Mylex MVE486 Operating instructions

MVE486 System Board
Installation and Operations Guide
P/N: 771917-DO1
Version DO1
March, 1993

MVE System Board Preface
PREFACE
Thank you for your choice of a Mylex MVE486 System Board product.
With proper installation and care, your Mylex System Board will operate
for years without any service requirement. This Installation and Opera-
tion Guide will guide you in the installation process. The information
contained herein is subject to change without notice.
Mylex does not represent or warrant that this Installations and Opera-
tions Guide is correct in any or all respects, and shall not be liable for
technical or editorial omissions or errors made herein. Except as
specifically provided herein, Mylex makes no warranties, express or
implied, respecting this guide or the Mylex products referred to herein,
including but not limited to any warranty of design, merchantability, or
fitness for a particular purpose, even if Mylex has been informed of
such purpose.
P/N: 771917-DO1
@CopyrIght 1993
by
Mylex Corporetlon
PO. Box 5035
Fremont, Calltornla 94537-5035
Copyright Notice:
This manual is copyrighted by Mylex Corporation.
It may not, in who/e
or in part, be copied, reproduced, photocopied, translated on paper,
electronic media or computer-readable-form or be used to make a
derivative work, without written permission from Mylex Corporation,
except as permitted by the United States Copyright Act of 1976, as
amended.
Copyright 0 1993 Version DO1
i

Preface
IvWE System Board
FCC Warning:
This device has been tested and found to comply within the limits of a
Class B device, pursuant to Part 15 of FCC regulations. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions:
1)
This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2)
this device must accept any interference received, in-
cluding interference that may cause undesired opera-
tion.
This equipment has been designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential area. This equipment
generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy. This device,
if not installed and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. There
is no guarantee, however, interference will not occur in a particular
installation. Should it be determined that this equipment is causing
interference to radio or television reception, the following suggested
actions may be taken.
Reorient or relocate the receiving antennea. Increase the distance
between the antennea and the computer. Plug the computer into a
different AC outlet so that the two conflicting devices are using a
different branch circuit. Contact the dealer that sold this equipment
and/or a reputable radio/television service technician for additional
suggestions.
CAUTION:
Only equipment certified to comply with Class B (computer input/output
devices, terminals, printers, etc) should be attached to this equipment,
and must have shielded interface cables.
Finally, any changes or modifications to the equipment by the user not
expressly approved by the guarantee or manufacturer could void the
users authority to operate such equipment.
ii
Version DO1
Copyright Q 1993

MVE System Board
Preface
Trademarks:
Mylex and MVE486 are registered trademarks of Mylex Corporation.
All other products and companies are trademarks of their respective
owners and licensees.
Mylex Warranty - Customer Service Policy
One Year Limited Warranty
This product is guaranteed to be free from manufacturing or material
defects for a period, of 1 (one) year after the date of purchase. Should
the product fail during this period Mylex will repair or replace (at Mylex’s
option) the product free of charge with the foilowing provisions:
1)
Proof of purchase must be provided.
2)
The product must have been properly installed in accord-
ance to the documentation provided.
3)
The product must not have been modified by any party
except by Mylex or an authorized agent.
4)
The product must be free of damage.
Any software, including firmware, is provided “as-is” without warranty
of any kind, expressed or implied. The purchaser bears complete risk
of the performance and quality of the software. Mylex’s sole responsi-
bility, and the purchaser’s only remedy to any defect in workmanship,
shall be replacement of the defective medium (diskette or ROM).
All expressed or implied warranties for the MVE486, including, but not
limited to, warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular
purpose, are restricted to the duration of the warranty period. Under
no circumstances shall Mylex be held liable, in any way, to the pur-
chaser for damages, including any lost profits, lost savings, or other
incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use of, or
inability to use this product. Some states do not allow warranty or
liability restrictions or limitations, so the preceding limitations may not
apply to you.
Copyright 0 1993 Version
DO1
iii

