IBM PC 300PL Types 6862 Technical document

IBM
Technical Information Manual
PC 300PL
(Types 6562 and 6592)

IBM Technical Information Manual
PC 300PL
(Types 6562 and 6592)

Note
Before using this information and the product it supports, be sure to read the general information under
Appendix E, “Notices and Trademarks” on page 59.
First Edition (August 1997)
The following paragraph does not apply to the United Kingdom or any country where such provisions are inconsistent with
local law: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION PROVIDES THIS PUBLICATION “AS IS” WITHOUT
WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES
OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Some states do not allow disclaimer of express or implied
warranties in certain transactions, therefore, this statement may not apply to you.
This publication could include technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Changes are periodically made to the information
herein; these changes will be incorporated in new editions of the publication. IBM may make improvements and/or changes in the
product(s) and/or the program(s) described in this publication at any time.
This publication was developed for products and services offered in the United States of America. IBM may not offer the products,
services, or features discussed in this document in other countries, and the information is subject to change without notice. Consult
your local IBM representative for information on the products, services, and features available in your area.
Requests for technical information about IBM products should be made to your IBM reseller or IBM marketing representative.
 Copyright International Business Machines Corporation 1997. All rights reserved.
Note to U.S. Government Users — Documentation related to restricted rights — Use, duplication or disclosure is subject to
restrictions set forth in GSA ADP Schedule Contract with IBM Corp.

Contents
Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
Manual Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
Related Publications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi
Chapter 1. System Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Hardware Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Software Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
System Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
BIOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Plug and Play ................................................. 3
POST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Configuration/Setup Utility Program .................................... 4
Advanced Power Management ....................................... 4
Flash Update Utility Program ........................................ 4
Diagnostic Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Device Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Operating System Support ........................................... 5
Chapter 2. System Board Features ...................................... 6
Microprocessor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Chip Set Control .................................................. 6
L2 Cache . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
System Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
PCI-to-ISA Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
System I/O and Power Management ..................................... 8
IDE Bus Master Interface ........................................... 9
USB Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Super Input/Output Controller ........................................... 11
Diskette Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Parallel Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Serial Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Infrared Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Keyboard and Mouse Ports .......................................... 13
General-Purpose I/O Ports ........................................... 14
Real-Time Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Video Device Drivers .............................................. 17
Video Upgrade Options ............................................. 17
Memory Upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Multimedia Upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Video Adapters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Special Function Video Adapters ....................................... 17
Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
System Management Controller ......................................... 19
Riser Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
System Board Switches .............................................. 22
System Board Jumper ............................................... 23
Physical Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
 Copyright IBM Corp. 1997 iii

Chapter 3. Adapters and Internal Drives .................................. 25
Adapters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
SCSI Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Cabling Requirements for Wake on LAN Adapters ............................. 25
Internal Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Chapter 4. Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Power Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Power Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Output Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Power Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Chapter 5. Physical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Chapter 6. System Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Hardware Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Hardware Interrupts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Diskette Drives and Controller ......................................... 35
Hard Disk Drives and Controller ........................................ 35
Software Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Software Interrupts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Machine-Sensitive Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Appendix A. Connector Pin Assignments .................................. 37
ISA Bus Connectors ................................................ 37
PCI Bus Connectors ................................................ 39
IDE Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Diskette Drive Connector ............................................. 42
System Memory Connectors ........................................... 43
USB Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Parallel Port Connector .............................................. 46
Serial Port Connectors ............................................... 47
Infrared Port Connector (Optional) ........................................ 47
Keyboard and Mouse Port Connectors ..................................... 48
Monitor Port Connector .............................................. 48
Ethernet Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Appendix B. System Address Maps ..................................... 50
System Memory Map ............................................... 50
Input/Output Address Map ............................................ 51
DMA I/O Address Map ............................................... 53
Appendix C. IRQ and DMA Channel Assignments ............................ 55
Appendix D. Error Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
POST Error Codes ................................................. 56
Beep Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Appendix E. Notices and Trademarks .................................... 59
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
General Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
World Wide Web Sources ........................................... 60
iv Technical Information Manual

