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Acer Altos 9100B User Manual

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  • Page 1 AcerAltos 9100B Series User’s Guide...
  • Page 2 Further, Acer reserves the right to revise this publication and to make changes from time to time in the contents hereof without obligation to notify any person of such revisions or changes. Acer reserves the right to make changes to the products described in this manual at any time and without notice.
  • Page 3 The software is the property of Acer or Acer’s supplier and you do not have and shall not gain any proprietary interest in the software (including any modifications or copies made by or for you) or any related intellectual property rights.

  • Page 4: Important Safety Instructions

    IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 1. Read these instructions carefully. Save them for future reference. 2. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product. 3. Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning. 4.
  • Page 5 rating of all products plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed 15 amperes. 11. Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet slots as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock.
  • Page 6 14. Use only the proper type of power supply cord (provided in your keyboard/manual accessories box) for this unit. It should be a detachable type: UL listed/CSA certified, type SVT/SJT, rated 6A 125V minimum. Maximum length is 15 feet (4.6 meters). 15.
  • Page 7 FCC Class A Radio Frequency Interference Statement Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.

  • Page 8: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Chapter 1 System Board 1.1 Features.......................1-1 1.2 Major Components ..................1-2 1.3 Layout ......................1-3 1.4 Jumpers and Connectors ................1-4 1.4.1 Jumper and Connector Locations ..........1-4 1.4.2 Jumper Settings ................1-5 1.4.3 Connector Functions ...............1-6 1.5 Front Panel Connectors ................1-7 1.6 Installing Optional Components...............1-8 1.6.1 ESD Precautions ................1-9 1.6.2 Pre-installation Instructions ............1-9...
  • Page 9 Chapter 2 CPU Board 2.1 Layout......................2-2 2.2 Jumpers and Connectors................2-3 2.2.1 Jumper Settings................2-4 2.2.2 Connector Functions............... 2-4 2.3 Memory Upgrade ..................2-5 2.3.1 Memory Configurations..............2-6 2.3.2 Installing a DIMM ................2-6 2.3.3 Removing a DIMM................. 2-8 2.3.4 Reconfiguring the System ..............
  • Page 10 3.2.10 Total Memory..................3-6 3.2.11 Serial Port 1..................3-6 3.2.12 Serial Port 2..................3-7 3.2.13 Parallel Port ..................3-7 3.2.14 Pointing Device ................3-7 3.2.15 Memory Parity Mode..............3-7 3.3 Product Information ..................3-8 3.3.1 Product Name .................3-8 3.3.2 System S/N..................3-8 3.3.3 Main Board ID.................3-9 3.3.4 Main Board S/N................3-9 3.3.5 System BIOS Version ..............3-9 3.3.6 System BIOS ID ................3-9 3.3.7 BIOS Release Date................3-9...
  • Page 11 3.7.4 Non-PnP ISA Device Configuration..........3-33 3.8 System Security Setup ................3-36 3.8.1 Disk Drive Control ............... 3-36 3.8.2 Setup Password ................3-37 3.8.3 Power-on Password..............3-40 3.9 Date and Time..................3-41 3.9.1 Date....................3-42 3.9.2 Time ....................3-42 3.10 Remote Diagnostic Configuration............3-43 3.11 Load Setup Default Settings ..............
  • Page 12 4.5.3 Hard Disk ..................4-14 4.6 Installing a System Board................4-16 4.7 Installing an Expansion Board ..............4-17 4.8 Reinstalling a CPU Board................4-19 4.9 Connecting External Devices ..............4-22 4.9.1 Connecting a Monitor ..............4-22 4.9.2 Connecting a Keyboard ..............4-23 4.9.3 Connecting a Mouse ..............4-24 4.9.4 Connecting a Printer ..............4-25 4.10 Complete System Connections ...............4-26 Chapter 5 SCSISelect Configuration Utility...
  • Page 13 Appendix A Drive Tray Management System (DTMS) A.1 Features ..................... A-1 A.2 Major Components................... A-2 A.2.1 Backplane Board ................A-2 A.2.2 Hot-swap SCSI Drive Tray ............A-3 A.3 Jumper Settings..................A-4 A.4 Hard Disk ID Setting Options ..............A-5 A.5 SCSI Channel Configurations ..............A-7 A.5.1 Single-Channel Configuration ............
  • Page 14 List of Figures 1-1 System Board Layout.................1-3 1-2 System Board Jumper and Connector Locations........1-4 1-3 Front Panel Connectors ................1-7 1-4 Installing a Video Memory Chip ............1-11 1-5 Installing a PCI Card................1-14 1-6 Installing an ISA Card ................1-16 2-1 CPU Board Layout..................2-2 2-2 Pentium II CPU Board Jumper Locations ..........2-3 2-3 Installing a DIMM..................2-7 2-4 Removing a DIMM ..................2-8...
  • Page 15 5-7 SCSI Device Configuration Screen for AIC-7880 ........5-11 5-8 Advanced Configuration Options Screen..........5-16 5-9 SCSI Disk Utilities Screen for AIC-7880..........5-19 A-1 Backplane Board Components ..............A-2 A-2 Hot-swap SCSI Drive Tray Components..........A-3 A-3 Jumper Settings for 4-pin J3 and J4 ............A-4 A-4 ID Cable Connector Pin Definitions............

  • Page 16: About This Manual

    About This Manual This user’s guide aims to give you the information you need to operate the system properly and tells you how to install internal components. Manual Structure This user’s guide consists of four chapters and an appendix. Chapter 1 System Board This chapter describes the system board and all its major components.
  • Page 17 Appendix A Drive Tray Management System (DTMS) This appendix describes the backplane board, the Hot-swap SCSI drive tray, jumper settings, hard disk ID setting options, SCSI channel configuration, installing the SCSI hard drive, and using the Hot-swap feature. xvii...
  • Page 18 Conventions The following conventions are used in this manual: Represents the actual keys that you have to press on the keyboard. NOTE Gives bits and pieces of additional information related to the current topic. WARNING Alerts you to any danger that might result from doing or not doing specific actions.

  • Page 19: Chapter 1 System Board

    Chapter 1 System Board Features The AcerAltos 9100B Series is a dual-processor system board built on an ATX baseboard that supports the Intel Pentium II CPU processor running at 350/100 MHz and 400/100 MHz. The 9100b Server is based on Intel's 440BX chip set and takes advantage of 100 MHz Front Side Bus architecture.

  • Page 20: Major Components

    The system board supports two server management features, ASM Pro and Remote Diagnostic Manager (RDM), that allow better server management. ASM Pro detects problems in CPU thermal condition, CPU working voltage detection ( ± 12V/ ± 5V/3.3V/1.5V), and PCI bus utilization calculation. It also detects if the CPU fan or the chassis fan malfunctions.

  • Page 21: Layout

    Layout Figure 1-1 shows the system board components. Mouse port Wide SCSI connectors Keyboard port CPU board connectors Parallel port Narrow SCSI connector Video port Diskette drive connector RJ-45 connector PCI chipset Reserved 17 Video controller LAN Controller Battery PCI slots System Chipset FDC37C935 ISA slots IDE connector...

