AOpen AX4B MAX Manual
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AOpen AX4B MAX Manual

AOpen AX4B MAX Manual

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  • Page 1: W H A T S I N T H I S M A N U A L

    AX4B Max / AX4B U2 DOC. NO.: AX4BM-OL-E0201A...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    ’ ’ AX4B Max / AX4B U2 ......................... 1 What’s in this manual ..............................2 You Must Notice ................................9 Before You Start ................................10 Overview ..................................11 Feature Highlight................................12 Quick Installation Procedure ............................16 Motherboard Map ................................17 Block Diagram................................
  • Page 3 DIMM Sockets ................................31 Front Panel Connector ..............................33 ATX Power Connector ..............................34 AC Power Auto Recovery .............................. 35 IDE and Floppy Connector ............................36 IrDA Connector ................................38 AGP Expansion Slot and JP35 Voltage Adjustable Jumper ................... 39 AGP Protection Technology............................
  • Page 4 S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface) Connector......................53 Super 5.1 Channel Audio Effect ............................ 54 Onboard IEEE 1394 Controller (AX4B Max Only)......................55 Front Audio Connector ..............................56 Die-Hard BIOS(1 default, 1 optional) and JP30 Die-Hard BIOS Select Jumper ............. 57 Dr. LED Connector ................................ 58 JP15/JP16 Dr.

  • Page 5: Award Bios

    VGA Card & Hard Disk ..............................92 Glossary ............................93 AC97 ..................................... 93 ACPI (Advanced Configuration & Power Interface) ....................... 93 AGP (Accelerated Graphic Port) ........................... 93 AMR (Audio/Modem Riser)............................94 AOpen Bonus Pack CD ..............................94 APM (Advanced Power Management)........................... 94...
  • Page 6 ATA (AT Attachment) ..............................94 ATA/66 ..................................94 ATA/100 ..................................95 BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) ..........................95 Bus Master IDE (DMA mode) ............................95 CNR (Communication and Networking Riser)........................ 96 CODEC (Coding and Decoding) ............................ 96 DDR (Double Data Rated) SDRAM ..........................96 DIMM (Dual In Line Memory Module) ..........................
  • Page 7 C Bus ..................................99 IEEE 1394 ................................... 100 Parity Bit ..................................100 PBSRAM (Pipelined Burst SRAM)..........................100 PC-100 DIMM ................................101 PC-133 DIMM ................................101 PC-1600 or PC-2100 DDR DRAM ..........................101 PCI (Peripheral Component Interface) Bus ......................... 101 PDF Format................................. 101 PnP (Plug and Play) ..............................
  • Page 8 USB (Universal Serial Bus) ............................104 VCM (Virtual Channel Memory)........................... 105 ZIP file..................................105 Troubleshooting......................... 106 Technical Support ........................110 Product Registration ......................... 113 How to Contact Us ........................114...

  • Page 9: You Must Notice

    All of the specifications and information contained in this manual are subject to change without notice. AOpen reserves the right to revise this publication and to make reasonable changes. AOpen assumes no responsibility for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear in this manual, including the products and software described in it.

  • Page 10: Before You Start

    This Online Manual will introduce you how this product is installed. All useful information will be described in later chapters. Please keep this manual carefully for future upgrades or system configuration changes. This Online Manual is saved in format, we recommend using Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0 for online viewing, it is included in Bonus CD disc or you can get free download from...

  • Page 11: Overview

    ® Thank you for choosing AOpen AX4B Max / AX4B U2 motherboard. AX4B Max / AX4B U2 is Intel Socket 478 motherboard (M/B) ® based on the ATX form factor featuring the Intel 845 (Brookdale) chipset. As high performance chipset built in the M/B, AX4B ®...

