NEC DIRECTION L - SERVICE User manual

First Printing — April 1998
Copyright 1998
NEC Computer Systems Division
Packard Bell NEC, Inc.
1414 Massachusetts Avenue
Boxborough, MA 01719-2298
All Rights Reserved
PROPRIETARY NOTICE AND LIABILITY DISCLAIMER
The information disclosed in this document, including all designs and related materials, is
the valuable property of NEC Computer Systems Division, Packard Bell NEC, Inc.
(hereinafter “NEC CSD”) and/or its licensors. NEC CSD and/or its licensors, as appropri-
ate, reserve all patent, copyright and other proprietary rights to this document, including all
design, manufacturing, reproduction, use, and sales rights thereto, except to the extent said
rights are expressly granted to others.
The NEC CSD product(s) discussed in this document are warranted in accordance with the
terms of the Warranty Statement accompanying each product. However, actual
performance of each such product is dependent upon factors such as system configuration,
customer data, and operator control. Since implementation by customers of each product
may vary, the suitability of specific product configurations and applications must be
determined by the customer and is not warranted by NEC CSD.
To allow for design and specification improvements, the information in this document is
subject to change at any time, without notice. Reproduction of this document or portions
thereof without prior written approval of NEC CSD is prohibited.
Direction is a trademark of Packard Bell NEC, Inc.
NEC and MultiSync are registered trademarks of NEC Corporation, used under license.
All other product, brand, or trade names used in this publication are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective trademark
owners.

iii
Contents
Page
Preface......................................................................................................................... xi
Abbreviations............................................................................................................... xiii
Section 1 Technical Information
System Board .............................................................................................................. 1-4
Processor.............................................................................................................. 1-4
System Cache/Memory ......................................................................................... 1-4
Chipset ................................................................................................................. 1-5
PCI Local Bus ...................................................................................................... 1-5
Expansion Bus ............................................................................................... 1-6
BIOS.................................................................................................................... 1-6
Plug and Play Support.................................................................................... 1-7
CMOS Memory/Real-Time Clock Battery............................................................. 1-8
DMA/IRQ Settings............................................................................................... 1-8
IDE Ports ............................................................................................................. 1-9
I/O Ports............................................................................................................... 1-9
Sound System....................................................................................................... 1-10
U.S. Robotics Modem Board (Optional)...................................................................... 1-10
Diskette Drive.............................................................................................................. 1-10
Hard Disk Drive........................................................................................................... 1-11
Cd-Rom/Dvd Drive...................................................................................................... 1-11
Zip Drive ..................................................................................................................... 1-11
Power Supply .............................................................................................................. 1-11
Power Management..................................................................................................... 1-11
Section 2 Setup Utility
Configuration Information............................................................................................ 2-1
When to Use Setup...................................................................................................... 2-1
How to Start Setup...................................................................................................... 2-2
How to Use Setup ....................................................................................................... 2-3
Menu Bar.............................................................................................................. 2-3
Legend Bar........................................................................................................... 2-4
Selecting a Menu Item .......................................................................................... 2-4
Displaying a Submenu........................................................................................... 2-4

iv Contents
Getting Help......................................................................................................... 2-4
Main Menu.................................................................................................................. 2-5
Floppy Options Submenu...................................................................................... 2-6
Primary/Secondary IDE Master/Slave Submenus................................................... 2-7
Advanced Menu........................................................................................................... 2-9
Resource Configuration Submenu......................................................................... 2-10
Peripheral Configuration Submenu........................................................................ 2-10
Keyboard Configuration Submenu......................................................................... 2-12
Video Configuration Submenu.............................................................................. 2-13
DMI Event Logging Submenu............................................................................... 2-13
Security Menu ............................................................................................................. 2-14
Power Menu................................................................................................................ 2-14
Boot Menu .................................................................................................................. 2-15
Hard Drive Submenu............................................................................................. 2-15
Removable Drive Submenu................................................................................... 2-16
Exit Menu.................................................................................................................... 2-16
Section 3 Option Installation
General Rules for Installing Options............................................................................. 3-1
Precautions.................................................................................................................. 3-2
Removing the Access Cover......................................................................................... 3-3
Replacing the Access Cover......................................................................................... 3-4
Expansion Boards........................................................................................................ 3-5
Expansion Slot Locations...................................................................................... 3-5
Expansion Board Installation................................................................................. 3-6
Expansion Board Removal.................................................................................... 3-7
DIMM Upgrade........................................................................................................... 3-7
DIMM Removal.................................................................................................... 3-9
DIMM Installation................................................................................................ 3-10
Video Upgrade ............................................................................................................ 3-11
Data Storage Devices................................................................................................... 3-11
Device Slots.......................................................................................................... 3-11
Device Preparation................................................................................................ 3-12
Device Cables....................................................................................................... 3-13
Diskette Drive Signal Cable............................................................................ 3-13
IDE Signal Cables.......................................................................................... 3-14
System Power Cables..................................................................................... 3-15