  • Page 22: Jumpers And Connectors

    Jumpers and Connectors 1.4.1 Jumper and Connector Locations Figure 1-2 shows the jumper and connector locations on the system board. Figure 1-2 System Board Jumper and Connector Locations Jumpers are prefixed “JP”. Connectors are prefixed “CN”. The blackened pin of a jumper or connector represents pin 1.

  • Page 23: Jumper Settings

    Table 1-1 System Board Jumper Settings Jumper Setting Function Power Supply 420 W Reserved BIOS Type Acer Reserved Password Security Check password Bypass password 5V Standby Source For SPS with 5V standby For SPS without 5V standby SCSI Channel 1...

  • Page 24: Connector Functions

    1.4.3 Connector Functions Table 1-2 lists the different connectors on the system board and their respective functions. Table 1-2 Connector Functions Connector Function COM 1 COM 2 CN3, U1, U5 Power connectors PS/2 mouse (above) / keyboard (below) connectors Standby power connector for 420W standard SPS CN6, CN7 RDM connectors Power connector (connects to the system power...

  • Page 25: Front Panel Connectors

    Front Panel Connectors The following figure shows the pin orientation of the front-panel connectors. RDM Daughter Board Figure 1-3 Front Panel Connectors Chapter 1 – System Board...

  • Page 26: Installing Optional Components

    Installing Optional Components Before you install any system component, please read the following sections. These sections contain important ESD precautions, pre- and post-installation instructions. Turn off the system power and unplug the power cord and all peripherals before opening the system or connecting or removing any peripheral device.

  • Page 27: Esd Precautions

    1.6.1 ESD Precautions Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage your processor, disk drives, expansion boards, and other components. Always observe the following precautions before you install a system component. 1. Do not remove a component from its protective packaging until you are ready to install it.

  • Page 28: Post-Installation Instructions

    1.6.3 Post-installation Instructions Observe the following procedures after installing a system component: 1. Check that the components are installed according to the instructions in their respective sections. 2. Make sure you have set all the required jumpers. See section 1.4.2 for the correct jumper settings.

  • Page 29: Video Memory Upgrade

    Video Memory Upgrade Larger video memory allows you to display higher resolutions and more colors. The system board comes with a 1-MB video memory onboard upgradable to 2 MB. Follow these steps to upgrade the video memory: 1. Locate the video DRAM upgrade sockets labeled U36 and U37 on the system board.

  • Page 30: Supported Video Resolutions

    1.7.1 Supported Video Resolutions The onboard video controller and MPEG decoder enable the system to support video functions, as well as enhance the video display. The following table lists the video resolutions that the system supports: Table 1-3 Video Resolutions Display Refresh Horizontal...
  • Page 31 Table 1-3 Video Resolutions (continued) Display Refresh Horizontal Pixel Clock Resolution Rate Frequency (KHz) (MHz) 1152 x 864 47 int. 44.9 65.0 1152 x 864 54.9 80.0 1152 x 864 66.1 1152 x 864 75.1 1280 x 1024 50.0 80.0 43 int.

  • Page 32: Installing Expansion Cards

    Installing Expansion Cards 1.8.1 Installing a PCI Card To install PCI cards: 1. Locate the PCI slot(s) on the mainboard. 2. Remove the bracket on the housing opposite to the empty PCI slot. 3. Insert a PCI card into the slot. Make sure that the card is properly seated. 4.

  • Page 33: Installing An Isa Card

    1.8.2 Installing an ISA Card Both PnP and non-PnP ISA cards require specific IRQs. When installing ISA cards, make sure that the IRQs required by these cards are not previously assigned to PCI devices to avoid resource conflicts. Follow these steps when installing ISA cards: 1.

  • Page 34: Installing An Isa Card

    Edge Connector Figure 1-6 Installing an ISA Card 1-16 AcerAltos 9100B Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 35: Asm Pro

    ASM Pro ASM Pro is a server management tool based on the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). It detects server problems related to the CPU thermal condition, 5V/3.3V/1.5V detection, or PCI bus utilization calculation. This feature is designed primarily for server supervisors and management information system (MIS) personnel to help them detect errors or potential trouble spots in their network servers through a single management station.

  • Page 36: Error Messages

    1.11 Error Messages Do not continue using the computer if you receive an error message of any type. Note the message and take corrective action. This section explains the different types of error messages and corresponding corrective measures. There are two general types of error messages: •...

  • Page 37: System Error Messages

    Table 1-4 System Error Messages Message Action CMOS Battery Error Replace the RTC chip or contact your dealer. CMOS Checksum Error Check the RTC chip and the necessary jumper. If the battery is still good, run Setup. Display Card Mismatch Run Setup (see section 3.1).
  • Page 38 Real Time Clock Error Check the RTC chip. If it is still good, run Setup (see section 3.1). If not, replace the RTC chip. CPU BIOS Code Mismatch Contact Acer's Enterprise Server Support for CPU Update Utility. 1-20 AcerAltos 9100B Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 39: Correcting Error Conditions

    1.11.3 Correcting Error Conditions As a general rule, if an error message says "Press F1 to continue," it is caused by a configuration problem, which can be easily corrected. An equipment malfunction is more likely to cause a fatal error, i.e., an error that causes complete system failure.
  • Page 40 Chapter 2 CPU Board The CPU board carries two sockets to support a powerful dual-CPU configuration. The sockets accommodate the new Intel Pentium II CPU running at 350/100, or 400/100. The board comes with four DRAM banks composed of four 168-pin dual-inline memory module (DIMM) sockets that accommodate Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) DIMMs.

  • Page 41: Cpu Board Layout

    Layout CPU Voltage Regulators Pentium II CPU Socket 2 Pentium II CPU Socket 1 System Chipset DIMM Sockets Figure 2-1 CPU Board Layout AcerAltos 9100B Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 42: Pentium Ii Cpu Board Jumper Locations

    Jumpers and Connectors Figure 2-2 shows the jumper and connector locations on the CPU board. Figure 2-2 Pentium II CPU Board Jumper Locations Jumpers are prefixed “JP”. Connectors are prefixed “CN”. The blackened pin of a jumper represents pin 1. Chapter 2 - CPU Board...

  • Page 43: Jumper Settings

    2.2.1 Jumper Settings Table 2-1 lists the CPU board jumpers with their corresponding settings and functions. Table 2-1 Settings for CPU Core/Bus Frequency Ratio (JP1) JP1 Settings 1-2-3 4-5-6 7-8-9 10-11-12 CPU Core/Bus Freq. 1-2 Closed 4-5 Closed 7-8 Closed 10-11 Closed 1-2 Closed 4-5 Closed...

  • Page 44: Memory Upgrade

    Memory Upgrade The system board comes with four 168-pin sockets, labeled DIMM1 to DIMM4, that accommodate single-density and double-density, unbuffered or registered SDRAM DIMMs. The SDRAM DIMMs should work under 3.3 volts. 5 volts memory devices are not supported. Memory timing setting of 66 MHz are defined under unbuffered DIMM specifications while 100 MHz are defined under Intel PC-100 SDRAM and PC registered DIMM specifications.

  • Page 45: Installing A Dimm

    2.3.1 Memory Configurations Table 2-3 Memory Configurations using 100 MHz (registered) SDRAM Bank 1 Bank 2 Bank 3 Bank 4 Total Memory 64 MB 64 MB 64 MB 64 MB 128 MB 64 MB 64 MB 64 MB 192 MB 64 MB 64 MB 64 MB...