  • Page 12: Feature Highlight

    ® ® Supports Intel Socket 478 Pentium 4 (Brookdale) 1.4GHz~2.4GHz+ with 400MHz Front Side Bus (FSB) designed for Socket 478 technology. Chipset ® With the Intel 845 (Brookdale) chipset, Intel delivers a discrete graphics solution with all the performance, innovative features ®...
  • Page 13 Provides “1MHz Stepping Frequency Adjustment” function in the BIOS. This magic function allows you adjust CPU frequency from 100~248MHz by 1MHz stepping adjustment, and lets your system can get maximum performance. Watch Dog Timer Includes AOpen “Watch Dog Timer” function that can auto-reset system in 4.8 seconds when you fail to system overclocking.
  • Page 14 Die-Hard BIOS with external controller Die-Hard BIOS technology is an effective hardware protection method without any software or BIOS coding involved. Therefore, it is 100% virus free. Eight USB ports There are two connectors on the back panel and three USB headers on the board, providing you eight ports for USB interface devices, such as mouse, keyboard, modem, scanner, etc.
  • Page 15 Dr. Voice Dr. Voice provides 4 language versions (English, Chinese, Japanese and German) that can easily tell you the problem you may encounter. Specially tailored made for users, we have defaulted the language versions of Japanese market to Japanese only in order to save users from the hassle of setting jumpers, and thus making motherboard a real jumper less design. Power Management/Plug and Play Supports the power management function that conforms to the power-saving standards of the U.S.

  • Page 16: Quick Installation Procedure

    This page gives you a quick procedure on how to install your system. Follow each step accordingly. Installing CPU and Fan Installing System Memory (DIMM) Connecting Front Panel Cable Connecting IDE and Floppy Cable Connecting ATX Power Cable Connecting Back Panel Cable Power-on and Load BIOS Setup Default Setting CPU Frequency Reboot...

  • Page 17: Motherboard Map

    Motherboard Map CD-IN Connector Front Audio Connector AUX-IN Connector PC99 Colored Back Panel SPDIF Connector Onboard AC’97 CODEC Resettable Fuse JP28 Keyboard/Mouse Wakeup Enable/Disable Jumper FAN2 Connector CNR Expansion Slot 4-pin 12V ATX Power Connector 3300μF Low ESR Capacitors AGP 4x Expansion Slot 32-bit PCI Expansion Slot x6 (for 1.5V AGP card) (AX4B Max: PCI 5&6 Slave...

  • Page 18: Block Diagram

    PC-200/266 DDR SDRAM Up to 2GB 32-bit PCI Slot x6 DIMM Socket x4 Socket 478 400MHz System Intel Pentium 4 Intel 845 PCI Bus 82845 Primary 33/66/100 Channel IDE Drive x4 Secondary AGP 4X Slot Channel Intel AC97 FW82801BA CODEC ICH2 AC Link USB Port...

  • Page 19: Hardware Installation

    This chapter describes jumpers, connectors and hardware devices of this motherboard. Note: 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. Do not remove a component from its protective packaging until you are ready to install it. Wear a wrist ground strap and attach it to a metal part of the system unit before handling a component.

  • Page 20: About "Optional" And "Upgrade Optional

    “Optional” for you to choose. With optional functions that can be upgraded by users, we define them “Upgrade Optional”. As for those optional functions that can’t be upgraded by ourselves, we call them “Optional”. If needed, you can contact our local distributors or resellers for purchasing “Upgrade Optional” components, and again you are welcomed to visit AOpen official web site: www.aopen.com...

  • Page 21: Jp14 Clear Cmos Data

    You can clear CMOS to restore system default setting. To clear the CMOS, follow the procedure below. Turn off the system and unplug the AC power. Remove ATX power cable from connector PWR2. Locate JP14 and short pins 2-3 for a few seconds. Return JP14 to its normal setting by shorting pin1 &...
  • Page 22 ® This motherboard supports Intel Pentium 4 Socket 478 series CPU (Brookdale). Be careful of CPU orientation when you plug it into CPU socket. 2. Locate Pin 1 in the socket and look for a cut edge on the CPU upper 1.

  • Page 23: Cpu Installation

    3. Press down the CPU socket lever and finish Note: If you do not match the CPU CPU installation. socket Pin 1 and CPU cut edge well, you may damage the CPU. CPU cut edge Note: This socket supports Micro-FC-PGA2 package CPU, the latest CPU package developed by Intel.
  • Page 24 This motherboard comes with a retention module attached on the CPU socket when shipped; we strongly recommend you to install AOpen special designed CPU Fan as shown below for better heat dissipation. Please install the CPU Fan according to the following procedures.

