DFI G686IPA User manual

G686IPA
Rev.A+
System Board
User’s Manual
- 32160809 -

FCC Statement on Class B
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 in-
terference when the equipment is operated in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular in-
stallation. 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 interference by
one or more of the following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
•Connect the equipment into 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.
Notice:
1.The changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to oper-
ate the equipment.
2.Shielded interface cables must be used in order to comply with the
emission limits.
The manufacturer makes no warranties with respect to this documenta-
tion and disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability, quality, or
fitness for any particular purpose. The information in this document is
subject to change without notice. The manufacturer reserves the right to
make revisions to this publication and to make changes to any and/or
all parts of its content, at any time, without obligation to notify any per-
son or entity of such changes. Further, the manufacturer assumes no
responsibility for any errors that may appear in this document.

Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction............................................................ 5
Features and Specifications.................................................. 6
Package Checklist .............................................................. 7
Chapter 2: Hardware Installation............................................... 8
Preparing the Area.............................................................. 8
Handling the System Board.................................................. 8
Installing the System Board.................................................. 9
Board Layout ....................................................................11
System Memory................................................................12
Installing a SIM Module.................................................14
CPU Installation................................................................14
Jumper Settings for CPUs..............................................15
Installing Upgrade CPUs................................................16
Jumper Settings for PS/2 Mouse...........................................19
Jumper Settings for Display Type...........................................19
Jumper Settings for CMOS Clear..........................................20
Factory Testing Jumpers......................................................20
Built-in Ports.....................................................................21
Serial Ports.................................................................21
Parallel Port ................................................................21
Floppy Disk Drive Controller...........................................21
IDE Hard Disk Interface.................................................22
Universal Serial Bus Connectors......................................24
Installing Expansion Cards...................................................25
Chapter 3: Software Installation...............................................26
Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility...........................................26
Standard CMOS Setup..................................................27
BIOS Features Setup....................................................31
Chipset Features Setup.................................................35
Power Management Setup.............................................37
PNP/PCI Configuration Setup..........................................39
Load BIOS Defaults......................................................41
Load Setup Defaults.....................................................41
Integrated Peripherials...................................................42
Supervisor Password....................................................45
User Password............................................................45

4
IDE HDD Auto Detection................................................46
HDD Low Level Format .................................................49
Save & Exit Setup........................................................49
Exit Without Saving.......................................................50
System Error Report ..........................................................50
IDE Device Drivers.............................................................52
Chapter 4: Troubleshooting Checklist.............................................53
Appendix A: Types of Modules......................................................54
Appendix B: Memory and I/O Maps................................................55
Appendix C: Connectors..............................................................57

5
Chapter 1
Introduction
The G686IPA design is based on the Intel 440FX (Natoma) chipset. It is
equipped with a 387-pin Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) CPU socket to sup-
port Intel®Pentium Pro™ CPUs running at 150MHz, 166MHz, 180MHz
and 200MHz. Pentium Pro™ CPUs have 256KB or 512KB L2 internal
cache providing optimum system performance.
The G686IPA supports 8MB to 512MB of system memory using EDO or
fast page mode DRAM. It is equipped with 4 SIMM sockets allowing
you to install x32 or x36 SIMM. The x36 SIMM supports parity checking
which informs the user of memory failure and prevents error accumula-
tion.
The G686IPA system board is designed to fit into an ATX form factor
chassis. It is equipped with two NS16C550A-compatible serial ports, an
SPP/ECP/EPP parallel port, a floppy disk drive controller, and two PCI
IDE connectors with bus mastering capabilities that highly reduce CPU
use during disk transfer. This system board is also equipped with one
PS/2 mouse port, one PS/2 keyboard port, two USB connectors and
one IrDA connector for wireless connectivity between your computer
and peripheral devices.

