Lucky Star K7VAT User manual

K7VAT/ VAT+
VIA KT/ KE-133(VT8363) Chipset
ATX Form Factor
Main Board
User's Manual
(Ver.:2.0/ 3.0)

Copyright
Copyright© 2001 by this company. No part of this document may be
reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or
translated into any language or computer language, in any form or
by any means without prior written permission. This manual and the
information contained herein are protected by copyright. All rights
reserved.
Copyright 2001. All Rights Reserved.
Revision History
Revision Date Release Notes Ref.NO
1.0 May-2001 Second Official Release 3053330
Warning and Disclaimer

This manual is designed to provide information about the AMD®
Athlon™ processor main board. Every effort has been made to make
this manual as accurate as possible, but no warranty or fitness is
implied. All the information is provided on an 'as is' basis. The
author and his corresponding publishing company shall have neither
liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any
loss or damages arising from the information contained in this
manual or from the use of the system board that accompanies it.
Information contained in this manual is subject to change without
notice. The manufacturer of the system board will not be held
responsible for technical or editorial omissions made herein, nor for
the incidental or consequential damages resulting from its
furnishing, performance, functionality or use. Subsequent changes to
this manual will be incorporated into the next edition. We welcome
any suggestion regarding this manual or our computer products.
Trademarks
●IBM® is a registered trademark of International Business
Machines
●Microsoft®is a registered trademark of Microsoft® Corporation.
●PCI®is a registered trademark of PCI Special Interest Groups.
●AWARD®is a registered trademark of Award Software Inc.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

K7VAT SystemBoard 1
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction………………………………………………..….…………3
1-1 Main Specifications………………………………………………………………………4
1-2 Other Features………………………………………………………………………..……6
1-3 Package Contents……………………………………………..……………………....……7
Chapter 2 Hardware Installation………………………….……………………….…8
2-1 Mainboard Overview…………………………………..…………………………..………..8
2-1-1 Short Description of Main Sockets and Connectors………………………………………9
2-2 CPU Installation………………. ………………………………………………………10
2-2-1 CPU Frequency setting….…………………………………….……...…………………….13
2-2-2 CPU and System Cooling……………………………………………….…………………15
Fan Headers………………………………..………………………………………………15
2-3 Memory………………………………..……………………………………………………17
2-3-1 Memory Installation l…………………………………………………………….………18
2-4 PCI and ISA…….…………………………………………………….….………………20
2-4-1 Wake On Lan Header………………………………………………………………………21
2-4-2 Wake On Modem Header…………………………………………………………………21
2-5 AGP Slot…………………………………………………………………………………22
2-6 Interrupts…………………………………………………………………………………24
2-7 On Board Audio…………………………………………………………………………28
2-7-1 Backpanel Audio Connectors………………………………………………………………28
2-7-2 Onboard Audio Connectors…………………………………………………………………28
2-8 AMR (Audio Modem Riser) ………………………………………………………………29
2-9 Back Panel Connectors……………………………………………………………………30
2-9-1 PS/2 Mouse and Keyboard…………………………………………………………………30
2-9-2 USB…………………………………………………………………………………………31
2-9-3 Serial Ports…………………………………………………………………………………31
2-9-4 Parallel Port…………………………………………………………………………………32
2-10 IrDA(Infrared Remote Link) ………………………………………………………………32
2-11 IDE1 and IDE2 ………………………………………………………………………33
2-12 FDD1(Floppy Disk) ………………………………………………………………34
2-13 PWR1(ATX Power Supply) ……………………………………………………35
2-14 Front Panel Connectors………………………………………………………………36
Chapter 3 Software Installation………………………………………………………38
3-1 Driver Installation…………………………………………………………………………38
3-2 Registry Error When Installing The VIA 4-IN-1 Drivers……………………………….39