  • Page 25: Cpu Jumper-Less Design

    CPU VID signal and SMbus clock generator provide CPU voltage auto-detection and allows the user to set the CPU frequency through the BIOS setup, therefore no jumpers or switches are used. The disadvantages of the Pentium based jumper-less designs are eliminated. There will be no worry of wrong CPU voltage detection. Clock Generator ®...
  • Page 26 ” “ ” AOpen provides a special and useful feature on this motherboard for overclockers. When you power-on the system, the BIOS will check last system POST status. If it succeeded, the BIOS will enable “Watch Dog Timer” function immediately, and set the frequency according to user’s settings stored in the BIOS.

  • Page 27: Full-Range Adjustable Cpu Core Voltage

    Tip: If your system hangs or fails to boot because of Home overclocking, simply use <Home> key to restore the default setting or you can wait AOpen “Watch Dog Timer” to reset the system after five seconds and the system will auto-detect hardwares again.
  • Page 28 Core Frequency = CPU Clock * CPU Ratio PCI Clock = CPU FSB Clock / Clock Ratio Clock = PCI Clock x 2 CPU Core System Ratio Frequenc Clock Pentium 4 1400MHz 100MHz 400MHz 1.4G Pentium 4 1500MHz 100MHz 400MHz 1.5G Pentium 4 ®...

  • Page 29: Cpu And System Fan Connector (With H/W Monitoring)

    Plug in the CPU fan cable to the 3-pin CPU FAN connector. If you have chassis fan, you can also plug it on FAN2 (without H/W Monitoring) or FAN3 connector. +12V SENSOR FAN2 Connector +12V SENSOR CPU Fan Connector Note: Some CPU fans do not have +12V sensor pin, so that they cannot SENSOR...

