Page 1 AcerAltos 9000 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 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. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide...
Page 5 12. Do not attempt to service this product yourself, as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. 13. Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions: a.
Page 6 The changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. Notice 2: Shielded interface cables, if any, must be used in order to comply with the emission limits. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide...
Page 7: Table Of Contents
Table of Contents Introduction ................... 1 Features ......................... 2 Options ........................3 Conventions ......................4 Chapter 1 System Housing ........... 1-1 1.1 Features ...................... 1-1 1.1.1 Front Panel ..................1-1 1.1.2 Rear Panel..................1-3 1.2 Getting Started .................... 1-5 1.2.1 Selecting a Site................. 1-5 1.2.2 Unpacking the System..............
Page 8 2.9 Error Messages..................2-14 2.9.1 Software Error Messages..............2-14 2.9.2 System Error Messages..............2-14 2.9.3 Correcting Error Conditions ............2-17 Chapter 3 BIOS Utility ............3-1 3.1 Entering Setup....................3-2 3.2 Basic System Configuration ..............3-3 3.2.1 Date and Time .................3-5 3.2.2 Diskette Drives................3-6 viii AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide...
Page 9 3.2.3 Hard Disk Drives................3-6 3.2.4 System Memory ................3-8 3.2.5 Math Coprocessor................3-9 3.2.6 Video Display.................. 3-9 3.2.7 Communication Settings ..............3-9 3.2.8 Enhanced IDE Features ..............3-10 3.2.9 Large Memory Support Mode............. 3-10 3.2.10 Num Lock After Boot..............3-11 3.2.11 Memory Test .................
Page 10 4.6 BIOS Startup Messages................4-26 4.6.1 Device connected, but not ready ..........4-27 4.6.2 Start unit request failed ..............4-28 4.6.3 Disk Drive Configuration Problems ..........4-28 Chapter 5 EISA Configuration Utility (ECU) ......5-1 5.1 EISA Configuration Utility................5-1 5.1.1 Functions..................5-1 AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide...
Page 11 5.1.2 Making Menu Selections ..............5-2 5.1.3 Getting Help..................5-3 5.2 Starting the ECU..................5-4 5.3 ECU Main Menu..................5-5 5.3.1 Main Menu Selections ..............5-6 5.4 Configuring Your Computer for the First Time........5-12 5.5 Adding or Removing Boards ..............5-15 5.6 Configuring Memory ................
Page 12 5-1 ECU Main Menu  Steps in Configuring Your Computer......5-5 5-2 Important EISA Configuration Information ..........5-6 5-3 Add or Remove Boards ................5-8 5-4 View or Edit Details...................5-9 5-5 Examine Switches or Print Report............5-10 5-6 Save and Exit ....................5-11 AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide...
Page 13 5-7 Examine Switches or Print Report ............5-12 5-8 Save and Exit.................... 5-14 5-9 Add or Remove Boards................5-16 B-1 Backplane Board Components ..............B-2 B-2 Hot-plug SCSI Drive Tray Components..........B-3 B-3 Channel Configuration Jumper Settings..........B-5 B-4 ID Cable Connector Pin Definitions............B-6 B-5 Hard Disk ID Switch Settings..............B-7 B-6 Channel Configuration Jumpers and Slot Number IDs ......B-8 B-7 Single-Channel Configuration ..............B-9...
Page 14 A-6 Advanced System Configuration (Page 1/1) ........A-6 A-7 PCI System Configuration ..............A-7 A-8 System Security ..................A-8 A-9 EISA Configuration Utility - ECU............A-9 B-1 Terminator Settings for single-Channel Configuration......B-10 B-2 Terminator Settings for Dual-Channel Configuration ......B-11 AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide...
Page 15: Introduction
• an internet web server. The AcerAltos 9000 supports a variety of operating systems, including Novell  NetWare  , SCO UNIX  , and Microsoft Windows NT  . The dual-processor CPU card can be upgraded with a second CPU for use as an SMP server.
Page 16: Features
Features The AcerAltos 9000 server combines high performance with high expandability, and incorporates the latest advances in server technology. These features include: • Intel Pentium processor with support for symmetrical multiprocessing (second Intel Pentium required) • 512 KB pipeline-burst write-back second-level cache •...
Page 17: Options
Options The AcerAltos 9000 server can be expanded with the following options: • 5.25-inch 1.2 MB floppy diskette drive • 3.5-inch 2.1 GB SCSI fast/wide hard disk drive • 3.5-inch 4.3 GB SCSI fast/wide hard disk drive • 3.5-inch 8.0 GB (compressed) SCSI DAT tray •...
Page 18: Conventions
Suggests precautionary measures to avoid potential hardware or software problems. IMPORTANT Reminds you to take specific action relevant to the accomplishment of the procedure at hand. Tells how to accomplish a procedure with minimum steps through little shortcuts. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide...
Page 19: Chapter 1 System Housing
Chapter 1 System Housing Features 1.1.1 Front Panel Keylock 3.5-inch Drive Bay Hard Disk Drive LED Hard Disk Drive Trays Power LED Power Button 5.25-inch Drive Bays Figure 1-1 Front Panel Chapter 1 - System Housing 1-1...
Page 20: Features And Functions Of The Front Panel
Indicates hard disk drive activity for hard drives Power LED Indicates that power is applied to the system 3.5-inch Diskette Drive Accommodates a 3.5-inch diskette Drive Bays Holds the diskette drives and fixed disk drives Power Button Turns the system on or off AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide...
Page 21: Rear Panel
1.1.2 Rear Panel Power Supply Fan Video Port COM1 Parallel Port COM2 Expansion Slots Keyboard Port SCSI Expansion slot Mouse Port Figure 1-2 Rear Panel Chapter 1 - System Housing 1-3...
Page 22: Features And Functions Of The Rear Panel
Connects a parallel printer Serial Ports Connects serial peripherals SCSI Port Connects peripheral devices for high-speed, parallel data transfer Expansion Slots For additional expansion boards Keyboard Connector Connects a PS/2-compatible keyboard Mouse Connector Connects a PS/2-compatible mouse AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide...