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Contents v

Tables
1. System Resource Assignments for the IDE Interface .......................... 9
2. System Resource Assignments for the Diskette Interface ....................... 11
3. System Resource Assignments for the Parallel Port .......................... 12
4. System Resource Assignments for the Serial Ports ........................... 12
5. System Resource Assignments for the Keyboard and Mouse ..................... 13
6. System Resource Assignments for the Real-Time Clock ........................ 14
7. System Resource Assignments for the Audio Controller ........................ 15
8. System Resource Assignments for the Video Controller ........................ 16
9. System Resource Assignments for the Ethernet Controller ...................... 18
10. System Resource Assignments for the System Management Controller ............... 19
11. Riser Card Expansion Characteristics ................................... 21
12. Microprocessor Speed (Switches 1-4) .................................. 22
13. Reserved (Switch 5) ............................................. 22
14. System Board Ethernet Control (Switch 6) ................................ 22
15. Privileged Access Password Control (Switch 7) ............................. 22
16. Floppy Device Access (Switch 8) ..................................... 23
17. CMOS Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
18. Diskette Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
19. IDE and SCSI Devices ........................................... 26
20. Power Output for 145-Watt Power Supply (PC 300PL, Type 6562) .................. 28
21. Power Output for 200-Watt Power Supply (PC 300PL, Type 6592) .................. 28
22. System Board Power Connectors ..................................... 28
23. ISA-Bus Adapters (Per Slot) ........................................ 29
24. PCI-Bus Adapters (Per Slot) ........................................ 29
25. Internal Devices (DASD) .......................................... 29
26. Keyboard Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
27. Auxiliary Device Port ............................................ 29
28. USB Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
29. Pin Assignments for the 4-Pin Power Connectors (PC 300PL, Type 6562) ............. 30
30. Pin Assignments for the 4-Pin Power Connectors (PC 300PL, Type 6592) ............. 30
31. Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
32. Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
33. Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
34. Air Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
35. Humidity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
36. Electrical Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
37. Heat Output (Approximate) ......................................... 32
38. 3.5-Inch Diskette Drive Reading, Writing, and Formatting Capabilities ................ 35
39. Pin Assignments for the ISA Bus Connectors .............................. 37
40. Pin Assignments for the PCI Bus Connectors .............................. 39
41. Pin Assignments for the IDE Connectors ................................. 41
42. Pin Assignments for the Diskette Drive Connector ........................... 42
43. Pin Assignments for the DIMM Connectors ............................... 43
44. Pin Assignments for the USB Connectors ................................ 46
45. Pin Assignments for the Parallel Port Connector ............................ 46
46. Pin Assignments for the Serial Port Connectors ............................. 47
47. Pin Assignments for the Infrared Connector ............................... 47
48. Pin Assignments for the Keyboard and Mouse Connectors ...................... 48
49. Pin Assignments for the Monitor Connector ............................... 48
50. Pin Assignments for the Ethernet Connector ............................... 49
vi  Copyright IBM Corp. 1997

51. System Memory Map (Fixed Address Ranges) ............................. 50
52. System Memory Map (Flexible Address Ranges) ............................ 50
53. Input/Output Address Map ......................................... 51
54. DMA I/O Addresses ............................................. 53
55. IRQ Channel Assignments ......................................... 55
56. DMA Channel Assignments ........................................ 55
57. POST Error Codes ............................................. 56
58. Beep Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Figures
1. Riser Card for PC 300PL (Type 6562) .................................. 20
2. Riser Card for PC 300PL (Type 6592) .................................. 20
3. System Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
4. ISA Bus Connector ............................................. 37
5. PCI Bus Connector ............................................. 39
6. IDE Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
7. Diskette Drive Connector .......................................... 42
8. System Memory (DIMM) Connector .................................... 43
9. USB Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
10. Parallel Port Connector ........................................... 46
11. Serial Port Connector ............................................ 47
12. Infrared Port Connector ........................................... 47
13. Keyboard and Mouse Port Connector ................................... 48
14. Monitor Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
15. Ethernet Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Tables vii