Contents v
Device Cabling...................................................................................................... 3-16
Cabling an IDE Device................................................................................... 3-16
Cabling an Accessible 5 1/4-Inch Device ........................................................ 3-17
Storage Device Installation.................................................................................... 3-18
Removing the Front Panel.............................................................................. 3-18
Removing the CD-ROM/DVD Drive.............................................................. 3-18
Installing a 3 1/2-Inch Device......................................................................... 3-19
Installing a 5 1/4-Inch Device......................................................................... 3-23
Replacing the Front Panel............................................................................... 3-24
Adding External Options.............................................................................................. 3-25
Parallel Printer ...................................................................................................... 3-25
RS-232C Device Connection................................................................................. 3-27
Section 4 Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Maintenance ................................................................................................................ 4-2
System Cleaning.................................................................................................... 4-2
Keyboard Cleaning................................................................................................ 4-3
Mouse Cleaning.................................................................................................... 4-3
Troubleshooting........................................................................................................... 4-5
Diagnosing and Solving Problems ......................................................................... 4-5
Beep Codes........................................................................................................... 4-11
CMOS Battery Replacement................................................................................. 4-11
Section 5 Disassembly and Reassembly
Disassembly................................................................................................................. 5-2
System Access Cover............................................................................................ 5-2
Expansion Board Removal.................................................................................... 5-2
Front Panel Removal............................................................................................. 5-3
Side Panel Removal .............................................................................................. 5-4
Device Cage Removal........................................................................................... 5-4
Diskette Drive Removal........................................................................................ 5-4
5 1/4-Inch Device Removal................................................................................... 5-5
Optional 3 1/2-Inch Hard Disk Drive Removal...................................................... 5-6
Standard 3 1/2-Inch Hard Disk Drive Removal...................................................... 5-8
Fan Assembly Removal......................................................................................... 5-8
DIMM Module Removal....................................................................................... 5-9
Power Supply Removal......................................................................................... 5-10

vi Contents
System Board Removal......................................................................................... 5-11
Illustrated Parts Breakdown......................................................................................... 5-11
Appendix A System Specifications
Appendix B Connector Pin Assignments
Serial Interface Connectors.......................................................................................... B-4
Parallel Interface Connector......................................................................................... B-5
Power Supply (Primary)............................................................................................... B-6
Keyboard and Mouse Connectors................................................................................. B-6
Front Panel .................................................................................................................. B-7
Diskette Drive Interface Pin Assignments..................................................................... B-8
IDE Interface Connectors ............................................................................................ B-9
DIMM Sockets............................................................................................................ B-10
AGP Connector...........................................................................................................B-11
ISA Expansion Bus Connector Pin Assignments........................................................... B-12
PCI Expansion Bus Connector Pin Assignments...........................................................B-14
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Connectors.......................................................................B-15
Appendix C System Resources
IRQ Settings................................................................................................................ C-1
Viewing System Resources .......................................................................................... C-2
Setting the Jumper....................................................................................................... C-2
Clearing Your Password ....................................................................................... C-3
Recovering the BIOS............................................................................................ C-4
Figures
Figure 3-1 Releasing the Cover.................................................................................... 3-4
Figure 3-2 Aligning the Tabs........................................................................................ 3-4
Figure 3-3 Locating Expansion Slots............................................................................ 3-6
Figure 3-4 Removing the Slot Cover............................................................................ 3-6
Figure 3-5 Removing a DIMM..................................................................................... 3-10
Figure 3-6 Installing a DIMM ...................................................................................... 3-11
Figure 3-7 Locating Device Slots................................................................................. 3-12
Figure 3-8 System Board Cable Connectors................................................................. 3-13
Figure 3-9 Diskette Drive Signal Cable ........................................................................ 3-14