  • Page 30: Jp28 Keyboard/Mouse Wake-Up Enable/Disable Jumper

    This motherboard provides keyboard / mouse wake-up function. You can use JP28 to enable or disable this function, which could resume your system from suspend mode with keyboard or mouse. The factory default setting is set to “Disable”(1-2), and you may enable this function by setting the jumper to 2-3. JP28 KB/Mouse Wake-up Disable...
  • Page 31 This motherboard has four 184-pin DDR DIMM sockets that allow you to install PC200 PC266 memory up to 2 GB. Both ECC and Non-ECC DDR SDRAM are supported, but you can’t install them both on DIMM at the same time. Otherwise, serious damage on memory sockets or SDRAM module may be caused.
  • Page 32 Please follow the procedure as shown below to finish memory installation. Make sure the DIMM module’s pin face down and match the socket’s size as depicted below. 40 pins 52 pins Insert the module straight down to the DIMM slot with both hands and press down firmly until the DIMM module is securely in place.
  • Page 33 Attach the power LED, Keylock, speaker, power and reset switch connectors to the corresponding pins. If you enable “Suspend Mode” item in BIOS Setup, the ACPI & Power LED will keep flashing while the system is in suspend mode. Locate the power switch cable from your ATX housing. It is 2-pin female connector from the housing front panel.
  • Page 34 This motherboard comes with a 20-pin and 4-pin ATX power connector. Make sure you plug in the right direction. We strongly recommend you to connect the 4-pin 12V ATX connector before connecting the 20-pin ATX power connector and use standard power supply specially designed for Pentium 4 system.
  • Page 35 A traditional ATX system remains at power off stage when AC power resumes from power failure. This design is inconvenient for a network server or workstation without an UPS. This motherboard implements an AC Power Auto Recovery function to solve this problem.
  • Page 36 Connect 34-pin floppy cable and 40-pin IDE cable to floppy connector FDC and IDE connector. The blue connector is IDE1 for clear identification. Beware of the pin1 orientation. Wrong orientation may cause system damage. Secondary Secondary Master (3rd) Slave (4th) IDE 2 (Secondary) IDE 1 (Primary) Pin 1...
  • Page 37 IDE1 is also known as the primary channel and IDE2 as the secondary channel. Each channel supports two IDE devices that make a total of four devices. In order to work together, the two devices on each channel must be set differently to Master and Slave mode.
  • Page 38 The IrDA connector can be configured to support wireless infrared module, with this module and application software such as Laplink or Windows 95 Direct Cable Connection, user can transfer files to or from laptops, notebooks, PDA devices and printers. This connector supports HPSIR (115.2Kbps, 2 meters) and ASK-IR (56Kbps). Install the infrared module onto the IrDA connector and enable the infrared function from BIOS Setup, UART Mode, make sure when you plug the IrDA connector in right orientation.
  • Page 39 The AX4B Max / AX4B U2 provides an 4x slot. AGP 1x2x4x is a bus interface targeted for high-performance 3D graphic. AGP supports memory read/write operation and single-master single-slave one-to-one only. It uses both rising and falling edge of the 66MHz clock, for 2X AGP, the data transfer rate is 66MHz x 4bytes x 2 = 528MB/s. AGP is now moving to AGP 4x mode, 66MHz x 4bytes x 4 = 1056MB/s.
  • Page 40 With the outstanding R&D ability of AOpen and its specially developed circuit, AX4B Max / AX4B U2 implements a blend new technology to protect your motherboard from being damaged by over-voltaging of AGP card. When AGP Protection Technology is implemented, this motherboard will automatically detect the voltage of AGP card and prevent your chipsets from being burnt out.
  • Page 41 Pin 1 WOM Connector +5VSB...
  • Page 42 Serial Port (Modem Side) Pin 1 Serial Port (Motherboard Side) Note: This picture is for example only; it may not be exactly the same as the motherboard you purchased.
  • Page 43 Note: This picture is for example only; it may not be exactly the same as the motherboard you purchased.
  • Page 44 This feature is very similar as Wake On Modem, but it goes through local area network. To use Wake On LAN function, you must have a network card with a chipset supporting this feature, and connect a cable from LAN card to motherboard WOL connector. The system identification information (probably IP address) is stored on network card and because there is a lot of traffic on the Ethernet, you need to install network management software, such as ADM, for the checking of how to wake up the system.
  • Page 45 WOL Connector (Ethernet Card Side) WOL Connector (Motherboard Side) Note: This picture is for example only; it may not exactly be the same motherboard as you purchased.
  • Page 46 is a riser card specification to replace the AMR (Audio/Modem Riser) that supports V.90 analog modem, multi-channel audio, and phone-line based networking. Owing to CPU computing power getting stronger, the digital processing job can be implemented in main chipset and share CPU power. The analogy conversion (CODEC) circuit requires a different and separate circuit design, which is put on CNR card.
  • Page 47 The onboard I/O devices are PS/2 Keyboard, PS/2 Mouse, COM1 and COM2, Printer, four USB, AC97 sound and game ports. The view angle of drawing shown here is from the back panel of the housing. SPP/EPP/ECP MIDI/Game Port Parallel Port PS/2 Mouse Connector PS/2 Keyboard...
  • Page 48 This motherboard provides eight ports to connect USB devices such as mouse, keyboard, modem, printer, etc. There are two connectors on the PC99 back panel. You can use proper cables to connect USB devices from PC99 back panel or connect USB2 header to the front panel of chassis.
  • Page 49 Compared to traditional USB 1.0/1.1 with the speed of 12Mbps, USB 2.0 has a fancy speed up to 480Mbps which is 40 times faster than the traditional one. Except for the speed increase, USB 2.0 supports old USB 1.0/1.1 software and peripherals, offering impressive and even better compatibility to customers.
  • Page 50 The “CASE OPEN” header provides chassis intrusion-monitoring function. To make this function works, you have to enable it in the system BIOS, connect this header to a sensor somewhere on the chassis. So, whenever the sensor is triggered by lights or by the opening of the chassis, the system will beep to inform you.
  • Page 51 This connector is used to connect CD Audio cable from CDROM or DVD drive to onboard sound. GND GND...
  • Page 52 This connector is used to connect MPEG Audio cable from MPEG card to onboard sound.
  • Page 53 S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface) is a latest audio transfer file format that provides impressive quality through optical fiber and allows you to enjoy digital audio instead of analog. Normally there are two S/PDIF outputs as shown, one for RCA connector, the most common one used for consumer audio products, and the other for optical connector with a even better audio quality.