Preface MVE
System Board
Returned Merchandise Authorization (RMA)
All products returned to Mylex for warranty service or for other reasons,
must be assigned a RMA number before shipment to Mylex. The RMA
number may be obtained by contacting Mylex’s Technical Support
Department. Any product received without a RhM number will be
returned to the shipper unopened.
hportant Note: Only the company (or individual) that purchased the
product directly from Mylex may obtain an RMA number. If the Mylex
product was purchased from a reseller or distributor, you must contact
that company for service.
The following rules/procedures apply to all RMAs:
1)
The product must be returned in original packaging or
other suitable materials,
2)
Each returned unit will be inspected for damage or other
irregularities. If a unit is shown to be modified, the
customer will be notified before any action is taken.
3)
Mylex will not be responsible for non-Mylex products
shipped with an RMA unit. This includes memory, math
co-processors and other internal and external peripher-
als.
Products must be shipped to Mylex with freight paid. Upon completion
of service, Mylex will ship the product back UPS Ground or similar
service, at no charge, unless prior arrangements have been made.
Customer Service
Mylex Technical Support is available 8:00 a.m. to 500 p.m. pacific
standard time, Monday through Friday except holidays. They can be
reached at [phone] or by FAX at (510) 7457715. End users
are required to contact their suppliers,
Iv
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Table of Contents
MVE486 System Board
Table of Contents
Introduction
Package Contents ..........
Handling Precautions .......
If Troubles Are Encountered . .
Overview .................
Contents - Section 1 ........
Contents - Section 2 ........
What You Will Need ........
. . . .
. . . .
. . . .
. * . .
. .
. . . .
. * . .
............
............
............
............
............
............
............
. . .
. . .
. . *
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
. I-1
, l-2
. l-2
. l-3
.l-5
. l-6
. l-6
Section 1: MVE486 Svstem Board
Chapter 1: Installation
A Quick Look At Jumper Settings
......................
. . . , . . 1-2
Installation
.........................................
. . . . . .
1-4
Planning the System
................................. . . . . . .
1-4
Installing Memory
................................... . . . . . *
1-4
Installing SIMM Memory
.............................. . . . * . . l-7
Installing or Upgrading the CPU
........................
, . . . . l-8
Color or Mono Video Selection
......................... . . . . *
l-10
Local Bus Jumper Setting
............................. * , , , .
l-10
Chassis Installation
.................................. . . . . . l-11
Connecting Cables
.................................. . . * * .
1-12
Finishing Hardware Installation
......................... . . . . . 1-13
Chapter 2: Upgrading
Upgrading the Cache
. . . . . . . . . . . , . . . , . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . ,2-l
Installing the Cache Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
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MVE486 System Board
Table of Conlenk
Chapter 3: Troubleshooting
*oblems and Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . , . . , , , . . . . . . 3-l
Chapter 4: Technical Reference
Specifications
............................................ .4-l
I/O Port Connections.
....................................... 4-3
Appendix A: System Planning Worksheet
Planning Worksheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . , . . . . . . . . . . . A-l
Appendix B: Upgrading the MVE486
Cache Memory
............................................
B-1
UpgradeKits..
..........................................
..B- 2
Section 2: MVE486 EISA System BIOS
Chapter 1: BIOS Overview
BIOS Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , l-l
Chapter 2: BIOS Setup
Invoking Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting
the Options
........................................ .2-5
Time and Date
..................................... ,2-5
Base Memory
....................................... 2-5
Reserve Memory
................................... .2-5
Extended Memory
.................................. .2-6
Base and Extended Memory
.......................... -2-6
Primary Display
.................................... .2-6
Diskette Drive 1 and 2
............................... .2-6
Hard Drive 1 and 2
.................................. 2-6
Math Coprocessor
................................... 2-7
Error Condition
..................................... -2-7
Diagnostic Loop
.................................... .2-8
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Table of Contents
WE466 System Board
Password
........................................
..2- 8
BlOSShadow.......................................2- 8
C/D/E000 Shadow
..................................
.2-8
Hidden Refresh
.....................................
-2-9
Quick Memory Test ................................. .2-9
I/O Ports (Floppy, IDE, Serial, Parallel) ..................
-2-9
SystemSpeed ................................... ..2-10
Exception Trap
....................................
.2-l 0
Primary Cache
.................................. ...2-10
SecondaryCache...................................2-10
Noncache Block l/2
................................
.2-l 0
Memory Hole
.....................................
,2-l 1
Chapter 3: The POST Routine
Speaker Output (BEEP) Codes
...............................
.3-l
Error BEEP Decoding
......................................
.3-3
POST Code (Port 80h) Definitions
............................
.3-4
Chapter 4: Installation
Precautions
.............................................
..4- 1
Handling the System BIOS
...............................
.4-l
Replacing the BIOS , . . . . .
..................................
4-l
Removing the Old BIOS
.................................. 4-l
Replacing the BIOS . .
..................................
4-2
Check the New BIOS . .
..................................
4-2
Installing the New BIOS
..................................
4-2
Appendix A: Error Messages
Power on Self Test Error Messages
...........................
.A-1
Floppy Disk Error Messages
.................................
.A-?
Hard Disk Error Messages
..................................
.A-b
BootError Messages........................................A- 4
Messages for Run-time Fatal Errors
...........................
.A-4
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DO1
vii

