R
MEW-AM
Socket 370 Intel® 810
microATX Motherboard
USER’S MANUAL
ASUS CONTACT INFORMATION
ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (Asia-Pacific)
Marketing
Address:
Telephone:
Fax:
150 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 112
+886-2-2894-3447
+886-2-2894-3449
Email:
Technical Support
Tel (English): +886-2-2894-3447 ext. 706
Tel (Chinese): +886-2-2894-3447 ext. 111
Fax:
Email:
+886-2-2895-9254
Newsgroup: news2.asus.com.tw
WWW:
FTP:
ftp.asus.com.tw/pub/ASUS
ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL (America)
Marketing
Address:
6737 Mowry Avenue, Mowry Business Center, Building 2
Newark, CA 94560, USA
Fax:
Email:
+1-510-608-4555
Technical Support
Fax:
+1-510-608-4555
+1-510-739-3774
ftp.asus.com.tw/pub/ASUS
BBS:
Email:
WWW:
FTP:
ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Europe)
Marketing
Address:
Telephone:
Fax:
Harkort Str. 25, 40880 Ratingen, BRD, Germany
49-2102-445011
49-2102-442066
Email:
Technical Support
Hotline:
BBS:
Email:
WWW:
FTP:
49-2102-499712
49-2102-448690
ftp.asuscom.de/pub/ASUSCOM
ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual
3
CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................. 7
1.1 How this manual is organized ..................................................... 7
1.2 Item Checklist ............................................................................. 7
2. FEATURES ........................................................................................ 8
2.1 The ASUS MEW-AM Motherboard ........................................... 8
2.1.1 Specifications ..................................................................... 8
2.1.3 Performance ....................................................................... 9
2.2 ASUS MEW-AM Part Definitions ........................................... 10
2.3 ASUS MEW-AM Part Locations .............................................. 11
3. HARDWARE SETUP ..................................................................... 12
3.1 Motherboard Layout ................................................................. 12
3.3 Hardware Setup Procedure ....................................................... 13
3.2 Layout Contents ........................................................................ 13
3.4 Motherboard Settings ................................................................ 14
3.5.1 General DIMM Notes ...................................................... 15
3.5 System Memory (DIMM) ......................................................... 15
3.5.2 DIMM Memory Installation ............................................ 16
3.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................. 17
3.7 Expansion Cards ....................................................................... 18
3.7.1 Expansion Card Installation Procedure............................ 18
3.8 External Connectors .................................................................. 19
3.9 Power Connection Procedures .................................................. 27
4.1 Managing and Updating Your BIOS ......................................... 28
4.1.1 Upon First Use of the Computer System ......................... 28
4
ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual
CONTENTS
4. BIOS SETUP.................................................................................... 28
4.1 Flash Memory Writer Utility .................................................... 28
4.1.1 Main Menu....................................................................... 28
4.1.2 Updating BIOS Procedures (only when necessary)......... 29
4.2 BIOS Setup Program ................................................................ 31
4.2.1 BIOS Menu Bar ............................................................... 32
4.2.2 Legend Bar....................................................................... 32
4.3 Main Menu................................................................................ 34
4.3.1 Primary & Secondary Master/Slave ................................ 35
4.3.2 Keyboard Features ........................................................... 38
4.4 Advanced Menu ........................................................................ 40
4.4.1 I/O Device Configuration ................................................ 41
4.5 Security Menu ........................................................................... 42
4.6 Power Menu ................................................................................ 44
General Power Settings ............................................................. 44
Power-Up Events ...................................................................... 44
4.7 Boot Menu ................................................................................ 45
Boot Sequence .......................................................................... 45
4.8 Exit Menu ................................................................................. 46
ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual
5
FCC & DOC COMPLIANCE
Federal Communications Commission Statement
This device complies with FCC Rules Part 15. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
•
•
This device may not cause harmful interference, and
This device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installa-
tion. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer's instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the inter-
ference by one or more of the following measures:
•
•
•
Re-orient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected.
•
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
WARNING! Any changes or modifications to this product not expressly ap-
proved by the manufacturer could void any assurances of safety or performance
and could result in violation of Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Canadian Department of Communications Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions
from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Cana-
dian Department of Communications.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
6
ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 How this manual is organized
This manual is divided into the following sections:
1) INTRODUCTION
2) FEATURES
3) HARDWARE SETUP
4) BIOS SETUP
Manual information and checklist
Product information and specifications
Instructions on setting up the motherboard
Instructions on setting up the BIOS software
1.2 Item Checklist
Check that your package is complete. If you discover damaged or missing items,
please contact your retailer.
(1) ASUS Motherboard
(1) Serial COM2 connector with bracket
(1) 40-pin ribbon cable for internal UltraDMA/33 IDE drives
(1) 80-wire ribbon cable for internal UltraDMA/66 or UltraDMA/33 IDE drives
(Note: The 80-wire cable has a 40-pin connector.)
(1) Ribbon cable for (1) 5.25” and (2) 3.5” floppy drives
(1) Bag of spare jumper caps
(1) Support CD with drivers and utilities
(1) This Motherboard User’s Manual
ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual
7
2. FEATURES
2.1 The ASUS MEW-AM Motherboard
The MEW-AM motherboard fromASUS is designed for the new PC user who wants
simple features in a small package.
2.1.1 Specifications
•
Latest Intel Socket 370 Processor Support! Supports Intel’s Celeron proces-
sor designed for Socket 370 and packaged in Plastic Pin Grid Array (PPGA).
•
Latest Intel 810-DC100 Chipset! The 810-DC100 (GMCH+ICH) supports 66/
100MHz FSB, UltraDMA/66, and 4MB 32-bit 100MHz SDRAM display cache
controller.
•
•
Integrated Graphics! Controller supports 3D hyper pipelined architecture, par-
allel data processing and compression, precise pixel interpolation, full 2D hard-
ware acceleration, and motion video acceleration. Optional onboard 4MB
SDRAM display cache allows up to 1024x768x16bit color for 3D graphics and
1600x1200x8bit color for 2D graphics.
ASUS Graphics Driver! You can gain about 12% performance over that of the
standard graphics driver (2D highend graphics WinMark) using ASUS’ custom
graphics driver. ASUS custom graphics driver also provides more features and
provides selection of higher refresh rates and resolutions.
•
Versatile Memory Support! DRAM controller supports asymmetrical address-
ing and two DIMM sockets support Intel PC100-compliant SDRAMs (16, 32,
64, 128, or 256MB) up to 512MB. (supports a maximum of 4 sides)
•
Latest Low Pin Count Multi-I/O: Provides two high-speed UART compatible
serial ports and one parallel port with EPP and ECP capabilities.
•
•
Integrated IDE! Controller supports UltraDMA/66 up to 66MB/s, UltraDMA/
33 up to 33MB/s, and PIO Mode 4 up to 17MB/s.
Desktop Management Interface (DMI) V2.3! Supports DMI through BIOS,
which allows hardware to communicate within a standard protocol creating a
higher level of compatibility. (Requires DMI-enabled components.)