K7VAT SystemBoard 2
Chapter 4 The BIOS…..………………...….…….. …………………………………40
4-1 Updating the BIOS………………………………………………………………………41
4-2 The CMOS Memory……………………………………………………………………42
4-3 The BIOS Setup Pages……………………………………………………………………44
4-3-1 Standard CMOS Setup…………………………………………………………………47
4-3-2 Advanced BIOS Features………………………………………………………………51
4-3-3 Advanced Chipset Features………………………………………………………..……56
4-3-4 Integrated Peripherals…………………………………………………………..……...61
4-3-5 Power Management Setup…………………………………………………………….66
4-3-6 PNP/PCI Configuration Setup………………………………………………………….71
4-3-7 PC Health Status…………...……………………………………………. ……………73
4-3-8 Frequency/Voltage Control.……………………………………………………………74
4-3-9 Passwords………………………………………………………………………………..76
Chapter 5 Frequently Asked Questions…………………………………………….78
5-1 Boot Issues………………………………………………………………………….………78
5-2 System Cooling…………………………………………...….………………………….80
5-2-1 Suitable Socket a CPU Coolers…………………………………………………………81
5-3 Video Issues……………………………………………………………………………83
5-4 Memory Issues…………………………………………………………….……………...84
Chapter 6 Appendix…………………………………………………………………86
Important Warnings:
STOP
WARNING: NEVER run the processor without the heatsink
properly and firmly attached. This will damage the processor within
SECONDS. Also do NOT try to use Pentium Heatsinks, these will
NOT fit and do NOT provide adequate cooling.
STOP
WARNING: Make sure your power supply can deliver the power
your system needs. We recommend AT LEAST a 250W power
supply. Even better, get a 300W power supply, especially when
using many peripherals.

K7VAT SystemBoard 3
Chapter 1 Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this high quality Motherboard, we are confident that
you will be able to use this motherboard to your full satisfaction. This manual is
divided into 6 main sections, as described below:
.
Introduction
The introduction contains information on the main specifications for the K7VAT
(K7VAT+) motherboard, the package contents and cautionary notes.
Hardware Installation
The Hardware Installation section is the most important in the manual. It describes
in detail how to set the motherboard up for operation. Read all information and
follow all steps, especially if you are a new user.
Software Installation
The software section describes the druvers that need be installed to make your OS operate
properly. The drivers are provided on the driver CD.
BIOS Setup
Information on how to enter the BIOS setup and change settings is given here. In
addition all individual BIOS items are described. Although some BIOS Setting
information is given in the hardware installation section where appropriate, refer
to the BIOS Setup Section for details.
Trouble Shooting
In the case you run into trouble using your motherboard, this section will provide you with
much information and practical tips to help you solve your problem. Some of the tips are
also given in the Hardware and Software Installation Sections where relevant.
Appendix
Provides useful information

K7VAT SystemBoard 4
1-1 Main Specifications
 Supported CPUs
The following Socket A-based AMD™ CPUs are supported:
Athlon™ (600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 950, 1000,1100, 1200MHz)
Duron™ (850 and 800, 750 and 700MHz)
Note: The frequencies listed were those known at time of publication.
 Chipset Northbridge
The VIA™ VT8363 (VIA Apollo KT133/ KE133) system controller supports a 66/100
MHz Front Side Bus (FSB); up to 1.27GB of PC133/PC100 SDRAM / VC 133 Virtual
Channel Memory (VCM) SDRAM; The K7VAT (K7VAT+) complies with AGP 2.0
specifications for 4X, 2X, and 1X AGP modes and PCI 2.2. bus interface with support for 5
PCI masters. It was designed especially to deliver enhanced AMD Athlon™ / Duron™
processor system performance.
 Chipset Southbridge
The VIA VT82C686A (K7VAT+ with VT82C686B) PCI Super-I/O Integrated Peripheral
Controller (PSIPC) supports UltraDMA/100, which allows burst mode data transfer rates of
up to 100MB/sec; AC97 audio (Using the on-board VIA 1611A Audio Codec); USB
controller with root hub and four function ports.
 Memory
The K7VAT (K7VAT+) comes equipped with three Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMM)
sockets to support Intel PC133/PC100-compliant (8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, or 512MB)
DIMM modules up to 1.5GB. In addition NECs VC133-compliant Virtual Channel (VC)
SDRAM is also supported. (VC SDRAM is a new DRAM architecture that greatly
improves the system memory ability to service high multimedia requirements.)
 PCI Expansion Slots
With five 32-bit PCI (Rev. 2.2) expansion slots, which can support Bus Master PCI cards,
such as LAN or Video-grabber cards (PCI supports up to 133MB/s maximum throughput),
the K7VAT (K7VAT+) motherboard is ready for the most demanding applications.
 ISA Expansion Slot
With one 16-bit ISA expansion slot, which can accepts plug-in boards that control the
sound, and other peripherals.
 AGP Slot
The K7VAT (K7VAT+) comes with an AGP Slot with Support for AGP cards for high
performance. The AGP 133MHz 4X mode is supported as well, further increasing system
performance.
 AMR Slot
An Audio Modem Riser (AMR) slot also is supported, a very affordable audio and/or
modem riser card can be used in combination with this slot.