Contents vii
Figure 3-10 IDE Signal Cable ...................................................................................... 3-15
Figure 3-11 Power Cable Connectors........................................................................... 3-15
Figure 3-12 Connecting IDE Device Cables ................................................................. 3-16
Figure 3-13 Connecting an Accessible 5 1/4-Inch Device ............................................. 3-17
Figure 3-14 Releasing the Front Panel.......................................................................... 3-18
Figure 3-15 Removing the Device Cage Screw............................................................. 3-19
Figure 3-16 Locating Device Slots............................................................................... 3-20
Figure 3-17 Removing the Bracket Screws................................................................... 3-20
Figure 3-18 Aligning the Holes and Tabs...................................................................... 3-21
Figure 3-19 Securing the Disk...................................................................................... 3-21
Figure 3-20 Inserting the Device.................................................................................. 3-22
Figure 3-21 Removing the Blank Panel ........................................................................ 3-22
Figure 3-22 Installing the Device.................................................................................. 3-24
Figure 3-23 Locating the Parallel Port.......................................................................... 3-26
Figure 3-24 Locating COM1and COM2....................................................................... 3-27
Figure 4-1 Removing the Mouse Ball Cover................................................................. 4-4
Figure 4-2 Locating the Battery ................................................................................... 4-12
Figure 5-1 Removing a Board...................................................................................... 5-3
Figure 5-2 Releasing the Front Panel............................................................................ 5-3
Figure 5-3 Locating the Device Cage Screw................................................................. 5-4
Figure 5-4 Locating the Two Diskette Drive Clips ....................................................... 5-5
Figure 5-5 Removing the 5 1/4-Inch Device Screws..................................................... 5-6
Figure 5-6 The 3 1/2-Inch Device Bracket Screws ....................................................... 5-7
Figure 5-7 Removing the Securing Screw..................................................................... 5-7
Figure 5-8 Removing the Drive.................................................................................... 5-8
Figure 5-9 Removing a DIMM..................................................................................... 5-9
Figure 5-10 Removing the Power Supply Screws......................................................... 5-10
Figure 5-11 Removing the System Board Screw........................................................... 5-11
Figure 5-12 Direction L Series Desktop Illustrated Parts Breakdown ........................... 5-15
Figure 5-13 Direction L Series Minitower Illustrated Parts Breakdown........................ 5-19
Figure 5-14 Direction SPL and SP Series Desktop Illustrated Parts Breakdown ........... 5-23
Figure 5-15 Direction SPL and SP Series Minitower Illustrated Parts Breakdown........ 5-27
Figure B-1 System Board Connectors and Slots........................................................... B-2
Figure B-2 System Board External Connectors ............................................................ B-2