•
Peripheral Wake-Up! Supports Wake-On-LAN, Wake-On-Ring, Keyboard
Wake-Up, and BIOS Wake-Up.
•
•
Firmware Hub! Provides security and other latest power computing features.
Smart BIOS! 4Mb firmware gives a new easy-to-use interface which provides
more control and protection over the motherboard. Provides boot block write
protection and HD/SCSI/MO/ZIP/CD/Floppy boot selection. Hardware random
number generator supports new security software for data protection and se-
cured Internet transactions.
•
Enhanced ACPI & Anti-Boot Virus Protection! Programmable BIOS (Flash
EEPROM), offering enhancedACPI for Windows 98 compatibility, built-in firm-
ware-based virus protection, and autodetection of most devices for virtually au-
tomatic setup.
8
ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual
2. FEATURES
•
Highest Audio Quality! AC’97 DAC/ADC (software audio) built into the au-
dio CODEC reduces noise to improve audio quality and performance for a SNR
(signal to noise ratio) of +90dB. These features greatly improve voice synthesis
and recognition. If more quality is required, an optional onboard Crystal PCI
audio improves audio quality beyond software audio.
2.1.3 Performance
•
UltraPerformance! Onboard IDE Bus Master controller with two connectors
that support four IDE devices in two channels. Supports UltraDMA/66,
UltraDMA/33 (IDE DMA Mode 2), PIO Modes 3 & 4, and supports Enhanced
IDE devices, such as Tape Backup, CD-ROM, CD-R/RW, and LS-120 drives.
•
Dual Speeds! CPU frequency can operate at either 66MHz or 100MHz while
system memory operates at either 100MHz or 66MHz. (100MHz CPU with 66MHz
SDRAM setting not supported) This asynchronous design can optimize the VGA
performance under shared memory configuration. Of course 100MHz/100MHz
synchronous host/DRAM clock is recommended for maximum performance.
•
Double or Quadruple the IDE Transfer Speed! IDE transfers using UltraDMA/
33 Bus Master IDE can handle rates up to 33MB/s and up to 66MB/s using
UltraDMA/66 technology. The best of all is that these new technology is com-
patible with existing ATA-2 IDE specifications so there is no need to upgrade
current IDE devices or cables.
•
Concurrent PCI! Concurrent PCI allows multiple PCI transfers from PCI mas-
ter buses to memory to CPU.
•
SDRAM Optimized Performance! ASUS smart series motherboards support
the new generation memory, Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory
(SDRAM), which increases the data transfer rate to 800MB/s max using PC100
SDRAM.
•
ACPI Ready! ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) is also imple-
mented on all ASUS smart series motherboards. ACPI provides more Energy
Saving Features for future operating systems (OS) supporting OS Direct Power
Management (OSPM) functionality. With these features implemented in the OS,
PCs can be ready around the clock, yet satisfy all the energy saving standards.
To fully utilize the benefits of ACPI, an ACPI-supported OS such as Windows
98 must be used.
•
Extreme Graphics! The integrated motion compensation allows for smooth
MPEG1 or MPEG2 video playback. Fast 3D graphics engine allows for an ex-
citing gameplay experience.
ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual
9
2. FEATURES
2.2 ASUS MEW-AM Part Definitions
The following are part descriptions for the motherboard parts shown on the next
page.
Socket 370 for Intel Celeron 370 processors
DIMM Sockets
1
2
ATX Power Connector for connection to an ATX power supply
Four Mbit Firmware Hub (programmable BIOS)
Floppy Disk Drive Connector
3
4
5
Primary and Secondary IDE Connectors
Low Pin Count Multi-I/O Chipset
Wake-On-LAN Connector
6
7
8
Intel I/O Controller Hub (ICH)
9
Intel 810-DC100 (GMCH-DC100) Integrated Graphics Chipset
High-speed 4MB SDRAM for integrated AGP VGA
Serial COM2 Header
Four PCI Slots
Crystal Audio Chipset (optional)
AC’97 V2.1 Audio CODEC
Joystick, Midi, Line Out, Line In, Microphone In Connectors (optional)
VGA Monitor Output Connector
Parallel Connector
Serial COM1 Connector
USB Connectors
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
PS/2 Mouse, PS/2 Keyboard Connectors
10
ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual
2. FEATURES
2.3 ASUS MEW-AM Part Locations
1
2
3
4
21
20
19
18
17
16
15
10
14 13 12 11
9
8 7 6 5
ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual
11
3. HARDWARE SETUP
3.1 Motherboard Layout
PS2KBMS
T: Mouse
B: Keyboard
CPU_FAN
USB
T: Port 1
B: Port 2
External
Frequency
Selection
Socket 370
COM1
PRINTER
4Mbit
Firmware
Hub
(FWH)
VGA
Intel 810
Line
Out
Graphics &
Memory
2 MB
CD_IN
SDRAM
Controller
Hub (GMCH)
Line
In
Super I/O
2 MB
SDRAM
0
1
2
3
Row
Mic
In
PCI Slot 1
MEW-AM
PCI Slot 2
Intel I/O
Controller
Hub (ICH)
Audio
Codec
PCI Slot 3
PCI Slot 4
CR2032 3V
Lithium Cell
CMOS Power
32-bit PCI
Audio
Chipset
RTCLR
PANEL
WOL_CON
COM2
(Grayed items are optional at the time of purchase.)
12
ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual
3. HARDWARE SETUP
3.2 Layout Contents
Motherboard Settings
1) FS0, FS1, FS2, FS3, FS4 p.14 CPU External Clock (BUS) Frequency Setting
Expansion Slots
1) DIMM1, DIMM2
2) Socket 370
3) PCI1, PCI2, PCI3, PCI4
p.15 168-Pin DIMM Memory Support
p.17 Central Processing Unit (CPU) Socket
p.18 32-bit PCI Bus Expansion Slots
Connectors
1) PS2KBMS
2) PS2KBMS
3) USB
4) PRINTER
5) COM1
6) VGA
7) GAME_AUDIO
8) GAME_AUDIO
p.19 PS/2 Mouse Connector (6-pin female)
p.19 PS/2 Keyboard Connector (6-pin female)
p.20 Universal Serial Bus Ports 1 & 2 (Two 4-pin female)
p.20 Parallel Port Connector (25-pin female)
p.20 Serial Port COM1 Connector (9-pin male)
p.21 Monitor (VGA) Output Connector (15-pin female)
p.21 Joystick/MIDI Connector (15-pin female) (optional)
p.21 Audio Port Connectors (Three 1/8” female) (optional)
9) PRIMARY/SECONDARYIDE p.22 Primary/Secondary IDE Connectors (Two 40-1pins)
10) FLOPPY
11) WOL_CON
12) COM2
13) CPU_FAN
p.22 Floppy Disk Drive Connector (34-1pins)
p.23 Wake-On-LAN Connector (3 pins)
p.23 Serial Port COM2 Header (10-1 pins)
p.24 CPU Fan Connectors (3 pins)
14) LED (PANEL)
15) KEYLOCK (PANEL)
16) EXSMI (PANEL)
17) SPEAKER (PANEL)
18) PWRSW (PANEL)
19) HDLED (PANEL)
20) PLED (PANEL)
21) RESET (PANEL)
22) CD_IN
p.25 System Message LED (2 pins)
p.25 Keyboard Lock Switch Lead (2 pins)
p.25 System Management Interrupt Switch Lead (2 pins)
p.25 System Warning Speaker Connector (4 pins)
p.25 ATX Power / Soft-Off Switch Lead (2 pins)
p.25 IDE Activity LED (2 pins)
p.25 System Power LED Lead (3-1 pins)
p.25 Reset Switch Lead (2 pins)
p.26 Internal Audio Connector (4-pins) (optional)
p.26 ATX Power Supply Connector (20 pins)
23) ATXPWR
3.3 Hardware Setup Procedure
Before using your computer, you must complete the following steps:
• Check Motherboard Settings
• Install Memory Modules
• Install the Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• Install Expansion Cards
• Connect Ribbon Cables, Panel Wires, and Power Supply
ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual
13
3. HARDWARE SETUP
3.4 Motherboard Settings
WARNING! Computer motherboards and expansion cards contain very delicate
Integrated Circuit (IC) chips. To protect them against damage from static electric-
ity, you should follow some precautions whenever you work on your computer.
