allows both reads and writes. Configuration
options: [R/W] [Read Only]
Onboard Serial Port 1 [3F8H/IRQ4]
Onboard Serial Port 2 [2F8H/IRQ3]
These fields set the addresses for the onboard serial connectors. Serial Port
1 and Serial Port 2 must have different addresses. Configuration options:
[3F8H/IRQ4] [2F8H/IRQ3] [3E8H/IRQ4] [2E8H/IRQ10] [Disabled]
UART2 Use Standard Infrared [Disabled]
This field assigns the UART2 to the infrared. Configuration options: [Disabled]
[Enabled]
Onboard Parallel Port [378H/IRQ7]
This field sets the address of the onboard parallel port connector. If you
disable this field, the Parallel Port Mode and ECP DMA Select configurations
are not available. Configuration options: [Disabled] [378H/IRQ7] [278H/IRQ5]
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Parallel Port Mode [ECP+EPP]
This field allows you to set the operation mode of the parallel port.
[Normal] allows normal-speed operation but in one direction only; [EPP]
allows bidirectional parallel port operation; [ECP] allows the parallel port to
operate in bidirectional DMA mode; [ECP+EPP] allows normal speed
operation in a two-way mode. Configuration options: [Normal] [EPP] [ECP]
[ECP+EPP]
ECP DMA Select [3]
This field configures the parallel port DMA channel for the selected ECP
mode. This selection is available only if you select [ECP] or [ECP+EPP] in
Parallel Port Mode above. Configuration options: [1] [3]
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4.4.3 PCI Configuration
Slot 1, 2, 3, 4/5 IRQ [Auto]
These fields automatically assign the IRQ for each PCI slot. The default
setting for each field is [Auto], which utilizes auto-routing to determine IRQ
assignments. Configuration options: [Auto] [NA] [3] [4] [5] [7] [9] [10] [11] [12]
[14] [15]
PCI/VGA Palette Snoop [Disabled]
Some non-standard VGA cards, like graphics accelerators or MPEG video
cards, may not show colors properly. Setting this field to [Enabled] corrects
this problem. If you are using standard VGA cards, leave this field to the
default setting [Disabled]. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
PCI Latency Timer [32]
Leave this field to the default setting [32] for best performance and stability.
Primary VGA BIOS [PCI VGA Card]
This field allows you to select the primary graphics card.
Configuration options: [PCI VGA Card] [AGP VGA Card]
USB Function [Enabled]
Set this field to [Enabled] if you want to use Universal Serial Bus (USB)
devices. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
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4.4.3.1 Onboard PCI Devices Control
Onboard AC97 Audio Controller [Enabled]
This parameter allows you to enable or disable the onboard AC97 audio
controller. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Onboard AC97 Modem Controller [Enabled]
This parameter enables or disables the onboard Modem controller. Keep
the setting [Enabled] if you wish to use the onboard Modem feature. Set
this field to [Disabled] if you installed a PCI LAN card. Configuration
options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
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4.4.3.2 PCI IRQ Resource Exclusion
IRQ XX Used By ISA [No/ICU]
These fields indicate whether or not the displayed IRQ for each field is
being used by a legacy (non-PnP) ISA card. The setting [No/ICU] for an
IRQ field indicates that you are using the ISA Configuration Utility (ICU),
and that this particular IRQ is NOT required by a legacy ISA card. Set the
IRQ field to [Yes] if you install a legacy ISA card that requires a unique IRQ
and you are NOT using ICU. Configuration options: [No/ICU] [Yes]
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4.4.3.3 Onboard DMA Resource Exclusion
DMA x Reserved for Legacy Drive [No/ICU]
These fields indicate whether or not the DMA channel displayed for each
field is being used by a legacy (non-PnP) ISA card. The default setting
indicates either that the DMA channel displayed is not used or an ICU is
being used to determine if an ISA device is using the channel instead.
Configuration options: [No/ICU] [Yes]
4.4.3.4 PCI UMB Resource Exclusion
TSM MEM Block BASE [No/ICU]
This field allows yout to set the base address and block size of an onboard
legacy ISA device that uses any memory segment within the C800 and
DFFF address range. With such a device, select a base address from the
options. If an ICU is already in use, then leave the TSM MEM Block
BASE to its default setting of [No/ICU]. Configuration options: [No/ICU]
[C800] [CC00] [D000] [D400] [D800] [DC00]
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Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
4.5 Power Menu
The Power menu allows you to reduce power consumption. This feature
turns off the video display and shuts down the hard disk after a period of
inactivity.