6
Features and Specifications
PROCESSOR
•Intel Pentium Pro 150/166/180/200MHz with 256KB or 512KB L2
internal cache
CHIPSET
•Intel 440FX (Natoma) PCIset
SYSTEM MEMORY
•8MB to 512MB onboard memory
•Four 72-pin SIMM sockets
•Uses EDO or fast page mode x32 or x36 DRAM, 60ns or 70ns, 5V
•ECC and Parity Check supported (uses x36 DRAM)
BIOS
•Compatible with Windows 95 Plug and Play standard
•Flash EPROM for easy BIOS upgrades
•Includes NCR 810 SCSI BIOS
ENERGY EFFICIENT DESIGN
•System power management supported
•CPU stopped clock control
•Hardware supports SMI green mode
•Microsoft/Intel APM compliant
•External power management switch supported
PCI IDE INTERFACE
•PIO Mode 3 and Mode 4 Enhanced IDE (data transfer rate up to
16.6MB/sec.)
•DMA Mode 2 Bus Master IDE (data transfer rate up to 22.2MB/sec.)
•Bus mastering reduces CPU utilization during disk transfer
•ATAPI IDE CD-ROM supported
INTEGRATED I/O
•Two NS16C550A-compatible high speed UARTs
•One SPP/ECP/EPP parallel port
•Supports 360KB, 720KB, 1.2MB, 1.44MB, and 2.88MB floppy drives

7
CPU SOCKET
•387-pin ZIF socket (Intel Socket 8)
•Supports switching power that auto-detects 2.1V-3.5V
CONNECTORS
•2 USB connectors
•1 IrDA TX/RX connector
•2 DB-9P serial ports
•1 DB-25S parallel port
•2 IDE connectors
•1 floppy connector
•1 PS/2 mouse port
•1 PS/2 keyboard port
•One 20-pin ATX power supply connector
•One 12-pin AT standard power supply connector
EXPANSION SLOTS
•3 dedicated PCI slots
•3 dedicated 16-bit ISA slots
•1 shared PCI/ISA slot
PCB
•4 layers, ATX form factor
•30.48cm (12") x 22.52cm (8.87")
Package Checklist
The G686IPA package contains the following items:
•The G686IPA system board
•The G686IPA user’s manual
•One 40-pin IDE hard disk cable
•One 34-pin floppy disk drive cable
•One IDE driver diskette
•One card-edge bracket with two USB ports (optional)
If any of these items are missing or damaged, please contact your
dealer or sales representative for assistance.

8
Chapter 2
Hardware Installation
This chapter summarizes the steps to install the G686IPA system board
into your system unit. It also includes a description of the area in which
you must work and directions for memory installation. Before installing
the system board, obtain the memory you plan to install. Please refer to
the information on pages 13 and 14 for the number and type of memory
modules needed for the amount of memory you require.
Preparing the Area
Before unpacking the system board, make sure the location you have
selected is relatively free of dust and static electricity. Excessive expo-
sure to dust, static electricity, direct sunlight, excessive humidity, ex-
treme cold, and water can damage the operational capabilities of your
system board. Avoid placing the unit on surfaces such as carpeted
floors. These areas also attract static electricity which can damage
some circuits on your system board.
Make sure the power source has a properly grounded, three-pronged
socket. It is essential that the power connection be properly grounded
for correct functioning of your system board. For further protection, we
recommend that you use a surge suppressor. This will protect the sys-
tem board from damage that may result from a power surge on the
electrical line.
Move items that generate magnetic fields away from your system board
since magnetic fields can also damage your system board. Once you
have selected the ideal location, unpack the G686IPA system board
carefully.
Handling the System Board
It is quite easy to inadvertently damage your system board even before
installing it in your system unit. Static electrical discharge can damage
computer components without causing any signs of physical damage.
You must take extra care in handling the system board to ensure
against electrostatic build-up.

9
Static Electricity Precautions
1.To prevent electrostatic build-up, leave the board in its anti-static
bag until you are ready to install it.
2.Wear an antistatic wrist strap.
3.Do all preparation work on a static-free surface with the system
board components facing up.
4.Hold the system board only by its edges. Be careful not to touch
any of the components, contacts or connections, especially gold
contacts, on the board.
5.Avoid touching the pins or contacts on all modules and connectors.
Hold modules and connectors by their ends.
Warning:
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage your processor, disk drives,
add-in boards, and other components. Perform the upgrade instruction
procedures described at an ESD workstation only. If such a station is
not available, you can provide some ESD protection by wearing an anti-
static wrist strap and attaching it to a metal part of the system chassis.
If a wrist strap is unavailable, establish and maintain contact with the
system chassis throughout any procedures requiring ESD protection.
Installing the System Board
If you are installing the G686IPA system board, the following outlines
the basic installation steps. Before installing the system board into your
system unit, you should prepare the tools you will need.
You will need:
•One medium size, flat-bladed screwdriver
•One medium Phillips screwdriver
•One needle-nosed pliers
•One small nutdriver
1.Unlock your system unit. Turn off the power and disconnect all
power cords and cables.