1. Unplug your computer when working on the inside.
2. Use a grounded wrist strap before handling computer components. If you do
not have one, touch both of your hands to a safely grounded object or to a metal
object, such as the power supply case.
3. Hold components by the edges and try not to touch the IC chips, leads or con-
nectors, or other components.
4. Place components on a grounded antistatic pad or on the bag that came with the
component whenever the components are separated from the system.
1) CPU External Frequency Setting (FS0, FS1, FS2, FS3, FS4)
Current PCI bus is limited to 33MHz, Socket 370 Celeron processors limited to
66MHz, and SDRAM limited to the DIMM type 66/100/133MHz. (66MHz
SDRAM is not supported on this motherboard.) Other settings are for experi-
enced users only.
3
2
1
CPU
SDRAM
PCI
105MHz
105MHz
35MHz
114.99MHz
114.99MHz
33.33MHz
100.23MHz
100.23MHz
33.41MHz
3
2
1
MEW-AM
CPU
SDRAM
PCI
95.00MHz
95.00MHz
31.67MHz
90MHz
90MHz
30MHz
75.0MHz
112.5MHz
37.5MHz
MEW-AM CPU
External Frequency Selection
3
2
1
Recommended
CPU Setting
CPU
SDRAM
PCI
70MHz
105MHz
35MHz
66.0MHz
100.0MHz
33.4MHz
NOTE: For updated processor settings, please visit ASUS’ web site (see ASUS
CONTACT INFORMATION)
WARNING! CPU frequencies above 66MHz exceed the specifications for cur-
rent Celeron processors and are not guaranteed to be stable. Premature wearing of
the processor may result when overclocking. Be sure that the DIMM you use can
handle the specified SDRAM MHz or else bootup will not be possible.
14
ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual
3. HARDWARE SETUP
3.5 System Memory (DIMM)
NOTE: No hardware or BIOS setup is required after adding or removing memory.
This motherboard uses only Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMMs). Sockets are
available for 3.3Volt (power level) unbuffered Synchronous Dynamic Random Ac-
cess Memory (SDRAM).
This chipset does not support ECC. However, ECC memory modules may still be
used, but the ECC function will not be available.
Install memory in any combination as follows:
Location
168-pin DIMM SDRAM
Total Memory
DIMM1
(Rows 0&1)
Single-Sided/Double-Sided
16, 32, 64, 128MB, or 256MB
x1
x1
=
DIMM2
(Rows 2&3)
Single-Sided/Double-Sided
16, 32, 64, 128MB, or 256MB
Total System Memory (Max 512MB)
NOTE: At the time this User’s Manual was written, 256MB DIMM’s are only avail-
able as Double-Sided registered memory (128Mbit cells). Using 2x2x2 SDRAM can
greatly improve the onboard graphics’ performance.
3.5.1 General DIMM Notes
•
•
•
This motherboard operates at 100MHz, therefore PC100-compliant modules must
be used because of the strict timing issues involved under this speed.
ASUS motherboards support SPD (Serial Presence Detect) DIMMs. This is the
memory of choice for best performance vs. stability.
SDRAM chips are generally thinner with higher pin density than EDO (Ex-
tended Data Output) chips.
•
•
BIOS shows SDRAM memory on bootup screen.
Single-sided DIMMs come in 16, 32, 64,128MB; double-sided come in 32, 64,
128, 256MB.
ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual
15
3. HARDWARE SETUP
3.5.2 DIMM Memory Installation
Insert the module(s) as shown. Because the number of pins are different on either
side of the breaks, the module will only fit in the orientation shown. DIMM mod-
ules are longer and have different pin contact on each side and therefore have a
higher pin density. SIMM modules have the same pin contact on both sides.
Lock
88 Pins
FRONT
MEW-AM
60 Pins
20 Pins
MEW-AM 168-Pin DIMM Sockets
The DIMMs must be 3.3V Unbuffered for this motherboard. To determine the DIMM
type, check the notches on the DIMMs (see figure below).
168-Pin DIMM Notch Key Definitions (3.3V)
Voltage Key Position
Reserved
DRAM Key Position
RFU
Unbuffered
Buffered
5.0V
3.3V
The notches on the DIMM module will shift between left, center, or right to identify
the type and also to prevent the wrong type from being inserted into the DIMM slot
on the motherboard. You must ask your retailer the correct DIMM type before pur-
chasing. This motherboard supports four clock signals per DIMM slot.
16
ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual
3. HARDWARE SETUP
3.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The motherboard provides a ZIF Socket 370. The CPU that came with the mother-
board should have a fan attached to it to prevent overheating. If this is not the case,
then purchase a fan before you turn on your system.
WARNING! Be sure that there is sufficient air circulation across the processor’s
heatsink by regularly checking that your CPU fan is working. Without sufficient
circulation, the processor could overheat and damage both the processor and the
motherboard. You may install an auxiliary fan, if necessary.
To install a CPU, first turn off your system and remove its cover. Locate the ZIF
socket and open it by first pulling the lever sideways away from the socket then
upwards to a 90-degree angle. Insert the CPU with the correct orientation as shown.
The notched corner should point towards the end of the lever. Because the CPU has
a corner pin for two of the four corners, the CPU will only fit in the orientation as
shown. The picture is for reference only; you should have a CPU fan that covers the
face of the CPU. With the added weight of the CPU fan, no force is required to
insert the CPU. Once completely inserted, close the socket’s lever while holding
down the CPU.