K7VAT SystemBoard 5
 USB interface
With support for up to 4 USB ports, two on the back panel and two on-board, the K7VAT
(K7VAT+) provides ample USB expansion room.
 IDE interface
The K7VAT (K7VAT+) comes with an onboard PCI Bus Master IDE controller with two
connectors that support four ATA66/33 devices on two channels (ATA100 is also supported
for K7VAT (K7VAT+) boards that come with the 686B southbridge). Supports UDMA/66,
UDMA/33, PIO Modes 3 & 4 and Bus Master IDE DMA Mode 2, and Enhanced IDE
devices, such as CD-R/ RW, DVD-ROM, CD-ROM, Tape Backup and LS-120 drives.
 Super Multi-I/O
This functionality is integrated into the southbridge of the chipset. It provides two
high-speed UART compatible serial ports and one parallel port with EPP and ECP
capabilities.
 Infrared (IrDA) Connector
This functionality is also integrated into the southbridge of the chipset. The IrDA connector
supports an optional IR remote control device for wireless interfacing with external
peripherals, personal gadgets, or an optional remote controller.

K7VAT SystemBoard 6
1-2 Other Features
 Wake-On-LAN and Wake-On-Modem
These 3 pin connectors allow the motherboard to wake up on network (WOL)
or Modem (WOM) activity.
 PC Status Monitoring
This functionality provides a reliable way to examine and manage system status
information, such as CPU and system voltages, temperatures, and fan speed. This
information is available in the BIOS or through the VIA Hardware Monitor Software.
System BIOS
The K7VAT (K7VAT+) comes with a 2MB BIOS that provides, boot block write protection,
and HD/ SCSI/ CD/ Floppy boot selection. DMI is also supported through BIOS, which
allows hardware to communicate within a standard protocol creating a higher level of
compatibility.
Color-coded Connectors
The Back-panel connectors of this motherboard are all color coded. This allows the user to
easily locate certain connectors.

K7VAT SystemBoard 7
1-3 Package Contents
 The K7VAT (K7VAT+) Motherboard
 1 Manual
 1 Driver Installation CD-ROM
 1 IDE ATA 66/100 Flat-Cable
 1 Floppy Disk Drive Flat-Cable
Please verify that all items listed above are included in your motherboard package.
If one of the items is missing, please contact the dealer where you bought your
motherboard.

K7VAT SystemBoard 8
Chapter 2 Hardware Installation
2-1 Mainboard overview
KB &
MOUSE
USB1
LPT
COM1
AMR1
AGP1
JBAT1
PCI1
PCI2
BIOS
IR1
FDD1
CN2
FAN2
CD_IN2
CD_IN1
IDE1
IDE2
FAN3
USB2
COM2
GAME
MIC_IN/LINE_IN/LINE_OUT
PCI3
PCI4
PCI5
SW1
WOL1
WOM1
FAN1
JP3
JP2
JP4
SW 2
1 2

K7VAT SystemBoard 9
2-1-1 Short description of main sockets and connectors
 Socket A (CPU Socket)
Insert your Duron or Thunderbird k7 CPU into this socket. See the description is the
CPU Installation section below for more information.
 DIMM 1,2,3
These are the memory module slots. Please refer to the Memory Installation section.
 IDE 1,2
Insert the IDE cable from your HDD/CD-ROM devices to these connectors.
 ATX power
The power cable coming from your ATX power supply must be inserted to this
connector.
 AGP Pro Slot
Insert an AGP video card into this slot.
 PCI Slots
For expansion PCI Cards (Network, Modem, SCSI, etc).
 ISA slot
For expansion ISA cards(Sound card, etcs)
 AMR Slot
A Modem Riser card can be inserted into this slot.
Other components and jumper settings will described in the respective sections
that follow.