10
2.Remove the system unit cover. Refer to the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions if necessary.
3.Detach all connectors from the old system board and remove ex-
pansion cards seated in any expansion slots.
4.Loosen the screws holding the original system board and remove
the board from the system. Save the screws.
5.Remove the G686IPA from its original packing box. Be careful to
avoid touching all connectors and pins on the board. Please refer to
the handling instructions on pages 8-9 for proper handling tech-
niques.
6.Insert the memory modules into the memory banks on the
G686IPA. The quantity and location of the memory modules de-
pends on the memory configuration and type of modules you intend
to use.
7.Install the CPU. Be sure pin 1 of the CPU is aligned with pin 1 of
the socket.
8.Set the corresponding jumpers.
9.Install the prepared G686IPA system board into the case and re-
place the screws.
10.Reinstall all cards and connectors and replace the system unit
cover. Reconnect all power cords and cables. We recommend that
you plug the power cord into a properly grounded three-pronged
outlet.
Use only ATX or AT power connector. You cannot use both connec-
tors at the same time. If you are using an ATX power supply, install
the 20-pin connector of the ATX power cable into location PL1 on
the system board. The 20-pin connector can be inserted into PL1
only if pin 1 of the connector is aligned with pin 1 of PL1.

11
Board Layout
" "square denotes pin 1

12
System Memory
The SIMM (Single In-line Memory Module) sockets are divided into two
banks on the system board, Bank 0 and Bank 1. Each bank consists of
2 SIMM sockets.
You will need either 2 or 4 pieces of SIM modules, depending on the
amount of memory you intend to install. Make sure you insert the same
type of SIMMs in one bank. You can install SIMMs in either of the
banks, Bank 0 or Bank 1, but you must populate a bank first before
going to the next bank.
The G686IPA system board can support 8MB to 512MB of memory us-
ing 1MBx32/x36, 2MBx32/x36, 4MBx32/x36, 8MBx32/x36, 16MBx32/x36
or 32MBx32/x36 72-pin SIMMs. The table below shows the supported
SIM modules and their corresponding memory sizes.
SIMMs
1MBx32/x36
2MBx32/x36
4MBx32/x36
8MBx32/x36
16MBx32/x36
32MBx32/x36
Memory Size
4MB
8MB
16MB
32MB
64MB
128MB
The table on the next page summarizes the bank locations and mod-
ules needed for the corresponding memory sizes.