NOTE: Do not forget to set the correct Bus Frequency and Multiple (frequency
multiple setting is available only on unlocked processors) for your Socket 370 pro-
cessor or else boot-up may not be possible.
CAUTION! Be careful not to scrape the motherboard when mounting a clamp-
style processor fan or else damage may occur to the motherboard.
Socket 370 CPU (Top) Socket 370 CPU (Bottom)
MEW-AM
Notch
MEW-AM Socket 370
ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual
17
3. HARDWARE SETUP
3.7 Expansion Cards
WARNING! Make sure that you unplug your power supply when adding or
removing expansion cards or other system components. Failure to do so may
cause severe damage to both your motherboard and expansion cards.
3.7.1 Expansion Card Installation Procedure
1. Read the documentation for your expansion card and make any necessary hard-
ware or software settings for your expansion card, such as jumpers or switches.
2. Remove your computer system’s cover and the bracket plate with screw on the
slot you intend to use. Keep the bracket for possible future use.
3. Carefully align the card’s connectors and press firmly.
4. Secure the card on the slot with the screw you removed above.
5. Replace the computer system’s cover.
6. Set up the BIOS if necessary.
7. Install the necessary software drivers for your expansion card.
18
ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual
3. HARDWARE SETUP
3.8 External Connectors
WARNING! Some pins are used for connectors or power sources. These are
clearly distinguished from jumpers in the Motherboard Layout. Placing jumper
caps over these connector pins will cause damage to your motherboard.
IMPORTANT: Ribbon cables should always be connected with the red stripe to
Pin 1 on the connectors. Pin 1 is usually on the side closest to the power connec-
tor on hard drives and CD-ROM drives, but may be on the opposite side on
floppy disk drives. Check the connectors before installation because there may
be exceptions. Look on IDE ribbon cable must be less than 46 cm (18 in.), with
the second drive connector no more than 15 cm (6 in.) from the first connector.
1) PS/2 Mouse Connector (6-pin PS2KBMS)
The system will direct IRQ12 to the PS/2 mouse if one is detected. If one is not
detected, expansion cards can use IRQ12.
PS/2 Mouse (6-pin Female)
2) PS/2 Keyboard Connector (6-pin PS2KBMS)
This connection is for a standard keyboard using an PS/2 plug (mini DIN). This
connector will not allow standard AT size (large DIN) keyboard plugs. You
may use a DIN to mini DIN adapter on standard AT keyboards.
PS/2 Keyboard (6-pin Female)
ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual
19
3. HARDWARE SETUP
3) Universal Serial BUS Ports 1 & 2 (two 4-pin USB)
Two USB ports are available for connecting USB devices.
USB 1
Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2
4) Parallel Port Connector (25-pin PRINTER)
The parallel connector is used for a single parallel device such as a printer or a
portable drive. See Parallel Port in 4.4.1 I/O Device Configuration for set-
tings.
NOTE: Serial printers must be connected to the serial port.
Parallel (Printer) Port (25-pin Female)
5) Serial Port COM1 Connector (9-pin COM1)
One serial port is ready for a mouse or other serial devices. A second serial port
is available using a serial port bracket connected from the motherboard to an
expansion slot opening. See Serial Port A or B in 4.4.1 I/O Device Configura-
tion for settings.
Serial Port (9-pin Male) COM 1
20
ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual
3. HARDWARE SETUP
6) Monitor Output Connector (15-pin VGA)
This connector is for output to a VGA-compatible device.
VGA Monitor (15-pin Female)
7) Joystick/MIDI Connector (15-pin GAME_AUDIO) (optional)
You may connect game joysticks or game pads to this connector for playing
games. Connect MIDI devices for playing or editing professional audio.
Joystick/Midi (15-pin Female)
NOTE: The onboard game port is to be used only if you are not using any PCI
or ISA audio card with a game port.
8) Audio Port Connectors (Three 1/8” GAME_AUDIO) (optional)
Line Out (lime) can be connected to headphones or preferably powered speak-
ers. Line In (light blue) allows tape players or other audio sources to be re-
corded by your computer or played through the Line Out (lime). Mic (pink)
allows microphones to be connected for inputting voice.
Line Out Line In Mic
1/8" Stereo Audio Connectors
ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual
21
3. HARDWARE SETUP
9) Primary / Secondary IDE Connectors (Two 40-1pin IDE)
These connectors support the provided IDE hard disk ribbon cable.
After connecting the single end to the board, connect the two plugs at the other
end to your hard disk(s). If you install two hard disks, you must configure the
second drive to Slave mode by setting its jumper accordingly. Please refer to
your hard disk documentation for the jumper settings. (Pin 20 is removed to
prevent inserting in the wrong orientation when using ribbon cables with
pin 20 plugged).
TIP: You may configure two hard disks to be both Masters with two ribbon
cables – one for the primary IDE connector and another for the secondary IDE
connector and select the boot disk through Boot Sequence in 4.7 Boot Menu.
IMPORTANT: UltraDMA/66 IDE devices must use an 80-wire IDE cable
or else devices will automatically be limited to UltraDMA/33 mode.
PIN 1
NOTE: Orient the red markings
on the IDE ribbon cable to PIN 1
MEW-AM
MEW-AM IDE Connectors
10) Floppy Disk Drive Connector (34-1pin FLOPPY)
This connector supports the provided floppy drive ribbon cable. After connect-
ing the single end to the board, connect the two plugs on the other end to the
floppy drives. (Pin 5 is removed to prevent inserting in the wrong orienta-
tion when using ribbon cables with pin 5 plugged).
NOTE: Orient the red markings on
the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1
PIN 1
MEW-AM
MEW-AM Floppy Disk Drive Connector
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3. HARDWARE SETUP
11) Wake-On-LAN Connector (3-pin WOL_CON)
This connector connects to a LAN card with a Wake-On-LAN output, such as
theASUS PCI-L101 Ethernet card. The connector powers up the system when a
wakeup packet or signal is received through the LAN card.
IMPORTANT: This feature requires that your system has an ATX power sup-
ply with at least 720mA +5V standby power.
IMPORTANT: Requires an ATX power
supply with at least 720mA +5 volt
standby power
+5 Volt Standby PME
MEW-AM
Ground
MEW-AM Wake-On-LAN Connector
12) Serial Port COM 2 Header (10-1 pin COM2)
The optional serial port bracket can be used to add an additional serial port for
additional serial devices.
to COM2 Header
Pin 1
MEW-AM
MEW-AM Serial COM2 Bracket
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3. HARDWARE SETUP
13) CPU Fan Connectors (3-pin CPU_FAN)
This connector supports a cooling fan of 350mA (4.2 Watts) or less. Orientate
the fan so that the heat sink fins allow airflow to go across the onboard heat
sink(s) instead of the expansion slots. Depending on the fan manufacturer, the
wiring and plug may be different. The red wire should be positive, while the
black should be ground. Connect the fan’s plug to the board taking into consid-
eration the polarity of the connector.
NOTE: The “Rotation” signal cannot be monitored on this motherboard.
