EPOX EP-3VB User manual

TRADEMARK
All products and company names are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective holders.
These specifications are subject to change without notice.
Manual Revision 1.0
October 7, 1999
EP-3VBEP-3VB
EP-3VBEP-3VB
EP-3VB
ISA/PCI AGP Mainboard with OnboardISA/PCI AGP Mainboard with Onboard
ISA/PCI AGP Mainboard with OnboardISA/PCI AGP Mainboard with Onboard
ISA/PCI AGP Mainboard with Onboard
PCI IDE and Super Multi-I/OPCI IDE and Super Multi-I/O
PCI IDE and Super Multi-I/OPCI IDE and Super Multi-I/O
PCI IDE and Super Multi-I/O
A PA P
A PA P
A Pentiumentium
entiumentium
entium®®
®®
®II or PII or P
II or PII or P
II or Pentiumentium
entiumentium
entium®®
®®
®IIIIII
IIIIII
III
Slot1 Processor based AGPSlot1 Processor based AGP
Slot1 Processor based AGPSlot1 Processor based AGP
Slot1 Processor based AGP
mainboard (100/66MHz)mainboard (100/66MHz)
mainboard (100/66MHz)mainboard (100/66MHz)
mainboard (100/66MHz)
EP-6VBEP-6VB
EP-6VBEP-6VB
EP-6VB

EP-3VB/6VB
User Notice
No part of this product, including the product and software may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any
language in any form without the express written permission of EPoX Computer
Company (hereinafter referred to as EPoX) except for documentation kept by the
purchaser for backup purposes.
We provide this manual “as is” without warranty of any kind, either expressed or
implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties or conditions of
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. In no event shall EPoX be
liable for any loss of profits, loss of business, loss of use or data, interruption of
business or for indirect, special incidental, or consequential damages of any kind,
even if EPoX has been advised of the possibility of such damages arising from any
defect or error in the manual or product. EPoX may revise this manual from time
to time without notice. For updated BIOS, drivers, or product release information
you may visit our websites at http://www.epox.com or http://www.epox.com.tw.
Products mentioned in this manual are mentioned for identification purposes only.
Product names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks
or copyrights of their respective companies. The product name and revision
number are both printed on the mainboard itself.
Handling Procedures
Static electricity can severely damage your equipment. Handle the EP-3VB/6VB
and any other device in your system with extreme care and avoid unnecessary
contact with system components on the mainboard. Always work on an antistatic
surface to avoid possible damage to the mainboard from static discharge. Always
have the power supply unplugged and powered off when inserting and removing
devices within the computer chassis. EPoX assumes no responsibility for any
damage to the EP-3VB/6VB mainboard that results from failure to follow instruc-
tion or failure to observe safety precautions.
CAUTION
The EP-3VB/6VB mainboard is subject to
damage by static electricity. Always
observe the handling procedures.

EP-3VB/6VB
Technical Support Services
If you need additional information, help during installation or normal use of this
product, please contact your retailer. Your retailer will have the most current
information about your configuration. If your retailer cannot help, you may visit
our online technical support website and/or contact our support technicians at the
locations listed below.
Record your serial number before installing your EP-3VB/6VB mainboard. (The
serial number is located near the ISA slots at the edge of the board.)
EP-3VB/6VB serial number: _________________________________
Contacting Technical Support
EPoX technical support is working hard to answer all of your questions online.
From our website you can find answers to many common questions, drivers, BIOS
updates, tech notes, and important technical bulletins. If you are still unable to
locate the solution you are seeking, you always have the option to contact our
support technicians directly.
North American website (English language)
http://www.epox.com
European website (Multi-language)
http://www.epox.nl
Taiwan website (Chinese language)
http://www.epox.com.tw
Thank you for using EPoX mainboards!
Copyright 1999 EPoX Computer Company. All rights reserved.

EP-3VB/6VB
Table of Contents
Section 1 Introduction
Components Checklist ................................... 1-1
Overview
Pentium®II/III Processor...............................1-2
S.E.C. Cartridge Terminology ........................1-3
Accelerated Graphics Port............................. 1-4
Hardware Monitoring .....................................1-4
Power-On/Off (Remote)................................1-5
EP-3VB System Block Diagram .................... 1-6
EP-6VB System Block Diagram .................... 1-7
Section 2 Features
EP-3VB Features ............................................2-1
EP-6VB Features ............................................2-3
Section 3 Installation
EP-3VB Detailed Layout ...............................3-2
EP-6VB Detailed Layout ...............................3-4
Easy Installation Procedure
Configure Jumpers ......................................... 3-5
System Memory Configuration ..................... 3-7
Installing a Pentium®II/III Processor............3-9
Device Connectors ......................................... 3-11
External Modem Ring-in Power ON and
Keyboard Power ON Function (KBPO) ........ 3-13
Section 4 Award BIOS Setup
BIOS Instructions ........................................... 4-1
Standard CMOS Setup ....................................4-2
BIOS Features Setup ......................................4-3
Chipset Features Setup................................... 4-8
Power Management Setup..............................4-11
Page