viii Contents
Figure C-1 Locating the Jumper................................................................................... C-2
Tables
Table 1-1 L Series System Features.............................................................................. 1-2
Table 1-2 SPL Series System Features ......................................................................... 1-3
Table 1-3 SP Series System Features............................................................................ 1-4
Table 1-4 System Memory Map................................................................................... 1-7
Table 1-5 Interrupt Level Assignments......................................................................... 1-8
Table 1-6 DMA Assignments....................................................................................... 1-9
Table 2-1 Setup Key Functions .................................................................................... 2-4
Table 3-1 Sample Memory Configurations ................................................................... 3-9
Table 4-1 NEC CSD Service and Information Telephone Numbers .............................. 4-1
Table 4-2 Problems and Solutions................................................................................ 4-5
Table 4-3 Beep Code Descriptions............................................................................... 4-11
Table 5-1 Disassembly Sequence.................................................................................. 5-1
Table 5-2 Direction L Series Desktop Field-Replaceable Parts List............................... 5-12
Table 5-3 Direction L Series Minitower Field-Replaceable Parts List............................ 5-16
Table 5-4 Direction SPL and SP Series Desktop Field-Replaceable Parts List............... 5-20
Table 5-5 Direction SPL and SP Series Minitower Field-Replaceable Parts List............ 5-24
Table 5-6 Memory Options.......................................................................................... 5-28
Table 5-7 Direction Series Documentation................................................................... 5-28
Table B-1 System Board Connectors............................................................................ B-1
Table B-2 System Board Internal Connectors............................................................... B-3
Table B-3 System Board Connector Numbers and Types ............................................. B-3
Table-B-4 RS-232C Serial Port Connector Pin Assignments ........................................ B-4
Table B-5 Parallel Port Connector Pin Assignments ..................................................... B-5
Table B-6 Primary Power Supply Connector Pin Assignments...................................... B-6
Table B-7 Keyboard and Mouse Connector Pin Assignments ....................................... B-6
Table B-8 Front Panel Connector Pin Assignments....................................................... B-7
Table B-9 Diskette Drive Connector Pin Assignments.................................................. B-8
Table B-10 IDE/PCI Connector Pin Assignments......................................................... B-9
Table B-11 DIMM Socket Pin Assignments................................................................. B-10
Table B-12 AGP Connector Pin Assignments...............................................................B-11

Contents ix
Table B-13 ISA Expansion Slot Pin Assignments......................................................... B-12
Table B-14 PCI Expansion Pin Assignments.................................................................B-14
Table B-15 USB Connectors........................................................................................ B-15
Table C-1 System Board Jumper Settings..................................................................... C-3

x Contents

xi
Preface
This service and reference manual contains technical information necessary for servicing and
repairing Direction L Series, SPL Series, and SP Series systems. The manual includes
system setup information, procedures for installing options, and troubleshooting. The
manual is written for NEC CSD-trained customer engineers, system analysts, service center
personnel, and dealers.
The manual is organized as follows:
Section 1 — Technical Information, provides an overview of the computer features,
hardware design, interface ports, and internal devices.
Section 2 — Setup Utility, includes procedures for configuring the system through the
Setup utility program
Section 3 — Option Installation, provides installation procedures for adding optional
expansion boards, diskette and hard disk storage devices, system memory, and processor
updates.
Section 4 — Maintenance and Troubleshooting, includes recommended maintenance
information, lists possible computer problems and their solutions, and has battery
replacement procedures.
Section 5 — Disassembly and Reassembly, includes computer disassembly and
reassembly procedures.
Appendix A — System Specifications, provides a list of the system specifications
including dimensions, weight, environment, safety compliance, power consumption, and
memory.
Appendix B — Connector Pin Assignments, provides a list of the internal and external
system board connector pin assignments.
Appendix C — System Resources, includes information on IRQ settings and system board
jumpers.

xiii
Abbreviations
A ampere
AC alternating current
AT advanced technology
(IBM PC)
BBS Bulletin Board Service
BCD binary-coded decimal
BCU BIOS Customized Utility
BIOS basic input/output system
bit binary digit
BUU BIOS Upgrade Utility
bpi bits per inch
bps bits per second
C capacitance
C centigrade
Cache high-speed buffer storage
CAM constantly addressable memory
CAS column address strobe
CD/ROM compact disk-ROM
CG character generator
CGA Color Graphics Adapter
CGB Color Graphics Board
CH channel
clk clock
cm centimeter
CMOS complementary metal oxide
semiconductor
COM communication
CONT contrast
CPGA ceramic pin grid array
CPU central processing unit
DAC digital-to-analog converter
DACK DMA acknowledge
DC direct current
DIP dual in-line package
DLAB Divisor Latch Address bit
DMA direct memory access
DMAC DMA controller
DOS disk operating system
DRAM dynamic RAM
ECC error checking and correction
EDO extended data output
EGA Enhanced Graphics Adapter
EPROM erasable and programmable
ROM
EVGA Enhanced Video Graphics
Array
F Fahrenheit
FAX facsimile transmission
FCC Federal Communications
Commission
FG frame ground
FM frequency modulation
FP fast page
FRU field-replaceable unit
GB gigabyte
GND ground
HEX hexadecimal
HGA Hercules Graphics Adapter
Hz hertz
IC integrated circuit
ID identification
IDE intelligent device electronics
IDTR interrupt descriptor table
register
in. inch
INTA interrupt acknowledge
IPB illustrated parts breakdown
IR infrared
IRR Interrupt Request register
ISA Industry Standard Architecture
ISR In Service register
I/O input/output