WARNING! The CPU and/or motherboard will overheat if there is no airflow
across the CPU and onboard heatsinks. Damage may occur to the motherboard
and/or the CPU fan if these pins are incorrectly used. These are not jumpers,
do not place jumper caps over these pins.
CPU Fan Power
MEW-AM
MEW-AM 12-Volt Cooling Fan Power
The following PANEL illustration is used for items 14-21
Keyboard Lock External SMI Lead
Speaker
Connector
Message LED
MEW-AM
ATX Power
Reset SW
Switch*
HDLED
Power LED
*
Requires an ATX power supply.
MEW-AM System Panel Connectors
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3. HARDWARE SETUP
14) Message LED Lead (2-pin LED)
This indicates whether the system is in normal mode or standby (suspend) mode.
The LED will be dark in normal mode and will light in standby (suspend) mode.
15) Keyboard Lock Switch Lead (2-pin KEYLOCK)
This 2-pin connector connects to the case-mounted key switch to allow key-
board locking.
16) System Management Interrupt Lead (2-pin EXSMI)
This allows the user to manually place the system into a suspend mode or “Green”
mode, where system activity is decreased to save electricity and expand the life
of certain components when the system is not in use. This 2-pin connector con-
nects to the case-mounted suspend switch. If you do not have a switch for the
connector, you may use the “Turbo Switch.” SMI is activated when it detects a
short to open moment and therefore leaving it shorted will not cause any prob-
lems. This may require one or two presses depending on the position of the
switch. The keyboard can always allow wake-up but not the SMI lead.
17) System Warning Speaker Connector (4-pin SPEAKER)
This 4-pin connector connects to the case-mounted speaker. You may leave this
disconnected if you connect the chassis speaker to the INT_SPKA. All three
sources (LINE_OUT, INT_SPKA, SPEAKER) will allow you to here system
beeps and warnings. Only LINE_OUT will allow you to hear system beeps be-
fore the integrated audio has been properly initialized.
18) ATX Power Switch Lead (2-pin PWRSW)
The system power is controlled by a momentary switch connected to this lead.
Pressing the button once will switch the system between ON and SOFT OFF.
Pushing the switch while in the ON mode for more than 4 seconds will turn the
system off. The system power LED shows the status of the system’s power.
19) IDE Activity LED (2-pin HDLED)
This connector supplies power to the cabinet’s IDE activity LED. Read and
write activity by devices connected to the Primary or Secondary IDE connectors
will cause the LED to light up.
20) System Power LED Lead (3-1 pin PLED)
This 3-1 pin connector connects the system power LED, which lights when the
system is powered ON and turns OFF when it is in standby (suspend) mode.
21) Reset Switch Lead (2-pin RESET)
This 2-pin connector connects to the case-mounted reset switch for rebooting
your computer without having to turn off your power switch. This is a preferred
method of rebooting to prolong the life of the system’s power supply.
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3. HARDWARE SETUP
22) Internal Audio Connector (4-pin CD_IN) (optional)
These connectors allow you to receive stereo audio input from such sound sources
as a CD-ROM, TV tuner, or MPEG card.
CD_IN
MEW-AM
MEW-AM Internal Audio Connector
23) ATX Power Supply Connector (20-pin block ATXPWR)
This connector connects to an ATX power supply. The plug from the power sup-
ply will only insert in one orientation because of the different hole sizes. Find the
proper orientation and push down firmly making sure that the pins are aligned.
IMPORTANT: Make sure that yourATX power supply can supply at least 10mA
on the +5-volt standby lead (+5VSB). You may experience difficulty in power-
ing ON your system if your power supply cannot support the load. For Wake-
On-LAN support, your ATX power supply must supply at least 720mA +5VSB.
+12.0 Volts
+5V Standby
Power Good
Ground
+5.0 Volts
+5.0 Volts
-5.0 Volts
Ground
+5.0 Volts
Ground
Ground
Ground
+5.0 Volts
Ground
Power Supply On
Ground
MEW-AM
+3.3 Volts
+3.3 Volts
-12.0 Volts
+3.3 Volts
MEW-AM ATX Power Connector
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3. HARDWARE SETUP
3.9 Power Connection Procedures
1. After all connections are made, close the system case cover.
2. Be sure that all switches are off (in some systems, marked with ).
3. Connect the power supply cord to the power supply located on the back of
your system case according to your system user’s manual.
4. Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge protector.
5. You may then turn on your devices in the following order:
a. Your monitor
b. External SCSI devices (starting with the last device on the chain)
c. Your system power
For ATX power supplies, you need to switch ON the power supply if a
switch is provided as well as press the ATX power switch on the front of
the case.
6. The power LED on the front panel of the system case will light. For ATX
power supplies, the system LED will light when the ATX power switch is
pressed. The LED on the monitor may light up or switch between orange and
green after the system’s if it complies with “green” standards or if it has a
power standby feature. The system will then run power-on tests. While the
tests are running, additional messages will appear on the screen. If you do not
see anything within 30 seconds from the time you turn on the power, the sys-
tem may have failed a power-on test. Check your jumper settings and connec-
tions again or call your retailer for assistance.
7. During power-on, hold down <Delete> to enter BIOS setup. Follow the in-
structions in 4. BIOS SETUP.
* Powering Off your computer: You must first exit or shut down your operat-
ing system before switching off the power switch. For ATX power supplies,
you can press the ATX power switch after exiting or shutting down your oper-
ating system. If you use Windows 95/98, click the Start button, click Shut
Down, and then click Shut down the computer?. The power supply should
turn off after Windows shuts down.
NOTE: The message “You can now safely turn off your computer” will not appear
when shutting down with ATX power supplies.
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4. BIOS SETUP
4.1 Managing and Updating Your BIOS
4.1.1 Upon First Use of the Computer System
It is recommended that you save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS
along with a Flash Memory Writer utility (AFLASH.EXE) to a bootable
floppy disk in case you need to reinstall the BIOS later. AFLASH.EXE is a
Flash Memory Writer utility that updates the BIOS by uploading a new
BIOS file to the programmable flash ROM on the motherboard. This file
works only in DOS mode. To determine the BIOS version of your mother-
board, check the last four numbers of the code displayed on the upper left-
hand corner of your screen during bootup. Larger numbers represent a newer
BIOS file.
1. Type FORMAT A:/S at the DOS prompt to create a bootable system
floppy disk. DO NOT copy AUTOEXEC.BAT & CONFIG.SYS to the
disk.
2. Type COPYD:\AFLASH\AFLASH.EXEA:\ (assuming D is your CD-
ROM drive) to copy AFLASH.EXE to the just created boot disk.
NOTE: AFLASH works only in DOS mode. It will not work with DOS
prompt in Windows and will not work with certain memory drivers that
may be loaded when you boot from your hard drive. It it recommended
that you reboot using a floppy.
3. Reboot your computer from the floppy disk. NOTE: BIOS setup must
specify “Floppy” as the first item in the boot sequence.