Power Management [User Defined]
This field allows you to activate or deactivate the automatic power saving
features. When set to [Disabled], the power management features do not
function regardless of the other settings on this menu. The [User Defined]
option allows you to set the period of inactivity before the system enters
suspend mode. Refer to “Suspend Mode” later in this section.
When set to [Max Saving], system power is conserved to its greatest amount.
This setting automatically puts the system into suspend mode after a brief
period of system inactivity. [Min Saving] allows the least power saving as the
system enters suspend mode only after a long period of inactivity.
Configuration options: [User Defined] [Disabled] [Min Saving] [Max Saving]
IMPORTANT! You should install the Advanced Power Management
(APM) utility to keep the system time updated even when the computer
enters suspend mode. In Windows 3.x and Windows 95, you need to
install Windows with the APM feature. In Windows 98 or later, APM is
automatically installed as indicated by a battery and power cord icon
labeled “Power Management” in the Control Panel. Select the item
“Advanced” in the Power Management Properties dialog box.
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Video Off Option [Suspend -> Off ]
This field determines when to activate the video off feature for monitor power
management. Configuration options: [Always On] [Suspend -> Off]
Video Off Method [DPMS OFF]
This field defines the video off features. The Display Power Management
System (DPMS) feature allows the BIOS to control the video display card if it
supports the DPMS feature. [Blank Screen] only blanks the screen. Use this
for monitors without power management or “green” features.
NOTE! Even if installed, your screen saver does not display when you
select [Blank Screen] for the above field.
[V/H SYNC+Blank] blanks the screen and turns off vertical and horizontal
scanning. Configuration options: [Blank Screen] [V/H SYNC+Blank] [DPMS
Standby] [DPMS Suspend] [DPMS OFF] [DPMS Reduce ON]
HDD Power Down [Disabled]
Shuts down any IDE hard disk drives in the system after a period of inactivity
as set in this user-configurable field. This feature does not affect SCSI hard
drives. Configuration options: [Disabled] [1 Min] [2 Min] [3 Min]...[15 Min]
ACPI Suspend-to-RAM [Disabled]
This field allows you to enable or disable the ACPI Suspend-to-RAM feature.
To support this feature, the +5VSB of the power supply should have the
capacity to provide more than 720mA current. Configuration options:
[Disabled] [Enabled]
Suspend Mode [Disabled]
Sets the time period before the system goes into suspend mode. Configuration
options: [Disabled] [1~2 Min] [2~3 Min] [4~5 min] [8~9 Min] [20 Min] [30 Min]
PWR Button < 4 Secs [Soft Off]
When set to [Soft off], the ATX switch can be used as a normal system power-
off button when pressed for less than 4 seconds. [Suspend] allows the button
to have a dual function where pressing less than 4 seconds puts the system
in sleep mode. Regardless of the setting, holding the ATX switch for more
than 4 seconds powers off the system. Configuration options: [Soft off]
[Suspend]
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4.5.1 Power Up Control
AC Power Loss Restart [Disabled]
This allows you to set whether or not to reboot the system after power
interruptions. [Disabled] leaves your system off while [Enabled] reboots the
system. [Previous State] sets the system back to the state it was before the
power interruption. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Previous
State]
Wake/Power Up On Ext. Modem [Disabled]
The computer may be powered up the computer if the external modem
receives a call while the system is in Soft-off mode. Configuration options:
[Disabled] [Enabled]
NOTE! The computer cannot receive or transmit data until the computer
and applications are fully running. Thus, connection cannot be made on
the first try. Turning an external modem off and then back on while the
computer is off sends an initialization string that turns system power on.
Power Up On PCI Card [Disabled]
When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to turn on the system
through a PCI modem. This feature requires an ATX power supply that
provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead. Configuration options: [Disabled]
[Enabled]
Power Up On USB [Disabled]
When set to [Enabled], the system through a network or a USB connection.
This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the
+5VSB lead. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
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Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Spacebar]
This parameter allows you to use specific keys on the keyboard to turn on
the system. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least
1A on the +5VSB lead. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Space Bar] [Ctrl-
Esc] [Power Key]
Automatic Power Up [Disabled]
This allows an unattended or automatic system power up. You may configure
your system to power up at a certain time of the day by selecting [Everyday]
or at a certain time and day by selecting [By Date]. Configuration options:
[Disabled] [Everyday] [By Date]
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4.5.2 Hardware Monitor
MB Temperature [xxxC/xxxF]
CPU Temperature [xxxC/xxxF]
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the MB (motherboard)
and CPU temperatures.