MVE466 System Board
ToSle of Contents
Appendix B: CMOS Hard Disk Table
CMOS Hard Disk Table , . , . . . . . . . . . , , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-l
Figures and Tables
Figures - Section 1
Fig. l-l:
Fig. 1-2:
Fig. 1-3:
Fig l-4:
Fig. 1-5:
Fig. 2-l:
MVE486 System Board
...........
SIMM Installation
................
ZIF Socket Diagram .............
l/O Port Connectors for the MVE486
MVE486 Cable Connectors.
.......
MVE486 Cache
................
Fiaures - Section 2
. .
. . . .
. .
. . l-l
. . l-7
. . l-8
* l-11
* 1-12
. . 2-3
Fig. 2-l: Mylex CMOS Setup Screen #l . . . .
Fig. 2-2: Mylex CMOS Setup Screen #2 . . . .
Fig. 2-3: Mylex CMOS Setup Screen #3 . . , .
Fig. 2-4: Mylex CMOS Setup Screen #4 . . . ,
Fig. 2-5: Mylex CMOS Setup Screen #5 . . .
Fig. 2-6: Mylex CMOS Setup Screen #6 . . .
. . . .
. . . .
* * . .
. . . .
. . . .
. . . .
. . . .
. . . .
. . . .
. . . .
. . .
. . .
. . * . 2-2
. * . . 2-3
. . . . 2-3
. . .
2-4
. . . . 2-4
. . . 2-5
VIII
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Introduction MVE486 System Board
Introduction
Thank you for making the decision to purchase the
Mylex MVE486. With proper installation and mainte-
nance, the MVE486 will provide years of trouble-free
operation.
Package Contents
MVE486 System Board
Cable Kit (2 serial cables and 1 parallel cable)
EISA Configuration Utility diskettes
This manual
EISA Configuration Utility User’s Guide
Warranty Card
Any pertinent release notes available at the time of
shipment.
System Problem Report Form
Copyrlght CB 1993
Version DO1
I - 1

MVE486 System Board introduction
Handling Precautions
STATIC
WARNING
The MVE486 contains electronic components that are
highly sensitive to electrostatic discharge. Use extra
caution when handling the MVE486 to ensure there is
adequate grounding around the work area the board
is being installed. ALWAYS wear a ground strap or
ground your body by touching a grounded object such
as an un-painted metal device connected to power
ground.
The MVE486 has delicate crystal oscillators that can
break if subjected to sudden shock such as being
tossed on a table. Use care when moving the
MVE486 from point to point.
If Troubles Are Encountered
If, during the course of installation or operation of the
MVE486, the board displays improper operation, first
consult this manual’s Troubleshooting section, paying
particular attention to the jumper settings, as well as
the BIOS section of this manual. Then contact your
dealer or distributor for additional information. Deal-
ers and Distributors may contact Mylex Technical Sup-
port Department at [phone]. Be sure to have
the enclosed System Problem Report completely filled
out.
t-2
Version DO1
____
Copyright 0 1993