13
MemorySize
8MB
16MB
16MB
24MB
32MB
32MB
40MB
48MB
64MB
64MB
72MB
80MB
96MB
128MB
128MB
136MB
144MB
160MB
192MB
256MB
256MB
264MB
272MB
288MB
320MB
384MB
512MB
Bank0
SIMM3
1MBx32/x36
2MBx32/x36
1MBx32/x36
1MBx32/x36
4MBx32/x36
2MBx32/x36
1MBx32/x36
2MBx32/x36
8MBx32/x36
4MBx32/x36
1MBx32/x36
2MBx32/x36
4MBx32/x36
16MBx32/x36
8MBx32/x36
1MBx32/x36
2MBx32/x36
4MBx32/x36
8MBx32/x36
16MBx32/x36
32MBx32/x36
1MBx32/x36
2MBx32/x36
4MBx32/x36
8MBx32/x36
16MBx32/x36
32MBx32/x36
SIMM4
1MBx32/x36
2MBx32/x36
1MBx32/x36
1MBx32/x36
4MBx32/x36
2MBx32/x36
1MBx32/x36
2MBx32/x36
8MBx32/x36
4MBx32/x36
1MBx32/x36
2MBx32/x36
4MBx32/x36
16MBx32/x36
8MBx32/x36
1MBx32/x36
2MBx32/x36
4MBx32/x36
8MBx32/x36
16MBx32/x36
36MBx32/X36
1MBx32/x36
2MBx32/x36
4MBx32/x36
8MBx32/x36
16MBx32/x36
32MBx32/x36
SIMM2
—
—
1MBx32/x36
2MBx32/x36
—
2MBx32/x36
4MBx32/x36
4MBx32/x36
—
4MBx32/x36
8MBx32/x36
8MBx32/x36
8MBx32/x36
—
8MBx32/x36
16MBx32/x36
16MBx32/x36
16MBx32/x36
16MBx32/x36
16MBx32/x36
—
32MBx32/x36
32MBx32/x36
32MBx32/x36
32MBx32/x36
32MBx32/x36
32MBx32/x36
Bank1
SIMM1
—
—
1MBx32/x36
2MBx32/x36
—
2MBx32/x36
4MBx32/x36
4MBx32/x36
—
4MBx32/x36
8MBx32/x36
8MBx32/x36
8MBx32/x36
—
8MBx32/x36
16MBx32/x36
16MBx32/x36
16MBx32/x36
16MBx32/x36
16MBx32/x36
—
32MBx32/x36
32MBx32/x36
32MBx32/x36
32MBx32/x36
32MBx32/x36
32MBx32/x36

14
Installing a SIM Module
A SIM module simply snaps into a socket on the system board. Pin 1 of
the SIM module must correspond with Pin 1 of the socket.
1.Position the SIMM above the socket with the “notch” in the module
aligned with the “key” on the socket.
2.Seat the module at a 45° angle into the bank. Make sure it is com-
pletely seated. Tilt the module upright until it locks in place in the
socket.
CPU Installation
The G686IPA allows for easy installation of CPUs. Make sure all jumpers
are set correctly before applying power or you may damage the CPU or
system board. Please see the jumper settings on the following pages. Use
the needle-nosed pliers to move the jumpers if necessary.
The table below shows the currently available Intel Pentium Pro CPUs and
their corresponding CPU core ratio.
notch
key
Intel CPUs (Int./Ext. Speed)
150/60MHz
166/66MHz
180/60MHz
200/66MHz
CPU Core Ratio
2.5x
2.5x
3x
3x

15
Jumper Settings for CPUs
JP12
JP13
JP14
JP16
JP7
2
1
4 6 8
35 7
CPU
Voltage
VID Support*
2.1V
2.2V
2.3V
2.4V
2.5V
2.6V
2.7V
2.8V
2.9V
3.0V
3.1V
3.2V
3.3V
3.4V
3.5V
Pins
1-2
Off
On
Off
On
Off
On
Off
On
Off
On
Off
On
Off
On
Off
On
Pins
3-4
Off
Off
On
On
Off
Off
On
On
Off
Off
On
On
Off
Off
On
On
Pins
5-6
Off
Off
Off
Off
On
On
On
On
Off
Off
Off
Off
On
On
On
On
Pins
7-8
Off
Off
Off
Off
Off
Off
Off
Off
On
On
On
On
On
On
On
On
JP7
CPU Bus Clock/
PCI Bus Clock
60/30MHz*
66/33MHz
JP5
Off
On
JP6
On
Off
JP15
On
Off
JP17
Off
On
JP5JP6JP15JP17
CPU Core Ratio
2x
2.5x*
3x
3.5x
4x
JP12
On
Off
On
Off
On
JP13
On
On
Off
Off
On
JP14
On
On
On
On
Off
JP16
On
On
On
On
On
* Default
Warning:
If your Pentium Pro CPU supports VID (Volt-
age ID), set JP7 pins 1-2, 3-4, 5-6 and 7-8 to
Off, which is the default setting. If it does not
support VID, make sure you set JP7 accord-
ing to the type of voltage supported by your
CPU.