  • Page 54 This motherboard comes with an ALC650 Codec which supports high quality of 5.1 Channel audio effect, bringing you a brand new audio experience. On the strength of the innovative design of ALC650, you're able to use standard line-jacks for surround audio output without connecting any external module.
  • Page 55 This motherboard has an IEEE 1394 controller and two IEEE 1394 ports onboard. The IEEE 1394 provides data transfer rate up to 400Mb/s, and USB just has 12Mb/s. Hence, the IEEE 1394 interface can connect with the devices that need high data transferring performance, such as digital camera, scanner or others IEEE 1394 devices.
  • Page 56 If the housing has been designed with an audio port on the front panel, you’ll be able to connect onboard audio to front panel through this connector. By the way, please remove the jumper cap from the Front Audio Connector before you connect the cable. Do not remove this yellow jumper cap if your housing doesn’t have an audio port on the front panel.
  • Page 57 BIOS ROM by setting JP30 to pin 2-3 if it fails to act normally. This motherboard comes with one BIOS ROM, you may contact our local distributors or resellers for purchasing an extra BIOS ROM. Please visit our website: www.aopen.com for details.
  • Page 58 Connecting Dr. LED you can easily find the system problems that may occur while assembling. It can clearly indicate whether the problem is caused from components or improper installation through the 8 LED lights of Dr. LED on the front panel. That is to say you can diagnose your system status quickly.
  • Page 59 Dr. LED is a CD disc storage box with 8 LEDs on its front panel, the size of Dr. LED is exactly the same as 5.25 in floppy drive, so that it can be mount into normal 5.25 in drive bay of any housing. Boot O.K.
  • Page 60 Dr. Voice is a great feature of AX4B Max / AX4B U2, which can identify the problems you may encounter in the operating system. It can clearly “tell you” whether the problem is caused from components or improper installation such as CPU, memory module, VGA, PCI add-on card, FDD, HDD or keyboard.
  • Page 61 This motherboard comes with another considerate option that allows you to turn off the voice from buzzer and speaker. You can choose not to be bothered by the warning made from Dr. Voice when it detects any error in operating system. To disable this function, set JP1 and JP2 to pin 2-3 to stop both the buzzer and speaker from sending out voices.
  • Page 62 This Motherboard implements a Flash ROM and a special circuit that provide you no batter power consumption of current CPU and CMOS Setup configurations. The RTC (real time clock) can also keep running as long as the power cord is plugged. If you lose your CMOS data by accident, you can just reload the CMOS configurations from Flash ROM and the system will recover as usual.
  • Page 63 CPU, memory, HDD or add-on cards installed on this motherboard is damaged due to component failure, human operating error or other unknown natural reasons. AOpen cannot guarantee that the protection circuit will always work perfectly.
  • Page 64 CPU temperature. If any of those systems’ status goes wrong, there will be an alarm through the chassis external speaker or buzzer of motherboard (if having this function and enabled) to warn the user. Fan Speed AOpen H/W Detection Monitoring...
  • Page 65 Traditional motherboard uses fuses to prevent Keyboard and port from over-current or shortage. These fuses are soldered onboard that when it is broken (function to protect motherboard), user cannot replace them and result in malfunction of motherboard. With expensive Resettable Fuse, the motherboard can be resumed back to normal function even after the fuse had done its protection job.
  • Page 66 μ μ μ μ μ μ μ μ The quality of low ESR capacitor (Low Equivalent Series Resistance) during high frequency operation is very important for the stability of CPU power. The idea of where to put these capacitors is another know-how that requires experience and detail calculation.
  • Page 67 CPU are working in stable condition. The layout of this motherboard implements AOpen’s unique design called “Frequency Isolation Wall”. Separating each critical portion of motherboard into regions, where each region operates in a same or...
  • Page 68 Cool down CPU and Chipset are important for system reliability. Enlarged aluminum heat sink provides better heat consumption especially when you are trying to over-clock the CPU.
  • Page 69 There are motherboard drivers and utilities included in AOpen Bonus CD disc. You don’t need to install all of them in order to boot your system. But after you finish the hardware installation, you have to install your operation system first (such as Windows 98) before you can install any drivers or utilities.
  • Page 70 You can use the auto-run menu of Bonus CD disc. Choose the utility and driver and select model name.
  • Page 71 ® ® Windows 95/98 cannot recognize this chipset, because they were released earlier than Intel 845 chipset. You can install the Intel INF Update Utility from the Bonus Pack CD disc auto-run menu to eliminate the “?” marks.
  • Page 72 You can install Intel IAA Driver to increase the performance of software applications and reduce PC boot times. You can find it in AOpen Bonus Pack...
  • Page 73 This motherboard comes with ALC650 AC97 CODEC. This audio driver supports Windows 98SE and upper Windows OS; you can find the audio driver from the Bonus Pack CD disc auto-run menu.
  • Page 74 You can install Hardware Monitoring Utility to monitor CPU temperature, fans and system voltage. The hardware monitoring function is automatically implemented by the BIOS and utility software. No hardware installation is needed.
  • Page 75 Insert the Bonus CD in CD-ROM. Type "[CD-ROM]:\Driver\USB2.0" in the text box that appears. Click on "Next." A message informing you that Windows Me has found "AOpen USB Enhanced Host Controller" should appear. Click on "Next," and then on "Finish."...
  • Page 76 Choose "Control Panel," and then double-click on the "System" icon. Choose the "Device Manager" tab, and then click the "+" in front of "Universal Serial Bus Controllers." "AOpen USB Enhanced Host Controller" should appear. Under Windows 2000 System After enabling the USB 2.0 controller and rebooting your system, Windows 2000 setup will show a "New Hardware Found"...
  • Page 77 Insert the Bonus CD in CD-ROM. Type "[CD-ROM]:\Driver\USB2.0" in the text box that appears. Click on "Next." A message informing you that Windows XP has found "AOpen USB Enhanced Host Controller" should appear. When the New Hardware Wizard has finished installing the USB driver, click on "Finish"...
  • Page 78 ACPI Suspend to Hard Drive is basically controlled by Windows operation system. It saves your current work (system status, memory and screen image) to hard disk, and then the system can be totally powered off. Next time, when power is on, you can resume your original work directly from hard disk within few seconds without going through the Windows booting process and running your application again.