Page 23: Getting Started
Getting Started The preinstallation process involves the following: • Selecting a site • Unpacking the components • Positioning the system • Moving the System 1.2.1 Selecting a Site Consider the following when selecting a site for the system: 1. Find a place that is comfortable for you. Avoid dusty areas of extreme temperature and humidity.
Page 24: Unpacking The System
The system box contains the base system with one 3.5-inch diskette drive installed, onboard video board and an accessory tray. Additional peripherals and configurations may be installed depending upon model. The accessory tray contains the following: • AcerAltos 9000 User's Guide - (this manual) • Power Cord • Keyboard and mouse •...
Page 25: Positioning The System
1.2.3 Positioning the System Arrange the legs of the system in such a way that the system is stable. Figure 1-3 shows the correct position of the legs when they are extended. Figure 1-3 Extending the Chassis Legs (bottom view) Chapter 1 - System Housing 1-7...
Page 26 When standing the system with side fan facing out, place the system close to the wall and position the legs as in Detail B in Figure 1-4. 2 - 4 inches Figure 1-4 Placing the System Near a Wall AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide...
Page 27: Moving The System
1.2.4 Moving the System The system housing has a handle on top and two wheels at the base to move it easily. Figure 1-5 shows how to move the system. Figure 1-5 Moving the System NOTE: Be sure to re-position the legs underneath the system before moving. Chapter 1 - System Housing 1-9...
Page 28: Connecting Components
NOTE: Each component plug is keyed allowing it to be inserted in one direction. Follow these steps to connect the component: 1. Plug the keyboard into the keyboard socket. Figure 1-6 Connecting the Keyboard AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 1-10...
Page 29 2. Connect the mouse into the mouse connector. Figure 1-7 Connecting the Mouse Chapter 1 - System Housing 1-11...
Page 30 3. Connect the monitor cable into the video socket. Figure 1-8 Connecting a Monitor AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 1-12...
Page 31 4. If you have a parallel printer, connect it to the parallel port. If you have a serial printer or other serial peripherals, connect it to a serial port (Serial 1 or Serial 2). Refer to Figure 2-1 for serial port locations. Figure 1-9 Connecting a Printer Chapter 1 - System Housing 1-13...
Page 32 5. Plug the female end of the power connector into the system power socket and the other end into a grounded electrical outlet. 6. Plug the monitor power cable into a grounded electrical outlet. Figure 1-10 Complete System Connections AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 1-14...
Page 33: Installing Options
Installing Options This section tells you how to open the system housing and install additional components in the system. 1.4.1 ESD Precautions Integrated circuits (ICs) on expansion boards are sensitive to static electricity. To avoid damaging the chips from electrostatic discharge (ESD), observe the following precautions: 1.
Page 34: Opening The System
1.5.1.1 Upper Front Panel Hold either the right or left edge of the upper front panel to open it and gain access to the CD-ROM and 1.44 MB diskette drives. The housing keys are inside the front panel. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 1-16...
Page 35 1.5.1.2 Lower Front Panel Unlock the housing with the key. Press either the left or right button then pull the 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.
Page 36 1.5.1.3 Left Panel Pull on the key to swing the left panel open. If necessary, you may use a screwdriver to pry open the panel. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 1-18...
Page 37: Installing Disk Drives
1.5.2 Installing Disk Drives Turn off the power switch and unplug the power cord before installing or removing drives, unless you are utilizing a RAID controller and drives that support hot swapping. 1.5.2.1 3.5-inch Diskette Drive 1. Open the lower front panel. 2.
Page 38 3. Remove the screw attaching the 3.5-inch drive frame to the housing. 4. Secure a 3.5-inch drive on the frame with four screws. 5. Insert the drive into the drive bay and secure it with a screw. 6. Connect the diskette drive cables. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 1-20...
Page 39 1.5.2.2 5.25-inch Drive You may install a CD-ROM, QIC tape, hard disk, diskette drive or any other 5.25- inch form factor device into the drive bay(s). 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 40 1.5.2.3 3.5-inch Hard Disk 1. Slide the power switch of the drive tray to the Unlock/Power Off position. 2. Pull down the tray handle and remove the tray. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 1-22...
Page 41 3. Place a hard disk on the tray and secure it with four screws. Refer to Appendix B for information about connecting the drive cables. Only fast/wide SCSI drives can be used; fast/narrow SCSI drives will not fit or work in the AcerAltos 9000 drive tray. Chapter 1 - System Housing 1-23...
Page 42 4. Insert the tray back into the housing. 5. Slide the power switch of the drive tray to the Lock/Power On position. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 1-24...
Page 43: Installing An Expansion Board
1.5.3 Installing An Expansion Board 1. Remove an expansion slot bracket cover. Save the screw to secure the expansion board. Chapter 1 - System Housing 1-25...
Page 44 2. Align an expansion board with the open slot and insert the golden fingers into the expansion bus connector. 3. Secure the board with a screw. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 1-26...
Page 45: Installing A Cpu Board
1.5.4 Installing a CPU Board Follow these steps to re-install the CPU board after reconfiguring or adding an additional CPU. 1. Remove the support board bar, if installed. 2. Insert the board into the slot. Make sure that the board is properly seated in the slot.
Page 46 4. Align the plastic support bar with the board edge. 5. Insert the right end of the bar to the hole near the hard disk drive frame and the left end to the hole on the rear panel. Left End Right End AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 1-28...
Page 47: Drive Tray Management System (Dtms) Hot Plug Backplane
Drive Tray Management System (DTMS) Hot Plug Backplane 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 48 AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 1-30...
Page 49: Chapter 2 System Board
System Board Features The AcerAltos 9000 is a dual-processor capable system that supports the Intel  Pentium  processor. The system board contains an exclusive slot for the CPU board that carries two 321-pin zero-insertion force (ZIP) CPU sockets plus an embedded 512 KB pipeline burst second-level cache.
Page 50: Major Components
Power connector for 350-watt switching power supply (115/230V) • Super I/O, SCSI, VGA, memory, and Advanced Server Management (ASM) controller chipsets • External ports: • Two 9-pin serial ports • PS/2-compatible keyboard port • PS/2-compatible mouse port • Parallel port • Video port AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide...