16
Installing Upgrade CPUs
The G686IPA is equipped with a 387-pin Zero Insertion Force (ZIF)
socket at location U31 of the system board. Refer to page 11 for the
location of the ZIF socket. This socket is designed for easy removal of
an old CPU and easy insertion of an upgrade CPU. The socket allows
you to carefully place the new CPU into its position. If you need to
apply excessive force to insert the CPU, you are not installing the CPU
correctly.
Warning:
Open the socket only if you are actually installing a CPU. The warranty
on the original CPU will be voided if the S/N seal is broken. Before
proceeding with the upgrade, take note of the following. The micropro-
cessor and heatsink may be hot if the system has been running. To
avoid the possibility of a burn, power the system off and let the proces-
sor and heatsink cool for 10 minutes.
The 387-pin ZIF socket consists of rows of pin holes on each side. To
prevent improper CPU installation, the ZIF socket has a Plug/Keying
mechanism. Several holes in the socket are plugged so that the CPU
will go in only one way. If you cannot easily insert the CPU, verify that
pin 1 of the CPU is aligned with pin 1 of the socket.
To install an upgrade CPU, do the following.
1.Make sure the handle on the side of the ZIF socket is up. To raise
the handle, push it down, slightly pull it out to the side, then raise it
as far as it will go. It may be necessary to initially apply a small
Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) Socket

17
Lifting the Handle
2.Once the lever is completely up, remove the old CPU carefully by
lifting it straight out of the socket. You are now ready to insert the
new CPU.
Handle
Pin 1
amount of sideways force to free the handle from its retaining “tab”.
Once clear of the “tab”, the handle will open relatively easily. The
top plate will slide back. Do not use screwdrivers or other tools to
open the socket, or you may damage the system or socket.
3.Position the CPU above the ZIF socket. Make sure pin 1 of the
CPU is aligned with pin 1 of the socket. Lower the chip until the
pins are inserted properly in their corresponding holes. Remember
that very little force is needed to install the CPU. If the CPU is not
easily inserted, verify whether or not pin 1 of the CPU is aligned
with pin 1 of the socket. Applying too much pressure can damage
the CPU or the socket.

18
Clearance Requirements
Your CPU comes with a heatsink mounted on top. To maintain proper
airflow once the upgrade is installed on the system board, the CPU and
heatsink require certain space clearances.
The clearance above the CPU’s fan/heatsink must be at least 0.4
inches. The clearance on at least 3 of 4 sides of the processor and
heatsink must be at least 0.2 inches. All cables (for floppy drive, hard
drive, CD-ROM, etc.) must be routed clear of the CPU and its airspace.
Fan Exhaust
The CPU must be kept cool by using a fan with heatsink. The tempera-
ture of the air entering the fan/heatsink cannot exceed 45oC (113oF).
The ambient or room temperature must be below 37oC (99oF).
4.Push the handle down until the handle locks into place. The top
plate will slide forward. You will feel some resistance as the pres-
sure starts to secure the CPU in the socket. This is normal and will
not damage the CPU. However, if the handle is not completely
closed, damage to the CPU and/or system board may result.
Positioning the CPU Above the ZIF Socket

19
Jumper Settings for PS/2 Mouse
Jumper JP1
PS/2 Mouse Select
By default, the mouse port is enabled. The PS/2 mouse port uses
IRQ12, but when the PS/2 mouse port is disabled, IRQ12 is available to
other devices. To enable the PS/2 mouse, set Jumper JP1 to On. Make
sure you connect your PS/2 mouse to connector J1.
Off:Disabled
On:Enabled(default)
Off:Mono
On:Color(default)
Jumper JP4
Display Type Select
Jumper JP4 sets the display adapter to color or mono. This jumper
must match the type of display adapter installed. If you change your
video adapter, make sure this jumper is changed accordingly.
Jumper Settings for Display Type

20
On:CMOSClearOff:Normal(default)
Jumper JP10
CMOS Clear Select
If, for some reason, the CMOS becomes corrupted, the system can be
reconfigured with the default values stored in the ROM BIOS. To load
the default values, power off your system and set JP10 to On. Then
power on your system for 5 seconds and turn it off again. Set JP10
back to its default setting, Off.
Jumper Settings for CMOS Clear
Factory Testing Jumpers
The jumpers below are for factory testing only and should always be set
to their default configuration. Reconfiguring these jumpers will cause
problems with your system board.
JP8:1-2 On (28F010/28F1000)
2-3 On (29EE010/29F010)
JP9:On
JP11:Off