Acer V50LA User manual

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System Board
System Board 1-1
The V50LA is a high-performance system board with a 64-bit
architecture. It supports the new Intel P54C, P54CQS, P54CS,
P54CT, and P55C CPUs running at 75/90/100/120/133/150 MHz and
utilizes the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) local bus
architecture. The PCI local bus maximizes the system performance
by enabling high-speed peripherals to match the speed of the
microprocessor with its 120 MB or 132 MB per second transfer rate in
burst mode.
The board incorporates a Sound Blaster Pro-compatible audio
subsystem that consists of CD-audio, WaveTable, and fax/modem
line-in interfaces. A standard 1-MB video DRAM comes onboard and
is upgradable up to 2 MB. Two DRAM banks composed of four 72-pin
sockets come with the board to support single- and double-density
SIMMs for a maximum system memory of 128 MB. The SIMM
sockets accommodate both the standard page mode and extended
data output (EDO) type SIMMs. The board supports a standard 256-
KB asynchronous or an optional 256-KB pipeline burst mode second-
level cache.
The system board includes a 188-pin connector for the slot board that
contains the PCI and ISA bus slots. The two onboard PCI-enhanced
IDE interfaces with a zero-wait state and 16.6 MB per second transfer
rate support up to four IDE devices. Onboard I/O interfaces comprise
of two UART 16550 serial ports, a parallel port with ECP/EPP feature,
and PS/2 keyboard and mouse ports.

1-2 User’s Guide
1.1 Major Features
The system board has the following major features:
•A zero-insertion force (ZIF) socket for P54C, P54CTB, or
P54CS CPU
•Two DRAM banks composed of four 72-pin SIMM sockets that
support 4/8/16/32-MB 60/70ns SIMMs
•256-KB write-back asynchronous second-level cache
•128-KB boot block mode Flash ROM for system and VGA BIOS
•Two PCI-enhanced IDE interfaces that support up to four IDE
devices
•System clock/calendar with 128 bytes CMOS RAM
•Interfaces for CD-audio, fax/voice modem, and WaveTable
support
•Standard 1-MB video DRAM onboard plus two upgrade sockets
for up to 2-MB video memory
•188-pin connector for PCI/ISA slot board
•Feature socket for multimedia or Ethernet solution
•External ports:
•PS/2 keyboard and mouse ports
•Two buffered high-speed serial ports
•One ECP/EPP high-speed parallel port
•Video port

System Board 1-3
1.1.1 Layout
Figure 1-1 shows the locations of the system board major
components.
1 Second-level cache
2 Buzzer
3 CPU voltage regulator
4 Fan connector
5 SIMM sockets
6 321-pin ZIF CPU socket
7 3.3V battery
8 Video memory upgrade sockets
9 Onboard video memory
10 Video port
11 Parallel port
12 COM2
13 Slot board connector
14 COM1
15 PS/2 mouse connector
16 PS/2 keyboard connector
17 RJ-45 phone jack
18 Feature socket for multimedia
or Ethernet solution
Figure 1-1 System Board Layout

1-4 User’s Guide
1.1.2 Slot Board
The system board comes with a slot board already installed. The slot
board carries the PCI and ISA bus slots for system enhancements and
future expansion.
The slot board may vary in size and layout depending on your system
housing. Figures 1-2 and 1-3 show the two kinds of slot boards.
Figure 1-2 2-PCI/3-ISA Slot Board (for desktop systems)
Figure 1-3 3-PCI/5-ISA Slot Board
(for mini-tower systems)

System Board 1-5
1.2 Jumpers and Connectors
1.2.1 Jumper and Connector Locations
Figure 1-4 shows the jumper and connector locations on the system
board.
Figure 1-4 System Board Jumper and Connector Locations
Jumpers are prefixed “JP”. Connectors are
prefixed “CN”.
The blackened pin of a jumper represents
pin 1.

1-6 User’s Guide
1.2.2 Jumper Settings
Table 1-1 lists the system board jumpers with their corresponding
settings and functions.
Table 1-1 System Board Jumper Settings
Jumper Setting Function
BIOS Type
JP1 1-2*
2-3 For models with Acer BIOS For models with OEM BIOS
Password Check
JP2 1-2
2-3* Check password Bypass password
Boot Block Feature1
JP3 1-2
2-3*
(For Intel 28F001 only)
Enable Flash ROM boot block
feature
Disable Flash ROM boot block
feature
BIOS ROM Type
JP5 1-2
2-3
3-4*
EPROM
Flash ROM (Intel 28F010, 28F001)
Flash ROM (SST 29EE010)
CPU Core/Host Bus
Frequency
JP4 1-4
2-5*
3-6
75/50 MHz
90/60, 120/60, 150/60 MHz
100/66, 133/66, 167/66 MHz
Second-level Cache
JP6, JP7 1-2*,1-2* 256 KB
All other setting combinations are
reserved.
*Default setting
1The boot block feature works only for Intel 28F001 Flash ROM and requires JP5 to
be set to pins 2-3.