  • Page 46: Installing A Dimm

    Figure 2-3 Installing a DIMM Chapter 2 - CPU Board...

  • Page 47: Removing A Dimm

    2.3.3 Removing a DIMM To remove a DIMM, press the holding clips on both sides of the socket outward to release the DIMM. Place your forefingers on the top of the DIMM before you press the holding clips to gently disengage the DIMM from the socket. Figure 2-4 Removing a DIMM AcerAltos 9100B Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 48: Reconfiguring The System

    2.3.4 Reconfiguring the System You must enter Setup (see section 3.1) to reconfigure the system after installing or removing DIMMs. Follow these steps to reconfigure the system: 1. Turn the system on. A memory error message appears, indicating that the total memory does not match the value stored in CMOS.

  • Page 49: Installing A Pentium Ii Processor

    Installing a Pentium II Processor You must install the heatsink and fan before you install the processor module into the socket on the CPU board. The Pentium II processor module comes with holes on one side to hold the clips of the heatsink and fan.

  • Page 50: Installing The Processor Heatsink And Fan

    2.4.1 Installing the Processor Heatsink and Fan Follow these steps when installing the heatsink and fan into the Pentium II processor module: 1. Remove the thermal tape protector at the back of the heatsink. Figure 2-6 Removing the Thermal Tape Protector 2.

  • Page 51: Locking A Wide Clip End

    3. Use a screwdriver to press and lock in the wide end of a clip first. Then without lifting the screwdriver, point it downward to press and lock the narrow end of the clip. See Figures 2-8 and 2-9 for the illustration of this step. Figure 2-8 Locking a Wide Clip End Figure 2-9 Locking a Narrow Clip End 4.

  • Page 52: Installing The Processor Module

    2.4.2 Installing the Processor Module Follow these steps to install the Pentium II processor module into the socket on the CPU board. 1. With the processor module pointing downward, align the processor to the posts of the retention mechanism then lower it down. See Figure 2-11. The edge connectors of the Pentium II module are slotted such that it only fits in one direction.

  • Page 53: Securing The Pentium Ii Processor Module

    3. Press the latches on the sides to lock the processor module into place. Figure 2-11 Securing the Pentium II Processor Module 4. Locate the fan connectors on the system board and connect the fan cables. See Figure 2-2 and Table 2-2 for more information about the fan connectors. 2-14 AcerAltos 9100B Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 54: Uninstalling The Processor

    Uninstalling the Processor 2.5.1 Removing the Processor from the Slot Follow these steps to remove the Pentium II processor module from the slot. 1. Detach the fan cables from the connectors on the system board. 2. Unlock the latches that secure the processor module. Figure 2-12 Unlocking the Module Latches Chapter 2 - CPU Board 2-15...

  • Page 55: Removing The Pentium Ii Processor Module

    3. Firmly hold the processor module and pull it out of the socket. Figure 2-13 Removing the Pentium II Processor Module 2-16 AcerAltos 9100B Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 56: Removing The Processor Heatsink And Fan

    2.5.2 Removing the Processor Heatsink and Fan Follow these steps to remove the processor heatsink and fan: 1. Insert a flat-type screwdriver into one of the wide clip ends of the processor heatsink and fan. 2. Push the clip end to release clip from the processor. Figure 2-14 Releasing the Clip 3.

  • Page 57: Detaching The Processor Heatsink And Fan

    4. When you have released both clips, take off the processor heatsink and fan. Figure 2-15 Detaching the Processor Heatsink and Fan If you install or use one processor, you must use or install a terminator board into slot 2 (sl2).

  • Page 58: Cpu Board Installation

    CPU Board Installation After setting the jumpers and installing memory modules and CPUs, install the CPU board into the CPU board slot on the system board. Follow these steps to install the CPU board: 1. Position the CPU board over the slot on the system board such that the component side (CPU side) faces upward.
  • Page 59 Chapter 3 BIOS Utility Most systems are already configured by the manufacturer or the dealer. There is no need to run Setup when starting the computer unless you get a Run Setup message. The Setup program loads configuration values into the battery-backed nonvolatile memory called CMOS RAM.

  • Page 60: Entering Setup

    Entering Setup To enter Setup, simultaneously press the key combination You must press while the system is booting. This key combination does not work any other time. The BIOS Utility main menu then appears: BIOS Utility System Information Product Information Disk Drives Power Management Startup Configuration...

  • Page 61: System Information

    System Information The following screen appears if you select System Information from the main menu: System Information Page 1/2 Processor ......Pentium II Processor Speed ....400 MHz Bus Frequency ....100 MHz Internal Cache ....32 KB, Enabled External Cache ....512 KB, Enabled Floppy Drive A ....1.44 MB, 3.5-inch Floppy Drive B ....None IDE Primary Channel Master ..None...

  • Page 62: Processor

    The following screen shows page 2 of the System Information menu. System Information Page 2/2 Serial Port 1 ..... 3F8h, IRQ4 Serial Port 2 ..... 2F8h, IRQ 3 Parallel Port ....378h, IRQ 7 Pointing Device ....Installed Memory Parity Mode ....ECC Onboard USB .......

  • Page 63: Bus Frequency

    3.2.3 Bus Frequency The Bus Frequency parameter specifies the system external clock. The bus frequency is 100 MHz. 3.2.4 Internal Cache This parameter specifies the first-level or the internal memory size (i.e., the memory integrated into the CPU), and whether it is enabled or disabled. For information on how to configure the system memory, see section 3.7.3.

  • Page 64: Ide Primary Channel Master

    3.2.8 IDE Primary Channel Master This parameter specifies the current configuration of the IDE device connected to the master port of the primary IDE channel. For information on how to configure IDE devices, see section 3.4.2. 3.2.9 IDE Primary Channel Slave This parameter specifies the current configuration of the IDE device connected to the slave port of the primary IDE channel.

  • Page 65: Serial Port 2

    3.2.12 Serial Port 2 This parameter indicates the serial port 2 address and IRQ setting. 3.2.13 Parallel Port This parameter indicates the parallel port address and IRQ setting. 3.2.14 Pointing Device The BIOS utility automatically detects if there is a mouse connected to the system. If there is, this parameter displays the Installed setting.

  • Page 66: Product Information

    Product Information The Product Information contains general data about the system. It includes the product name, serial number, BIOS version, etc. This information is necessary for troubleshooting and may be required when asking for technical support. The following screen shows the Product Information items: Product Information Page 1/1 Product Name ......

  • Page 67: Main Board Id

    3.3.3 Main Board ID This parameter specifies the system board’s identification number. 3.3.4 Main Board S/N This parameter specifies the system board’s serial number. 3.3.5 System BIOS Version This parameter specifies the version of the BIOS utility. 3.3.6 System BIOS ID This parameter specifies the identification number of the BIOS utility.

  • Page 68: Disk Drives

    Disk Drives The Disk Drives menu lets you configure the system hard disk and disk drive settings. If your hard disk supports the enhanced IDE features, you may set the functions using this menu. The following screen shows the Disk Drives parameters and their default settings: Disk Drives Page 1/1 Floppy Drive A ...
  • Page 69 From the Disk Drives screen, select the IDE Primary Channel Master or IDE Primary Channel Slave items to display their respective menus. Selecting the IDE Primary Channel Master item displays the following menu: IDE Primary Channel Master Page 1/1 Type ........[Auto] Cylinder ......