  • Page 79: System Requirement

    System Requirement AOZVHDD.EXE 1.30b or later. Delete config.sys and autoexec.bat. Fresh installation of Windows 98 on a new system 1. Execute "Setup.exe /p j" to install Windows 98 2. After Windows 98's installation is complete, go to the Control Panel > Power Management. a.
  • Page 80 Changing from APM to ACPI (Windows 98 only) 1. Run "Regedit.exe" a. Go through the following path HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SOFTWARE MICROSOFT WINDOWS CURRENT VERSION DETECT b. Select "ADD Binary" and name it as "ACPIOPTION". c. Right click and select Modify, add "01" after "0000" to make it "0000 01". d.
  • Page 81 4. Run "Add New Hardware" again and it will find "Advanced Power Management Resource". 5. Click "OK". Tip: Currently we found only ATI 3D Rage Pro AGP card would support ACPI suspend to disk. Please refer to AOpen web site for latest update.
  • Page 82 This motherboard supports ACPI Suspend to RAM function. With this function, you can resume your original work directly from DRAM without going through the Windows 98 booting process and run your application again. Suspend to DRAM saves your current work in the system memory, it is faster than Suspend to Hard Drive but requires power supplied to DRAM, while Suspend to Hard Drive requires no power.
  • Page 83 To implement ACPI Suspend to DRAM, please follow the procedures as below: System Requirement An ACPI OS is required. Currently, except Windows 95 and Windows NT, all other Windows Systems support ACPI. ® The Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility must have been installed properly. Procedures Changed the following BIOS settings.
  • Page 84 BIOS provides critical low-level support for standard devices such as hard disk drives, serial and parallel ports. Most BIOS setting of AX4B Max / AX4B U2 had been optimized by AOpen R&D engineering team. But, the default setting of BIOS still can’t fine-tune the chipset controlling entire system. Therefore, the rest of this chapter is intended to guide you through the process of configuring your system using setup.
  • Page 85 … AOpen always dedicates to give users a more friendly computer system. Now, we include all function descriptions of BIOS setup program into the BIOS Flash ROM. When you select one function of BIOS setup program, the function description will appeared at right side of screen.
  • Page 86 Award™ BIOS setup program. The following table provides details about how to use keyboard in the Award™ BIOS setup program. By the way, all products of AOpen also provides a special function in the BIOS setup, you can press <F3> key selecting preferred menu language to display.
  • Page 87 Description Load fail-save setting value from CMOS. Load turbo setting value from CMOS. Save changed setting and exit setup program.
  • Page 88 After you finish the setting of jumpers and connect correct cables. Power on and enter the BIOS Setup, press <Del> during POST (Power-On Self Test). Choose "Load Setup Defaults" for recommended optimal performance. Warning: Please avoid of using "Load Turbo Defaults", unless you are sure your system components (CPU, DRAM, HDD, etc.) are good enough for turbo setting.
  • Page 89 With outstanding R&D ability of AOpen, we now bring you a whole new BIOS Flash wizard ---- EZWinFlash. With an eye to users convenience, EZWinFlash combines the BIOS binary code and flash module together, so the only thing you have to do is just clicking on the utility you downloaded from web and let it helps you complete the flash process automatically.
  • Page 90 1. Download the new version of BIOS package file from AOpen official web site. (ex: http://www.aopen.com) 2. Unzip the download BIOS package (ex: WAX4BP102.ZIP) with WinZip (http://www.winzip.com) in Windows environment.
  • Page 91 As a leading manufacturer in motherboard industry, AOpen always listens to what customers want and develop products to fit different user's requirements. Reliability, compatibility, leading technology and friendly features are our basic goals when designing motherboards. Other than above mentioned design criteria, there are power users who are always seeking to push the limitation of the system performance by overclocking which we call them "Overclocker".
  • Page 92 VGA and HDD is key components for overclocking, for your reference, the following list are what have been successful overclocked in our lab. Please note that AOpen can not guaranty they can be successful overclocked again. Please check the Available Vendor List (AVL) by link to our official website.
  • Page 93 AGP uses both rising and falling edge of the 66MHz clock, for 2X AGP, the data transfer rate is 66MHz x 4byte x 2 = 528MB/s. AGP is now moving to 4X mode, 66MHz x 4byte x 4 = 1056MB/s. AOpen is the...
  • Page 94 Unlike ACPI, BIOS controls most APM power management functions. AOpen Suspend to Hard Drive is a good example of APM power management. ATA is the specification of diskette interface. In 80’s, many software and hardware manufacturers instituted the ATA specification together.
  • Page 95 ATA/100 is a new IDE specification under developing. ATA/100 uses both rising edge and falling edge as ATA/66 but clock cycle time is reduced to 40ns. The data transfer rate is (1/40ns) x 2 bytes x 2 = 100MB/s. To use ATA/100, you need special 80-wire IDE cable, the same as ATA/66.

