Acer V35LA-N User manual

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System Board
System Board 1-1
The V35LA-N is an all-in-one Pentium-based system board that
features the common functions offered by a high-performance board,
as well as the multimedia functions. It has a power-management
function that conforms to the power-saving standards of the U.S,
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Energy Star program. It also
supports the Plug-and-Play feature.
The board utilizes a Pentium processor running at 75/50, 90/60,
100/66, 120/60, 133/66, 150/60, 166/66, or 200/66 MHz. It has one
riser card slot for future expansion. It also has four 72-pin SIMM
sockets that allow memory upgrade to a maximum of 128 MB, and
supports 256-KB/512-KB pipelined-burst second-level cache. The
onboard video controller, MPEG decoder, and audio controller enable
the system to offer both video and audio functions.
Standard features such as two serial ports, one parallel port, a diskette
drive interface, and an embedded hard disk interface are also
incorporated in the system board. A Universal Serial Bus (USB)
interface, video and audio connectors are added to the design to
enable the system to support additional peripherals.
The system is fully compatible with MS-DOS V6.X, OS/2, UNIX,
Windows NT and Windows 95 operating systems.

1-2 User’s Guide
1.1 System Board Layout
The system board has the following features and components:
•Supports 3.3V Intel Pentium CPU (75/50, 90/60, 100/66, 120/60,
133/66, 150/60, 166/66 MHz, 200/66 MHz)
•128-MB maximum system memory
•Four 72-pin SIMM sockets that accept 4-, 8-, 16-, and 32-MB
SIMMs, with or without Extended Data Output (EDO) and Error
Checking and Correction (ECC) functions
•256-KB or 512-KB pipelined-burst second-level cache
•Integrates an enhanced PCI local bus IDE controller
•Onboard video and graphics controller and 1-MB VGA memory,
upgradable to 2 MB
•Audio controller compatible with Sound Blaster, Microsoft Sound,
and MPU-401
•128-KB Flash ROM for system BIOS
•One riser card slot
•Dual 16C550 buffered serial ports and one ECP/EPP parallel port
•USB interface that enables the system to support more
peripherals (optional)
•Standard connector for Wavetable upgrade (optional)
•PS/2 mouse and keyboard interface
•Plug-and-Play function
•Power-management function
•Infrared function for cableless communication (optional)
•Software shutdown circuitry (optional)
Figure 1-1 shows the board layout and the locations of the important
components.

System Board 1-3
1 PS/2 keyboard connector 14 Riser card slot
2 LSFM connector (optional) 15 PCI MPEG video decoder
3 BIOS 16 ASIC (PIIX3)
4 Ultra I/O controller 17 Video and graphics controller
5 Power connector 18 First 1-MB video DRAMs
6 Battery 19 Second 1-MB video DRAM sockets
7 Buzzer 20 VGA connector
8 Second-level pipelined-burst 21 Parallel port
cache
9 CPU socket 22 COM2 port
10 Voltage regulator with heatsink 23 COM1 port
11 SIMM sockets 24 PS/2 mouse connector
12 Voltage regulator with heatsink 25 Audio controller
13 ASIC (TXC)
Figure 1-1 System Board Layout
The heatsink becomes very hot when the
system is on. NEVER touch the heatsink with
any metal or with your hands.
2 3
45 6 7 910
1112
20
21
22
23
24
1
14
15
16
17
25
8
18
19
13

1-4 User’s Guide
1.2 ESD Precautions
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage your processor, disk drives,
expansion boards, and other components. Always observe the
following precautions before you install a system component.
1. Do not remove a component from its protective packaging until
you are ready to install it.
2. Wear a wrist grounding strap and attach it to a metal part of the
system unit before handling components. If a wrist strap is not
available, maintain contact with the system unit throughout any
procedure requiring ESD protection.
1.3 Pre-installation Instructions
Always observe the following before you install a system component:
1. Turn off the system power and all the peripherals connected to
the unit before opening it.
2. Open the system according to the instructions in the housing
installation manual.
3. Follow the ESD precautions in section 1.2 before handling a
system component.
4. Remove any expansion boards or peripherals that block access
to the SIMM sockets or CPU socket.
5. See the following sections for specific instructions on the
component you wish to install.
Do not attempt the procedures described in
the following sections unless you are a
qualified service technician.