  • Page 70: Floppy Drives

    3.4.1 Floppy Drives To configure the first floppy drive (drive A), highlight the Floppy Drive A parameter. Press key to view the options, then select the appropriate value. Possible settings for the Floppy Drive parameters are: • None • [360 KB, 5.25-inch] •...
  • Page 71 2. Highlight the parameter Type, then press to display the IDE drive types with their respective values for cylinder, head, sector, and size. You may do any of the following: • Select the type that corresponds to your IDE hard disk drive. •...

  • Page 72: Hard Disk Block Mode

    Hard Disk Block Mode This function enhances disk performance depending on the hard disk in use. If you set this parameter to Auto, the BIOS utility automatically detects if the installed hard disk drive supports the Block Mode function. If supported, it allows data transfer in block (multiple sectors) at a rate of 256 bytes per cycle.
  • Page 73 This improves the system performance since it allows direct memory access to the CD-ROM. To deactivate the function, set the parameter to Disabled . Chapter 3 - BIOS Utility 3-15...

  • Page 74: Power Management

    Power Management The Power Management menu lets you configure the system power management features. The following screen shows the Power Management parameters with their default settings: Power Management Page 1/1 Power Management Mode ....[Disabled] IDE Hard Disk Standby Timer ..[---] System Sleep Timer ....[---] Stop CPU Clock in Sleep State ..[---] ↑↓...

  • Page 75: System Sleep Timer

    System Sleep Timer This parameter sets the system to the lowest power-saving mode. automatically enters into the sleep or the suspend mode after a specified period of inactivity. Any keyboard or mouse action, or any modem activity (if the Modem Ring option is enabled - see section 2.5.2) detected resumes system operation.

  • Page 76: Startup Configuration

    Startup Configuration The Startup Configuration allows you to specify your preferred setting for bootup. The following screen appears if you select the Startup Configuration option from the main menu: Startup Configuration Page 1/1 Fast POST Mode ......[Disabled ] Silent Boot ......[Disabled ] Num Lock After Boot ....[Enabled ] Memory Test ......[Disabled] Configuration Table ....[Enabled]...

  • Page 77: Silent Boot

    3.6.2 Silent Boot This parameter enables or disables the Silent Boot function. When set to Enabled, BIOS is in graphical mode and displays only an identification logo during POST and while booting, after which the screen displays the operating system prompt (such as DOS) or logo (such as Windows 95).

  • Page 78: System Boot Drive

    3.6.6 System Boot Drive This parameter allows you to specify the system search sequence. The selections are: • The system checks drive A first. If there is a diskette in Drive A then C: the drive, the system boots from drive A. Otherwise, it boots from drive C. •...

  • Page 79: Advanced Configuration

    Advanced Configuration The Advanced Configuration option allows you to configure the advanced system memory functions. To avoid damaging the system, do not change any settings in the Advanced Configuration unless you are a qualified technician. The following screen shows the Advanced Configuration parameters: Advanced Configuration Onboard Devices Configuration PnP/PCI System Configuration...

  • Page 80: Onboard Devices Configuration

    3.7.1 Onboard Devices Configuration The Onboard Devices Configuration allows you to configure the onboard communication ports and the onboard devices. Selecting this option from the Advanced Configuration menu displays the following screen: Onboard Devices Configuration Page 1/2 Serial Port 1 .......[Enabled] Base Address .....[3F8h] IRQ ......[4] Serial Port 2 .......[Enabled ]...

  • Page 81: Serial Port 1

    The following screen shows page 2 of the Onboard Devices Configuration menu: Onboard Devices Configuration Page 2/2 Onboard Floppy Disk Controller ..[Enabled] Onboard IDE Primary Channel ..[Disabled ] Onboard PS/2 Mouse (IRQ 12) ..[Enabled ] Onboard USB ......[Disabled] Onboard SCSI1 .......[Enabled] Boot from SCSI1 Device ....[Enabled ] Onboard SCSI2 .......[Enabled ] Boot from SCSI2 Device ....[Enabled ]...
  • Page 82 Serial Port 2 This parameter allows you to enable or disable the serial port 2. The Base Address and IRQ items are configurable only if this parameter is enabled. Base Address This function lets you set a logical base address for serial port 2. The options are: •...
  • Page 83 This function lets you assign an interrupt for the parallel port. The options are IRQ 5 and 7. The default is 7. The Base Address and IRQ parameters are configurable only if Parallel Port is enabled. If you install an add-on card that has a parallel port whose address conflicts with the onboard parallel...

  • Page 84: Parallel Port Operation Mode Settings

    Operation Mode This item allows you to set the operation mode of the parallel port. Table 3-1 lists the different operation modes. Table 3-1 Parallel Port Operation Mode Settings Setting Function Allows normal speed one-way Standard Parallel Port (SPP) operation Bi-directional Allows normal speed operation in a two-way mode...

  • Page 85: Onboard Ps/2 Mouse (Irq)

    Onboard PS/2 Mouse (IRQ 12) This parameter enables or disables the onboard PS/2 mouse. When enabled, it allows you to use the onboard PS/2 mouse assigned with IRQ12. When disabled, it deactivates the mouse and makes IRQ12 available for use by of other devices. Onboard SCSI1 This parameter lets you enable or disable the SCSI controller on board.

  • Page 86: Pnp/Pci System Configuration

    3.7.2 PnP/PCI System Configuration The PnP/PCI System Configuration allows you to specify the settings for your PCI devices. Selecting this option displays the following screen: PnP/PCI System Configuration Page 1/2 PCI IRQ Setting ... [ Auto INTA INTB INTC INTD PCI Slot 1 ....

  • Page 87: Pci Irq Setting

    PCI IRQ Setting This parameter allows for Auto or Manual configuration of PCI devices. If you use plug-and-play (PnP) devices, set this parameter to Auto. The system then automatically assigns IRQ to the PnP devices. If your PCI device is not a PnP, you can manually assign the interrupt for each device.
  • Page 88 when the first Onboard SCSI parameter under the Onboard Devices Configuration screen is set to Disabled . Onboard SCSI2 This item allows you to manually assign the interrupt for the second onboard SCSI device when the PCI IRQ Setting parameter is set to Manual. This parameter is grayed and not user-configurable when the PCI IRQ Setting is set to Auto and when the second Onboard SCSI parameter under the Onboard Devices...

  • Page 89: Vga Palette Snoop

    VGA Palette Snoop This parameter permits you to use the palette snooping feature if you installed more than one VGA card in the system. The VGA palette snoop function allows the control palette register (CPR) to manage and update the VGA RAM DAC (Digital Analog Converter, a color data storage) of each VGA card installed in the system.

  • Page 90: Memory/Cache Configuration

    3.7.3 Memory/Cache Configuration The Memory/Cache Configuration allows you to specify the appropriate settings for your system memory. Selecting the option displays the following screen: Memory/Cache Configuration Page 1/1 Internal Cache (CPU Cache) ..[Enabled ] System BIOS Cacheable ....[Enabled ] Video BIOS Cacheable ....[Enabled ] Memory at 15MB-16MB Reserved for ..[ System Memory Parity Mode ....[...