System Board 1-7
Table 1-1 System Board Jumper Settings (continued)
Jumper Setting Function
CPU Type
JP8 1-2*
2-3 Intel P54C or AMD K5 Cyrix M1
CPU Core / Local Bus
Clock Ratio
JP16, JP19 1-2*, 1-2*
1-2, 2-3
2-3, 1-2
2-3, 2-3
Intel P54C Intel P55C M1 and K5
3/2 3/1 3/2, 2/1, 3/1
2/1 2/1 1/1
3/1
5/2
CPU Voltage
JP21 1-2*
2-3 3.3825V for VR and standard CPU type
3.5250V for VRE CPU type
LED Support
JP23 1-2
2-3* For IDE and diskette drives For IDE drive only
The jumpers JP10 ~ JP15 and JP17 are
always closed if there is no voltage regulator
module (VRM) present.
*Default setting

1-8 User’s Guide
1.2.3 Connector Functions
Table 1-2 lists the different connectors on the system board and their
respective functions.
Table 1-2 Connector Functions
Connector Function
CN1 Audio-I/O board connector
CN2 Fax/voice modem connector
CN4 Video feature connector
CN5 WaveTable connector
CN6 CD-audio line-in connector
CN7 Feature connector for multimedia or
Ethernet solution
CN8 IDE channel 1
CN9 IDE channel 2
CN10 Diskette drive connector
CN11 Power connector
CN12 Standby power connector
CN14 Multifunction connector
CN15 IrDA connector
CN16 Hard disk drive LED connector
CN17 Hard disk drive LED connector
(generic)
CNX1 SMM switch/Reset switch

System Board 1-9
The multifunction connector CN14 accommodates the front panel
connectors for speaker, LEDs, keylock, reset, and turbo. Figure 1-5
shows the CN14 pin assignments for each of the front panel
connectors.
Figure 1-5 20-Pin Multifunction Connector (CN14)
The connector CNX1 functions as SMM switch, as reset switch, or
both, depending on the settings. Figure 1-6 shows the CNX1 settings
with their corresponding functions.
Figure 1-6 SMM/Reset Connector (CNX1)
SMM Switch (1-2)
Reset Switch (3-4)
SMM Switch (1-2)
Reset Switch (3-4)
Front Panel
Reset Switch

1-10 User’s Guide
1.3 ESD Precautions
Always observe the following electrostatic discharge (ESD)
precautions before installing a system component:
1. Do not remove a component from its antistatic packaging until
you are ready to install it.
2. Wear a wrist grounding strap before handling electronic
components. Wrist grounding straps are available at most
electronic component stores.
Do not attempt the procedures described in
the following sections unless you are a
qualified technician.

System Board 1-11
1.4 Memory Upgrade
The system board comes with four 72-pin SIMM sockets that support
4-MB and 16-MB single-density SIMMs and 8-MB and 32-MB double-
density SIMMs. Table 1-3 lists the possible memory configurations.
Table 1-3 Memory Configurations
Bank 0 Bank 1 Total
SIMM-1 SIMM-2 SIMM-3 SIMM-4 Memory
4 MB 4 MB 8 MB
4 MB 4 MB 8 MB
8 MB 8 MB 16 MB
8 MB 8 MB 16 MB
4 MB 4 MB 4 MB 4 MB 16 MB
4 MB 4 MB 8 MB 8 MB 24 MB
8 MB 8 MB 4 MB 4 MB 24 MB
8 MB 8 MB 8 MB 8 MB 32 MB
16 MB 16 MB 32 MB
16 MB 16 MB 32 MB
4 MB 4 MB 16 MB 16 MB 40 MB
16 MB 16 MB 4 MB 4 MB 40 MB
8 MB 8 MB 16 MB 16 MB 48 MB
16 MB 16 MB 8 MB 8 MB 48 MB
16 MB 16 MB 16 MB 16 MB 64 MB
32 MB 32 MB 64 MB
32 MB 32 MB 64 MB
4 MB 4 MB 32 MB 32 MB 72 MB
32 MB 32 MB 4 MB 4 MB 72 MB
8 MB 8 MB 32 MB 32 MB 80 MB
32 MB 32 MB 8 MB 8 MB 80 MB
16 MB 16 MB 32 MB 32 MB 96 MB
32 MB 32 MB 16 MB 16 MB 96 MB
32 MB 32 MB 32 MB 32 MB 128 MB

1-12 User’s Guide
1.4.1 Installing a SIMM
Follow these steps to install a SIMM:
1. Slip a SIMM at a 45°angle with the component side facing down
into the socket labeled SIMM-1.
Be careful when inserting SIMMs to avoid
damaging the SIMM or the socket.
2. Gently press the SIMM up until the pegs of the socket fit 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 1-7 Installing a SIMM
Hole
Peg
Clip

System Board 1-13
1.4.2 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.
Figure 1-8 Removing a SIMM
2. Move the SIMM to a 45°angle.
3. Pull the SIMM out of the socket.
Always remove SIMMs from the socket
labeled SIMM-4, then SIMM-3, and so on.