EP-3VB/6VB
PNP/PCI Configuration .................................4-14
Load Setup Defaults .......................................4-16
Integrated Peripherals .................................... 4-17
Change Supervisor or User Password ...........4-22
IDE HDD Auto Detection ..............................4-23
Save & Exit Setup ...........................................4-25
Exit Without Saving........................................4-25
Section 6 Appendix
Appendix A
Memory Map ..................................................A-1
I/O Map ........................................................... A-1
Timer & DMA Channels Map ........................ A-2
Interrupt Map .................................................. A-2
RTC & CMOS RAM Map ...............................A-3
Appendix B
POST Codes....................................................A-5
Unexpected Errors .........................................A-8
Appendix C
Load Setup Defaults .......................................A-9
Appendix D
GHOST 5.1 Quick User’s Guide....................A-11

EP-3VB/6VB
Page Left Blank

IntroductionEP-3VB/6VB
Page 1-1
Section 1
INTRODUCTION
Components Checklist
üü
üü
üA. (1) EP-3VB/6VB mainboard
üü
üü
üB. (1) EP-3VB/6VB user’s manual
üü
üü
üC. (1) Floppy ribbon cable
üü
üü
üD. (1) IDE ribbon cable
üü
üü
üE. (1) Foldable Retention Module (EP-6VB only)
üü
üü
üF. (1) PS/2 Mouse Connector
üü
üü
üG. (1) COM Port/LPT Port Connector
üü
üü
üH. (1) Bus master drivers
B
A
H
or
USER’S
MANUAL
EP-3VB/6VB
C
D
F
G
E

Introduction EP-3VB/6VB
Page 1-2
Overview
Pentium®II or Pentium®III Processor (EP-6VB only)
The Pentium®II or Pentium®III Processor (The Pentium®III Processor as 400/
100MHz and 450/100MHz speed or above with 512K-L2 cache Versions.) is the
follow-on to the Pentium®Processor. The Pentium®II or Pentium®III
Processor, like the Pentium®Pro processor, implements a Dynamic Execution
micro-architecture -- a unique combination of multiple branch prediction, data
flow analysis, and speculative execution. This enables the Pentium®II/III Proces-
sor to deliver higher performance than the Pentium®processor, while maintaining
binary compatibility with all previous Intel architecture processors.
A significant feature of the Pentium®II or Pentium®III Processor, from a system
perspective, is the built-in direct multiprocessing support. In order to achieve
multiprocessing, and maintain the memory and I/O bandwidth to support it, new
system designs are needed. For systems with dual processors, it is important to
consider the additional power burdens and signal integrity issues of supporting
multiple loads on a high speed bus. The Pentium®II or Pentium®III Processor
card supports both uni-processor and dual processor implementations.
The Pentium®II or Pentium®III Processor utilizes Single Edge Contact (S.E.C.)
(Figure 1) cartridge packaging technology. The S.E.C. cartridge allows the L2
cache to remain tightly coupled to the processor, while maintaining flexibility
when implementing high performance processors into OEM systems. The second
level cache is performance optimized and tested at the cartridge level. The S.E.C.
cartridge utilizes surface mounted core components and a printed circuit board
with an edge finger connection. The S.E.C. cartridge package introduced on the
Pentium®II Processor will also be used in future Slot 1 processors.
The S.E.C. cartridge has the following features: a thermal plate, a cover and a PCB
with an edge finger connection. The thermal plate allows standardized heatsink
attachment or customized thermal solutions. The thermal plate enables a reusable
heatsink to minimize fit issues for serviceability, upgradeability and replacement.
The full enclosure also protects the surface mount components. The edge finger
connection maintains socketabilty for system configuration. The edge finger
connector is denoted as ‘Slot 1 connector’ in this and other documentation.