Page 51: Layout
Layout Figure 2-1 shows the locations of system board components. E3 E2 E1 1 EISA slots 10 Video port 2 PCI slots (secondary) 11 Video upgrade sockets 3 PCI slots (primary) 12 Video RAM 4 CPU board slot 13 SIMM sockets 5 COM1 14 Fan connector 3 (FA3) 6 Mouse port...
Page 52: Jumpers And Connectors
Figure 2-2 shows the jumper and connector locations on the system board. Figure 2-2 System Board Jumper and Connector Locations Jumpers are prefixed “JP”. Connectors are prefixed “CN” and “SW. On this figure, the blackened pin of a jumper represents pin 1. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide...
Page 53: Jumper Settings
System Board Jumper Settings Jumper Setting Function Password Security Check password Bypass password BIOS Type 1-2* Acer SCSI Termination Terminator always set to ON 2-3* Use SCSI Setup Utility to set terminator to ON or OFF SCSI Feature 1-2* Wide SCSI...
Page 54: Connector Functions
IDE hard disk connector RDM connector RDM connector Diskette drive connector CN11 68-pin Wide SCSI connector CN12 50-pin Fast SCSI connector CN13 LED board connector CN14 Hard disk LED connector CN15 Power LED connector CN16 Speaker connector NMI switch AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide...
Page 55: Esd Precautions
ESD Precautions Always observe the following electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions before installing a system component: 1. Do not remove a component from its antistatic packaging until you are ready to install it. 2. Wear a wrist grounding strap before handling electronic components. Wrist grounding straps are available at most electronic component stores.
Page 56: Memory Configurations
32 MB 32 MB 32 MB 256 MB The above configurations are only some of the available memory combinations. You can use other combinations as long as you follow the rules for upgrading memory in section 2.6.1. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide...
Page 57: Installing A Simm
2.6.3 Installing a SIMM Follow these steps to install a SIMM: 1. Carefully slip a SIMM at a 45 ° angle into a socket making sure that the curved edge indicating the pin 1 of the SIMM matches pin 1 of the socket. A SIMM fits only in one direction.
Page 58: Removing A Simm
1. Press the holding clips on both sides of the SIMM outward to release it. 2. Move the SIMM to a 45 ° angle. 3. Pull the SIMM out of the socket. Holding Clip Figure 2-4 Removing a SIMM AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 2-10...
Page 59: Reconfiguring The System
2.6.5 Reconfiguring the System You must enter Setup after installing or removing SIMMs to reconfigure the system. 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. 2.
Page 60: Video Memory Upgrade
2. Gently insert a video chip into each of the upgrade sockets. Make sure that the pin 1 indicator on the chip matches the notched corner of the socket. Figure 2-5 Installing a Video Memory Chip AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 2-12...
Page 61: Pci Slot Configuration
PCI Slot Configuration 2.8.1 PCI-to-PCI Bridge Feature The system board carries a PCI-to-PCI bridge controller chipset that expands the capability of the PCI system by allowing all the five PCI slots in the system to be bus masters. The bridge has two interfaces. The primary interface connects directly to the PCI bus close to the host CPU.
Page 62: Error Messages
A system error message indicates a problem with the computer itself. A message of this type normally appears during the power-on self-test, before the operating system prompt appears. Table 2-4 lists the system error messages. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 2-14...
Page 63: System Error Messages
Table 2-4 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.
Page 64 Press F1 key to continue or Press Ctrl-Alt-Esc for Setup to enter Setup. Real Time Clock Error Check the RTC chip. If it is still good, run Setup. If not, replace the RTC chip. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 2-16...
Page 65: Correcting Error Conditions
2.9.3 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 66 AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 2-18...
Page 67: Chapter 3 Bios Utility
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 68: Entering Setup
The parameters on the screens show default values. These values may not be the same as those in your system. The grayed items (denoted with asterisks) on the screens have fixed settings and are not user-configurable. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide...
Page 69: Basic System Configuration
Basic System Configuration Select Basic System Configuration to input configuration values such as date, time, and disk types. The following screen shows the Basic System Configuration menu. Basic System Configuration Page 1/2 Date ..... [MM/DD/YY] Time ..... [HH:MM:SS] Diskette Drive A ..[1.44 MB 3.5-inch] Diskette Drive B ..
Page 70: Basic System Configuration
Auto Configuration Mode ... [Disabled ] Fast Boot Mode ....[Disabled ] ↑↓ = Move Highlight Bar, → ← = Change Setting PgDn/PgUp = Move Screen, F1 = Help, Exit The following sections explain the different parameters and their settings. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide...
Page 71: Date And Time
3.2.1 Date and Time The real-time clock keeps the system date and time. After setting the date and time, you need not 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 72: Diskette Drives
SCSI hard drive. The default setting is None. When booting from a SCSI fixed disk installation, have both of these options set to None. The following sections, “Selecting the Auto Option” and “Selecting the User Option,” describe functions used for IDE drives only. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide...
Page 73: Cylinder Head Sector
Selecting the “Auto” Option If you do not know the exact type of your IDE fixed disk, select the option Auto. During the power-on self-test (POST), when the system performs self-testing and self-initialization before loading the operating system and applications, the BIOS utility automatically determines your hard disk type.
Page 74: System Memory
POST and sets the memory parameters accordingly. If you install additional memory, the system adjusts the Total Memory parameter to display the new memory size (refer to section 2.6.5). When changing your system’s memory configuration, be sure to run the ECU to add in the changes. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide...
Page 75: Math Coprocessor
3.2.5 Math Coprocessor The CPU includes a math coprocessor so this parameter shows Installed by default. 3.2.6 Video Display The video display is the monitor on which the operating system prompt appears when you boot the system. The system automatically detects the video mode of your primary display and sets the configuration value accordingly.
Page 76: Enhanced Ide Features
64 MB. Set this parameter to Advanced if you are working under Windows NT environment and the system memory size is greater than or equal to 64 MB, otherwise, set it to Normal. The default setting is Normal. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 3-10...