CPU Fan Speed [xxxxRPM]
CHASSIS Fan Speed [xxxxRPM]
POWER Fan Speed [xxxxRPM]
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the CPU and chassis
fan speeds in rotations per minute (RPM).
VCORE Voltage, +3.3V Voltage, +5V Voltage, +12V Voltage,
+5VSB, +3VSB
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output
through the onboard voltage regulators.
NOTE! If any of the monitored items is out of range, the following error
message appears: “Hardware Monitor found an error. Enter Power setup
menu for details”. You will then be prompted to “Press F1 to continue or
DEL to enter SETUP”.
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4.6 Boot Menu
Boot Sequence
The Boot menu allows you to select among the four possible types of boot
devices listed using the up and down arrow keys. By using the <+> or <Space>
key, you can promote devices and by using the <-> key, you can demote
devices. Promotion or demotion of devices alters the priority which the system
uses to search for a boot device on system power up. Configuration fields
include Removable Devices, IDE Hard Drive, ATAPI CD-ROM, and Other
Boot Device.
Removable Device [Legacy Floppy]
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Legacy Floppy] [LS-120] [ZIP] [ATAPIMO]
IDE Hard Drive
This field allows you to select which IDE hard disk drive to use in the boot
sequence. Pressing [Enter] will show the product IDs of all connected IDE
hard disk drives.
ATAPI CD-ROM
This field allows you to select which ATAPI CD-ROM drive to use in the boot
sequence. Pressing [Enter] will show the product IDs of all your connected
ATAPI CD-ROM drives.
Other Boot Device Select [INT18 Device (Network)]
Configuration options: [Disabled] [SCSI Boot Device] [INT18 Device
(Network)]
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Plug & Play O/S [No]
This field allows you to use a Plug-and-Play (PnP) operating system to
configure the PCI bus slots instead of using the BIOS. When [Yes] is selected,
interrupts may be reassigned by the OS. If you installed a non-PnP OS or if
you want to prevent reassigning of interrupt settings, keep the default setting
[No]. Configuration options: [No] [Yes]
Boot Virus Detection [Enabled]
This field allows you to set boot virus detection, ensuring a virus-free boot
sector. The system halts and displays a warning message when it detects a
virus. If this occurs, you can either allow the operation to continue or use a
virus-free bootable floppy disk to restart and investigate your system.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Quick Power On Self Test [Enabled]
This field speeds up the Power-On-Self Test (POST) routine by skipping
retesting a second, third, and fourth time. Configuration options: [Disabled]
[Enabled]
Boot Up Floppy Seek [Enabled]
When enabled, the BIOS will seek the floppy disk drive to determine whether
the drive has 40 or 80 tracks. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Interrupt Mode [APIC]
This parameter offers a choice between PIC and APIC interrupt modes. The
default is [APIC]. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Full Screen Logo [Enabled]
This field enables the display of the full screen logo that appears as the
PC boots up. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
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4.7 Exit Menu
When you have made all of your selections from the various menus in the
Setup program, save your changes and exit Setup. Select Exit from the
menu bar to display the following menu.
NOTE! Pressing <Esc> does not immediately exit this menu. Select
one of the options from this menu or <F10> from the legend bar to exit.
Exit Saving Changes
Once you are finished making your selections, choose this option from the
Exit menu to ensure the values you selected are saved to the CMOS RAM.
The CMOS RAM is sustained by an onboard backup battery and stays on
even when the PC is turned off. When you select this option, a confirmation
window appears. Select [Yes] to save changes and exit.
NOTE! If you attempt to exit the Setup program without saving your
changes, the program prompts you with a message asking if you want to
save your changes before exiting. Pressing <Enter> saves the changes
while exiting.
Exit Discarding Changes
Select this option only if you do not want to save the changes that you made
to the Setup program. If you made changes to fields other than system date,
system time, and password, the BIOS asks for a confirmation before exiting.
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Load Setup Defaults
This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters
on the Setup menus. When you select this option or if you press <F5>, a
confirmation window appears. Select [Yes] to load default values. Select Exit
Saving Changes or make other changes before saving the values to the
non-volatile RAM.
Discard Changes
This option allows you to discard the selections you made and restore the
previously saved values. After selecting this option, a confirmation appears.
Select [Yes] to discard any changes and load the previously saved values.
Save Changes
This option saves your selections without exiting the Setup program. You
can then return to other menus and make further changes. After you select
this option, a confirmation window appears. Select [Yes] to save any changes
to the non-volatile RAM.
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