  • Page 91: Video Bios Cacheable

    Video BIOS Cacheable Set this parameter to if you want the video BIOS to run directly from Enabled the cache memory, thus allowing your system to function faster. Set this to Disabled to run the video BIOS from RAM. The default is Enabled Memory at 15MB-16MB Reserved for To prevent memory address conflicts between the system and expansion boards, reserve this memory range for the use of either the system or an expansion board.

  • Page 92: Non-Pnp Isa Device Configuration

    3.7.4 Non-PnP ISA Device Configuration This parameter reserves the use of resource addresses for non-PnP ISA devices. Whenever a parameter is set to Yes, that address is reserved for an ISA card only. The system will not allocate this address to any PCI or PnP cards. When set to No, the system will allocate these resource addresses to PCI or PnP cards.
  • Page 93 Non-PnP ISA Device Configuration Page 1/4 System Resources Used by Non-PnP ISA Card IRQ 0 ---------- [---] IRQ 8 --------- [---] IRQ 1 ---------- [---] IRQ 9 --------- [No ] IRQ 2 ---------- [---] IRQ 10 -------- [No ] IRQ 3 ---------- [No ] IRQ 11 -------- [No ] IRQ 4 ---------- [No ] IRQ 12 -------- [---]...
  • Page 94 Non-PnP ISA Device Configuration Page 3/4 I/O Region 100h - 10Fh ---- [No ] 1E0h - 1EFh --- [No ] 110h - 11Fh ---- [No ] 1F0h - 1FFh --- [---] 120h - 12Fh ---- [No ] 200h - 20Fh --- [No ] 130h - 13Fh ---- [No ] 210h - 21Fh --- [No ] 140h - 14Fh ---- [No ]...

  • Page 95: System Security Setup

    System Security Setup The Setup program has a number of security features to prevent unauthorized access to the system and its data. The following screen appears if you select System Security from the main menu: System Security Page 1/1 Disk Drive Control Floppy Drive ..

  • Page 96: Drive Control Settings

    Table 3-2 Drive Control Settings Setting Description Floppy Drive Normal Floppy drive functions normally Write Protect All Sectors Disables the write function on all sectors Write Protect Boot Sector Disables the write function only on the boot sector Disabled Disables all floppy drive functions Hard Disk Drive Normal Hard disk drive functions normally...
  • Page 97 3. Highlight the Setup Password parameter and press the key. The password prompt appears: 4. Type a password. The password may consist of up to seven characters. Be very careful when typing your password because the characters do not appear on the screen.

  • Page 98: Bypassing The Setup Password

    Changing or Removing the Setup Password Should you want to change your Setup password, do the following: 1. Enter the BIOS utility and select System Security. 2. Highlight the Setup Password parameter. 3. Press to display the password prompt and key-in a new password. Press and select None to remove the existing password.

  • Page 99: Power-On Password

    3.8.3 Power-on Password The Power-on Password secures your system against unauthorized use. Once you set this password, you have to type it whenever you boot the system. To set this password, enter the BIOS utility, select System Security, then highlight the Power-on Password parameter.

  • Page 100: Date And Time

    Date and Time The real-time clock keeps the system date and time. After setting the date and time, you do not need to enter them every time you turn on the system. As long as the internal battery remains good (approximately seven years) and connected, the clock continues to keep the date and time accurately even when the power is off.
  • Page 101 3.9.1 Date Highlight the items on the Date parameter and press to set the date following the weekday-month-day-year format. Valid values for weekday, month, day, and year are: • Weekday Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat • Month • •...

  • Page 102: Remote Diagnostic Configuration

    3.10 Remote Diagnostic Configuration The Remote Diagnostic Configuration parameters allow you to configure your RDM settings. Refer to the RDM User’s Guide for information on RDM. Most of the Remote Diagnostic Configuration parameters turn gray and non-configurable when there is no RDM module installed in the system.

  • Page 103: Abort Settings Change

    3.12 Abort Settings Change Use this option to disregard your changes to the BIOS and reload your previous settings. The following dialog box appears when you select Abort Settings Change from the main menu: Do you want to abort settings change? [Yes] [No] Select Yes to disregard your changes and reload your previous settings.
  • Page 104 Chapter 4 System Housing This chapter describes the features of the system housing and tells you how to install the basic system components such as disk drives, system board, or expansion boards. Descriptive illustrations accompany the installation procedures. If you receive a complete system, the basic components are already installed.

  • Page 105: Positioning The System Housing

    Positioning the System Housing 4.1.1 Standalone System For a standalone system, rotate the legs outward to stabilize the housing. AcerAltos 9100B Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 106: Against A Wall

    4.1.2 Against a Wall Figure A Figure B Fans Fans 2-4 inches 5~10 cm Fans Facing a Wall When standing the housing with the fans facing a wall, leave a space of 2-4 inches from the wall to allow air circulation, then position the legs as in Figure A. Fans Facing Out When standing the housing with the fans facing out, you can put the system close to the wall and position the legs as in Figure B.

  • Page 107: Transporting The System

    Transporting the System The housing has a handle on top and two wheels behind the feet to facilitate moving to short distances. Rotate the feet inward before moving the housing. When transporting the housing, pull out the handle, at the same time lifting the unit front a few inches from the floor.

  • Page 108: Front Panel

    Features 4.3.1 Front Panel Power Switch Power LED 5.25-inch Drive Bay Hard Disk Drive LED 3.5-inch Drive RDM LED Keylock SCSI Hard Disk Drive Trays The door to the SCSI hard disk drive trays does not open when the side door is locked. Chapter 4 System Housing 4-5...

  • Page 109: Rear Panel

    4.3.2 Rear Panel Power Supply Bays Power Socket 1 Power Socket 2 Mouse Port Keyboard Port Parallel Port Video Port RJ-45 Connector COM 1 (network connection) COM 2 Reserved Expansion Slots AcerAltos 9100B Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 110: Internal Structure

    4.3.3 Internal Structure The following figure shows the housing internal structure and some of the basic system components. 3.5-inch and 5.25-inch Power Supply Drive Bays Metal Plate (covering two/one redundant power supply modules) CPU Board Expansion Slot Brackets System Board Backplane Board SCSI Drive Trays Chapter 4 System Housing 4-7...

  • Page 111: Opening The Housing Panels

    Opening the Housing Panels Before opening the system housing, please refer to section 1.6 for ESD precautions and pre- and post-installation instructions. 4.4.1 Upper Front Panel Hold the left edge of the upper front panel to open it and gain access to the diskette drive bays.

  • Page 112: Lower Front Panel

    4.4.2 Lower Front Panel Unlock the housing with the key. Pull the lower panel to access the drive trays. You cannot remove the key after you have unlocked the housing. You can remove it only when you lock the housing again. Chapter 4 System Housing 4-9...

