Biostar N4SLI-A9 User guide

N4SLI-A9 BIOS Setup
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BIOS Setup....................................................................................... 1
1 Main Menu .................................................................................................................3
2 Standard CMOS Features ...........................................................................................6
3 Advanced BIOS Features............................................................................................9
4 Advanced Chipset Features.......................................................................................12
5 Integrated Peripherals...............................................................................................15
6 Power Management Setup........................................................................................21
7 PnP/PCI Configurations............................................................................................24
8 PC Health Status.......................................................................................................26
9 Voltage Control.........................................................................................................28

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BIOS Setup
Introduction
This manual discussed Award™ Setup program built into the ROM BIOS. The Setup
program allows users to modify the basic system configuration. This special information is
then stored in battery-backed RAM so that it retains the Setup information when the power
is turned off.
The Award BIOS™ installed in your computer system’s ROM (Read Only Memory) is a
custom version of an industry standard BIOS. This means that it supports Nvidia CK8
processor input/output system. The BIOS provides critical low-level support for standard
devices such as disk drives and serial and parallel ports.
Adding important has customized the Award BIOS™, but nonstandard, features such as
virus and password protection as well as special support for detailed fine-tuning of the
chipset controlling the entire system.
The rest of this manual is intended to guide you through the process of configuring your
system using Setup.
Plug and Play Support
These AWARD BIOS supports the Plug and Play Version 1.0A specification. ESCD
(Extended System Configuration Data) write is supported.
EPA Green PC Support
This AWARD BIOS supports Version 1.03 of the EPA Green PC specification.
APM Support
These AWARD BIOS supports Version 1.1&1.2 of the Advanced Power Management
(APM) specification. Power management features are implemented via the System
Management Interrupt (SMI). Sleep and Suspend power management modes are supported.
Power to the hard disk drives and video monitors can be managed by this AWARD BIOS.
ACPI Support
Award ACPI BIOS support Version 1.0 of Advanced Configuration and Power interface
specification (ACPI). It provides ASL code for power management and device
configuration capabilities as defined in the ACPI specification, developed by Microsoft,
Intel and Toshiba.

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PCI Bus Support
This AWARD BIOS also supports Version 2.1 of the Intel PCI (Peripheral Component
Interconnect) local bus specification.
DRAM Support
DDR SDRAM (Double Data Rate Synchronous DRAM) are supported.
Supported CPUs
This AWARD BIOS supports the AMD CPU.
Using Setup
In general, you use the arrow keys to highlight items, press <Enter> to select, use the
<PgUp> and <PgDn> keys to change entries, press <F1> for help and press <Esc> to quit.
The following table provides more detail about how to navigate in the Setup program by
using the keyboard.
Keystroke Function
Up arrow Move to previous item
Down arrow Move to next item
Left arrow Move to the item on the left (menu bar)
Right arrow Move to the item on the right (menu bar)
Move Enter Move to the item you desired
PgUp key Increase the numeric value or make changes
PgDn key Decrease the numeric value or make changes
+ Key Increase the numeric value or make changes
- Key Decrease the numeric value or make changes
Esc key Main Menu – Quit and not save changes into CMOS
Status Page Setup Menu and Option Page Setup Menu – Exit
Current page and return to Main Menu
F1 key General help on Setup navigation keys
F5 key Load previous values from CMOS
F7 key Load the optimized defaults
F10 key Save all the CMOS changes and exit

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1 Main Menu
Once you enter Award BIOS™ CMOS Setup Utility, the Main Menu will appear on the
screen. The Main Menu allows you to select from several setup functions. Use the arrow
keys to select among the items and press <Enter> to accept and enter the sub-menu.
 Figure 1. Main Menu
Standard CMOS Features
This submenu contains industry standard configurable options.
Advanced BIOS Features
This submenu allows you to configure enhanced features of the BIOS.
Advanced Chipset Features
This submenu allows you to configure special chipset features.
Integrated Peripherals
This submenu allows you to configure certain IDE hard drive options and Programmed
Input/ Output features.
!! WARNING !!
The information about BIOS defaults on manual (Fi
g
ure
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9) is just for reference, please refer to the BIOS
installed on board, for update information.

