Acer 700ed User manual

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System Board
System Board 1-1
This high-performance system board supports both the 486-series
and the Intel Pentiummicroprocessors. The board does not include
the CPU and the second-level cache. Instead, it accommodates a
separate board that carries both the CPU and the second-level cache.
This feature allows maximum upgradability and flexibility.
The board features the single-chip upgrade technology that makes
CPU upgrades easy and economical, and also the multiple-CPU
upgrade technology that can convert your machine into a
multiprocessor system. These innovative technologies protect your
investment well into the future.
Standard features such as two serial ports, one parallel port, a
diskette drive interface, and an embedded fixed disk drive interface
reside on the system board.
The system board has a 8/16-MB base memory and supports a
maximum memory of 128 MB using 32-MB SIMMs. When you install
the dual-Pentium (3.3V) CPU board, you get four additional SIMM
sockets for a total system memory of 256 MB using 32-MB SIMMs.
When you install the Pentium (3.3V-ECC) CPU board, you get two
additional SIMM sockets that support a maximum memory of 64 MB
using 32-MB SIMMs, for a total system memory of 192 MB.

1-2 User’s Guide
1.1 Major Components
The system board has the following major components:
•Four 72-pin SIMM sockets labeled Bank 0 and Bank 1 (two
sockets comprise one bank)
•One CPU board slot
•Five 32-bit EISA expansion slots supporting master/slave add-on
cards
•Three PCI local bus slots
•128/256-KB Flash memory for easy system BIOS upgrade
•I/O interfaces for two serial ports, one parallel port, diskette
drives, IDE drives, and PS/2 keyboard and mouse
•Enhanced IDE on PCI bus supports two IDE ports for four IDE
devices (IDE models)
•Onboard AIC-7870 chip supports one 8-bit Fast SCSI-II port
(SCSI models)
•Power connector 1 for 200-watt/350-watt switching power supply
(for ID3P and IDAB housings)
•Power connector 2 for 350-watt switching power supply
(additional connector for models using IDU housing)
Figure 1-1 shows the location of the major components on the board.

System Board 1-3
1 COM 2
2 COM 1
3 Parallel port interface
4 Diskette drive interface
5 IDE hard disk drive interface
6 Power connector 1
(200/350-watt)
7 SIMM sockets
8 Power connector 2 (350-watt)
9 Wide SCSI interface
10 Fast SCSI-2 interface
11 CPU board slot
12 Power LED connector
13 Hard disk LED connector
14 Fan connectors
15 Turbo/Reset connector (J23)
16 Speaker connector (J24)
17 Real-time clock
18 BIOS
19 EISA expansion slots
20 PCI slots
21 PS/2 mouse connector
22 PS/2 keyboard connector
Figure 1-1 System Board Layout

1-4 User’s Guide
1.2 ESD Precautions
Always observe the following precautions before installing any system
component:
1. Do not remove a board from its packaging unless you are ready
to install it.
2. Wear a wrist grounding strap before handling electronic
components. Wrist grounding straps are available at most
electronic component stores.
DO NOT attempt the procedures in the
following sections unless you are confident of
your capability to perform them. Otherwise,
ask a service technician for assistance.
1.3 Upgrading the Memory
The system comes with a standard 8/16-MB memory, expandable up
to 128 MB, 192 MB, or 256 MB depending on the type of CPU board
installed. You can upgrade the system memory by installing single
inline memory modules (SIMMs) into the SIMM sockets or by
changing the SIMMs for a higher memory configuration. The four 72-
pin SIMM sockets support 4-MB and 16-MB single-density as well as
8-MB and 32-MB double-density SIMMs.
1.3.1 Rules for Adding Memory
•Always install SIMMs from the lowest bank first. For example,
use bank 0 before bank 1, bank 1 before bank 2, and so on.
•Always remove SIMMs from the highest bank first. For example,
bank 3 before bank 2, and so on.
•Use only the same type of SIMM in a given bank
•You may combine different types of SIMMs for a particular
memory configuration as long as the SIMMs in each bank are of
the same type.