xiv Abbreviations
IPC integrated peripheral controller
ips inches per second
IRQ interrupt request
K kilo (1024)
k kilo (1000)
KB kilobyte
kg kilogram
kHz kilohertz
lb pound
LED light-emitting diode
LSB least-significant bit
LSI large-scale integration
M mega
mA milliamps
max maximum
MB megabyte
MDA Monochrome Display Adapter
MFM modified frequency modulation
MHz megahertz
mm millimeter
ms millisecond
MSB most-significant bit
NASC National Authorized Service
Center
NC not connected
NMI Non-maskable Interrupt
ns nanosecond
NSRC National Service Response
Center
PAL programmable array logic
PC personal computer
PCB printed circuit board
PCI Peripheral Component
Interconnect
PDA personal digital assistant
PFP plastic flat package
PIO parallel input/output
pixel picture element
PLCC plastic leaded chip carrier
PLL phase lock loop
p-p peak-to-peak
PPI programmable peripheral
interface
PROM programmable ROM
QFP quad flat pack
RAM random-access memory
RAMDAC RAM digital-to-analog
converter
RAS row address strobe
RGB red green blue
RGBI red green blue intensity
ROM read-only memory
rpm revolutions per minute
R read
RTC real-time clock
R/W read/write
S slave
SCSI Small Computer System
Interface
SG signal ground
SIMM single inline memory module
SPM standard page mode
SRS Sound Retrieval System
SVGA Super Video Graphics Array
SW switch
TAC Technical Assistance Center
TSC Technical Support Center
TTL transistor/transistor logic
tpi tracks per inch
USB universal serial bus
V volt
Vac volts, alternating current
Vdc volts, direct current
VESA video electronics standards
association

Abbreviations xv
VFC VESA-compliant feature
connector
VGA Video Graphics Array
VRAM video RAM
W watt
W write

Section 1
Technical Information
The Direction™L Series, SPL Series, and SP Series of desktop and minitower Pentium II
systems include the following configurations:

Direction 233L

Direction 266L

Direction 300L
 Direction 333L
 Direction SPL233 with 24x CD-ROM drive

Direction SPL266 with 24x CD-ROM drive
 Direction SPL300 with 24x CD-ROM drive

Direction SPL333 with 24x CD-ROM drive
 Direction SPL233 with 32x CD-ROM drive
 Direction SPL266 with 32x CD-ROM drive
 Direction SPL300 with 32x CD-ROM drive
 Direction SPL333 with 32x CD-ROM drive
This section provides an overview of the NEC Direction L Series, SPL Series, and SP
Series computers. These systems include the Intel®Pentium®II processor with MMX™
technology. Table 1-1 describes the standard features of the L Series models. Table 1-2
describes the standard features of the SPL Series models. Table 1-3 describes the standard
features of the SP Series models.
The subsections that follow provide more detailed information on the system features.

1-2 Technical Information
Table 1-1 L Series System Features
Feature Direction 233L Direction 266L Direction 300L Direction 333L
Processor Intel Pentium II
233-MHz MMX Intel Pentium II 266-MHz MMX Intel Pentium II 300-MHz MMX Intel Pentium II 333-MHz MMX
S
y
stem
RAM 32 MB to 192 MB 32 MB to 192 MB 32 MB to 192 MB 32 MB to 192 MB
Secondar
y
Cache 512 KB, pipeline burst 512 KB, pipeline burst 512 KB, pipeline burst 512 KB, pipeline burst
Chipset Intel 440LX Intel 440LX Intel 440LX Intel 440LX
Graphics AGP
g
raphics
board AGP
g
raphics
board AGP
g
raphics
board AGP
g
raphics
board
Video
Memory 4 MB SGRAM 4 MB WRAM 4 MB WRAM 4 MB WRAM
Sound Sound Retrieval
System®Sound Retrieval
System Sound Retrieval System Sound Retrieval System
Hard Disk 3.2 GB - 9 GB 3.2 - 9 GB 3.2 - 9 GB 3.2 - 9 GB
CD-ROM
Drive 24x 24x 24x 24x
Power
Supply 235 W 235 W 235 W 235 W