  • Page 113: Left Panel

    4.4.3 Left Panel Pull on the key to swing the left panel open. AcerAltos 9100B Series User’s Guide 4-10...

  • Page 114: Installing Disk Drives

    Installing Disk Drives Turn off the power switch and unplug the power cord before installing or removing diskette drives. 4.5.1 3.5-inch Floppy Drive 1. Open the lower front panel. 2. Remove the upper panel including its frame by pressing the latch underside and pulling the panel out.
  • Page 115 3. Remove the screw attaching the 3.5-inch drive frame to the housing. Secure a 3.5-inch drive on the frame with four screws. Insert the drive into the drive bay and secure it with a screw. Connect the diskette drive cables. AcerAltos 9100B Series User’s Guide 4-12...

  • Page 116: Inch Drive

    4.5.2 5.25-inch Drive You may install a CD-ROM, digital audio tape (DAT), hard disk, diskette drive or any other 5.25-inch device into the drive bay. 1. Open the lower front panel. 2. Remove the upper panel including its frame by pressing the latch underside and pulling the panel out.

  • Page 117: Hard Disk

    4.5.3 Hard Disk 1. Unlock the drive bay 2. Pull out a drive tray. 3. Place a hard disk on the tray and secure it with four screws. AcerAltos 9100B Series User’s Guide 4-14...
  • Page 118 4. Insert the tray back into the housing. Make sure to push back the drive tray handle in place before pushing the tray in completely. The tray does not fit in if the handle is not in place. Chapter 4 System Housing 4-15...

  • Page 119: Installing A System Board

    Installing a System Board The housing accommodates various system board sizes. You can rearrange the pegs on the system board plate to fit the board that you wish to install. 1. If you have not done so, open the housing following the steps in section 4. 2.

  • Page 120: Installing An Expansion Board

    Installing an Expansion Board 1. Remove an expansion slot bracket cover. Save the screw to secure the expansion board. Chapter 4 System Housing 4-17...
  • Page 121 2. Align an expansion board with the open slot and insert the edge connectors into the expansion bus connector. Secure the board with a screw. AcerAltos 9100B Series User’s Guide 4-18...

  • Page 122: Reinstalling A Cpu Board

    Reinstalling a CPU Board If your system board has had the CPU board removed, follow these steps to reinstall the CPU board: 1. Locate the CPU board connector in the system board. 2. Insert the board into the connector. Make sure that the board is properly seated in the connector.
  • Page 123 Align the plastic support bar with the board edge. 5. Insert the right end of the plastic bar to the hole on the side of the backplane board and the left end to the hole on the rear panel. Left End Right End AcerAltos 9100B Series User’s Guide 4-20...
  • Page 124 Insert the left end of the metal support bar tabs to the holes on the rear panel and align the right end to the screw holes on the side of the backplane board. Secure the metal bar with two screws. Chapter 4 System Housing 4-21...

  • Page 125: Connecting External Devices

    Connecting External Devices 4.9.1 Connecting a Monitor AcerAltos 9100B Series User’s Guide 4-22...

  • Page 126: Connecting A Keyboard

    4.9.2 Connecting a Keyboard Chapter 4 System Housing 4-23...

  • Page 127: Connecting A Mouse

    4.9.3 Connecting a Mouse Mouse AcerAltos 9100B Series User’s Guide 4-24...

  • Page 128: Connecting A Printer

    4.9.4 Connecting a Printer Chapter 4 System Housing 4-25...

  • Page 129: Complete System Connections

    4.10 Complete System Connections AcerAltos 9100B Series User’s Guide 4-26...

  • Page 130: Scsiselect Configuration Utility Overview

    Chapter 5 SCSISelect Configuration Utility SCSISelect Configuration Utility Overview The SCSISelect configuration utility allows you to change SCSI controller settings without opening the computer or changing jumpers. 5.1.1 Default Values Table 5-1 lists the settings you can change with the SCSISelect utility and the default value for each setting.

  • Page 131: Default Settings For Scsi Controller And All Devices

    Table 5-1 Default Settings for SCSI Controller and All Devices Global Settings for SCSI Controller and All Devices Default Value Host Adapter SCSI ID SCSI Parity Checking Enabled Host Adapter SCSI Termination Disable for 1 7880 onboard Enable for 2 7880 onboard Boot Device Option 0 (zero)

  • Page 132: When To Use The Scsiselect Utility

    5.1.2 When to Use the SCSISelect Utility Use the SCSISelect utility if you need to • Change any of the default values listed in Table 5-1 • Check and/or change SCSI device settings that may conflict with those of other devices (e.g., SCSI ID) •...

  • Page 133: Scsiselect Utility Options

    SCSISelect Utility Options When the SCSISelect utility detects the AIC-7880 SCSI controller in your computer, it displays the Options menu shown in Figure 5-1. Adaptec AIC7880 Ultra/Ultra W SCSISelect (TM) Utility AIC-7880 Ultra/Ultra W at Bus:Device 01:06h Would you like to configure the host adapter, or run the SCSI disk utilities? Select the option and press <Enter>.

  • Page 134: Configure/View Host Adapter Settings Menu

    5.2.1 Configure/View Host Adapter Settings Menu The Configure/View Host Adapter Settings menu lists three settings under SCSI Bus Interface Definitions and three additional options, as shown in Figure 5-2: • Host Adapter SCSI ID: changes the host controller SCSI ID from its default value of 7 •...
  • Page 135 Adaptec AIC7880 Ultra/Ultra W SCSISelect (TM) Utility AIC-7880 Ultra/Ultra W at Bus:Device 01:06h Configuration SCSI Bus Interface Definitions Host Adapter SCSI ID ........7 SCSI Parity Checking........Enabled Host Adapter SCSI Termination....Disabled Additional Options Boot Device Options........Press <Enter> SCSI Device Configuration......

  • Page 136: Host Adapter Scsi Id Selection Screen For Aic-7880

    Host Adapter SCSI ID This option allows you to change the host controller SCSI ID. Figure 5-3 shows the available IDs for use with the AIC-7880. The default setting is SCSI ID 7. (We recommend that you not change this setting.) Some operating system software will not run unless the SCSI controller ID is set at ID 7.

  • Page 137: Scsi Parity Checking Selection

    SCSI Parity Checking Select this option to enable or disable SCSI Parity Checking on the SCSI controller. Figure 5-4 displays your choices. The default setting is Enabled. Adaptec AIC7880 Ultra/Ultra W SCSISelect (TM) Utility AIC-7880 Ultra/Ultra W at Bus:Device 01:06h Configuration SCSI Bus Interface Definitions Host Adapter SCSI ID ........

  • Page 138: Host Adapter Scsi Termination Selection For Aic-7880

    Adaptec AIC7880 Ultra/Ultra W SCSISelect (TM) Utility AIC-7880 Ultra/Ultra W at Bus:Device 01:06h Configuration SCSI Bus Interface Definitions Host Adapter SCSI ID ........7 SCSI Parity Checking........Enabled Host Adapter SCSI Termination....Disabled Additional Options Boot Device Options........Press <Enter> Enabled SCSI Device Configuration......

  • Page 139: Boot Device Options Screen

    Boot Device Options This option shows the target ID of the device you are booting from. The default setting is 0 (zero). We recommend that you not change this setting. Some operating systems will not run unless the boot device is set at zero. Figure 5-6 shows the Boot Device Options screen.