System Board 1-5
Table 1-1 lists the available memory configurations when the system
uses either an IntelDX4, Pentium (5V), single-Pentium (3.3V), or a
Pentium (3.3V-ALI) CPU board.
Table 1-1 Memory Configurations
1
Bank 0 Bank 1 Total
S0 S1 S0 S1 Memory
4 MB 4 MB 8 MB
4 MB 4 MB 4 MB 4 MB 16 MB
8 MB 8 MB 16 MB
8 MB 8 MB 4 MB 4 MB 24 MB
4 MB 4 MB 8 MB 8 MB 24 MB
8 MB 8 MB 8 MB 8 MB 32 MB
16 MB 16 MB 32 MB
16 MB 16 MB 4 MB 4 MB 40 MB
4 MB 4 MB 16 MB 16 MB 40 MB
16 MB 16 MB 8 MB 8 MB 48 MB
8 MB 8 MB 16 MB 16 MB 48 MB
16 MB 16 MB 16 MB 16 MB 64 MB
32 MB 32 MB 64 MB
32 MB 32 MB 4 MB 4 MB 72 MB
4 MB 4 MB 32 MB 32 MB 72 MB
32 MB 32 MB 8 MB 8 MB 80 MB
8 MB 8 MB 32 MB 32 MB 80 MB
32 MB 32 MB 16 MB 16 MB 96 MB
16 MB 16 MB 32 MB 32 MB 96 MB
32 MB 32 MB 32 MB 32 MB 128 MB
* S0 and S1 stand for socket 0 and socket 1 respectively.
1When using the IntelDX4, Pentium (5V), single-Pentium (3.3V), and
Pentium (3.3V-ALI) CPU boards

1-6 User’s Guide
Models using the dual-Pentium (3.3V) CPU board, four additional
72-pin SIMM sockets are available. With the additional sockets, you
can upgrade the memory up to 256 MB using 32-MB SIMMs.
Table 1-2 lists some of the possible memory configurations when a
dual-Pentium (3.3V) CPU board is installed.
Banks 0 and 1 are on the system board;
banks 2 and 3 are on the dual-
Pentium (3.3V) CPU board.
Table 1-2 Some Possible Memory Configurations when Using
the Dual-Pentium (3.3V) CPU Board
Bank 0 Bank 1 Bank 2 Bank 3 Total
S0 S1 S0 S1 S0 S1 S0 S1 Memory
4 MB 4 MB 8 MB
4 MB 4 MB 8 MB 8 MB 24 MB
4 MB 4 MB 8 MB 8 MB 16 MB 16 MB 56 MB
4 MB 4 MB 8 MB 8 MB 16 MB 16 MB 32 MB 32 MB 120 MB
4 MB 4 MB 4 MB 4 MB 16 MB
8 MB 8 MB 8 MB 8 MB 8 MB 8 MB 48 MB
16 MB 16 MB 16 MB 16 MB 32 MB 32 MB 32 MB 32 MB 192 MB
32 MB 32 MB 32 MB 32 MB 32 MB 32 MB 32 MB 32 MB 256 MB
* S0 and S1 stand for socket 0 and socket 1 respectively.
The above configurations are only some of
the available memory combinations. You
can use other combinations as long as you
follow the rules when upgrading memory.
Refer to section 1.3.1.

System Board 1-7
Models using the Pentium (3.3V-ECC) CPU board have two
additional 72-pin SIMM sockets. With the additional sockets, you can
upgrade the memory to 192 MB using 32-MB SIMMs.
Table 1-3 lists some of the possible memory configurations when a
Pentium (3.3V-ECC) CPU board is installed.
Banks 0 and 1 are on the system board;
bank 2 is on the Pentium (3.3V-ECC) CPU
board.
Table 1-3 Some Possible Memory Configurations when Using
the Pentium (3.3V-ECC) CPU Board
Bank 0 Bank 1 Bank 2 Total
S0 S1 S0 S1 S0 S1 Memory
4 MB 4 MB 8 MB
4 MB 4 MB 8 MB 8 MB 24 MB
4 MB 4 MB 8 MB 8 MB 16 MB 16 MB 56 MB
8 MB 8 MB 16 MB 16 MB 32 MB 32 MB 112 MB
4 MB 4 MB 4 MB 4 MB 4 MB 4 MB 24 MB
8 MB 8 MB 8 MB 8 MB 8 MB 8 MB 48 MB
16 MB 16 MB 16 MB 16 MB 16 MB 16 MB 96 MB
32 MB 32 MB 32 MB 32 MB 32 MB 32 MB 192 MB
* S0 and S1 stand for socket 0 and socket 1 respectively.
The above configurations are only some of
the available memory combinations. You
can use other combinations as long as you
follow the rules when upgrading memory.
Refer to section 1.3.1.