Technical Information 1-3
Table 1-2 SPL Series System Features
Feature Direction SPL233 Direction SPL266 Direction SPL300 Direction SPL333
Processor Intel Pentium II
233-MHz MMX Intel Pentium II 266-MHz MMX Intel Pentium II 300-MHz MMX Intel Pentium II 333-MHz MMX
S
y
stem
RAM 32 MB to 192 MB 32 MB to 192 MB 32 MB to 192 MB 32 MB to 192 MB
Secondar
y
Cache 512 KB, pipeline burst 512 KB, pipeline burst 512 KB, pipeline burst 512 KB, pipeline burst
Chipset Intel 440LX Intel 440LX Intel 440LX Intel 440LX
Graphics AGP
g
raphics
board AGP
g
raphics
board AGP
g
raphics
board AGP
g
raphics
board
Video
Memory 4 MB SGRAM 4 MB WRAM 4 MB WRAM 4 MB WRAM
Sound Sound Retrieval
System Sound Retrieval System Sound Retrieval System Sound Retrieval System
Hard Disk 3.2 GB - 9 GB 3.2 - 9 GB 3.2 - 9 GB 3.2 - 9 GB
CD-ROM
Drive 24x 24x 24x 24x
Power
Supply 235 W 235 W 235 W 235 W

1-4 Technical Information
Table 1-3 SP Series System Features
Feature Direction SPL233 Direction SPL266 Direction SPL300 Direction SPL333
Processor Intel Pentium II
233-MHz MMX Intel Pentium II 266-MHz MMX Intel Pentium II 300-MHz MMX Intel Pentium II 333-MHz MMX
S
y
stem
RAM 32 MB to 192 MB 32 MB to 192 MB 32 MB to 192 MB 32 MB to 192 MB
Secondar
y
Cache 512 KB, pipeline burst 512 KB, pipeline burst 512 KB, pipeline burst 512 KB, pipeline burst
Chipset Intel 440LX Intel 440LX Intel 440LX Intel 440LX
Graphics AGP
g
raphics
board AGP
g
raphics
board AGP
g
raphics
board AGP
g
raphics
board
Video
Memory 4 MB SGRAM 4 MB WRAM 4 MB WRAM 4 MB WRAM
Sound Sound Retrieval
System Sound Retrieval System Sound Retrieval System Sound Retrieval System
Hard Disk 3.2 GB - 9 GB 3.2 - 9 GB 3.2 - 9 GB 3.2 - 9 GB
CD-ROM
Drive 32x 32x 32x 32x
Power
Supply 235 W 235 W 235 W 235 W
SYSTEM BOARD
The system board contains most of the components that provide system functions. The
following subsections provide a description of these components.
Processor
Depending on the model, the system board uses a 233-MHz, 266-MHz, 300-MHz, or 333-
MHz Intel Pentium II processor with MMX technology. The MMX processor improves
audio, video, and 3D graphics performance.
The processor is packaged in a Single Edge Contact (SEC) cartridge and the cartridge plugs
into the system board’s slot 1.
System Cache/Memory
To utilize the processor’s power, the system features an optimized 64-bit memory interface
and provides support for a second level cache to compliment the processor’s internal cache.