IntroductionEP-3VB/6VB
Page 1-3
The entire enclosed product is called the Pentium®II or Pentium®III Processor.
The packaging technology and each of the physical elements of the product are
referred to using accurate technical descriptions. This allows clear reference to
the products as just a processor. This is the model used in past packaging tech-
nologies like PGA, TCP, PQFP, DIP, etc.
S.E.C. Cartridge Terminology (EP-6VB only)
• Pentium®II or Pentium®III Processor
The new enclosed card packaging technology is called a “Single Edge
Contact cartridge.” This is similar to previous names for packaging
technology such as PGA or TCP.
• Processor card
The green PCB (with or without components on it)
• Processor core
The silicon on the PLGA package on the PCB
• Cover
The plastic cover on the opposite side from the thermal plate.
• Slot 1
The slot that the S.E.C. cartridge plugs into, just as the Pentium® Pro
processor uses Socket 8.
• Retention mechanism
Formerly ‘retention module’ the dual posts, etc. that holds the cartridge in
place.
• Thermal plate
The heatsink attach-
ment plate.
• Heat sink supports
The support pieces that
are mounted on the
mainboard to provide
added support for
heatsinks. Figure 1: Pentium®II/III Processor CPU
with S.E.C.C. or S.E.C.C.2 Package
Pentium®II Processor
in an S.E.C.C. Package Pentium®III Processor
in an S.E.C.C.2 Package

Introduction EP-3VB/6VB
Page 1-4
The L2 cache (TagRAM, PBSRAM) components keep standard industry names.
The Pentium®II or Pentium®III Processor is the first product to utilize the S.E.C.
cartridge technology and Slot 1 connector. Unless otherwise noted, any refer-
ences to “Pentium®II Processor,” “Pentium®II or Pentium®III Processor/Slot 1
processor” or “Pentium III Processor” will apply to both the Pentium®II Proces-
sor desktop processors.
Accelerated Graphics Port
(AGP or A.G.P.)
Typically, 3D graphics rendering requires a tremendous amount of memory, and
demands ever increasing throughput speed as well. As 3D products for the
personal computer become more and more popular, these demands will only
increase. This will cause a rise in costs for both end users and manufacturers.
Lowering these costs as well as improving performance is the primary motivation
behind AGP. By providing a massive increase in the bandwidth available between
the video card and the processor, it will assist in relieving some of these pres-
sures for quite sometime.
Hardware Monitoring
Hardware monitoring allows you to monitor various aspects of your systems
operations and status. The features include CPU temperature, voltage and RPM
of fan.

IntroductionEP-3VB/6VB
Page 1-5
J3
Power-On/Off (Remote)
The EP-3VB/6VB has a single 20-pin connector for MicroATX power supplies.
For MicroATX/ATX power supplies that support the Remote On/Off feature, this
should be connected to the systems front panel for system Power On/Off button.
The systems power On/Off button should be a momentary button that is normally
open.
The EP-3VB/6VB has been designed with “Soft Off" functions. You can turn Off
the system from one of two sources: The first is the front panel Power On/Off the
button, and the other is the "Soft Off" function (coming from the EP-3VB/6VB’s
onboard circuit controller) that can be controlled by the operating system.
Windows 95/98 will control this when the user clicks that they are ready to Shut-
down the system.
Figure 2: Simple ATX Power
ON/OFF Controller
Case (chassis) Power
ON/OFF button
ATX
POWERSUPPLY

Introduction EP-3VB/6VB
Page 1-6
Figure 3: EP-3VB System Block Diagram
EP-3VB System Block Diagram
Pentium II
Socket 370
Processor
PAC
PCI Bridge
and memory
controller
VT82C693
VT82C596A
I/O Bridge
100/66MHz
100/66MHz
66MHz
Winbond
83977EF
e

IntroductionEP-3VB/6VB
Page 1-7
EP-6VB System Block Diagram
Pentium II or
Processor
Pentium III
PAC
PCI Bridge
and memory
controller
VT82C693
VT82C596A
I/O Bridge
100/66MHz
100/66MHz
66MHz
Winbond
83977EF
e
Figure 3: EP-6VB System Block Diagram