1-14 User’s Guide
1.4.3 Reconfiguring the System
You must enter Setup after installing or removing SIMMs to
reconfigure the system.
Follow these steps to reconfigure the system:
1. Turn the system on. A memory error message appears,
indicating that the total memory does not match the value stored
in CMOS.
2. Press E
+D +A to enter Setup. A warning message
appears indicating a wrong memory configuration.
3. Press A
twice to exit and reboot the system.
The system boots with the new memory configuration.
1.5 IDE Hard Disk Support
The system board supports four IDE hard disks, or any other IDE
devices, through the two onboard PCI IDE interfaces. See Figure 1-1
for the location.
Follow the instructions in the housing installation manual on how to
install a hard disk in the system. Connect the cables according to the
IDE hard disk configuration in Table 1-4.
Table 1-4 IDE Hard Disk Configuration
IDE Connector Master Slave
Channel 1 Hard disk 0 Hard disk 1
Channel 2 Hard disk 2 Hard disk 3

System Board 1-15
1.6 CPU Installation
The system board comes with a zero-insertion force (ZIF) CPU socket
for easy installation.
Follow these steps to install a Pentium CPU:
1. Lift up the socket lever.
2. Insert the CPU to the socket. Make sure that the notched corner
of the CPU matches the pin 1 indicator on the socket.
Be careful not to bend any pins.
3. Pull down the socket lever.
Figure 1-9 Installing a Pentium CPU
4. Set jumpers JP4, JP16, and JP19 according to the CPU speed,
JP8 for the correct CPU type, and JP21 for the appropriate CPU
voltage. Refer to Table 1-1 for the jumper settings.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
Notched Corner
Pin 1 Indicator

1-16 User’s Guide
1.7 Video Memory Upgrade
Larger video memory allows you to display higher resolutions and
more colors. The system board comes with a 1-MB video memory
onboard upgradable to 2 MB.
Follow these steps to upgrade the video memory:
1. Locate the video DRAM upgrade sockets labeled U5 and U6 on
the system board. See Figure 1-1.
2. Gently insert a 514260ASL (256K x 16, 70ns SOJ) chip into each
of the upgrade sockets.
Make sure that the pin 1 indicator on the chip
matches the notched corner of the socket.
Figure 1-10 Installing a Video Memory Chip
Pin 1 Indicator
Notched Corner

System Board 1-17
1.8 Audio Functions and Options
The system board supports Sound Blaster Pro-compatible sound
system. It has four connectors onboard to accommodate the audio-
I/O board, WaveTable, CD-ROM, and fax-voice modem.
Figure 1-11 shows the four audio connectors on the system board.
1 Fax/voice modem connector
2 Audio-I/O board connector
3 WaveTable connector
4 CD audio connector
Figure 1-11 Audio Connectors Onboard

1-18 User’s Guide
1.8.1 Audio-I/O Board Features
The audio-I/O board consists of microphone port, line-in port, line-out
port, and MIDI/game port. These ports accommodate the external
audio devices.
The system board supports two types of audio-I/O board. Figures
1-12 and 1-13 show the different audio-I/O boards that may come with
the system.
Figure 1-12 Audio-I/O Board Without Internal Connectors
Microphone Port
Line-in Port
Line-out Port
MIDI/Game Port

System Board 1-19
Figure 1-13 Audio-I/O Board With Internal Connectors
The audio-I/O board with internal connectors is particularly useful for
system housings with built-in speakers, microphone, amplifier, or
auxiliary devices. With the internal audio connectors functioning
exactly as the external audio ports, you can utilize all the sound
features supported by the system board.
Since external speakers, microphone, and other audio devices give
better sound quality, the external audio ports take higher priority than
the internal connectors. When you attach external audio devices to
the ports, the internal audio devices are automatically disabled.
Microphone Port
Line-in Port
Line-out Port
MIDI/Game Port
Microphone Connector
Line-in Connector
Line-out Connector

1-20 User’s Guide
1.8.2 Audio-I/O Devices
Figure 1-14 shows the various devices that you can connect to the
audio-I/O board.
Figure 1-14 Audio I/O External Devices
Microphone
Synthesizer
CD Player
Stereo Amplifier
Head phones
Speakers
MIDI Adapter
Joystick