Page 77: Num Lock After Boot
3.2.10 Num Lock After Boot This parameter allows you to activate the Num Lock function upon booting. The default setting is Enabled. 3.2.11 Memory Test When set to Enabled, this parameter allows the system to perform a RAM test during the POST routine. When set to Disabled, the system detects only the memory size and bypasses the test routine.
Page 78: Advanced System Configuration
Memory at 15MB-16MB Reserved for ..[ System ] Use ↑↓ = Move Highlight Bar, → ← = Change Setting PgDn/PgUp = Move Screen, F1 = Help, Exit The grayed parameters (denoted with asterisks) are not user-configurable. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 3-12...
Page 79: Shadow Ram
3.3.1 Shadow RAM The system reserves 384 KB of random access memory (RAM) for the shadow RAM function. This parameter has eight range addresses. When you set these addresses to Enabled, the system BIOS, video BIOS, and I/O ROM functions run directly from the shadow RAM for faster operation.
Page 80: Ecc/Parity Mode Selection
Before setting this parameter, check your add-on card manual to determine if your add-on card needs this memory space. If not, the default setting is System Use. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 3-14...
Page 81: Pci System Configuration
PCI System Configuration The PCI System Configuration allows you to specify the settings for your PCI devices. PCI System Configuration Page 1/1 PCI IRQ Setting ... [ Auto INTA INTB INTC INTD *PCI Slot 1 ... [--] [--] [9 ] [11] *PCI Slot 2 ...
Page 82: Pci Irq Setting
PCI slots are not used by other devices to avoid conflicts. Some resources may be assigned only after disabling onboard devices. Use the key to move between fields. Use the key to select options. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 3-16...
Page 83: Vga Palette Snoop
3.4.2 VGA Palette Snoop PCI devices support a palette snooping technique that enables the device to control access to their palette registers. Set this parameter to Enabled to activate the palette snooping function in the PCI VGA devices installed in your system. Check your VGA card manual for more information about this function.
Page 84 2E0h-2EFh . [No ] 3E0h-3EFh .. [No ] 1F0h-1FFh .. [---]* 2F0h-2FFh . [No ] 3F0h-3FFh .. [No ] ↑↓ = Move Highlight Bar, → ← = Change Setting PgDn/PgUp = Move Screen, F1 = Help, Exit AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 3-18...
Page 85: Irq/Dma
Refer to your non-PnP ISA card manual when setting the following parameters. 3.5.1 IRQ/DMA This parameter allows you to assign specific IRQ and DMA channels to non-PnP ISA cards. The system will not use such IRQ and DMA channels when it automatically assigns channels to PnP cards.
Page 86: Power Saving Configuration
IRQ 6 ..[Disabled] IRQ 13 ..[Disabled] IRQ 7 ..[Disabled] IRQ 14 ..[Disabled] IRQ 15 ..[Disabled] ↑↓ = Move Highlight Bar, → ← = Change Setting PgDn/PgUp = Move Screen, F1 = Help, Exit AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 3-20...
Page 87: Power Management Mode
3.6.1 Power Management Mode This parameter allows you to reduce power consumption. When this parameter is set to Enabled, you can configure the system timers. Setting to Disabled deactivates the power management feature and all the timers. The default setting is Disabled.
Page 88: System Security Setup
These features can also control the diskette drive or the hard disk drive boot function to prevent loading operating systems or other programs from a certain drive while the other drives are operational. Table 3-1 lists the drive control settings and their corresponding functions. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 3-22...
Page 89: Drive Control Settings
Table 3-1 Drive Control Settings Diskette Drive Setting Description Normal Diskette drive functions normally Write Protect All Sectors Disables the write function on all sectors Write Protect Boot Sector Disables the write function only on boot sector Disabled Disables all diskette functions Hard Disk Drive Setting Description...
Page 90: Onboard Communication Ports
Table 3-3 Serial Port 2 Settings Setting Function Serial 2 (2F8h) COM2 with address 2F8h 3F8h COM1 with address 3F8h 2E8h COM4 with address 2E8h 3E8h COM3 with address 3E8h Disabled Disables serial port 2 AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 3-24...
Page 91: Parallel Port Settings
Parallel Port Base Address The system has one parallel port. Table 3-4 lists the options for selecting the parallel port address. You also have the option to disable the parallel port. Table 3-4 Parallel Port Settings Setting Function 3BCh (IRQ 7) Corresponds to the parallel port with address 3BCh 378h (IRQ 7)
Page 92: Onboard Ps/2 Mouse (Irq12)
This parameter enables or disables the onboard PS/2 mouse. When set to Enabled, it allows you to use the onboard PS/2 mouse assigned with IRQ12. When set to Disabled, it deactivates the mouse and frees IRQ12 for the use of other devices. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 3-26...
Page 93: Setup Password
3.7.4 Setup Password The Setup Password prevents unauthorized access to the BIOS utility. Set jumper JP2 to pins 1-2 to enable the password function. Setting a Password 1. Highlight the Setup Password parameter and press the left- or right-arrow key. The password prompt appears: 2.
Page 94: 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, follow the same procedure as in setting the Setup password. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 3-28...
Page 95: Remote Diagnostic Configuration
Remote Diagnostic Configuration Remote Diagnostic Configuration is not supported at this time. Future applications will be available supporting this feature. The following screens show the Remote Diagnostic Configuration parameters. Remote Diagnostic Configuration Page 1/2 RDM Mode Number .......[Disabled] ↑↓ = Move Highlight Bar, →...
Page 96: Load Setup Default Settings
Boot Mode parameter in the Basic System Configuration menu. The following dialog box appears when you select Load Setup Default Settings from the main menu. Load Setup Default Settings Are you sure [Yes] [No] Select [Yes ] to load the default settings. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 3-30...
Page 97: Leaving Setup
3.10 Leaving Setup Examine the system configuration values. When you are satisfied that all the values are correct, write them down. Store the recorded values in a safe place. In the future, if the battery loses power or the CMOS chip is damaged, you will know what values to enter when you rerun Setup.
Page 98 AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 3-32...
Page 99: Chapter 4 Scsiselect Configuration Utility
Chapter 4 SCSISelect Configuration Utility The SCSISelect Configuration Utility The SCSISelect configuration utility allows you to change SCSI controller settings without opening the computer or changing jumpers. 4.1.1 Default Values Table 4-1 lists the settings you can change with the SCSISelect utility and the default value for each setting.