4. In DOS mode, type A:\AFLASH <Enter> to run AFLASH.
IMPORTANT! If “unknown” is displayed after Flash Memory:, the memory
chip is either not programmable or is not supported by theACPI BIOS and there-
fore, cannot be programmed by the Flash Memory Writer utility.
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4. BIOS SETUP
5. Select 1. Save Current BIOS to File from the Main menu and press
<Enter>. The Save Current BIOS To File screen appears.
6. Type a filename and the path, for example, A:\XXX-XX.XXX and then
press <Enter>.
4.1.2 Updating BIOS Procedures (only when necessary)
1. Download an updated ASUS BIOS file from the Internet (WWW or
FTP) (see ASUS CONTACT INFORMATION on page 3 for details)
and save to the disk you created earlier.
2. Boot from the disk you created earlier.
3. At the “A:\” prompt, type AFLASH and then press <Enter>.
4. At the Main Menu, type 2 and then press <Enter>. The Update BIOS
Including Boot Block and ESCD screen appears.
5. Type the filename of your new BIOS and the path, for example, A:\XXX-
XX.XXX, and then press <Enter>.
NOTE: To cancel this operation, press <Enter>.
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4. BIOS SETUP
6. When prompted to confirm the BIOS update, press Y to start the up-
date.
7. The utility starts to program the new BIOS information into the flash
ROM. The boot block will be updated automatically only when neces-
sary. This will minimize the chance of a failed updating. When the pro-
gramming is finished, Flashed Successfully will be displayed.
8. Follow the onscreen instructions to continue.
WARNING! If you encounter problems while updating the new BIOS,
DO NOT turn off your system since this might prevent your system from
booting up. Just repeat the process, and if the problem still persists, up-
date the original BIOS file you saved to disk above. If the Flash Memory
Writer utility was not able to successfully update a complete BIOS file,
your system may not be able to boot up. If this happens, your system will
need servicing.
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4. BIOS SETUP
4.2 BIOS Setup Program
This motherboard supports a programmable BIOS that can be updated using the
provided utility as described in 4.1 Managing and Updating Your BIOS.
The utility is used if you are installing a motherboard, reconfiguring your system,
or prompted to “Run Setup”. This section describes how to configure your system
using this utility.
Even if you are not prompted to use the Setup program, at some time in the future
you may want to change the configuration of your computer. For example, you
may want to enable the Security Password Feature or make changes to the power
management settings. It will then be necessary to reconfigure your system using
the BIOS Setup program so that the computer can recognize these changes and
record them in the CMOS RAM of the BIOS.
The BIOS on the motherboard stores the Setup utility. When you start up the com-
puter, the system provides you with the opportunity to run this program. This ap-
pears during the Power-On Self Test (POST). Press <Delete> to call up the Setup
utility. If you are a little bit late in pressing the mentioned key, POST will continue
with its test routines, thus preventing you from calling up Setup. If you still need to
call Setup, restart the system by pressing <Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Delete>, or by press-
ing the Reset button on the system chassis. You can also restart by turning the
system off and then back on again. But do so only if the first two methods fail.
The Setup program has been designed to make it as easy to use as possible. It is a
menu-driven program, which means you can scroll through the various sub-menus
and make your selections among the predetermined choices.
To access the BIOS Setup program, press the <Delete> key after
the computer has run through its POST.
NOTE: Because the BIOS software is constantly being updated, the following
BIOS screens and descriptions are for reference purposes only and may not re-
flect your BIOS screens exactly.
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4. BIOS SETUP
4.2.1 BIOS Menu Bar
The top of the screen has a menu bar with the following selections:
MAIN Use this menu to make changes to the basic system configuration.
ADVANCED Use this menu to enable and make changes to the advanced
features.
POWER
BOOT
EXIT
Use this menu to configure and enable Power Management
features.
Use this menu to configure the default system device used to lo-
cate and load the Operating System.
Use this menu to exit the current menu or specify how to exit the
Setup program.
To access the menu bar items, press the right or left arrow key on the keyboard
until the desired item is highlighted.
4.2.2 Legend Bar
At the bottom of the Setup screen you will notice a legend bar. The keys in the
legend bar allow you to navigate through the various setup menus. The following
table lists the keys found in the legend bar with their corresponding alternates and
functions.
Navigation Key(s)
<F1> or <Alt + H>
Function Description
Displays the General Help screen from anywhere in the BIOS
Setup
<Esc>
Jumps to the Exit menu or returns to the main menu from a sub-
menu
← or → (keypad arrow) Selects the menu item to the left or right
↑ or ↓ (keypad arrows) Moves the highlight up or down between fields
- (minus key)
Scrolls backward through the values for the highlighted field
+ (plus key) or spacebar Scrolls forward through the values for the highlighted field
<Enter>
Brings up a selection menu for the highlighted field
Moves the cursor to the first field
<Home> or <PgUp>
<End> or <PgDn>
Moves the cursor to the last field
<F5>
Resets the current screen to its Setup Defaults
Saves changes and exits Setup
<F10>
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4. BIOS SETUP
General Help
In addition to the Item Specific Help window, the BIOS setup program also pro-
vides a General Help screen. This screen can be called up from any menu by sim-
ply pressing <F1> or the <Alt> + <H> combination. The General Help screen lists
the legend keys with their corresponding alternates and functions.
Saving Changes and Exiting the Setup Program
See 4.8 Exit Menu for detailed information on saving changes and exiting the
setup program.
Scroll Bar
When a scroll bar appears to the right of a help window, it indicates that there is
more information to be displayed that will not fit in the window. Use <PgUp> and
<PgDn> or the up and down arrow keys to scroll through the entire help docu-
ment. Press <Home> to display the first page, press <End> to go to the last page.
To exit the help window, press <Enter> or <Esc>.
Sub-Menu
Note that a right pointer symbol (as shown in the left view)
appears to the left of certain fields. This pointer indicates that
a sub-menu can be launched from this field. A sub-menu con-
tains additional options for a field parameter. To call up a sub-
menu, simply move the highlight to the field and press <En-
ter>. The sub-menu will then immediately appear. Use the
legend keys to enter values and move from field to field within
a sub-menu just as you would within a menu. Use the <Esc>
key to return to the main menu.
Take some time to familiarize yourself with each of the legend keys and their
corresponding functions. Practice navigating through the various menus and sub-
menus. If you accidentally make unwanted changes to any of the fields, use the set
default hot key <F5>. While moving around through the Setup program, note that
explanations appear in the Item Specific Help window located to the right of each
menu. This window displays the help text for the currently highlighted field.
NOTE: The item heading in square brackets represents the default setting for
that field.
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4. BIOS SETUP
4.3 Main Menu
When the Setup program is accessed, the following screen appears:
System Time [XX:XX:XX]
Sets your system to the time that you specify (usually the current time). The
format is hour, minute, second. Valid values for hour, minute and second
are Hour: (00 to 23), Minute: (00 to 59), Second: (00 to 59). Use the
<Tab> or <Shift> + <Tab> keys to move between the hour, minute, and
second fields.