Preface
This Technical Information Manual provides information on the IBM PC 300PL (Types 6562 and 6592).
The manual, which is intended for developers who want to provide hardware and software products to
operate with these computers, provides in-depth information on how the computers work. Users of this
publication should have an understanding of computer architecture and programming concepts.
Manual Style
Because the PC 300PL (Type 6562) and (Type 6592) are similar, they will be referred to collectively as
PC 300PL computers throughout this manual, except in cases where differences between the two
computer types must be described.
In this manual, the use of the letter “h” indicates a hexadecimal number. Also, when numerical modifiers
such as “K”, “M” and “G” are used, they typically indicate powers of 2, not powers of 10. For example, 1
KB equals 1024 bytes (2 10), 1 MB equals 1048576 bytes (2 20), and 1 GB equals 1073741824 bytes
(230).
When expressing storage capacity, MB equals 1000 KB (1024000). The value is determined by counting
the number of sectors and assuming that every two sectors equals 1 KB. Depending on the operating
system and other system requirements, the storage capacity available to the user might vary.
Warning: The term
reserved describes certain signals, bits, and registers that should not be changed.
Use of reserved areas can cause compatibility problems, loss of data, or permanent damage to the
hardware. When the contents of a register are changed, the state of the reserved bits must be preserved.
When possible, read the register first and change only the bits that must be changed.
Some signals are abbreviated. A minus sign in front of a signal indicates that the signal is active low. No
sign in front of a signal indicates that the signal is active high.
viii  Copyright IBM Corp. 1997

Related Publications
In addition to this manual, the following IBM publications provide information about the operation of
PC 300PL computers. To order these publications, call 1-800-879-2755 in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. In
other countries, contact an IBM reseller or IBM marketing representative.

Setting Up Your PC 300PL (Type 6562)
Setting Up Your PC 300PL (Type 6592)
These publications contain instructions on preparing the computer for operation.

Using Your PC 300PL (Type 6562)
Using Your PC 300PL (Type 6592)
These publications contain information on configuring, operating, and maintaining the computer. Also
included are warranty information, instructions for diagnosing and solving problems, and information on
how to obtain help and service.

Installing Options in Your PC 300PL (Type 6562)
Installing Options in Your PC 300PL (Type 6592)
These publications contain instructions for installing options in the computer.

Understanding Your PC 300PL
This publication includes general information about using computers and detailed information about the
features of PC 300PL computers.

About Your Software
This publication (provided only with computers that have IBM-preinstalled software) contains
information about the preinstalled software package.

Your Ready-to-Configure CD
This publication contains information about the Ready-to-Configure CD that comes with PC 300PL
computers. The publication also contains instructions for starting the CD.

Adaptec SCSI Documentation
This documentation, which is provided with computer models that have an IBM-installed SCSI adapter,
includes information on configuring the adapter and instructions for installing and configuring SCSI
devices.

Hardware Maintenance Manual
This publication contains information on PC 300PL computers for trained service technicians. It can
be found on the World Wide Web (http://www.us.pc.ibm.com/cdt/hmm.html), and it can also be ordered
from IBM. To purchase a copy, refer to the "Getting Help, Service, and Information" section in Using
Your PC 300PL (Type 6562) or Using Your PC 300PL (Type 6592) .

Compatibility Report
This publication contains information about compatible hardware and software for PC 300PL
computers. The publication is available on the World Wide Web (http://www.us.pc.ibm.com/cdt).
Preface ix

xTechnical Information Manual

Chapter 1. System Overview
Chapter 1. System Overview
The PC 300PL (Type 6562) and (Type 6592) are versatile products designed to provide state-of-the-art
computing power with room for future growth. The two computers utilize the same system board. They
differ in frame assembly design, power supply capacity, and riser card design. (Type 6562 has four drive
bays, four expansion slots, and a 145-watt power supply. Type 6592 has six drive bays, six expansion
slots, and a 200-watt power supply. Refer to “Riser Card” on page 20 for an illustration of the riser card
in each computer.)
Note: Because the two computer types (6562 and 6592) are similar, they will be referred to collectively
as
PC 300PL computers throughout this manual, except in cases where differences between the
two types must be described.
Hardware Features
The major features of PC 300PL computers are:
Intel Pentium processor with MMX technology
Single bank, pipeline burst, synchronous L2 cache soldered on the system board
Support for up to 384 MB of system memory
Busmaster IDE controller
EIDE or Ultra Wide SCSI hard disk drive
CD-ROM drive (some models only)
3.5-inch, 1.44 MB diskette drive
Integrated Matrox MGA-1164SG1 3D video controller with 2 MB SGRAM soldered to the system board
– Support for additional 2 MB of SGRAM
– Upgrade connectors for VESA interface and Matrox multimedia options
Integrated 16-bit, stereo audio controller (supports Sound Blaster Pro applications)
– Built-in, high-quality speaker
Integrated Intel 10/100 Mbit, PCI Ethernet controller
System Management
– RPL (Remote Program Load) and DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)
– Integrated Wake on LAN controller
– Automatic power-on startup sequence
– POST/BIOS update from network
– DMI (Desktop Management Interface) BIOS and DMI software
– Integrated system management controller
Input/Output Features
– Two serial ports
– One ECP/EPP parallel port
– One monitor port
– Four 3.5 mm audio jacks (line out, line in, headphone, and microphone)
– One Ethernet RJ-45 port
– Two USB (universal serial bus) ports
– One keyboard port (Windows 95-compatible)
– One mouse port
– One infrared port (optional)
– One multimedia port (optional)
1The 1164SG controller is equivalent to the 1064SG controller (which is installed in some PC 300PL computers models).
 Copyright IBM Corp. 1997 1