Page 100: Default Settings For Scsi Controller And All Devices
Individual Settings for Each SCSI Device Default Value Initiate Sync Negotiation Maximum Sync Transfer Rate 20 MBytes/sec. Enable Disconnection Send Start Unit SCSI Command Initiate Wide Negotiation Settings are valid only if host adapter BIOS is enabled. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide...
Page 101: When To Use The Scsiselect Utility
4.1.2 When to Use the SCSISelect Utility Use the SCSISelect utility if you need to • Change any of the default values listed in Table 4-1 • Check and/or change SCSI device settings that may conflict with those of other devices (e.g, SCSI ID) •...
Page 102: Scsiselect Utility Options
Use the ↑ and ↓ keys and the Enter key to make selections in the SCSISelect utility. Press Esc at any time to return to the previous menu. You can press F5 to toggle the display between color and monochrome modes. (This feature may not work on some kinds of monitors.) AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide...
Page 103: Configure/View Host Adapter Settings Menu
4.2.1 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 4-2: • Host Adapter SCSI ID: changes the host controller SCSI ID from its default value of 7 •...
Page 104: Host Adapter Scsi Id Selection Screen For Aic-7880
SCSI Device Configuration......Press <Enter> Advanced Configuration Options....Press <Enter> <F6> - Reset to Host Adapter Defaults Arrow keys to move cursor, <Enter> to select option, <Esc> to exit ( =default) Figure 4-3 Host Adapter SCSI ID Selection Screen for AIC-7880 AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide...
Page 105: Scsi Parity Checking Selection
Each SCSI device on the SCSI bus, including the SCSI controller, must be set to a unique SCSI ID. The SCSI ID serves two purposes: it uniquely identifies each SCSI device on the bus, and it determines the device's priority on the bus during the Arbitration phase.
Page 106 Host Adapter SCSI Termination This option allows you to configure host controller SCSI termination. Figure 4-5 shows the choices available if you have an AIC-7880. The default setting is Low OFF/High ON. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide...
Page 107: Host Adapter Scsi Termination Selection For Aic-7880
Adaptec AIC7880 Ultra/Ultra W SCSISelect (TM) Utility v1.2 AIC-7880 Ultra/Ultra W at Bus:Device 00:10h Configuration SCSI Bus Interface Definitions Host Adapter SCSI ID ........7 SCSI Parity Checking........Enabled Host Adapter SCSI Termination ....Low OFF/High ON Additional Options * Low ON/High ON Boot Device Options........Press <Enter>...
Page 108: Boot Device Options Screen
To configure a specific SCSI device, you need to know which SCSI ID it uses. See SCSI Disk Utilities later in this section to learn how to determine which SCSI ID is used by which device. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 4-10...
Page 109: Scsi Device Configuration Screen For Aic-7880
Adaptec AIC7880 Ultra/Ultra W SCSISelect (TM) Utility v1.2 AIC-7880 Ultra/Ultra W at Bus:Device 00:10h SCSI Device Configuration Configuration SCSI Device Configuration SCSI Device ID SCSI Bus Interface Definitions Host Adapter SCSI ID ........7 Initiate Sync Negotiation....yes SCSI Parity Checking........Enabled Maximum Sync Transfer Rate ..
Page 110: Initiate Sync Negotiation
This option determines the maximum synchronous data transfer rate that the SCSI controller can support. The SCSI controller supports rates up to the Fast Wide SCSI maximum of 20.0 MBytes/sec. The default value is 20.0. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 4-12...
Page 111: Enable Disconnection
In most cases, you can use the maximum value of 20.0. 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 112: Initiate Wide Negotiation
When set to yes, the Start Unit Command is sent to the SCSI device during bootup. When set to no, each SCSI device powers-up in its normal fashion. The default setting is no. The Send Start Unit Command setting is valid only if the host adapter BIOS is enabled. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 4-14...
Page 113 If this option is enabled for more than one SCSI device, the Start Unit Command is sent first to the device with the lowest SCSI ID. When this device responds to the SCSI controller, the Start Unit Command is sent to the next highest SCSI ID with a setting of yes.
Page 114: Advanced Configuration Options Screen
Use the cursor keys ( ↑ ↓ ) to select an option, and press Enter to make your selection. Host Adapter BIOS This option enables or disables the SCSI controller BIOS. The default setting is Enabled. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 4-16...
Page 115: Support Removable Disks Under Bios As Fixed Disks
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. Support Removable Disks Under BIOS as Fixed Disks This option allows you to control which removable-media drives are supported by the SCSI controller BIOS.
Page 116: Extended Bios Translation For Dos Drives > 1Gbyte
This option allows you to enable or disable BIOS support for more than two SCSI hard disk drives. It is only valid if the SCSI controller BIOS is enabled. This feature is supported by DOS 5.0 and above. The default setting is Enabled. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 4-18...
Page 117: Scsi Disk Utilities
BIOS Support for Bootable CD-ROM When this option is enabled, a bootable CD-ROM device may be used to directly load an operating system. The default setting is Enabled. BIOS Support for Int13 Extensions This option allows access to attached SCSI devices through BIOS Int13 functions. The default setting is Enabled.
Page 118: Scsi Disk Utilities Screen For Aic-7880
Use the cursor keys ( ↑ ↓ ) to move between options. Press Enter to display a pop- up menu with a selection of values. Use the cursor keys ( ↑ ↓ ) to select a value, and press Enter to make your -selection. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 4-20...
Page 119 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 120: Configuring Multiple Scsi Controllers
2940 as a secondary device, see your ISA/EISA-based SCSI controller documentation to ensure the SCSI controller is at the lowest BIOS base address. ISA/EISA-based SCSI controllers which have their BIOS enabled boot before the AHA-2940. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 4-22...
Page 121: Disk Drives Over 1 Gbyte
Disk Drives Over 1 Gbyte 4.4.1 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 122: When To Use Extended Translation
Drives handled by the BIOS use extended translation if their formatted capacity is greater than 1 GByte. Drives with less than 1 GByte of formatted capacity use standard translation regardless of whether extended translation is enabled. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 4-24...