Introduction
MVE466 System Board
Overview
General Description: The MVE486 is a Baby AT
form factor EISA-VESA system board based upon the
Intel 80486 series CPU. The highly integrated ASIC
design provides high performance coupled with a long
list of features including: 4 bus master EISA slots, 2
EISA-VL (VESA) bus master slots, 486SX, 486DX,
486DX2 and future upgrade processor support, up to
256Kf3 of direct-map adaptive write-back cache, up to
128MB of DRAM, integrated I/O for serial, parallel,
IDE and high speed floppy drive control, FLASH ROM
BIOS, ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) CPU socket and
frequency synthesizer. A brief description of major
feature follows:
EISA BUS Architecture: EISA has emerged as the
defacto standard for a 32-bit PC BUS. Backward
compatible with the original AT BUS, as well as pro-
viding the highest performance available from a PC
standard bus - 33 MB/set - , EISA is the architecture
of choice, All slots on the MVE486 are “Bus Master”
and “Burst Mode” compatible ensuring EISA adapter
compatibility.
VESA Bus Architecture: VESA emerged as the de-
facto standard local bus for PC systems. VESA-VL
bus works at CPU.clock, so the highest data transfer
rates can be achieved. MVE486 supports two VESA
slots up to speeds of 33MHz. Both the slots are bus
master, non-DMA slots.
Upgradable CPU: The MVE486 includes a special
ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) socket that allows easy
processor changes. The MVE will handle the full
spectrum of the i486 series of processors from the
Intel486”SX-20 through the 80486DX-50 as well as
the available speeds of the 486DX2s and the new
OverDrive” processors. Installation of a processor is
easy with the special ZIF (Zero Insertion Force)
socket; simply lift the tension iever, remove the old
CPU and drop in the new processor. There are no
special tools required. A series of jumpers are clearly
marked to select the processor type.
Copyright 0 1993 Version DO1
I-3

MVE486 System Board
Introduction
2-128MB of DRAM Memory: While most system
boards only support 32 or 64MB, the MVE486 quad-
ruples that memory capacity up to 128MB. This is a
must for network file servers and multi-user, time-shar-
ing systems. The MVE486 supports the new 72 pin
standard single as well as double sided modules of
512x36, 1 Mx36,2Mx36,4Mx36,8Mx36.
64.258K of Adaptive Write-Back Cache Memory:
Cache memory is an essential part of maintaining high
system performance. In most cases, the larger the
cache memory, the greater the system performance.
Repetitive programs such as spread-sheet and CAD
applications will benefit the most. The standard con-
figuration includes 128K of cache memory. For 64K
cache memory you need 8 pieces of 8Kx8 - 20NS
chips. To upgrade to 256K, you may need 8 pieces of
32Kx8 - 20NS SRAM chips with one additional 8Kx8 -
15NS Tag RAM.
Unlike other cache architectures that require the CPU
to write directly to DRAM, (usually 3 wait states or
more) the write-back cache is the most efficient way
for cache to write information back to main memory.
This is because the cache can be written to within a
Zero Waitstate cycle. Then the cache circuit writes the
information to the DRAM by itself.
Embedded I/O: The MVE486 includes the latest gen-
eration of Super I/O controllers which provides 2 serial
ports, a parallel port, IDE disk interface and floppy disk
controller. The floppy disk controller is capable of
supporting the new “4MB” floppy disk drives. Just as
important, the floppy controller is capable of data rates
of 1 MB/set--this is a significant benefit in performance
on various floppy tape drives compatible with the
lMB/sec transfer rates. In addition, the serial port
UARTS are compatible with the National” 16450 with
16-byte FIFO.
OPTIONAL FLASH ROM BIOS: At one time or an-
other, the need can arise to update the system BIOS.
Usually this means that the system must be partially
disassembled, the old ROM chip removed, discarded,
the new ROM chip installed and the system reassem-
bled. With FLASH technology, BIOS updates are
l-4
Version DO1
Copyright 0 1993

introduction MVE488
System Board
made simply by running a program. With the MVE486
there are no chassis to open, no jumpers to set.
Simply run a DOS program that reads a BIOS .BIN file
and then programs the new BIOS into the FLASH
memory chip. Note: This is an option, that depending
upon your source, a FLASH BIOS may or may not be
installed. To determine whether a FLASH BIOS is
installed, examine location U67 on the left hand lower
edge of the board. If installed device occupies all
available pins of the socket, it is a FLASH part. If two
rows of pins are empty, then the MVE486 is equipped
with a standard EPROM BIOS.
Frequency Synthesizer: Selecting a processor
speed is as simple as setting a couple of jumpers.
There are no oscillators to purchase, no components
to desolder and resolder. The clear benefit of this
feature is the ability to select whatever processor
speed desired. However, DX2 or OverDrive proces-
sors (known as clock doublers), with a maximum input
clock frequency of 33-MHz may be run on any stand-
ard board.
Contents:
This section is broken down into 6 major chapters.
Section 1
The following is a description of each chapter.
Chapter 1: Installation - This describes the
major steps for installing the MVE486 into a
chassis and making all necessary hardware
connections including l/O cables.
Chapter 2: Troubleshooting - This section
provides hints on resolving technical
problems with the MVE486 system board.
Chapter 3: Upgrading - This section
describes the steps necessary to upgrade the
CPU and cache on the MVE486.
Copyright Q 1993 Version DO1
l-5