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Power Management Setup
This submenu allows you to configure the power management features.
PnP/PCI Configurations
This submenu allows you to configure certain “Plug and Play” and PCI options.
PC Health Status
This submenu allows you to monitor the hardware of your system.
Voltage Control
This submenu allows you to change CPU Vcore Voltage and CPU/PCI clock. (However,
this function is strongly recommended not to use. Not properly change the voltage
and clock may cause the CPU or M/B damage!)
Load Optimized Defaults
This selection allows you to reload the BIOS when the system is having problems
particularly with the boot sequence. These configurations are factory settings optimized
for this system. A confirmation message will be displayed before defaults are set.
Set Supervisor Password
Setting the supervisor password will prohibit everyone except the supervisor from making
changes using the CMOS Setup Utility. You will be prompted with to enter a password.

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Set User Password
If the Supervisor Password is not set, then the User Password will function in the same way
as the Supervisor Password. If the Supervisor Password is set and the User Password is
set, the “User” will only be able to view configurations but will not be able to change them.
Save & Exit Setup
Save all configuration changes to CMOS(memory) and exit setup. Confirmation message
will be displayed before proceeding.
Exit Without Saving
Abandon all changes made during the current session and exit setup. confirmation
message will be displayed before proceeding.
Upgrade BIOS
This submenu allows you to upgrade bios.

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2 Standard CMOS Features
The items in Standard CMOS Setup Menu are divided into 10 categories. Each category
includes no, one or more than one setup items. Use the arrow keys to highlight the item and
then use the<PgUp> or <PgDn> keys to select the value you want in each item.

Figure 2. Standard CMOS Setup

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Main Menu Selections
This table shows the selections that you can make on the Main Menu.
Item Options Description
Date mm : dd : yy Set the system date. Note
that the ‘Day’ automatically
changes when you set the
date.
Time hh : mm : ss Set the system internal
clock.
IDE Primary Master Options are in its sub
menu. Press <Enter> to enter the sub menu of detailed
options
IDE Primary Slave Options are in its sub
menu. Press <Enter> to enter the sub menu of detailed
options.
IDE Secondary Master Options are in its sub
menu. Press <Enter> to enter the sub menu of detailed
options.
IDE Secondary Slave Options are in its sub
menu. Press <Enter> to enter the sub menu of detailed
options.
Drive A
Drive B 360K, 5.25 in 1.2M, 5.25 in
720K, 3.5 in
1.44M, 3.5 in
2.88M, 3.5 in
None
Select the type of floppy
disk drive installed in your
system.
Video EGA/VGA
CGA 40
CGA 80
MONO
Select the default video
device.

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Item Options Description
Halt On All Errors
No Errors
All, but Keyboard
All, but Diskette
All, but Disk/ Key
Select the situation in which
you want the BIOS to stop
the POST process and
notify you.
Base Memory N/A Displays the amount of
conventional memory
detected during boot up.
Extended Memory N/A Displays the amount of
extended memory detected
during boot up.
Total Memory N/A Displays the total memory
available in the system.

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3 Advanced BIOS Features
 Figure 3. Advanced BIOS Setup
Cache Setup
These BIOS attempt to load the operating system from the device in the sequence selected in
these items. CPU Internal Cache
Depending on the CPU/chipset in use, you may be able to increase memory
access time with this option.
Enabled (default) Enable cache.
Disabled Disable cache.
External Cache
This option enables or disables “Level 2” secondary cache on the CPU, which
may improve performance.
Enabled (default) Enable cache.
Disabled Disable cache.
Boot Seq & Floppy Setup
HardDiskBootPriority
These BIOS attempt to load the operating system from the device in the
sequence selected in these items.
TheChoices:Pri. Master, Pri. Slave, Sec. Master, Sec, Slave, USBHDD0,
USB HDD1, USB HDD2, and Bootable Add-in Cards.