K7VAT SystemBoard 10
2-2 CPU Installation
The first step in the installation of your CPU is the insertion of the CPU into the CPU
socket. Please follow the steps as outlined below carefully to avoid damage to the CPU.
Avoid Static Electricity
The AMD Thunderbird and AMD Duron processors and your motherboard
contain sensitive electronic components that can be easily damaged by static
electricity. We recommend that you leave the processor in its original packaging
until you are ready to install it. You should only touch the edges of the processor,
NEVER touch the processor pins to avoid static discharge.
First take a moment to inspect your CPU for obvious damage due to shipping or handling.
Be sure that no noticeable damage exists before proceeding. You should have the following
items:
 1 AMD Thunderbird or AMD Duron processor.
 1 good heatsink and fan assembly.
Step 1
The following figure shows the processor socket. Note that the release lever on the
right side of the socket is down and latched. This position is used to lock the
processor in place. The lever must be raised to install the processor. To do this,
first push the lever sideways to unlatch it, then raise it all the way up
(approximately 90 degrees).
Step 2
The processor pin array at the top two corners is angled and has no pins in the corners.
Notice that at the top of the socket on the motherboard (near where it says "Socket A") the
corners also do not have positions for pins. The processor must be positioned so the pins
match up properly. When you do that, the corner of processor that is cut off will be
positioned next to the release pivot.

K7VAT SystemBoard 11
It should take no force to install the processor, this is a zero insertion force (ZIF) socket. If
it takes any force you are doing something wrong. Check the pin alignment and also make
sure the release lever is raised up completely.
After placing the CPU lower the release lever to lock the processor in place.
Now with the processor properly installed, you can proceed to install the heatsink.
It is important to note that If you have never installed a heatsink on an AMD
Thunderbird or AMD Duron processor before it may be difficult. We recommend
you do a dry run a few times before doing the final installation. To allow you to do
this read the following instructions. Do not remove the film on the thermally
conductive compound until you are ready to do the final installation.
STOP
WARNING: Never run the processor without the heatsink properly
and firmly attached.
Step3
The picture below shows the bottom of the heatsink. Notice the step in the
heatsink surface, this portion fits over the top of the socket, where the legend
"Socket A" is molded into the plastic. The heatsink must be mounted with this step
above the top of the socket or the heatsink will not be touching the processor
properly.

K7VAT SystemBoard 12
The next picture shows the removal of the plastic film from the thermally conductive
compound. The thermal compound is a thin layer of material that increases the efficiency of
the heatsink by filling microscopic surface voids in the processor or heatsink surface with a
thermally conductive material. Please do not remove the plastic film until you have
practiced installing the heatsink and mounting the clips on the socket. It can take a few tries
to get used to doing this.
The following picture shows a side view of the heatsink with the retaining clip at the
bottom of the heatsink. Make sure this retaining clip is at the bottom of the heatsink before
trying to install it.
The following picture shows the non-moveable end of the heatsink retaining clip installed
on the lug at the bottom of the processor socket. This end of the clip simply slides over the
lug when you tilt the heatsink / fan assembly towards the lug.
Now lock the locking clip for the retaining strap over the lug at the other (pivot end) of the
processor socket. This is an easy procedure after you do it a few times, but initially it will
require you to use a finger on one hand to push the latch down and use your other hand to
push the latch in. This is the part you need to practice to install the clip properly. When you
are holding the heatsink, make sure you do apply pressure to the fan. You could damage it
and cause thermal failure of the processor.
STOP
WARNING: Be careful not to scrape the motherboard during the mounting
of the fan or else damage may occur to the motherboard.
Now connect the wire from the heatsink fan to the FAN 3 connector on the motherboard.
This connector is keyed and can only be installed one way. If you use a heatsink assembly
that has two cooling fans, connect one to FAN 1 and the other to FAN z3. For more
information on the FAN connectors, refer to the FAN connector section later in this section.