  • Page 140: Scsi Device Configuration Screen For Aic-7880

    SCSI Device Configuration This option allows you to configure certain parameters of each SCSI device on the SCSI bus. A screen similar to Figure 5-7 appears. The screen shows a column of information for each SCSI ID, even if some SCSI IDs are not assigned to a device. To configure a specific SCSI device, you need to know which SCSI ID it uses.
  • Page 141 Initiate Sync Negotiation This option determines whether the SCSI controller initiates synchronous negotiation with the SCSI device. When set to yes, the SCSI controller initiates synchronous negotiation with the SCSI device. When set to no, the SCSI controller does not initiate synchronous negotiation.
  • Page 142 Maximum Sync Transfer Rate This option determines the maximum synchronous data transfer rate that the SCSI controller can support. The SCSI controller supports rates up to the UltraWide SCSI maximum of 40.0 MBytes/sec. The default value is 40.0. In most cases, you can use the maximum value of 40.0. If the SCSI controller is set not to negotiate for synchronous data transfer (i.e., Initiate Sync Negotiation is set to no), then the value selected here is the maximum rate that the SCSI controller accepts from the device during negotiation.

  • Page 143: Enable Disconnection

    Enable Disconnection This option determines whether the SCSI controller allows a SCSI device to disconnect from the SCSI bus (sometimes called Disconnect/Reconnect). Disconnect/Reconnect allows the SCSI controller to perform other operations on the SCSI bus while the SCSI device is temporarily disconnected. When set to yes, the SCSI device may disconnect from the SCSI bus.
  • Page 144 Send Start Unit Command This option, which is supported by some SCSI devices, determines whether the Start Unit Command (SCSI command 1B) is sent to the SCSI device (most devices do not require this). Enabling this option reduces the load on your computer's power supply by allowing the SCSI controller to power-up SCSI devices one-at-a- time when you boot your computer.

  • Page 145: Advanced Configuration Options Screen

    Advanced Configuration Options When you select Advanced Configuration Options, a screen similar to Figure 5-8 appears. Do not change these options unless absolutely necessary. Adaptec AIC7880 Ultra/Ultra W SCSISelect (TM) Utility AIC-7880 Ultra/Ultra W at Bus:Device 01:06h Configuration Advanced Configuration Options SCSI Bus Interface Definitions Host Adapter SCSI ID ........

  • Page 146: Host Adapter Bios

    Host Adapter BIOS This option enables or disables the SCSI controller BIOS. Default is Enabled. The SCSI controller BIOS must be enabled if you want the computer to boot from a SCSI hard disk drive connected to the SCSI controller. Several SCSISelect options cannot be used unless the SCSI controller BIOS is enabled.
  • Page 147 Extended BIOS Translation for DOS Drives > 1 GByte This option allows you to enable or disable extended translation for SCSI hard disks with a capacity greater than 1 GByte. It is only valid if the SCSI controller BIOS is enabled. The default setting is Enabled. Do not change this setting from the default.

  • Page 148: Scsi Disk Utilities Screen For Aic-7880

    5.2.2 SCSI Disk Utilities When you select SCSI Disk Utilities from the Options menu the SCSISelect utility scans the SCSI bus and lists all SCSI devices installed on the SCSI bus. You will see a screen similar to Figure 5-9. You can easily determine from this screen which SCSI ID is assigned to each device on the SCSI bus.

  • Page 149: Format Disk

    Format Disk The Format Disk utility performs a low-level format on disk devices. Most SCSI disk devices are preformatted and do not need to be formatted again. The Adaptec Format Disk utility is compatible with the vast majority of SCSI disk drives.

  • Page 150: Configuring Multiple Scsi Controllers

    Configuring Multiple SCSI Controllers The AHA-2940/W/UW SCSI controller is used as an example in the following discussion. To use multiple PCI SCSI controllers, do the following: • Install the boot SCSI controller in the lowest PCI Device number. The Device number is determined by the slot number on the PCI bus.

  • Page 151: Disk Drives Over 1 Gbyte

    Disk Drives Over 1 Gbyte 5.4.1 Extended Translation Adaptec SCSI controllers have always supported the full range of disk drive capacities under all major operating systems. As disk drives have recently grown beyond 1 GByte in formatted capacity, they have run up against the DOS 1024- cylinder limit.

  • Page 152: When To Use Extended Translation

    5.4.3 When to Use Extended Translation Drives With Mixed Partitions Use standard translation, not extended translation, on drives formatted with two or more partitions for different operating systems. Partitions for UNIX and NetWare can be larger than 1 GByte when using standard translation. The term UNIX, as used here, includes all versions of AT&T/USL UNIX, SCO v3.2.4 (or later), and ISC v3.0 (or later).

  • Page 153: Scsi Troubleshooting Checklist

    SCSI Troubleshooting Checklist The AIC-7880 SCSI controller has been tested for compatibility with a wide range of SCSI devices. Most problems that occur during installation result from errors in preparing and connecting devices on the SCSI bus. Answer these questions first if a problem occurs during installation: •...

  • Page 154: Bios Startup Messages

    BIOS Startup Messages After you have configured your SCSI controller, the SCSI controller BIOS displays a message when you boot your computer. Normally, this message lists the SCSI ID, manufacturer, model number and other information for each SCSI device that the BIOS detects.

  • Page 155: Device Connected, But Not Ready

    3. Perform a SCSI low-level format with the Format Disk utility under SCSI Disk Utilities in the SCSISelect utility. All data on the target drive will be lost when you run the Format Disk utility. Back up your data before you run it! 4.

  • Page 156: Start Unit Request Failed

    5.6.2 Start unit request failed The BIOS was unable to send a Start Unit Command to the device. Run the SCSISelect utility and disable Send Start Unit Command for the device. Time-out failure during SCSI Inquiry command! Time-out failure during SCSI Test Unit Ready command! Time-out failure during Start Unit command! An unexpected time-out occurred.
  • Page 157 Booting the Computer from a SCSI Drive The following items may apply for multiple SCSI controller configurations. See the section “Configuring Multiple SCSI Controllers” for more detailed information. • Be sure that both standard hard disks are mapped out of the computer using the Setup program by setting the Setup program to Onboard IDE-Disabled.
  • Page 158 Using a Standard Drive as C and a SCSI Drive as D • Use the Setup program to map the second standard hard disk (if one exists) out of the configuration. • Disable Onboard SCSI Boot in Setup. • Be sure that the SCSI drive to be used as drive D is set to SCSI ID 0. Check the drive manual for information on setting the SCSI ID for that device.
  • Page 159 • Set the SCSI drive to be used as drive D to SCSI ID 1. Check the drive manual for information on setting the SCSI ID for that device. • Try enabling Include in BIOS Scan in the SCSI Device Configuration option of the SCSISelect utility.

  • Page 160: A.1 Features

    Appendix A Drive Tray Management System (DTMS) Features The BP-W8 wide SCSI backplane subsystem consists of a backplane board and drive trays that support wide SCSI hard disk drives. The BP-W8 backplane is specifically designed for a tower housing that accommodates up to eight SCSI drives.