Page 123: 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 124: Bios Startup Messages
(See Extended BIOS Translation for DOS Drives > 1 GByte in the Advanced Configuration Options section) 2. Exit from the SCSISelect utility and back up the data on the disk drive, if you want to save it. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 4-26...
Page 125: 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 126: Start Unit Request Failed
SCSI drives are not controlled through the Setup program. If both SCSI and non-SCSI disk drives are installed, then the non-SCSI disk drive is always the boot device. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 4-28...
Page 127 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 No Drives Installed.
Page 128 SCSISelect utility to determine the SCSI addresses of peripherals on the SCSI bus. • 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. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 4-30...
Page 129 • Try enabling Include in BIOS Scan in the SCSI Device Configuration option of the SCSISelect utility. See the section “SCSI Device Configuration”. • Be sure to cycle the power OFF and ON after changing any values on a SCSI controller, in a Setup program, or on a SCSI device.
Page 130 AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 4-32...
Page 131: Chapter 5 Eisa Configuration Utility (Ecu)
Chapter 5 EISA Configuration Utility EISA Configuration Utility The EISA Configuration Utility (ECU) is a program that allows you to easily configure your EISA computer. Use this utility when you set up your EISA computer for the first time or any time you change your configuration by adding or removing an EISA or ISA board or memory.
Page 132: Making Menu Selections
Moves the cursor to the top of a list Moves the cursor to the bottom of a list Moves the cursor to the beginning of a menu Moves the cursor to the end of a menu AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide...
Page 133: Getting Help
Using the mouse A mouse driver must be loaded in order to use the mouse. When you access the ECU through Acer StartUp, a mouse driver is loaded. Follow these steps to use the mouse when making menu selections: 1. Position the cursor over the desired option then click on the left mouse button to select it.
Page 134: Starting The Ecu
Starting the ECU 1. You can access the ECU two ways: • From the Acer StartUp main menu, click on the EISA Configuration icon, then click on the EISA Configuration button on the System Configuration menu. • Use Diskette Maker in Acer StartUp to make an ECU diskette, then insert the ECU diskette into drive A and reboot the system.
Page 135: Ecu Main Menu
ECU Main Menu   Steps in Configuring Your Computer Steps in configuring your computer Step 1: Important EISA configuration information Step 2: Add or remove boards Step 3: View or edit details Step 4: Examine switches or print report Step 5: Save and exit >Select=ENTER<...
Page 136: Main Menu Selections
EISA or ISA and how to use steps 2, 3, and 4 on the ECU main menu. The last screen in the series summarizes the steps to follow when configuring your computer. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide...
Page 137 You can move between screens by pressing Enter to go to the next screen, or F9 to go back to the previous screen. After viewing the screens, press Enter or F10 to return to the ECU main menu. Additional information is available in the Help sub-menus that automatically display at the bottom right of the window.
Page 138: Add Or Remove Boards
Press ↑ and ↓ to see all information. Advanced Menus ⇒ View Additional System Information ⇒ See also: Used Resources and Available Resources AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide...
Page 139 Press F6 to edit its resources (IRQs, DMAs, I/O ports, or memory). Press F10 when you have finished this step System - AcerAltos 9000 System BIOS Type ....RAM BIOS Enable (128 K) System Processor ....Pentium at 166 MHz Special System Ports ...
Page 140: Examine Switches Or Print Report
Change the board settings to match the required settings. > System AcerAltos Server Slot 1 (Empty) Slot 2 (Empty) Slot 3 (Empty) Embedded PCI SCSI Controller >View=ENTER< <Print=F7> <Done=F10> Figure 5-5 Examine Switches or Print Report AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 5-10...
Page 141: Save And Exit
Step 5: Save and Exit Figure 5-6 shows the Save and Exit screen. Press Enter to save your configuration and exit the ECU program. You can also exit without saving in this step. Step 5: Save and Exit In order to complete the configuration process, you must save your configuration.
Page 142: Configuring Your Computer For The First Time
3. Notice the boards marked with an arrow on the screen, if any. The arrow indicates that the boards in your computer may have defined jumpers and switches that you must physically verify. It may also mean that there is a software statement with additional information about the board. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 5-12...
Page 143 4. To view the switch and jumper settings, highlight the board marked with an arrow and press Enter. The switch/jumpers settings screen for the board appears. 5. Scroll through the switch and jumper settings for the board, and press F10 when you have finished viewing the information.
Page 144: Save And Exit
Any changes that you made are lost. 10. When the reboot screen appears, press Enter. 11. Turn off the computer and remove the ECU diskette, if not running from CD. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 5-14...
Page 145: Adding Or Removing Boards
Adding or Removing Boards Each time you add or remove a board, you must reconfigure the computer using the EISA Configuration Utility program. Adding Boards Follow these steps when adding a board: 1. Select Step 2: Add or remove boards from the ECU main menu. Press Enter to display the following screen: Chapter 5 - EISA Configuration Utility 5-15...
Page 146: Add Or Remove Boards
2. If you want to add or have already added a board, highlight a slot and press to select an option from the list that appears. 3. Press F10 when done. The ECU main menu displays. 4. Select Step 4: Examine switches or print report, then press Enter. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 5-16...
Page 147 5. On the Examine Switches or Print Report screen that displays, notice the boards marked with an arrow, if any. The arrow indicates that the boards in your computer may have defined jumpers and switches that you must physically verify. It may also mean that there is a software statement with additional information about the board.
Page 148 3. Press Enter. The Add or Remove Boards screen reappears. 4. Press F10 when done. The ECU main menu displays. 5. Follow steps 4 to 13 in the previous section, Adding a Board, to complete your configuration. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 5-18...
Page 149: Configuring Memory
Configuring Memory Each time you change your system’s memory configuration, you must reconfigure the computer using the ECU. When removing memory, run the ECU and change memory size before physically removing the memory; otherwise, the system may become inoperable. The following discussion describes how to configure a system for 96 MB of memory.
Page 150 Cancel = ESC d) On the above screen, the Memory Address field shows the beginning memory address (16M); the Memory Amount field shows 16M. Configure additional memory by changing the Memory Amount field, as described below. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 5-20...