Chapter 1. System Overview
Expansion
– PC 300PL (Type 6562): Four drive bays, four expansion slots (one ISA, two PCI, and one shared
ISA/PCI)
– PC 300PL (Type 6592): Six drive bays, six expansion slots (three ISA and three PCI)
Several model variations are available for PC 300PL computers. The following list describes some of the
ways in which the models vary:
Microprocessor speed
Hard disk type and capacity
Amount of system memory preinstalled
Type of operating system software preinstalled
Note also that models are available with or without a CD-ROM drive preinstalled.
2Technical Information Manual

Chapter 1. System Overview
Software Features
This section describes the system software, device drivers, and operating system support provided with
PC 300PL computers.
System Software
System software refers to the following:
Basic input/output system (BIOS)
Plug and Play
Power-on self-test (POST)
Configuration/Setup Utility program
Advanced Power Management (APM)
Flash update utility program
Diagnostic programs
BIOS
PC 300PL computers have an IBM BIOS. Support is provided for the following features:
PCI bus, according to the PCI BIOS Specification (Version 2.1)
Plug and Play, according to the ISA Plug and Play BIOS Specification (Version 1.2)
Advanced Power Management, according to the APM BIOS Interface Specification (Version 1.2)
Desktop Management BIOS, according to DMI Specification 2.0a
IDE LBA to allow access to hard disks with a capacity greater than 527 MB
Intel 82430HX core chipset
Matrox MGA-1164SG 3D video BIOS
Intel Ethernet BIOS
Crystal audio setup BIOS
National System Management BIOS
Initialization of National Semiconductor N87307 I/O chip, with Plug and Play support
Manufacturing hooks
Bootable CD-ROM
DBCS code (for Japanese systems only)
Wake on LAN
RPL (Remote Program Load) and DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)
Flash over LAN
Alternate boot sequence
CMOS cloning
Enable/disable of system board Ethernet controller
Plug and Play
PC 300PL computers conform to the following:

ISA Plug and Play BIOS Specification (Version 1.2)
 ISA Plug and Play BIOS Specification, Errata and Clarifications (Version 1.0) , as released by Microsoft
Chapter 1. System Overview 3

Chapter 1. System Overview
PC 300PL computers also conform to the guidelines described in the following:

Plug and Play BIOS Extension Design Guide (Version 1.0)
 Guide to Integrating the Plug and Play BIOS Extensions with System BIOS (Version 1.1)
 Plug and Play Kit for DOS and Windows
POST
PC 300PL computers use IBM power-on self-test (POST) software with initialization code added for the
Intel Pentium processor with MMX technology, the Intel 82430HX core chipset, the National
Semiconductor PC87307 I/O chip, the Intel Ethernet chip, and the Matrox MGA-1164SG 3D video chip.
POST software locates any hardware problems or configuration changes. If an error occurs while POST
is running, an error code in the form of a text message displays on the screen. For a description of POST
error codes, see “POST Error Codes” on page 56. For further information on POST, refer to
Using Your
PC 300PL (Type 6562) or Using Your PC 300PL (Type 6592) .
Configuration/Setup Utility Program
The Configuration/Setup Utility program provides menus for viewing and changing selections for devices
and I/O ports, current date and time, start options, system security, advanced setup, ISA legacy resources,
and advanced power management. The Configuration/Setup Utility program also provides system
summary and product data screens which contain information specific to the computer model being used.
Refer to Using Your PC 300PL (Type 6562) or Using Your PC 300PL (Type 6592) for further information
on the Configuration/Setup Utility program.
Advanced Power Management
PC 300PL computers come with energy-saving software that meets Energy Star requirements. Advanced
Power Management (APM) is a feature that reduces power consumption when components of the
computer (or the entire computer system) are not in use. When enabled, APM initiates reduced-power
modes for the microprocessor, monitor, hard disk drive, or entire system after a specified period of
inactivity is reached.2
APM is implemented in PC 300PL computers according to the APM BIOS Interface Specification (Version
1.2). For more information on APM, refer to Understanding Your PC 300PL and Using Your PC 300PL
(Type 6562) or Using Your PC 300PL (Type 6592) .
Flash Update Utility Program
A stand-alone utility program is available to support user-initiated flash code updates. This utility program
updates the BIOS code in flash memory. PC 300PL computers also support BIOS updating over the LAN
(Flash-over-LAN). The Flash-over-LAN function requires the use of the integrated system board Ethernet.
The flash update utility program is available on the World Wide Web (http://www.us.pc.ibm.com/files.html)
or through the PC Company Bulletin Board Service in files that can be downloaded onto a diskette.
Instructions for using the flash update utility program will be available in a README file included in the
downloaded files. Refer to
Using Your PC 300PL (Type 6562) or Using Your PC 300PL (Type 6592) for
further information.
2SCSI hard disk drives do not support APM.
4Technical Information Manual

Chapter 1. System Overview
Diagnostic Programs
A diagnostic program (QAPlus/WIN for IBM or QAPlus/PRO for DOS) is provided with each PC 300PL
computer. The diagnostic program provided depends on the type of software preinstalled. For more
information on diagnostic programs, refer to Using Your PC 300PL (Type 6562) or Using Your PC 300PL
(Type 6592) .
Device Drivers
PC 300PL computers come with device drivers to support built-in features and several operating systems.
The device drivers are preinstalled in models that come with IBM-preinstalled software. In addition, the
device drivers are included on the Ready-to-Configure (RTC) CD-ROM that is provided with all PC 300PL
models.
Operating System Support
Although a variety of operating systems can be used with PC 300PL computers, full function is provided
only with Windows 95 and Windows NT 4.0. When operating systems other than Windows 95 and
Windows NT 4.0 are used, PC 300PL computers will work, but without all of the advanced functions (for
instance, the USB function is not supported with OS/2.) For a list of operating systems that are
compatible with PC 300PL computers, refer to Using Your PC 300PL (Type 6562) , Using Your PC 300PL
(Type 6592) , and the IBM online compatibility report on the World Wide Web at
http://www.us.pc.ibm.com/cdt.
Note: An operating system and various support programs are preinstalled in some PC 300PL computers.
Refer to
About Your Software for a detailed description of the preinstallation package. Also, a
Ready-to-Configure (RTC) CD-ROM is included with all models. The RTC CD-ROM contains
applications and device driver support for the preinstalled operating system (if applicable), and
several other operating systems.
Chapter 1. System Overview 5