System Date [XX/XX/XXXX]
Sets your system to the date that you specify (usually the current date). The
format is month, day, year. Valid values for month, day, and year are Month:
(1 to 12), Day: (1 to 31), Year: (100 year range). Use the <Tab> or <Shift>
+ <Tab> keys to move between the month, day, and year fields.
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.], Legacy Diskette B [None]
Sets the type of floppy drives installed. Configuration options: [None] [360K,
5.25 in.] [1.2M , 5.25 in.] [720K , 3.5 in.] [1.44M, 3.5 in.] [2.88M, 3.5 in.]
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4. BIOS SETUP
4.3.1 Primary & Secondary Master/Slave
NOTE: Before attempting to configure a hard disk drive, make sure you
have the configuration information supplied by the manufacturer of the
drive. Incorrect settings may cause your system to not recognize the in-
stalled hard disk. To allow the BIOS to detect the drive type automati-
cally, select [Auto].
Type [Auto]
Select [Auto] to automatically detect an IDE hard disk drive. If automatic
detection is successful, the correct values will be filled in for the remaining
fields on this sub-menu. If automatic detection fails, your hard disk drive
may be too old or too new. You can try updating your BIOS or enter the
IDE hard disk drive parameters manually.
NOTE: After the IDE hard disk drive information has been entered into
BIOS, new IDE hard disk drives must be partitioned (such as with FDISK)
and then formatted before data can be read from and write on. Primary
IDE hard disk drives must have its partition set to active (also possible
with FDISK).
Other options for the Type field are:
[None] - to disable IDE devices
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4. BIOS SETUP
IMPORTANT: If your hard disk was already formatted on an older previous system,
incorrect parameters may be detected. You will need to enter the correct parameters
manually or use low-level format if you do not need the data stored on the hard disk.
If the parameters listed differ from the ones used when the disk was
formatted, the disk will not be readable. If the auto-detected parameters
do not match the ones that should be used for your disk, you should enter
the correct ones manually by setting [User Type HDD].
[User Type HDD]
Manually enter the number of cylinders, heads and sectors per track for
your drive. Refer to your drive documentation or look on the drive for this
information. If no drive is installed or if you are removing a drive and not
replacing it, select [None].
Translation Method [LBA]
Select the hard disk drive type in this field. When Logical BlockAddressing
is enabled, 28-bit addressing of the hard drive is used without regard for
cylinders, heads, or sectors. Note that Logical Block Access may decrease
the access speed of the hard disk. However, LBA Mode is necessary for
drives with greater than 504MB in storage capacity. Configuration options:
[LBA] [LARGE] [Normal] [Match Partition Table] [Manual]
Cylinders
This field configures the number of cylinders. Refer to your drive docu-
mentation to determine the correct value to enter into this field. NOTE: To
make changes to this field, the Type field must be set to [User Type HDD]
and the Translation Method field must be set to [Manual].
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4. BIOS SETUP
Head
This field configures the number of read/write heads. Refer to your drive
documentation to determine the correct value to enter into this field. NOTE:
To make changes to this field, the Type field must be set to [User Type
HDD] and the Translation Method field must be set to [Manual].
Sector
This field configures the number of sectors per track. Refer to your drive
documentation to determine the correct value to enter into this field. NOTE:
To make changes to this field, the Type field must be set to [User Type
HDD] and the Translation Method field must be set to [Manual].
CHS Capacity
This field shows the drive’s maximum CHS capacity calculated automati-
cally by the BIOS from the drive information you entered.
Maximum LBA Capacity
This field shows the drive’s maximum LBA capacity calculated automati-
cally by the BIOS from the drive information you entered.
Multi-Sector Transfers [Maximum]
This option automatically sets the number of sectors per block to the high-
est number supported by the drive. This field can also be configured manu-
ally. Note that when this field is automatically configured, the set value may
not always be the fastest value for the drive. Refer to the documentation that
came with your hard drive to determine the optimal value and set it manu-
ally. NOTE: To make changes to this field, the Type field must be set to
[User Type HDD]. Configuration options: [Disabled] [2 Sectors] [4 Sec-
tors] [8 Sectors] [16 Sectors] [32 Sectors] [Maximum]
SMART Monitoring [Disabled]
This allows the enabling or disabling of the S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring,
Analysis and Reporting Technology) system which utilizes internal hard
disk drive monitoring technology. This feature is normally disabled because
system resources used in this feature may decrease system performance.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
PIO Mode [4]
This option lets you set a PIO (Programmed Input/Output) mode for the
IDE device. Modes 0 through 4 provide successively increased performance.
Configuration options: [0] [1] [2] [3] [4]
Ultra DMA Mode [Disabled]
Ultra DMA capability allows improved transfer speeds and data integrity
for compatible IDE devices. Set to [Disabled] to suppress Ultra DMA capa-
bility. NOTE: To make changes to this field, the Type field must be set to
[User Type HDD]. Configuration options: [0] [1] [2] [3] [4] [Disabled]
ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual
37
4. BIOS SETUP
Other options for “Type:” are:
[CD-ROM] - for IDE CD-ROM drives
[LS-120] - for LS-120 compatible floppy disk drives
[ZIP-100] - for ZIP-100 compatible disk drives
[MO] - for IDE magneto optical disk drives
[Other ATAPI Device] - for IDE devices not listed here
After using the legend keys to make your selections on this sub-menu, press
the <Esc> key to exit back to the Main menu. When the Main menu ap-
pears, you will notice that the drive size appear in the field for the hard disk
drive that you just configured.
4.3.2 Keyboard Features
Boot Up NumLock Status [On]
This field controls the state of the NumLock key when the system boots.
When switched on, the numeric keypad generates numbers instead of con-
trolling cursor operations. Configuration options: [Off] [On]
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4. BIOS SETUP
Keyboard Auto-Repeat Rate [30/Sec]
This field controls the speed at which the system registers repeated key-
strokes. Configuration options: [6/Sec] [8/Sec] [10/Sec] [12/Sec] [15/Sec]
[20/Sec] [24/Sec] [30/Sec]
Keyboard Auto-Repeat Delay [1/2 Sec]
This field sets the delay before keystrokes begin to repeat. Configuration
options: [1/4 Sec] [1/2 Sec] [3/4 Sec] [1 Sec]
CPU Type, CPU Speed, Cache RAM, Installed Memory
These fields display the CPU and memory information detected by the sys-
tem during bootup. You do not need to make changes to these fields. These
are display only fields.