K7VAT SystemBoard 13
2-2-1 CPU Frequency settings
The frequency the CPU runs at internally depends on the FSB (Front Side Bus) Frequency
that is provided to it and the multiplier setting. As example, a 800MHz CPU would run at
100MHz with a multiplier setting of 8x.
Frequency
The
K7VAT (K7VAT+) motherboard allows for setting of the frequency through the
BIOS. To change the CPU frequency, go to the Voltage / Frequency Control page in the
BIOS setup, the CPU Host / PCI Clock item will allow you select the CPU frequency. This
is explained in more detail in the BIOS section.
Multiplier
The K7VAT (K7VAT+) motherboard allows you use the default CPU multiplier. This can
be selected through JP3. If JP3 is open, the default CPU multiplier (recommended) is used
by the motherboard, if JP3 is closed, the multiplier set by SW1 is used.
JP3: Multiplier Source Select:
CPU Default SW1 Override
JP3 Setting
Closing JP3 allows setting of the multiplier through SW1, refer to the table below:
SW1: Multiplier Override
SW1 Ratio SW1 Ratio SW1 Ratio SW1 Ratio
5
7
9
11
5.5
7.5
9.5
11.5
6
8
10
12
6.5
8.5
10.5
12.5
You need to close JP3 only in case you plan to run the CPU at a frequency
higher than it was specified for (known as overclocking). Note however that we
do not guarantee proper functioning of your system if you overclock your CPU.
In case of overclocking the fan becomes even more important, since the higher
frequency causes the CPU to generate more heat.

K7VAT SystemBoard 14
SW2:External Frequency Selection
CPU
1 2
100MHz
ON ON
133MHz
OFF OFF
This potion tells the clock generator what frequency to send to the CPU,
DRAM and the PCI bus. This allows the selection of the CPU’s External
Frequency(or Bus Clock). The Bus Clock multiplied by the Frequency Multiple
equals the CPU’s Intemal frequency (the advertifed cpu speed).

K7VAT SystemBoard 15
2-2-2 CPU and System Cooling
Any attempt to operate the AMD Thunderbird™ Processor without a suitable cooling
solution will result in permanent damage to the processor and potentially other components
within the system.
Fan Headers
Your K7VAT (K7VAT+) Allows the use of in all 3 FANS. Of these 3 FANS, 2 can be used
by the CPU Heatsink assembly (Some heatsink assembly come with 2 FANs). The other 1
FAN Headers allow connection of a Power Supply FAN respectively. For a the location of
the FAN connectors, refer to the following picture:
 FAN1: CPU Main FAN , FAN3: CPU Secondary FAN
 FAN2: POWER Supply FAN
Fan Signal
SENSE
+12V
GROUND
FAN1
FAN3
FAN2

K7VAT SystemBoard 16
The lay-out of all FAN Headers is the same, please refer to the picture below:
(Note: RPM sens only for FAN1 & FAN2)
GND
12V
RPM Sens
Cooling Technical Background
As processor technology pushes to faster speeds and higher performance, thermal
management becomes increasingly crucial when building computer systems. Maintaining
the proper thermal environment is key to reliable, long-term system operation. The overall
goal in providing the proper thermal environment is keeping the processor module below
its specified maximum plate temperature.
Heatsinks induce improved processor heat dissipation through increased surface area
and concentrated airflow from attached fans. In addition, interface materials allow
effective transfers of heat from the processor to the heatsink. You can go the AMD
website (www.amd.com) to find a list of AMD recommended FANs.
Note: If your case comes with a case FAN or a possibility to install a case FAN, we
recommend you use it.
.

K7VAT SystemBoard 17
2-3 Memory
The K7VAT (K7VAT+) supports only Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMMs).
Three sockets are available for 3.3Volt unbuffered SDRAM (Synchronous
Dynamic Random Access Memory). The sizes that are supported are: 8, 16, 32, 64,
128, 256, or 512MB, memory sizes between 8MB to 1.5GB can be formed this
way. This motherboard also supports NECs Virtual Channel (VC) SDRAMs.
Refer to the picture below for the position of the DIMM slots:
DIMM1
DIMM2
DIMM3
Memory speed is controlled through the BIOS, on the Advanced Chipset Features
Setup page you will find several items related to SDRAM speed. Refer to the
BIOS section for more details.