System Board 1-5
1.4 Installing a CPU
1.4.1 Installation Procedures
Observe the ESD precautions when installing
components. See section 1.2.
The system board features a zero-insertion force (ZIF) socket for easy
CPU installation.
Follow these steps to install a CPU:
1. Pull up the socket lever.
2. Insert the CPU, making sure that pin 1 (indicated by a notched
corner) of the CPU connects to hole 1 of the socket.
3. Pull down the socket lever to lock the CPU into the socket.
Step 1
Hole for Pin 1
Step 2
Step 3
Figure 1-2 Installing a CPU
Notched corner

1-6 User’s Guide
1.4.2 Installing an OverDriveCPU
The OverDrive CPU comes with a heatsink already mounted. To
maintain proper airflow around the CPU and heatsink, follow the
required clearances in Table 1-1.
Table 1-1 Clearances for OverDrive CPU and Heatsink
Location Minimum Clearance
Above the heatsink 0.4 inches
Sides of the CPU (at least 3 of 4) 0.2 inches
Follow these steps to install an OverDrive CPU:
1. Locate the CPU socket and pull up the socket lever.
2. Remove the old CPU carefully from the socket and place it in an
antistatic package.
3. Take the upgrade CPU out of its antistatic package.
4. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket such that pin 1 (indicated
by a notched corner) of the CPU connects to hole 1 of the socket.
Figure 1-3 Installing an OverDrive CPU
5. Push down the socket lever to lock the CPU into the socket.
Notched Corner

System Board 1-7
See section 1.11 for the post-installation
instructions.
1.5 Jumpers and Connectors
Figure 1-4 shows the jumper and connector locations.
Figure 1-4 Jumper and Connector Locations
The shaded pin indicates pin 1.

1-8 User’s Guide
The following tables list the jumper settings and their corresponding
functions:
Table 1-2 System Board Jumper Settings
Jumper Setting Function
JP2 1-2 *
2-3
For BIOS ROM 28F001
Enable Boot Block Programming
Normal operation
JP3 1-2
2-3
OPEN *
Flash ROM (28F001)
EPROM
Block Flash EEPROM
JP6 1-2
2-3 * Enable Acer BIOS logo Enable OEM BIOS logo
JP7 1-2 *
2-3 Enable MPEG function Disable MPEG function
JP8, JP9 1-2 *
2-3 Intel (1+4) burst sequence Linear burst sequence
JP11 1-2 *
2-3 Enable SMM switch Enable Reset switch
JP13 SHORT
OPEN Assign one regulator for P54C CPU Assign two regulators for P55C CPU
JP14 1-2 *
2-3 Enable P54C shutdown Set P55C I/O voltage to 3.3V
JP16 1-2
2-3 Enable IDE and FDD LED Enable IDE LED only
JP19 1-2 *
2-3 Enable onboard VGA Disable onboard VGA
*Default setting

System Board 1-9
Table 1-3 CPU Core Voltage Select
JP24 JP25 Vcore
OPEN
2-3 1-2 or 2-3 3.52V 3.3V
OPEN
3-4
1-2, 3-4
3-4 2.9V
2.7V
2.5V
Table 1-4 Bus Frequency Select
SW1
1 2 Bus Frequency
ON ON 50 MHz
ON OFF 60 MHz
OFF ON 66 MHz
Table 1-5 CPU Core/Clock Ratio Select
SW1
3 4 P54C M1 K5
ON ON 5/2 1/1
OFF OFF 3/2 3/1 3/2
ON OFF 2/1 2/1 1/1
OFF ON 3/1 4/1
Table 1-6 SB
1
/Password Function Select
SW1
5 6 Setting
Disable SB Bypass password ON
1Sound Blaster

1-10 User’s Guide
Enable SB Check password OFF

System Board 1-11
Table 1-7 lists the onboard connectors.
Table 1-7 Onboard Connectors
Connector Function
CN1 LSFM interface (optional)
CN2 Fax/modem-in
CN3 CD audio in
CN4 Power connector
CN5 Standby control
CN6 Wavetable connector
CN7 USB/LAN connector
CN8 Keyboard connector
CN9 Mouse connector
CN10 Audio I/O connector
CN11 Diskette drive connector
CN12 IDE2 connector
CN13 IDE1 connector
CN14 COM1 port
CN15 COM2 port
CN16 IrDA connector
CN17 Fan power connector
CN18 Parallel port
CN19 VGA connector
CN20 Internal line-in connector
CN21 ATI Media channel (AMC) connector
CN23 FM-Towns connector (optional)
CN25 Power LED connector
JP10 Power on switch
JP15 IDE LED connector (for OEM)
JP17 IDE LED connector