MVE466 System Board Introduction
Chapter 4: Technical Reference: - This
section covers some of the major aspects of
the MVE466’s design, as well as pin
assignments and compatibility and
benchmark information.
Appendix A: System Planning Worksheet
Appendix B: Upgrade Order information
Contents:
Section 2 This section covers the Myiex BIOS installed
on your MVE486. it is broken down into five
chapters.
Chapter 1: BIOS Overview - provides an
overview of the Mylex system BIOS and
describes its features.
Chapter 2: BIOS Setup - describes how to
use the setup program to configure your
system board.
Chapter 3: BIOS Diagnostics - describes
how to diagnose common problems you may
have when setting up your system.
Appendix A: Error Messages
Appendix B: CMOS Hard Drive Table
What You Will Need
Before you begin to instail the MVE486 in a chassis,
the following tools will be required: A Phillips and fiat
blade screwdriver, plastic stand-offs (these are nor-
mally supplied with the chassis) and assorted screws.
l-6
Version DO1
Copyright 0 1993

Introduction MVE486 System Board
A good working knowledge of computers is highly
recommended for installing a system board. It is not
advised that a novice attempt installation of the
MVE486.
Copyright Q 1993 Version
CO1
l-7

Installation Section 1
MVE466 System Board
Chapter 1: Installation
Jl
J12
m
17rsE!
10100
2'tEf
J23
J7 J9 J9 JlO
Figure 1-l : WE486 System Board
Copyright Q 1993 Version DO1
l-l

MVE406 System Board
Section 1
Installation
A Quick Look At Jumper Settings
-
DEFAULTSETTINGS
-.- ‘.
--I-----.--
____
_____ --
2-3 CLOSE
1-2 CLOSE
CLOSE
I
J13 CPU8
l-2 CLOSE/3-4 486DX/486DX2
1-2 CLOSE/3-4
l-2 Version DO1
Copyright (B 1993

Installation
Section 1 ME488 System Board
,
CPU
~._ 1__ wL-. . . . . .._.
EBCSE-ITING ’ CLOCI
--
SPEED
..LYLII_ILL
--._.- .Ij_l~-. _..._L__l,
I
AVASEM SETTING SPEEC
._
J5
l-2
2-3
2-3
J28 J26 J6
OPEN OPEN l-2
OPEN OPEN l-2
OPEN CLOSE 1-2
-m_m_l mIF--
CAt%E SETTINGS
Jl 1
2-3
CLOSE
l-2
CLOSE
2-3
CLOSE
--.. .I -. -.
J20
OPEN
J18 1 J24
OPEN OPEN
--I--
CLOSE
OPEN CLOSE
CLOSE CLOSE CLOSE
u57
8Kx8 15NS -
64K CACHE
8Kx8 15NS -
128K CACHE
8Kx8 15NS -
!56K CACHE
Note: BANK0 = U70, U69, U59and U58 and BANK1
= U72, U71, U61 and U60.
~.
. ..__
LOCAL BUS ENABLE JUMPERS
.__--___l_l._._--_
Copyright 0 1993 Version DO1
l-3

MVE406 System Board
Section 1
Installation
Installation
There are 5 easy steps for installing the MVE486
system board into a chassis.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Planning the system configuration.
Installing SIMM memory.
Changing any of the hardware jumpers, if the
system configuration requires them to be
changed.
Installing the board into the chassis.
Powering-up the system and setting the
CMOS configuration information.
Planning the System
Using the simple form located in Appendix A, the
resources available can be planned and any problems
such as hardware conflicts can be avoided ahead of
time. It would be a good idea to complete this form
before system assembly is performed.
Installing Memory
The MVE486 provides four 72-pin SIMM sockets ca-
pable of taking single as well as double sided SIMMs.
The MVE486 supports different SIMM sizes. All
SlMMs should be 60 or 70 NS SIMMs. Please see the
following table for the possible configurations.
l-4
Version DO1 Copyright 0 1993