Technical Information 1-5
High-performance features include:
 pipeline 32-bit addressing

64-bit data

512-KB of pipeline burst secondary cache; direct mapped write-back and
write-through organization.
Depending on the model, the system comes with 32 to 192 MB of main system memory.
Three sockets on the system board support up to 384 MB of high-speed memory using
industry-standard gold-plated dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs).
The system supports 60-ns Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM).
The system supports the following 60-ns configurations:
 1-Mbit by 64 or 72 (8-MB DIMM)
 2-Mbit by 64 or 72 (16-MB DIMM)
 4-Mbit by 64 or 72 (32-MB DIMM)
 8-Mbit by 64 or 72 (64-MB DIMM)

16-Mbit by 64 or 72 (128-MB DIMM).
Chipset
The Intel 440LX chipset provides DMA, memory, and bus control. The chipset includes the
following chips:
 Intel 82443LX PCI/A.G.P. (PAC) provides bus-control signals, address paths,
and data paths for transfers between the processor’s host bus, PCI bus,
Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP), and main memory.
 Intel 82371AB PCI/ISA IDE Xccelerator (PIIX4) implements the PCI-to-ISA
bridge, PCI IDE functionality, Universal Serial Bus (USB) host/hub functions,
and enhanced power management.
PCI Local Bus
The 32-bit industry-standard PCI bus is a highly-integrated input/output (I/O) interface that
offers the highest performance local bus available for the Pentium II processor. The PCI bus
supports burst modes that send large chunks of data across the bus, allowing fast displays of
high-resolution images.
The high-bandwidth PCI local bus eliminates data bottlenecks found in traditional systems,
maintains maximum performance at high clock speeds, and provides a clear upgrade path to
future technologies.

1-6 Technical Information
The PCI bus contains two embedded PCI devices: the PCI local bus IDE interface and the
PCI video/graphics controller. The PCI bus also contains a connector for attaching the bus
expansion board.
Expansion Bus
The expansion bus contains one ISA slot, three PCI slots, one PCI/ISA slot, and one AGP
video slot. The PCI ISA IDE Xccelerator chip (PIIX4) provides the logic that enables the
ISA bus functions. With 24-bit memory addressing, a 16-bit data path, and an eight MHz
clock, the ISA bus is designed to support all peripherals compatible with the IBMAT
standard. For PCI functions, the Xcelerator chip provides 32-bit memory addressing, 32-bit
data path, and a 33-MHz clock speed.
BIOS
The BIOS (Basic Input Output System) is stored in the Intel PA28FB200BX Flash
EPROM. The Flash EPROM is reprogrammable and allows fast, economical BIOS
upgrades.
The system memory map in shown in Table 1-4.

Technical Information 1-7
Table 1-4 System Memory Map
Memory Address Size Function
100000-18000000 384 M
B
Extended Memory
FC000-FFFFF 16 K
B
Boot Block
FA000-FBFFF 8 K
B
ECSD (Plug and Play configuration and DMI)
F9000-F9FFF 4 K
B
Reserved for BIOS
F8000-F8FFF 4 K
B
OEM Logo or Scan User Flash
E8000-E7FFF 64 K
B
POST BIOS
E0000-E7FFF 32 K
B
POST BIOS (available as UMB)
C8000-DFFFF 96 K
B
Available Hi
g
h DOS memor
y
(open to ISA
and PCI bus)
A0000-C7FFF 160 K
B
Video memory and BIOS
9FC00-9FFFF 1 K
B
Extended BIOS Data (movable b
y
memor
y
managers)
80000-9FBFF 127 K
B
Extended conventional memory
00000-7FFFF 512 K
B
Conventional memory
Plug and Play Support
The system comes with Plug and Play BIOS technology. Plug and Play eliminates
complicated setup procedures for installing Plug and Play expansion boards.
To add a Plug and Play expansion board, simply power off the system, install the board, and
power on the system. There are no jumpers to set and no system resource conflicts to
resolve. Plug and Play automatically configures the board for the system. The system also
supports non-Plug and Play boards.
Plug and Play is controlled by the Plug and Play BIOS and the system’s operating system.
The Plug and Play BIOS is stored in the Intel PA28FB200BX Flash EPROM on the system
board.
The Plug and Play BIOS adds several steps to the POST process. During POST, the Plug
and Play evaluates the configuration of installed boards and assigns available system
resources to the devices. On completion of Plug and Play POST, the operating system
checks to see if there are any additional resources required, then assigns available resources
to the devices.