1-12 User’s Guide
1.6 Installing Memory
The system memory is expandable to 128 MB by adding single in-line
memory modules (SIMMs). See Figure 1-1 for the location of the
SIMM sockets. Section 1.6.1 tells how to install SIMMs.
The four 72-pin SIMM sockets on board accept single-density (4- and
8-MB) and double-density (16- and 32-MB) SIMMs, with or without
EDO and ECC functions, and with 70-ns or less DRAM speed. The
ECC function enables the system to automatically detect and correct
data errors.
Table 1-8 lists the possible memory configurations.
Table 1-8 Memory Configurations
Bank 1 Bank 2 Total
SIMM 1 SIMM 2 SIMM 3 SIMM 4 Memory
4MB 4MB 8 MB
8 MB 8 MB 16 MB
16 MB 16 MB 32 MB
32 MB 32 MB 64 MB
4 MB 4 MB 8 MB
4 MB 4 MB 4 MB 4 MB 16 MB
4 MB 4 MB 8 MB 8 MB 24 MB
4 MB 4 MB 16 MB 16 MB 40 MB
4 MB 4 MB 32 MB 32 MB 72 MB
8 MB 8 MB 16 MB
8 MB 8 MB 4 MB 4 MB 24 MB
8 MB 8 MB 8 MB 8 MB 32 MB
8 MB 8 MB 16 MB 16 MB 40 MB
8 MB 8 MB 32 MB 32 MB 80 MB

System Board 1-13
Table 1-8 Memory Configurations (continued)
Bank 1 Bank 2 Total
SIMM 1 SIMM 2 SIMM 3 SIMM 4 Memory
16 MB 16 MB 32MB
16 MB 16 MB 4 MB 4 MB 40 MB
16 MB 16 MB 8 MB 8 MB 48 MB
16 MB 16 MB 16 MB 16 MB 64 MB
16 MB 16 MB 32 MB 32 MB 96 MB
32 MB 32 MB 64 MB
32 MB 32 MB 4 MB 4 MB 72 MB
32 MB 32 MB 8 MB 8 MB 80 MB
32 MB 32 MB 16 MB 16 MB 96 MB
32 MB 32 MB 32 MB 32 MB 128 MB

1-14 User’s Guide
1.6.1 Installing a SIMM
Observe the ESD precautions when installing
components. See section 1.2.
Follow these steps to install a SIMM:
1. Carefully slip a SIMM at a 45°angle into a socket making sure
that the curved edge indicating the pin 1 of the SIMM matches
pin 1 of the socket.
A SIMM fits only in one direction. If you slip
in a SIMM but would not completely fit, you
may have inserted it the wrong way. Reverse
the orientation of the SIMM.
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 90°angle when
installed.
Figure 1-5 Installing a SIMM
Hole
Peg
Pin 1 Indicator
(curved edge)
12

System Board 1-15
See section 1.11 for the post-installation
instructions.
1.6.2 Removing a SIMM
Follow these steps to remove a SIMM:
1. Press the holding clips on both sides of the SIMM outward to
release it.
2. Move the SIMM to a 45°angle.
3. Pull the SIMM out of the socket.
Figure 1-6 Removing a SIMM
1.6.3 Reconfiguring the System
The system automatically detects the amount of memory installed.
Run Setup to view the new value for total system memory and make a
note of it.
1
2
3
Holding Clip

1-16 User’s Guide
1.7 Second-level Cache
The board may come without cache or with 256-KB or 512-KB
pipelined-burst second-level cache. Refer to the following table for the
possible cache configurations that your board might have.
Table 1-9 Second-level Cache Configurations
Cache
Size Data RAM (9 ns) Location Tag RAM (15 ns - U39) Cacheable Memory
256 KB 32K x 32 x 2 pcs U15, U22 or
U14, U21 32K x 8 x 1 pc 64 MB
512 KB 32K x 32 x 4 pcs U14, U15,
U21, U22 32K x 8 x 1 pc 64 MB
512 KB 64K x 32 x 2 pcs U15, U22 or
U14, U21 32K x 8 x 1 pc 64 MB
1.8 Video Function
The onboard video controller and MPEG decoder enable the system to
support video functions, as well as enhance the video display. An
AMC feature connector is also incorporated in the board design for full
hardware MPEG support.
1.8.1 Upgrading the VGA Memory
Observe the ESD precautions when installing
components. See section 1.2.
The 1-MB onboard VGA memory is upgradable to 2 MB. The
additional memory allows your VGA to display higher resolutions and
more colors when appropriate VGA driver is used.