  • Page 96: Dimm Sockets

    The CNR specification provides the PC industry the opportunity to deliver a flexible and cost reduced method of implementing LAN, home networking, DSL, USB, wireless, audio and modem subsystems widely used in today's "connected PCs". The CNR specification is an open industry specification and is supported by OEMs, IHV card manufacturers, silicon supplier and Microsoft.
  • Page 97 Channel for communications between the memory and surrounding devices. The ECC mode needs 8 ECC bits for 64-bit data. Each time memory is accessed; ECC bits are updated and checked by a special algorithm. The ECC algorithm has the ability to detect double-bit error and automatically correct single-bit error while parity mode can only detect single-bit error.

  • Page 98: Ata/66

    Traditional motherboard stores BIOS code in EPROM. EPROM can only be erased by ultra-violet (UV) light. If BIOS has to be upgraded, you need to remove EPROM from motherboard, clear by UV light, re-program, and then insert back. EV6 Bus in the technology of Alpha processor from Digital Equipment Corporation. EV6 bus uses both rising and falling clock edge to transfer data, similar as DDR SDRAM or ATA/66 IDE bus.

  • Page 99: Flash Rom

    Flash ROM can be re-programmed by electronic signals. It is easier for BIOS to upgrade by a flash utility, but it is also easier to be infected by virus. Because of increase of new functions, BIOS size is increased from 64KB to 256KB (2M bit). AOpen AX5T is the first board to implement 256KB (2Mbit) Flash ROM.
  • Page 100 IEEE 1394 is a low-cost digital interface originated by Apple Computer as a desktop LAN and developed by the IEEE 1394 working group. The IEEE 1394 can transport data at 100, 200 or 400 Mbps. One of the solutions to connect digital television devices together at 200 Mbps.
  • Page 101 SDRAM DIMM that supports 100MHz CPU bus clock. SDRAM DIMM that supports 133MHz CPU bus clock. Based on FSB frequency, the DDR DRAM has 200MHz and 266MHz two type of working frequency. Because of DDR DRAM data bus is 64-bit, it provides data transfer bandwidth up to 200x64/8=1600MB/s, and 266x64/8=2100MB/s. Hence, the PC-1600 DDR DRAM is working with 100MHz and PC-2100 DDR DRAM is working with 133MHz FSB frequency.
  • Page 102 The PnP specification suggests a standard register interface for both BIOS and operating system (such as Windows 95). These registers are used by BIOS and operating system to configure system resource and prevent any conflicts. PnP BIOS or operating system will automatically allocate the IRQ/DMA/Memory. Currently, almost all the PCI cards and most ISA cards are already PnP compliant.
  • Page 103 SDRAM comes in 64-bit 168-pin DIMM and operates at 3.3V. AOpen is the first company to support dual-SDRAM DIMMs onboard (AP5V), from Q1 1996 A memory space in Flash-ROM to simulate E PROM operation, AOpen motherboard uses Shadow E...