Introduction EP-3VB/6VB
Page 1-8
Page Left Blank

FeaturesEP-3VB/6VB
Page 2-1
Section 2
FEATURES
EP-3VB Features:
• EP-3VB is based on the Mendocino Processor operating at 300 ~ 500MHz
on PGA370. The board is configured by a DIP Switch to match your CPU
clock speed.
• Designed with VIA Apollo Pro+ PCIset.
• Supports up to 256 MB of DRAM (minimum of 8 MB) on board, You can
use 168-pin DIMM x 2. It will automatically detect Extended Data Output
(EDO) DRAM at 66MHz only or Synchronous DRAM memory (SDRAM)
at 66MHz or 100MHz (please see Section 3-2).
• Supports (2) 16 bit ISA slots, (3) 32 bit PCI slots, (1) AGP slot and provides
(2) independent high performance PCI IDE interfaces capable of supporting
PIO Mode 3/4 and Ultra DMA 33 devices. The EP-3VB supports (3) PCI
Bus Master slots and a jumperless PCI INT# control scheme which reduces
configuration confusion when plugging in PCI card(s).
• Supports ATAPI (e.g. CD-ROM) devices on both Primary and Secondary
IDE interfaces.
• Designed with Winbond W83977EF Multi I/O: (1) floppy port, (1)
parallel port (EPP, ECP), and (2) serial ports (16550 Fast UART).
Note: Japanese “Floppy 3 mode” is also supported
• Includes a PS/2 mouse connector.
• Features Award Plug & Play BIOS. With Flash Memory you can always
upgrade to the current BIOS as they are released. (http://www.epox.com
please visit our Technical Support section for the latest updates).
• EP-3VB utilizes a Lithium battery which provides environmental protec
tion and longer battery life.

Features EP-3VB/6VB
Page 2-2
• Supports the Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector. The onboard VT82C596A
chip provides the means for connecting PC peripherals such as; keyboards,
joysticks, telephones, and modems.
• Built-in ATX 20-pin and AT 12-pin power supply connector.
• Software power-down when using Windows®95/98.
• Supports ring-in feature (remote power-on through external modem,
allow system to be turned on remotely).
• Resume by Alarm - Allow your system to turn on at a preselected time.
• Supports CPU Hardware sleep and SMM (System Management Mode).
• Supports Keyboard Power ON function (KBPO).
• Built-in WOL (Wake On Lan) Connector.
• Built-in SB-LINK Connector.
• Power Loss Recovery - In the event of a power outage your system will
automatically turn itself back on without user intervention.

FeaturesEP-3VB/6VB
Page 2-3
EP-6VB Features:
• EP-6VB is based on the Pentium®II or Pentium®III Processor operating
at 233 ~ 433MHz (66MHz) or 300 ~ 550MHz (100MHz) on Slot 1. The
board is configured by a DIP Switch to match your CPU clock speed.
• Designed with VIA Apollo Pro+ PCIset.
• Supports up to 256 MB of DRAM (minimum of 8 MB) on board, You can
use 168-pin DIMM x 2. It will automatically detect Extended Data Output
(EDO) DRAM at 66MHz only or Synchronous DRAM memory (SDRAM)
at 66MHz or 100MHz (please see Section 3-2).
• Supports (2) 16 bit ISA slots, (4) 32 bit PCI slots, (1) AGP slot and provides
(2) independent high performance PCI IDE interfaces capable of supporting
PIO Mode 3/4 and Ultra DMA 33 devices. The EP-6VB supports (4) PCI
Bus Master slots and a jumperless PCI INT# control scheme which reduces
configuration confusion when plugging in PCI card(s).
• Supports ATAPI (e.g. CD-ROM) devices on both Primary and Secondary
IDE interfaces.
• Designed with Winbond W83977EF Multi I/O: (1) floppy port, (1)
parallel port (EPP, ECP), and (2) serial ports (16550 Fast UART).
Note: Japanese “Floppy 3 mode” is also supported
• Includes a PS/2 mouse connector.
• Features Award Plug & Play BIOS. With Flash Memory you can always
upgrade to the current BIOS as they are released. (http://www.epox.com
please visit our Technical Support section for the latest updates).
• EP-6VB utilizes a Lithium battery which provides environmental protec
tion and longer battery life.
• Supports the Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector. The onboard VT82C596A
chip provides the means for connecting PC peripherals such as; keyboards,
joysticks, telephones, and modems.

Features EP-3VB/6VB
Page 2-4
• Built-in ATX 20-pin and AT 12-pin power supply connector.
• Software power-down when using Windows®95/98.
• Supports ring-in feature (remote power-on through external modem,
allow system to be turned on remotely).
• Resume by Alarm - Allow your system to turn on at a preselected time.
• Supports CPU Hardware sleep and SMM (System Management Mode).
• Supports Keyboard Power ON function (KBPO).
• Built-in WOL (Wake On Lan) Connector.
• Built-in SB-LINK Connector.
• Power Loss Recovery - In the event of a power outage your system will
automatically turn itself back on without user intervention.

Installation
EP-3VB/6VB
Page 3-1
Section 3
INSTALLATION
EP-3VB Mainboard

Installation EP-3VB/6VB
Page 3-2
EP-3VB Detailed Layout
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