Page 151 64MB is the total amount that can be configured within each memory function parameter. Therefore, for the 16 - 64MB parameter, change the Memory Amount field to 48M. Memory Address: 16M Memory Amount: 48M ____ Total Press F10 to return to the View or Edit Details screen. 3.
Page 152: Viewing Or Editing Configuration Details
To view or edit your configuration, simply click on Step 3: View or edit details from the ECU main menu then press Enter to display the screen shown in Figure 5-4. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 5-22...
Page 153 Advanced Menus Press F7 from the View or Edit Details screen to display the Advanced menu. This menu contains four options: Lock/unlock boards, View additional system information menu, Set verification mode menu, and Maintain SCI files menu. Lock/unlock boards This option allows you to secure choices for the current board or the entire system to the current selections, or to unlock those choices so that changes can be made.
Page 154 Select Open... to display a previously created System Configuration Information (SCI) file. This will cause the current configuration information to be lost. Select Save as... to save the current configuration information to a backup file. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 5-24...
Page 155: What To Do If Your Nonvolatile Memory Is Invalid
What To Do If Your Nonvolatile Memory Is Invalid If the nonvolatile memory has become invalid or it has not been initialized, the following screen may display before the ECU main menu appears. The EISA configuration nonvolatile memory for this system is invalid. backup system configuration information (SYSTEM.SCI) file, however, does exist.
Page 156 AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide 5-26...
Page 157: Appendix A System Resources
Appendix A System Resources Memory Map Table A-1 System Memory Map Address Size Function 0000000 ~ 009FFFF 640 KB system memory Onboard DRAM Reserved for graphics display buffer, 00A0000 ~ 00BFFFF 128 KB video RAM non-cacheable 00C0000 ~ 00C7FFF 32 KB for VGA BIOS Reserved for ROM on I/O adapters 00C8000 ~ 00CFFFF 32 KB I/O expansion ROM...
Page 158: I/O Address Map
AEN4 enables (onboard VGA enabled) Flash ROM programming IRQ12 enabled 3.5-inch diskette 3 -mode selection DMA channel 1 selection DMA channel 3 selection ASM data read/write port ASM index write port 0CF8 PCI configuration address regulation AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide...
Page 159 Table A-2 System I/O Address Map (continued) Address Range (hex) Device 0CFC PCI configuration data regulation 1F0 ~ 1F7 Hard disk 278 ~ 27F Parallel port 3 2F8 ~ 2FF Serial port 2 378 ~ 37F Parallel port 2 3B0 ~ 3BF Parallel port 1 3C0 ~ 3CF EGA, VGA, SVGA...
Page 160: Interrupt Channels
IRQ2 Reserved IRQ3 Serial port 2 IRQ4 Serial port 1 IRQ5 Reserved IRQ6 Diskette drive IRQ7 Parallel port IRQ8 Real-time clock IRQ9 Reserved IRQ10 Reserved IRQ11 Reserved IRQ12 PS/2 mouse IRQ13 Math coprocessor IRQ14 IRQ15 Reserved AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide...
Page 161: System Default Configuration
System Default Configuration The following tables show your system’s factory default configuration. Table A-4 Basic System Configuration (Page 1/2) Parameter Default Setting Diskette Drive A 1.44 MB 3.5-inch Diskette Drive B None Fixed Disk 0 None Fixed Disk 1 None Base Memory is always 640 KB, while the total amount is determined by configuration.
Page 162 CC000h - CFFFFh Disabled D0000h - D3FFFh Disabled D4000h - D7FFFh Disabled D8000h - DBFFFh Disabled DC000h - DFFFFh Disabled Internal Cache Enabled External Cache Enabled ECC/Parity Mode Selection Memory at 15 MB - 16 MB System Use AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide...
Page 163 Table A-7 PCI System Configuration Parameter Default Setting PCI IRQ Setting Auto PCI Slots 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 Not Configured Onboard SCSI Onboard VGA VGA Palette Snoop Disabled Onboard SCSI Enabled Boot Device Enabled Appendix A - System Resources...
Page 164 System Boot Drive Drive A then C On-board Communication Ports Serial Port 1 3F8h Serial Port 2 2F8h Parallel Port 3BC (IRQ 7) Operation Mode Enhanced Parallel Port Onboard PS/2 Mouse Enabled Setup Password None Power-On Password None AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide...
Page 165: Eisa Configuration Utility - Ecu
Table A-9 EISA Configuration Utility - ECU Parameter Default Setting Step 3: View or edit details Base System Memory 640 KB Base Memory 8 - 16 MB Extended Memory 16 MB Ext Memory with 15 - 16 MB System Use 16 - 64 MB System Memory Peripheral Device Status Mouse Port...
Page 166 A-10 AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide...
Page 167: Appendix B Drive Tray Management System (Dtms
Appendix B Drive Tray Management System (DTMS) Introduction 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 168: Major Components
8 SCSI drive slot (8X) HDD ID/ term power (J3) 9 Channel configuration switches SCSI channel 2 (input) Terminators RA4, RA5, RA6 SCSI out connector Terminators RA1, RA2, RA3 HDD ID/ term power (J4) Figure B-1 Backplane Board Components AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide...
Page 169: Hot-Plug Scsi Drive Tray Components
Hot-plug SCSI Drive Tray The backplane subsystem comes with 68-pin wide SCSI drive trays. 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 Drive Fault LED Drive Activity LED Window Figure B-2 Hot-plug SCSI Drive Tray Components...
Page 170: Jumper Settings
(slots 5, 6, 7, and 8). See “Hard Disk ID Setting Options” for details on hard disk ID settings. The double jumper between J3 and J4 is reserved and should always be open. Figure B-3 shows the settings for jumpers J3 and J4. AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide...
Page 171: Channel Configuration Jumper Settings
Slots 1-4 Slots 5-8 SETTING 1 Terminator power comes from the backplane SETTING 2 Terminator power comes from the SCSI cable SETTING 3 Upper SCSI hard disk drive ID address select * = default Figure B-3 Channel Configuration Jumper Settings You may also set J3 to setting 1 and J4 to setting 2, or vice versa.