Chapter 2. System Board Features
Chapter 2. System Board Features
This section provides information about system board features. For an illustration of the PC 300PL
system board, refer to “Physical Layout” on page 24.
For a list of features provided with PC 300PL computers, refer to “Hardware Features” on page 1.
Microprocessor
PC 300PL computers have an Intel Pentium processor with MMX technology. This microprocessor has
separate core supply (2.8 V) and I/O supply (3.52 V) voltages. A voltage regulator on the system board
converts the 3.52 V provided by the power supply to the core voltage (2.8 V) required by the
microprocessor.
The Pentium processor with MMX technology features the following:
Optimization for 32-bit software
Operation at a lower voltage level than previous microprocessors
64-bit data bus
32-bit I/O bus
32 KB L1 cache (split into 16 KB write-through code cache and 16 KB write-back data cache)
Fractional bus speed (selectable at 2/7, 2/5, 1/3, or 1/2 bus/core frequency ratio)
Power management features (stop clock, I/O trap restart, autohalt, system management mode)
Math coprocessor
Support for MMX technology (boosts the processing of graphic, video, and audio data)
More information on the Pentium processor with MMX technology can be found on the World Wide Web at
http://www.intel.com.
The microprocessor plugs into a 321-pin PGA processor ZIF socket (Socket 7) located on the system
board. This socket will accommodate the 320-pin Pentium processor with MMX technology. The ZIF
socket defines approximately half of the Vcc pins for core supply and the other half for I/O supply.
For information on replacing a microprocessor or installing an upgrade, refer to
Installing Options in Your
PC 300PL (Type 6562) or Installing Options in Your PC 300PL (Type 6592) .
Chip Set Control
PC 300PL computers use the second-generation Intel 82430HX chip set, which consists of two modules.
The 324-pin TXC module provides a bridge between the PCI bus and the microprocessor bus. (For
information on the PCI bus, see “PCI-to-ISA Bridge” on page 8.) The TXC module also controls the
cache and system memory interfaces.
The 208-pin, PIIX3 module provides a bridge between the PCI and ISA buses. The module, which is fully
compliant with
PCI Local Bus Specification (Version 2.1) , also contains the IDE and USB controllers.
6  Copyright IBM Corp. 1997

Chapter 2. System Board Features
L2 Cache
The L2 cache installed in PC 300PL computers consists of synchronous, pipeline burst, SRAMs installed
in a single bank on the system board. There is one 32K x 8 bit, 15 ns, 5 V SRAM tag module and two
64K x 32 bit, 8ns, 3.3 V SRAM modules installed. Features of the L2 cache are as follows:
Look-aside architecture
Direct-mapped (one-way associativity) organization
Operates in write-back mode
Follows MESI (modified, exclusive, shared, invalid) protocol
Implemented as a unified cache (cache code and data)
System Memory
The system memory interface in PC 300PL computers is controlled by the Intel TXC chip set module.
(Refer to “Chip Set Control” on page 6 for information on the TXC module.) There are three dual inline
memory module (DIMM) sockets on the system board. The DIMM sockets are powered by +3.3 volts.
This voltage allows for low-power operation and supports 64-Mbit technology. For DIMM socket pin
assignments, refer to “System Memory Connectors” on page 43.
The system board supports:
A total of 384 MB of system memory
A maximum of 128 MB of system memory in each DIMM socket
Any configuration of DIMMs is acceptable. However, DIMMs must have the following characteristics:
Must be EDO nonparity (NP) or EDO error correcting code (ECC) DRAMs
Must be 16, 32, 64, or 128 MB in size
Must be 168-pin, unbuffered, +3 V, serial PD type
Must have gold-lead tabs
Must have 60 ns access speed only
Also, note the following:
EDO NP modules and EDO ECC modules can be mixed, but they will configure as NP.
To enable ECC, all installed memory must be of the EDO ECC type.
Note: Single inline memory modules (SIMMs) are not supported in PC 300PL computers.
Chapter 2. System Board Features 7

Chapter 2. System Board Features
PCI-to-ISA Bridge
The PIIX3 chipset module provides the bridge between the peripheral component interconnect (PCI) and
industry standard architecture (ISA) buses. The chip is used to convert PCI bus cycles to ISA bus cycles.
The PCI bus is compliant with
PCI Local Bus Specification 2.1 . The PCI bus runs synchronously to the
host bus and is driven at a frequency of 33 MHz (half the speed of the 66 MHz microprocessor bus). The
ISA bus is permanently set to the PCI bus speed divided by four.
The PCI bus shares interrupts with the ISA bus. Free interrupts are automatically assigned to PCI devices
during POST. If no interrupts are available for the PCI devices, an 18XX POST error message is
generated.
For information on PCI and ISA bus expansion connectors, see “Riser Card” on page 20.
System I/O and Power Management
The Intel PIIX3 chipset module that provides the PCI-to-ISA bridge also provides all the subsystems of the
ISA bus. These subsystems are:
An ISA-compatible interrupt controller that provides the function of two cascaded 82C59 interrupt
controllers
Three counters, equivalent to an 82C54 programmable interval timer
The function of two 82C37 DMA controllers with seven independent DMA channels (four 8-bit
channels and three 16-bit channels)
Power management features
For further information on the PIIX3 chipset module, refer to “Chip Set Control” on page 6.
8Technical Information Manual