  • Page 104: Ultra Dma

    SPD is a small ROM or EEPROM device resided on the DIMM or RIMM. SPD stores memory module information such as DRAM timing and chip parameters. SPD can be used by BIOS to decide best timing for this DIMM or RIMM. Ultra DMA (or, more accurately, Ultra DMA/33) is a protocol for transferring data between a hard disk drive through the computer’s data path (or bus) to the computer’s random access memory (RAM).
  • Page 105 NEC’s Virtual Channel Memory (VCM) is a new DRAM core architecture that dramatically improves the memory system’s ability to service multimedia requirements. VCM increases memory bus efficiency and performance of any DRAM technology by providing a set of fast static registers between the memory core and I/O pins. Using VCM technology results in reduced data access latency and reduced power consumption.
  • Page 106 If you encounter any trouble to boot you system, follow the procedures accordingly to resolve the problem. Start Turn off the power and unplug the AC power cable, then remove all of the add-on cards and cables, including VGA, IDE, FDD, COM1, COM2 and printer. Make sure if all jumper settings are correct.
  • Page 107 Continue Install the VGA card. Then connect your monitor and keyboard. Turn on the power and check if the power supply and CPU fan work properly. The problem is probably caused by power supply or motherboard failure. Next Please contact your reseller or local distributor for repairing.
  • Page 108 Continue Perhaps your VGA card Check if there is display? or monitor is defective. Press <Ctrl> and <Alt> key at the same time, hold them and then press <Del> to reboot the system. It is very possible that your Check if the system keyboard is defective.
  • Page 109 Continue During system rebooting, press <Del> to enter BIOS setup. Choose “Load Setup Default”. Turn off the system and re-connect IDE cable. The problem should be Check if the system can caused reboot successfully? cable or HDD itself. Re-install the operating system such as Windows 98.
  • Page 110 Dear Customer, Thanks for choosing AOpen products. To provide the best and fastest service to our customer is our first priority. However, we receive numerous emails and phone-calls worldwide everyday, it is very hard for us to serve everyone on time. We recommend you follow the procedures below and seek help before contact us.
  • Page 111 5 5 5 5 News Group: Your problem probably had been answered by our support engineer or professional users on the news group. http://www.aopen.com/tech/newsgrp/default.htm 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 Contact Distributors/Resellers: We sell our products through resellers and integrators. They should know your system configuration very well and should be able to solve your problem more efficiently than us.
  • Page 112 Model name and BIOS version can be found on upper left corner of first boot screen (POST screen). For example: AX4B MAX / AX4B U2 R1.20 Feb.01.2002 AOpen Inc. Award Plug and Play BIOS Extension v1.0A Copyright ©2002, Award Software, Inc.

  • Page 113: Product Registration

    Be able to join the discussions of web-based news groups. AOpen makes sure that the information you provide is encrypted, so that it cannot be read or intercepted by other people or companies. Further, AOpen will not disclose any of information you submitted under any conditions. Please consult our...
  • Page 114 America Pacific Rim Europe AOpen Inc. AOpen Computer b.v. AOpen America Inc. Tel: 1-408-922-2100 Tel: 886-2-3789-5888 Tel: 31-73-645-9516 Fax: 886-2-3789-5399 Fax: 31-73-645-9604 Fax: 1-408-922-2935 China Germany Japan 艾尔鹏国际上海(股)有限公司 AOpen Japan Inc. AOpen Computer GmbH. Tel: 86-21-6225-8622 Tel: 49-2102-157700 Tel: 81-048-290-1800...

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