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First/ Second/ Third/ Boot Other Device
These BIOS attempt to load the operating system from the devices in the
sequence selected in these items.
The Choices: Floppy, LS120, HDD-0, SCSI, CDROM, HDD-1, HDD-2, HDD-3,
ZIP100, LAN, Disabled.
Swap Floppy Drive
For systems with two floppy drives, this option allows you to swap logical drive
assignments.
The Choices: Disabled (default), Enabled.
Boot Up Floppy Seek
Enabling this option will test the floppy drives to determine if they have 40 or 80
tracks. Disabling this option reduces the time it takes to boot-up.
The Choices: Enabled (default), Disabled.
Virus Warning
This option allows you to choose the Virus Warning feature that is used to protect the IDE
Hard Disk boot sector. If this function is enabled and an attempt is made to write to the
boot sector, BIOS will display a warning message on the screen and sound an alarm beep.
Disabled (default) Virus protection is disabled.
Enabled Virus protection is activated.
Quick Power On Self Test
Enabling this option will cause an abridged version of the Power On Self-Test (POST) to
execute after you power up the computer.
Enabled (default) Enable quick POST.
Disabled Normal POST.
Boot Up NumLock Status
Selects the NumLock. State after power on.
On (default) Numpad is number keys.
Off Numpad is arrow keys.
Gate A20 Option
Select if chipset or keyboard controller should control Gate A20.
Normal A pin in the keyboard controller
controls Gate A20.
Fast (default) Lets chipset control Gate A20.

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Typematic Rate Setting
When a key is held down, the keystroke will repeat at a rate determined by the keyboard
controller. When enabled, the typematic rate and typematic delay can be configured.
Disabled (default)
Enabled
Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec)
Sets the rate at which a keystroke is repeated when you hold the key down.
The Choices: 6 (default),8,10,12,15,20,24,30.
Typematic Delay (Msec)
Sets the delay time after the key is held down before it begins to repeat the keystroke.
The Choices: 250 (default),500,750,1000.
Security Option
This option will enable only individuals with passwords to bring the system online and/or
to use the CMOS Setup Utility.
System A password is required for the system to boot and is
also required to access the Setup Utility.
Setup (default) A password is required to access the Setup Utility
only.
This will only apply if passwords are set from the Setup main menu.
APIC MODE
Selecting Enabled enables APIC device mode reporting from the BIOS to
the operating system.
The Choices: Enabled (default), Disabled.
MPS Version Control For OS
The BIOS supports version 1.1 and 1.4 of the Intel multiprocessor specification.
Select version supported by the operation system running on this computer.
The Choices: 1.4 (default), 1.1.
OS Select For DRAM > 64MB
A choice other than Non-OS2 is only used for OS2 systems with memory exceeding 64MB.
The Choices: Non-OS2 (default), OS2.
Summary Screen Show
This item allows you to enable/ disable display the Summary Screen Show.
The Choices: Disabled (default), Enabled.

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4 Advanced Chipset Features
This submenu allows you to configure the specific features of the chipset installed on your
system. This chipset manage bus speeds and access to system memory resources, such as
DRAM. It also coordinates communications with the PCI bus. The default settings that came
with your system have been optimized and therefore should not be changed unless you are
suspicious that the settings have been changed incorrectly.

Figure 4. Advanced Chipset Setup
CPU Frequency
This item allows you to select the CPU Frequency.
The Choices: 200 (default).
HT Frequency
This item allows you to select the HT Frequency.
The Choices: Auto (default).
HT Width
This item allows you to control the utilized width of the outgoing side of the
HyperTransport link.
Err94 Enh
This item allows you to enable/disable the “sequential Prufetch Feature” of K8 CPU.
The choices: Disabled (default), enable.

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DRAM Configuration
CAS# Latency
This field specify the cas# latency, i.e. cas# to read data valid.
The Choices: CL=2.5 (Default), CL=3.0, CL=2.0
Min RAS# active time (tRAS)
This field specifies the minimum RAS# active time. Typically -45-60 Nsec.
The Choices: 6 BUS CLOCKS (Default), 13 BUS CLOCKS, 14 BUS CLOCKS,
15 BUS CLOCKS.
RAS# to CAS# Delay (tRCD)
This field specifies the RAS# to CAS# Delay to read/ write command to the same
bank. Typically -20 Nsec.
The Choices: 3 BUS CLOCKS (Default), 2 BUS CLOCKS, 4 BUS CLOCKS, 5
BUS CLOCKS, 6 BUS CLOCKS, 7 BUS CLOCKS
Row precharge Time (tRP)
This field specifies the Row precharge Time. Precharge to Active or
Auto-Refresh of the same bank. Typically 20-24 Nsec.
The Choices: 3 BUS CLOCKS (Default), 2 BUS CLOCKS, 4 BUS CLOCKS, 5
BUS CLOCKS, 6 BUS CLOCKS.
CPU Spread Spectrum
The choices: Center Spread (default).
SATA Spread Spectrum
This item allows you to disable \ enable the SATA spread spectrum function.
The choices: Disabled (default), enable.