Page 172: Hard Disk Id Setting Options
Figure B-4 shows the pin definition of ID cable connector J2 on the drive tray to help you connect the cable properly. Make sure to match pin 1 on the cable with pin 1 on J2. 8-Pin Connector for Wide SCSI ID Cable Figure B-4 ID Cable Connector Pin Definitions AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide...
Page 173 Figure B-5 shows the ID switches default settings with the corresponding hard disk IDs. Setting 3 Setting 3 J3 or J4 J3 or J4 ID Switch Closed Open Setting *SCSI ID 7 is reserved for the SCSI controller. Figure B-5 Hard Disk ID Switch Settings Normally, SCSI ID7 is reserved for the SCSI controller board.
Page 174: Channel Configuration Jumpers And Slot Number Ids
Figure B-6 describes the defaults for the configuration jumpers as well as the slots they control. Slot Default Number Slot Default Number Figure B-6 Channel Configuration Jumpers and Slot Number IDs AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide...
Page 175: Scsi Channel Configurations
SCSI Channel Configurations You may configure the backplane as either a single SCSI channel (combine) or a dual SCSI channel (split). 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” (see Figure B-1) and set the terminators accordingly (Table B-1) to achieve a single-channel configuration.
Page 176: Terminator Settings For Single-Channel Configuration
With External Device RA1, RA2, RA3 Removed RA4, RA5, RA6 Removed (see note) Without External Device RA1, RA2, RA3 Installed RA4, RA5, RA6 Removed For configurations with an external device, terminate the channel at the external device. B-10 AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide...
Page 177: Dual-Channel Configuration
Dual-Channel Configuration In a dual-channel configuration, channel 1 supports devices in slots 1 to 4, and channel 2 supports devices in slots 5 to 8. Set the channel configuration switches to “Split” and set the terminators accordingly (Table B-2) to achieve a dual- channel configuration.
Page 178: Installing A Scsi Hard Disk
By not using the drive ID cable, the drive SCSI ID will be used. Power Cable ID Cable Wide SCSI Cable Figure B-9 Connecting the Drive Cables (Wide SCSI Drive) 3. From the bottom, secure the drive to the tray using four screws. B-12 AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide...
Page 179 Figure B-10 Securing a Drive to the Hot-plug Tray 4. Install the drive tray into the backplane board. See Figure B-11 on the following page. Be sure the tray is fully seated into the backplane connector. Make sure that the power switch on the drive tray is set to the Unlock/Power Off position and the handle is in the UP position before you plug it into the board.
Page 180 Figure B-11 Installing the Hot-plug Drive Tray 5. Slide the power switch of the drive tray to the Lock/Power On position. The power LED will light up. B-14 AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide...
Page 181: Using The Hot-Swap Feature
Using the Hot-swap Feature The backplane board supports a hot-swap feature that allows you to replace defective drives even while the system is running. The hot-swap feature requires a RAID controller board and RAID drivers. The drive fault indicator on the hot-plug drive tray lights up whenever the drive that it carries becomes bad or defective.
Page 182 B-16 AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide...
Page 183: Index
Index connector locations • 2-4 connector functions • 2-6 CPU • 1-27, 2-3, 2-10 slot • 2-3 adding memory modules • 2-7 ZIF socket • 2-1 advanced system configuration • 3-12 external cache • 3-13 internal cache (CPU cache) • 3-13 memory at 15 MB - 16 MB •...
Page 184 • 2-6 Fast Page Mode • 2-1, 2-7 locations • 2-4 front panel settings • 2-5 features • 1-1 keyboard getting started • 1-5 connector • 12, 1-3, 2-2 hard disk block mode • 3-4, 3-10 AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide...
Page 185 PCI • 1, 2-1, 2-2 local bus • 2-1 PCI IRQ setting • 3-15, 3-16 large memory support mode • 3-10 slots • 2-1, 2-2, 2-3, 3-15, 3-16 leaving setup • 3-31 PCI system configuration • 3-15, 3-16 load setup default settings • 3-30 PCI local bus •...
Page 186 • 3-22 disk drive control • 3-22 onboard communication ports • 3-24 onboard PS/2 mouse (IRQ 12) • 3-26 power on password • 3-28 setup password • 3-27 system standby timer • 3-21 system/wakeup events • 3-21 AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide...
Page 187 Release Note AcerAltos 9000 Update Thank you for purchasing an AcerAltos 9000 server. We want to provide you with the most up-to-date information about your new server. This release note updates the AcerAltos 9000 User’s Guide (P/N 49.AA984.001) with information about RDM, a key component in Acer’s manageability suite. For the latest information about RDM, look to this release note and the Remote Diagnostic Manager (RDM) User’s Guide included with your server.
Page 188 (on) whenever RDM is activated. The figure below replaces the figure on page 1-1 of the AcerAltos 9000 User's Guide. For more information about RDM hardware, including how to reinstall the RDM module and LED, refer to the Remote Diagnostic Manager (RDM) User’s Guide.
Page 189 RDM Connector Locations The figure below shows the location of the RDM connectors (CN6 and CN7) on the system board. P/N 46.AA984.006 (3 of 4) August 15, 1997...
Page 190 Refer to the RDM User's Guide for the latest information about the RDM BIOS Utility. Advanced Server Manager (ASM) Pro References in the AcerAltos 9000 User's Guide to Acer Server Manager (ASM) Pro should read Advanced Server Manager (ASM) Pro. Remote Diagnostic Manager (RDM) References in the AcerAltos 9000 User's Guide to Remote Device Manager (RDM) should read Remote Diagnostic Manager (RDM).

Acer AcerAltos 9000 User Manual

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 System Housing

Chapter 2 System Board

Chapter 3 BIOS Utility

Basic System Configuration

Chapter 4 Scsiselect Configuration Utility

SCSI Device Configuration Screen for Aic-7880

Advanced Configuration Options

Chapter 5 EISA Configuration Utility (ECU)

Appendix A System Resources

Appendix B Drive Tray Management System (DTMS

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Chapters

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Table of Contents