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39
4. BIOS SETUP
4.4 Advanced Menu
Plug & Play O/S [No]
This field allows you to use a Plug-and-Play (PnP) operating system to con-
figure the PCI bus slots instead of using the BIOS. When [Yes] is selected,
interrupts may be reassigned by the OS. When a non-PnP OS is installed or
you want to prevent reassigning of interrupt settings, select the default set-
ting of [No]. Configuration options: [No] [Yes]
Boot Virus Detection [Enabled]
This field allows you to set boot virus detection, ensuring a virus-free boot
sector. This new antivirus solution is unlike native BIOS tools, which offer
limited virus protection typically by write-protecting the partition table. With
this new solution, your computer is protected against boot virus threats ear-
lier in the boot cycle, that is, before they have a chance to load into your
system. This ensures your computer boots to a clean operating system. The
system halts and displays a warning message when it detects a virus. If this
occurs, you can either allow the operation to continue or use a virus-free
bootable floppy disk to restart and investigate your system. Because of con-
flicts with new operating systems, for example, during installation of new
software, you may have to set this to [Disabled] to prevent write errors.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Quick Power On Self Test [Enabled]
This field speeds up the Power-On Self Test (POST) routine by skipping
retesting a second, and third time. A complete test of the system memory
can be done on the first test. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
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4. BIOS SETUP
Reset Configuration Data [No]
The Extended System Configuration Data (ESCD) contains information
about non-PnP devices and holds the complete record of how the system
was configured the last time it was booted. Set this field to [Yes] only when
you want to clear the ESCD. Configuration options: [No] [Yes]
Onboard PCI IDE Enable [Both]
You can select to enable the primary IDE channel, secondary IDE channel,
both, or disable both channels (for systems with only SCSI drives). Con-
figuration options: [Both] [Primary] [Secondary] [Disabled]
4.4.1 I/O Device Configuration
Serial Port A [3F8H/IRQ4], Serial Port B [2F8H/IRQ3]
These fields allow you to set the addresses for the onboard serial connectors.
Serial Port A and Serial Port B must have different addresses. Configuration
options: [3F8H/IRQ4] [2F8H/IRQ3] [3E8H/IRQ4] [2E8H/IRQ3] [Disabled]
Parallel Port [378H/IRQ7]
This field sets the address of the onboard parallel port connector. If you
disable this field, Parallel Port Mode configuration will not be available.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [378H/IRQ7] [278H/IRQ5]
Parallel Port Mode [EPP1.9+SPP]
This field allows you to set the operation mode of the parallel port. Configu-
ration options: [SPP] [EPP1.9+SPP] [ECP] [ECP+EPP1.9] [Mono-direc-
tional] [EPP1.7+SPP] [ECP+EPP1.7]
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4. BIOS SETUP
4.5 Security Menu
Supervisor Password, User Password
The BIOS Setup program allows you to specify two separate passwords: a
Supervisor password and a User password. The passwords control access to
the BIOS during system startup. When enabled, the Supervisor password is
required for entering the BIOS Setup program and having full access to all
Security menu options.
To set the password, highlight the appropriate field and press <Enter>. Type
in a password and press <Enter>. You can type up to eight alphanumeric
characters. Symbols and other keys are ignored. To confirm the password,
type the password again and press the <Enter>.
To clear the password, highlight this field and press <Enter>. The same dialog
box as above will appear. Press <Enter> and the password will be disabled.
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4. BIOS SETUP
Forgot the password?
If you forgot the password, you can clear the password by erasing the CMOS
Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM. The RAM data containing the password
information is powered by the onboard button cell battery. To erase the
RTC RAM: (1) Unplug your computer, (2) Short the solder points, (3) Turn
ON your computer, (4) Hold down <Delete> during bootup and enter BIOS
setup to re-enter user preferences.
Short solder points
to Clear CMOS
RTCLR
MEW-AM
MEW-AM Clear RTC RAM
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4. BIOS SETUP
4.6 Power Menu
General Power Settings
Auto Suspend Timeout [20 Min]
This field sets the time period of inactivity before the system goes into sus-
pend mode. Configuration options: [Off] [1~2 Min] [2~3 Min]...[1 Hour]
HDD Power Down [15 Min]
This field shuts down any IDE hard disk drives in the system after a period of
inactivity as set in this user-configurable field. This feature does not affect SCSI
hard drives. Configuration options: [Disabled] [1 Min] [2 Min] ...[15 Min]
State after a Power Failure [Auto]
This allows you to set whether you want your system to reboot after the
power has been interrupted. [Off] leaves your system off and [On] reboots
your system. [Auto] returns your computer back to the state it was in before
the power failure. Configuration options: [Off] [Auto] [On]
Power-Up Events
On External Activity
Serial Port [Off]
This feature allows your computer to be powered up from Soft-off mode
when the device connecting to the serial port (such as an external modem)
reveives a call. Configuration options: [Off] [On]
PCI Bus [Off]
This feature allows your computer to be powered up from Soft-off mode
when a PCI device (such as a modem or network card) receives a call. Con-
figuration options: [Off] [On]
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4. BIOS SETUP
4.7 Boot Menu
Boot Sequence
The Boot menu allows you to select among the four possible types of boot
devices listed using the up and down arrow keys. By using the <+> or
<Space> key, you can promote devices and by using the <-> key, you can
demote devices. Promotion or demotion of devices alters the priority which
the system uses to search for a boot device on system power up. Configura-
tion options: [Removable Devices] [ATAPI CD-ROM] [IDE Hard Drive]
[Other Boot Device]
Removable Device [Legacy Floppy]
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Legacy Floppy] [LS120] [ZIP-100]
[ATAPI MO]
ATAPI CD-ROM
This field allows you to select which ATAPI CD-ROM drive to use in the
boot sequence. Pressing [Enter] will show the product IDs of all your con-
nected ATAPI CD-ROM drives.
IDE Hard Drive
This field allows you to select which IDE hard disk drive to use in the boot
sequence. Pressing [Enter] will show the product IDs of all connected IDE
hard disk drives.
Other Boot Device Select [Network]
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Network] [SCSI Boot Device]
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4. BIOS SETUP
4.8 Exit Menu
Once you have made all of your selections from the various menus in the
Setup program, you should save your changes and exit Setup. Select Exit
from the menu bar to display the following menu:
NOTE: Pressing <Esc> does not exit this menu. You must select one of the
options from this menu or <F10> from the legend bar to exit this menu.
Exit Saving Changes
Once you are finished making your selections, choose this option from the
Exit menu to ensure the values you selected are saved to the CMOS RAM.
The CMOS RAM is sustained by an onboard backup battery and stays on
even when the PC is turned off. Once this option is selected, a confirma-
tion is asked. Select [Yes] to save changes and exit.
NOTE: If you attempt to exit the Setup program without saving your changes,
the program will prompt you with a message asking if you want to save your
changes before exiting. Pressing <Enter> will then save changes while exiting.
Exit Discarding Changes
This option should only be used if you do not want to save the changes you
have made to the Setup program. If you have made changes to fields other
than system date, system time, and password, the system will ask for con-
firmation before exiting.
Load Setup Defaults
This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters
on the Setup menus. When this option is selected or if <F5> is pressed, a
confirmation is requested. Select [Yes] to load default values. You can now
select Exit Saving Changes or make other changes before saving the val-
ues to the non-volatile RAM.
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