  • Page 161: A.2 Major Components

    Major Components A.2.1 Backplane Board Power connectors 7 SCSI ID switch SCSI channel 1 (input) 8 SCSI drive slot HDD ID/power jumper (J3) 9 Channel configuration switches SCSI channel 2 (input) Terminators RA4, RA5, RA6 SCSI channel 3 (output) Terminators RA1, RA2, RA3 HDD ID/power jumper (J4) Figure A-1 Backplane Board Components AcerAltos 9100B Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 162: Hot-Swap Scsi Drive Tray Components

    A.2.2 Hot-swap SCSI Drive Tray The backplane subsystem comes with a 68-pin wide SCSI drive tray. 68-pin Wide SCSI Drive Tray Power connector 8/12-pin wide SCSI ID cable 68-pin wide SCSI connector Power control connector (J4) Drive tray handle Power switch Power LED Faulty drive LED Drive activity LED window...

  • Page 163: A.3 Jumper Settings

    Jumper Settings The backplane has two jumpers, J3 and J4, that allow you to select the terminator power source. J3 supports the four upper drive slots (slots 1, 2, 3, and 4) on the backplane. J4 supports the four lower drive slots (slots 5, 6, 7, and 8). Figure A-2 shows the settings for jumpers J3 and J4.

  • Page 164: A.4 Hard Disk Id Setting Options

    Hard Disk ID Setting Options The wide SCSI hot-swap drive tray includes an 8/12-pin ID cable (see Figure 2). This cable allows you to define the hard disk ID using the ID switches on the backplane board. The narrow SCSI drive tray comes with a 6-pin ID connector but no cable since narrow SCSI drive specifications vary depending on the brand.

  • Page 165: Hard Disk Id Switch Settings (For Backplane Versions With 4-On/Off Switches

    Figure A-5 shows the ID switch default settings with the corresponding hard disk IDs for backplane boards with 4-pin J3 and J4 jumpers, and 4-on/off ID switches. ID Switch Setting Hard Disk ID Figure A-5 Hard Disk ID Switch Settings (for backplane versions with 4-on/off switches) AcerAltos 9100B Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 166: A.5 Scsi Channel Configurations

    SCSI Channel Configurations You may configure the backplane as single-channel (combine) or dual-channel (split) controller. A.5.1 Single-Channel Configuration In a single-channel configuration, channel 1 supports the SCSI devices plugged into slots 1 to 8. Set the channel configuration switches to “Combine” and set the terminators accordingly (Table A-1) to achieve a single-channel configuration.

  • Page 167: Terminator Settings For Single-Channel Configuration

    Table A-1 Terminator Settings for Single-Channel Configuration Terminator Setting With External Device Removed Without External Device RA1, RA2, RA3 Installed RA4, RA5, RA6 Removed AcerAltos 9100B Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 168: Dual-Channel Configuration

    A.5.2 Dual-Channel Configuration In a dual-channel configuration, channel 1 supports the devices in slots 1 to 4, and channel 2 supports the devices in slots 5 to 8. Set the channel configuration switches to “Split” and set the terminators accordingly (Table A-2) to achieve a dual-channel configuration.

  • Page 169: A.5.3 Installing A Scsi Hard Disk

    A.5.3 Installing a SCSI Hard Disk Follow these steps to install a SCSI hard disk on a hot-swap drive tray: 1. Remove the terminators on each SCSI drive that you will install. 2. Position the drive over the hot-swap tray and connect the SCSI cable, drive ID cable, and power cable.

  • Page 170: Securing A Drive To The Hot-Swap Tray

    3. Secure the drive to the tray using four screws. Figure A-9 Securing a Drive to the Hot-swap Tray 4. Install the drive tray into the backplane board. See Figure A-10 on the following page. Make sure that the power switch on the drive tray is set to the Unlock/Power Off position before you plug it to the board.
  • Page 171 Figure A-10 Installing the Hot-swap Drive Tray 5. Slide the power switch of the drive tray to the Lock/Power On position. The power LED lights up. A-12 AcerAltos 9100B Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 172: A.6 Using The Hot-Swap Feature

    Using the Hot-swap Feature The backplane board supports a hot-swap feature that allows you to change defective drives even while the system is running. The hot-swap feature requires the RAID controller board and RAID drivers. The faulty drive indicator on the hot-swap drive tray lights up whenever the drive that it carries becomes bad or defective.
  • Page 173 Index Advanced configuration options, 5- Advanced PIO mode, 3-14 Against a wall, 4-3 Abort settings change, 3-44 ASM Pro, 1-17 Advanced configuration, 3-20 Internal cache, 3-31 Memory at 15MB-16MB reserved for, 3-32 Memory parity mode, 3-7, 3-32 Backplane board, A-2 Non-PnP ISA device BIOS release date, 3-9 configuration, 3-33...
  • Page 174 Bypassing the setup password, 3-39 Connecting external devices, 4-22 keyboard, 4-23 Monitor, 4-22 Mouse, 4-24 Printer, 4-25 CD-ROM drive DMA mode, 3-14 Connector functions, 1-6, 2-4 Changing or removing the setup Correcting error conditions, 1-21 password, 3-39 CPU board, 2-1, 2-19 Complete system connections, 4-26 Installating a Pentium II Computer hangs, or SCSI controller...
  • Page 175 Computer hangs, or SCSI controller cannot always find the drives, 5-30 Fans facing a wall, 4-3 Using a SCSI drive as C and Fans facing out, 4-3 another SCSI drive as D, 5-29 Fast POST mode, 3-17 Using a standard drive as C and a Features, 1-1, 4-5, A-1 SCSI drive as D, 5-28 Front panel, 4-5...
  • Page 176 Module, 2-13 Layout, 1-3, 2-2 Installing a SCSI hard disk, A-10 Leaving setup, 3-44 Installing a system board, 4-16 Left panel, 4-10 Installing an expansion board, 4-17 Load setup default settings, 3-43 Installing an ISA card, 1-15 Lower front panel, 4-9 Installing disk drives, 4-11 3.5-inch floppy drive, 4-11 5.25-inch drive, 4-13...
  • Page 177 Onboard SCSI1, 3-26 Product name, 3-8 Onboard SCSI2, 3-26 Opening the housing panels, 4-8 Left panel, 4-10 Lower front panel, 4-9 Upper front panel, 4-8 Question and answers about Operation mode, 3-40 extended translation, 5-23 Parallel port, 3-7, 3-23 Rear panel, 4-6 PCI IRQ setting, 3-28 Reconfiguring the system, 2-9 Plug and play OS, 3-30...
  • Page 178 Advanced configuration options, Standalone system, 4-2 5-16 Start unit request failed, 5-26 BIOS startup messages, 5-25 Startup configuration, 3-17 Configure/view host adapter Fast POST mode, 3-17 settings menu, 5-5 Memory test, 3-18 Configuring multiple SCSI Num lock after boot, 3-18 controllers, 5-21 Silent boot, 3-18 Default values, 5-1...
  • Page 179 Connecting external devices, 4-22 Disk drive control, 3-36 Features, 4-5 Operation mode, 3-40 Front panel features, 4-5 Password, bypassing, 3-39 Installing a system board, 4-16 Password, changing or removing, Installing an expansion board, 4- 3-39 Password, power-on, 3-40 Installing disk drives, 4-11 Password, setup, 3-37 Internal structure, 4-7 System sleep timer, 3-16...
  • Page 180 When to use extended translation, 5- Drives with mixed partitions, 5-23 Questions and answers about extended translation, 5-23 Using Fdisk, 5-23 When to use the SCSISelect utility, 5- AcerAltos 9100B Series User’s Guide...

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