1-8 User’s Guide
1.3.2 Installing SIMMs
Read the ESD precautions in section 1.2
before proceeding.
Follow these steps to install a SIMM:
1. Slip a SIMM at a 45oangle into a socket with the component side
facing down.
2. Gently push the SIMM to a vertical position until the pegs of the
socket slip into the holes on the SIMM, and the holding clips lock
the SIMM into position. The SIMM should be at a 90oangle
when installed.
Figure 1-2 Installing a SIMM
Always install SIMMs starting with Bank 0
and in pairs. For example, for a total
memory of 8 MB, install two 4-MB SIMMs in
sockets 0 and 1 of Bank 0. You can not use
an 8-MB SIMM alone for an 8-MB memory.
Peg
Hole
Clip

System Board 1-9
1.3.3 Removing SIMMs
Follow these steps to remove SIMMs:
1. Press the holding clips on both sides of the SIMM outward to
release it.
2. Push the SIMM downward to a 45oangle.
3. Pull the SIMM out of the socket.
1.3.4 Reconfiguring the System
Reconfigure the system after installing or removing SIMMs.
Follow these steps to reconfigure the system:
1. Reboot the system. A memory error message appears,
indicating that the total memory does not match the value stored
in CMOS.
2. Press
 -  -  to run Setup. A message indicating a
wrong memory configuration appears.
3. Press

twice to exit Setup and reboot the system. The
system boots with the new memory configuration.

1-10 User’s Guide
1.4 SCSI Feature
The system board features a single-chip SCSI host adapter that adds
SCSI I/O capability to the system. The chipset consists of an onboard
microcontroller, bus master interface controller, and SCSI controllers.
A 50-pin Fast SCSI-2 interface with 10 MB/s transfer rate and a 68-
pin Wide SCSI interface that transfers at 20 MB/s also come with the
board to accommodate the SCSI devices.
Before connecting any SCSI device to the 68-pin interface, connect a
Wide SCSI daughter board that has a compact 68-pin SCSI
connector. Figure 1-3 illustrates the daughter board.
1. 68-pin compact SCSI connector
2. 68-pin Wide SCSI connector (female)
Figure 1-3 Wide SCSI Daughter Board

System Board 1-11
1.4.1 Installing a Wide SCSI Daughter Board
Figure 1-4 shows how to install the Wide SCSI daughter board.
Figure 1-4 Installing a Wide SCSI Daughter Board
1.4.2 Using the SCSI Feature
Follow these steps to use the SCSI feature:
1. Install a SCSI device in the system and connect it to the SCSI
interface on the system board (see Figure 1-1 for the location).
2. Enter the BIOS utility to set the PCI slot parameters. See
Chapter 3 for details in setting the parameters.
3. Refer to the SCSI manual for more information on using SCSI.
68-pin compact
SCSI connector
68-pin Wide SCSI
connector (male)
Wide SCSI
daughter board

1-12 User’s Guide
1.5 Jumper Settings
You have to change the jumper settings on the system board when
you upgrade the CPU or reconfigure the system.
Follow these steps to change a jumper setting:
1. Remove the jumper cap from the jumper.
2. Position the jumper cap over the two pins for the desired setting.
3. Gently press the cap over the pins.
Figure 1-5 shows the jumper locations on the system board.
Figure 1-5 System Board Jumper Locations