System Board 1-17
Follow these steps to upgrade the VGA RAM:
1. Locate the VGA memory expansion sockets on the system board.
The sockets are marked U26 and U27 on the board. .
2. Gently but firmly insert a 514260 DRAM (256 Kb x 16, 60-ns SOJ)
chip into each of the VGA memory expansion sockets.
1.8.2 Supported Video Resolutions
The following table lists the video resolutions that the system supports:
Table 1-10 Video Resolutions
Display Resolution Refresh
Rate Horizontal Frequency (KHz) Pixel Clock (MHz)
640 x 480 60 31.4 25.2
640 x 480 72 37.7 31.2
640 x 480 75 37.5 31.2
640 x 480 90 47.9 39.9
640 x 480 100 52.9 44.9
800 x 600 48 int. 33.8 36.0
800 x 600 56 35.1 36.0
800 x 600 60 37.8 40.0
800 x 600 70 44.5 44.9
800 x 600 72 48.0 50.0
800 x 600 75 46.8 49.5
800 x 600 90 57.0 56.6
800 x 600 100 62.5 67.5

1-18 User’s Guide
Table 1-10 Video Resolutions (continued)
Display Resolution Refresh
Rate Horizontal Frequency (KHz) Pixel Clock (MHz)
1024 x 768 43
int.
35.5 44.9
1024 x 768 60 48.3 65.0
1024 x 768 70 56.4 75.0
1024 x 768 72 58.2 75.0
1024 x 768 75 60.0 78.88
1024 x 768 90 76.2 100
1024 x 768 100 79.0 110
1152 x 864 43
int.
45.9 65.0
1152 x 864 47
int.
44.8 65.0
1152 x 864 60 54.9 80.0
1152 x 864 70 66.1 100
1152 x 864 75 75.1 110
1280 x 1024 43
int.
50.0 80.0
1280 x 1024 47
int.
50.0 80.0
1280 x 1024 60 63.9 110
1280 x 1024 70 74.6 126
1280 x 1024 74 78.8 135
1280 x 1024 75 79.9 135
int.
interlaced
1.9 Audio Function
The audio controller chip on board features an audio subsystem that is
compatible with Sound Blaster Pro, Microsoft Sound, and MPU-401
standards. The board may also come with or without a standard
connector. This connector allows you to install a Wavetable card.

System Board 1-19
1.10 Installing ISA Cards
Both PnP and non-PnP ISA cards require specific IRQs. When
installing ISA cards, make sure that the IRQs required by these cards
are not previously assigned to PCI devices to avoid resource conflicts.
Follow these steps when installing ISA cards:
1. Remove all PnP cards installed in the system, if any.
2. Enter BIOS utility and set the Reset Resource Assignment
parameter to Yes to clear the resource data assigned to the PnP
devices. Refer to section 2.4.5.
3. Install non-PnP ISA cards.
4. Turn on the system.
5. Use Windows 95 or ICU to manually assign the appropriate IRQs
to the cards. This ensures that BIOS will not use the resources
assigned to the non-PnP ISA cards.
BIOS detects and configures only PnP cards.
6. Turn off the system.
7. Install PnP ISA and PCI cards.
8. Turn on the system. This time PnP BIOS automatically
configures the PnP ISA and PCI cards with the remaining free
IRQs.

1-20 User’s Guide
1.11 Post-installation Instructions
Observe the following after installing a system component:
1. See to it that the components are installed according to the step-
by-step instructions in their respective sections.
2. Make sure you have set all the required jumpers. See section 1.5
for the correct jumper settings.
3. Replace any expansion boards or peripherals that you removed
earlier.
4. Replace the system cover.
5. Connect the necessary cables and turn on the system.
1.12 Error Messages
In the event that you receive an error message, do not continue using
the computer. Note the message and take corrective action
immediately. This section describes the different types of error
messages and suggests corrective measures.
There are two general types of error messages:
•Software
•System
1.12.1 Software Error Messages
Software error messages are returned by your operating system or
application. These messages typically appear after you boot the
operating system or when you run your applications. If you receive
this type of message, consult your application or operating system
manual for help.