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PCIE Spread Spectrum
This item allows you to disable \ enable the SATA spread spectrum function.
The choices: Disabled (default), enable.
SSE/SSE2 Instructions
The choices:Enabled (default), Disabled.
System BIOS Cacheable
Selecting the “Disabled ” option allows caching of the system BIOS ROM at
F0000h-FFFFFh which can improve system performance. However, any
programs writing to this area of memory will cause conflicts and result in
system errors.
The Choices: Disabled (default), Enabled.

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5 Integrated Peripherals
 Figure 5. Integrated Peripherals
IDE Function Setup
If you highlight the literal “Press Enter” next to the “IDE Function Setup” label and then press
the enter key, it will take you a submenu with the following options:
OnChip IDE Channel 0/1
The motherboard chipset contains a PCI IDE interface with support for
two IDE channels. Select “Enabled” to activate the first and/or second
IDE interface. Select “Disabled” to deactivate an interface if you are
going to install a primary and/or secondary add-in IDE interface.
The Choices: Enabled (default), Disabled.

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Primary / Secondary /Master / Slave PIO
The IDE PIO (Programmed Input / Output) fields let you set a PIO
mode (0-4) for each of the IDE devices that the onboard IDE interface
supports. Modes 0 to 4 will increased performance progressively.
In Auto mode, the system automatically determines the best mode
for each device.
The Choices: Auto (default), Mode0, Mode1, Mode2, Mode3, Mode4.
Primary / Secondary /Master / Slave UDMA
Ultra DMA/100 functionality can be implemented if it is supported by the IDE
hard drives in your system. As well, your operating environment requires a DMA
driver (Windows 95 OSR2 or a third party IDE bus master driver). If your hard
drive and your system software both support Ultra DMA/100, select Auto to
enable BIOS support.
The Choices: Auto (default), Disabled.
IDE DMA Transfer Access
The Choices: Enabled (default), Disabled.
Serial-ATA A
Enables support for Serial-ATA1.
The Choices: Enabled (default), Disabled
SATA DMA transfer
The Choices: Enabled (default), Disabled.
Serial-ATA B
Enables support for Serial-ATA2.
The Choices: Enabled (default), Disabled
SATA2 DMA transfer
The Choices: Enabled (default), Disabled.
IDE Prefetch Mode
The Choices: Enabled (default), Disabled.

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RAIDConfiguration
RAID Enable
Thechoices:Disabled (default), enable.
ONBOARD DEVICE
OnChip USB
This option should be enabled if your system has a USB installed on the
system board. You will need to disable this feature if you add a
higher performance controller.
The Choices: V1. 1+V2. 0 (default), Disabled, V1.1

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USBkeyboardSupport
Enables support for USB attached keyboard.
The Choices: Disabled (default), Enabled
USBMouseSupport
Enables support for USB attached mouse.
TheChoices:Disabled(default), Enabled
AC97Audio
This option allows you to control the onboard AC97 audio.
TheChoices:Auto(default), Disabled.
MAC LAN (nVIDIA)
This option allows you to change the state of the onboard MAC LAN.
The Choices: Auto (Default), Disabled.
Onboard LAN Boot ROM
This item allows you to enable or disable Onboard LAN Boot ROM.
The Choices: Disabled (default), Enabled.
MAC Media Interface
The Choices: Pin Strap (default).
Onboard1394
This item allows you to enable or disable the Onboard 1394 Controller.
The Choices: Enabled (default), Disabled.

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ONBOARD IO/Address
OnboardFDCController
Select Enabled if your system has a floppy disk controller (FDC) installed
on the system board and you wish to use it. If install and FDC or the system
has no floppy drive, select Disabled in this field.
The Choices: Enabled (default), Disabled.
OnboardSerialPort1
Select an address and corresponding interrupt for the first and second serial ports.
TheChoices:Disabled, 3F8/IRQ4 (default), 2F8/IRQ3, 3E8/IRQ4,
2E8/IRQ3, Auto.
Onboard IR Function
TheChoices:Disabled (default), Enabled.
UART Mode Select
This item allows you to determine which Infra Red (IR) function of onboard
I/Ochip.
TheChoices:Normal (default), AS KIR, IrDA.
UR2DuplexMode
Select the value required by the IR device connected to the IR port.
Full-duplex mode permits simultaneous two-direction transmission.
Half-duplex mode permits transmission in one direction only at a time.
TheChoices:Half(default), Full.