System Board 1-13
Table 1-4 lists the system board jumpers and their corresponding
settings.
Table 1-4 System Board Jumper Settings
Jumper Setting Function
JP1 1-2*
2-3 Acer BIOS OEM BIOS
JP2 1-2
2-3*Password enabled Password disabled
JP3 1-2*
2-3 DMA request 1 (DREQ1) DMA request 3 (DREQ3)
JP4 1-2*
2-3 DMA acknowledge 1 (DACK1) DMA acknowledge 3 (DACK3)
JP5 Open
Closed*Reset button disabled Reset button enabled
JP6 1-2*
2-3 Audio to buzzer Audio to speaker
1.6 Error Messages
Do not continue using the computer if you receive an error message
of any type. Note the message and take corrective action. This
section describes the types of error messages and lists their
corresponding corrective measures.
There are two general types of error messages:
•Software
•System
*Default setting

1-14 User’s Guide
1.6.1 Software Error Messages
Software error messages are returned by your operating system or
application. These messages typically occur after you boot the
operating system or when you run your application. If you receive
this type of message, consult your application or operating system
manual for help.
1.6.2 System Error Messages
A system error message indicates a problem with the computer itself.
A message of this type normally appears during the power-on self-
test, before the operating system prompt appears. Table 1-5 lists the
system error messages.
Table 1-5 System Error Messages
Message Action
CMOS Battery Error Replace the RTC chip or contact
your dealer.
CMOS Checksum Error Check the RTC chip and the
necessary jumper. If the battery is
still good, run Setup.
Display Card Mismatch Run Setup
Diskette Drive Controller Error or
Not Installed Check and connect the control cable to the diskette controller.
Diskette Drive Error Diskette may be defective. If not,
replace the diskette drive.
Diskette Drive A Type Mismatch Run Setup and select the proper
drive type.
Diskette Drive B Type Mismatch Run Setup and select the proper
drive type.
Equipment Configuration Error Modify DRAM configuration to
agree with one of the options in
Tables 1-1, 1-2, and 1-3.
Fixed Disk Controller Error Run Setup.

System Board 1-15
Table 1-5 System Error Messages (continued)
Message Action
Fixed Disk 0 Error Check all cableconnections.
Replace fixed disk.
Fixed Disk 1 Error Check all cableconnections.
Replace fixed disk.
Keyboard Error or No Keyboard
Connected Check and connect the keyboard to the system unit.
Keyboard Interface Error Replace the keyboard or contact
your dealer.
Memory Error at:
MMMM:SSSS:OOO (W:XXXX,
R:YYYY)
where:
M: MB, S: Segment, O: Offest,
X/Y: write/read pattern
Check SIMMs on the system
board. Contact your dealer.
Memory Size Mismatch
CPU Clock Mismatch Check the memory size based on
the system specifications. Check
the internal cable connections. If
you are sure that connections and
values are correct, ignore the
message. If the message
reappears, ask for technical
assistance.
Onboard Serial Port 1 Conflict Run Setup and disable the port.
Onboard Serial Port 2 Conflict Run Setup and disable the port.
Onboard Parallel Port Conflict Run Setup and disable the port.
Pointing Device Error Check and connect pointing device.
Pointing Device Interface Error Replace the pointing device or
contact your dealer.
Press

key to continue or

-

-

for Setup Press

or

-

-

.
Real Time Clock Error Check the RTC chip. If it is still
good, run Setup. If not, replace the
RTC chip.

1-16 User’s Guide
1.6.3 Correcting Error Conditions
As a general rule, if an error message says "Press F1 to continue," it
is caused by a configuration problem, which can be easily corrected.
An equipment malfunction is more likely to cause a fatal error, i.e., an
error that causes complete system failure.
Here are some corrective measures for error conditions:
1. Run Setup. You must know the correct configuration values for
your system before you enter Setup, which is why you should
write them down when the system is correctly configured. An
incorrect configuration is a major cause of power-on error
messages, especially for a new system.
2. Remove the system cover, following the directions in the housing
installation manual. Check that the jumpers on the system board
and any expansion boards are set correctly.
3. If you cannot access a new disk, it may be because your disk is
not properly formatted. Format the disk first using the FDISK
and FORMAT commands.
4. Check that all connectors and boards are secure.
If you go through these steps and still receive an error message, the
cause may be an equipment malfunction.
If you are sure that your configuration values are correct and your
battery is in good condition, the problem may lie in a damaged or
defective chip.
In either case, contact an authorized service center for assistance.