NEC POWERMATE User manual

First Printing — May 1994
Copyright 1994 Copyright 1994
NEC Technologies, Inc. NEC Corporation
1414 Massachusetts Avenue 7-1 Shiba 5-Chome, Minato-Ku
Boxborough, MA 01719 Tokyo 108-01, Japan
All Rights Reserved 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 Corporation (NEC) and/or its licensors. NEC and/or its licen-
sors, as appropriate, reserve all patent, copyright and other proprietary rights to this docu-
ment, including all design, manufacturing, reproduction, use, and sales rights thereto, except
to the extent said rights are expressly granted to others.
The NEC 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.
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 is prohibited.
MultiSync and PowerMate are U.S. registered trademarks of NEC Technologies, Inc.
FastFacts, NEC SVGA, PowerMate 433D PowerMate 466D, PowerMate 466M, and
PowerMate 4100M are U.S. trademarks of NEC Technologies, Inc.
All other product, brand, or trade names used in this publication are the trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective trademark owners.

v
Contents
Page
Preface............................................................................................................................xiii
Abbreviations ...................................................................................................................xv
Section 1 Technical Information
Desktop System Unit......................................................................................................1-1
Minitower System Unit...................................................................................................1-2
System Board.............................................................................................................1-3
Processor................................................................................................................1-5
Secondary Cache ....................................................................................................1-5
Flash ROM .............................................................................................................1-6
Power Management ................................................................................................1-7
I/O Addressing........................................................................................................1-8
System Memory......................................................................................................1-9
Interrupt Controller.................................................................................................1-9
Video Controller...................................................................................................1-10
Video Memory......................................................................................................1-12
ISA/VL-Bus Backboard............................................................................................1-14
ISA Bus................................................................................................................1-14
VL-Bus.................................................................................................................1-14
Parallel Interface.......................................................................................................1-15
Serial Interface .........................................................................................................1-16
Indicator Panel..........................................................................................................1-16
Power Supply...............................................................................................................1-17
Diskette Drive ..............................................................................................................1-17
Hard Disk Drive ...........................................................................................................1-17
Keyboard......................................................................................................................1-17
Section 2 Setup and Operation
Unpacking and Repacking ..............................................................................................2-1
Setup..............................................................................................................................2-1
Minitower Setup.........................................................................................................2-5
System Configuration .....................................................................................................2-8
Setup Utility...............................................................................................................2-8
How to Start Setup.....................................................................................................2-9
How to Use Setup......................................................................................................2-9
Menu Bar..............................................................................................................2-10
Legend Bar...........................................................................................................2-11

vi Contents
Field Help Window...............................................................................................2-11
General Help Window...........................................................................................2-12
Main Menu Options..............................................................................................2-12
IDE Adapters........................................................................................................2-13
Memory Shadow...................................................................................................2-14
Boot Sequence......................................................................................................2-15
Numlock...............................................................................................................2-15
Advanced Menu........................................................................................................2-16
Integrated Peripherals Menu..................................................................................2-16
Parity....................................................................................................................2-17
Large Disk Access Mode ......................................................................................2-18
Security Menu..........................................................................................................2-18
Power Menu.............................................................................................................2-20
Exit Menu.................................................................................................................2-21
Save Values & Exit...............................................................................................2-21
Discard Values & Exit...........................................................................................2-21
Get Default Values................................................................................................2-21
Load Previous Values ...........................................................................................2-22
Save Current Values .............................................................................................2-22
BIOS Update Utility.....................................................................................................2-23
System Board Jumpers .................................................................................................2-24
Section 3 Options
Internal Options..............................................................................................................3-1
Desktop Cover Removal.............................................................................................3-2
Minitower Cover Removal..........................................................................................3-3
Expansion Board(s)....................................................................................................3-4
Desktop Expansion Board Installation.....................................................................3-5
Minitower Expansion Board Installation..................................................................3-7
Expansion Board Troubleshooting ..........................................................................3-8
System Board Options................................................................................................3-9
OverDrive Processor Installation...........................................................................3-10
OverDrive Processor Troubleshooting...................................................................3-12
SIMM Memory Installation...................................................................................3-13
SIMM Upgrade Path.............................................................................................3-13
SIMM Installation.................................................................................................3-15
SIMM Upgrade Kit Troubleshooting.....................................................................3-16
Secondary Cache Installation.................................................................................3-17
Secondary Cache Kit Troubleshooting ..................................................................3-18
Video DRAM Module Installation.........................................................................3-19
Video DRAM Module Troubleshooting................................................................3-20
Video Cache RAM Chip Installation .....................................................................3-21
Video Cache RAM Chip Troubleshooting.............................................................3-22

Contents vii
Optional 5 1/4-Inch Slot Devices..................................................................................3-23
5 1/4-Inch Diskette Drive..........................................................................................3-23
5 1/4-Inch Diskette Drive Settings............................................................................3-23
Hard Disk Drives......................................................................................................3-24
Hard Disk Drive Settings..........................................................................................3-24
Desktop 5 1/4-Inch Device Installation .........................................................................3-26
Desktop 3 1/2-inch Drive Bracket Removal..............................................................3-26
Desktop Blank Panel Removal..................................................................................3-27
Desktop 5 1/4-Inch Device Placement.......................................................................3-28
Desktop 5 1/4-Inch Diskette Drive Cabling...........................................................3-29
Desktop 5 1/4-Inch Hard Disk Drive Cabling........................................................3-30
Finishing Desktop 5 1/4-Inch Device Installation.......................................................3-31
Minitower 5 1/4-Inch Device Installation......................................................................3-31
Minitower Blank Panel Removal...............................................................................3-32
Minitower 5 1/4-Inch Device Placement....................................................................3-34
Minitower 5 1/4-Inch Diskette Drive Cabling........................................................3-35
Minitower 5 1/4-Inch Hard Disk Drive Cabling.....................................................3-36
Finishing Minitower 5 1/4-Inch Device Installation....................................................3-37
Hard Disk Drive Troubleshooting.............................................................................3-37
NEC SVGA Monitor....................................................................................................3-39
Connecting the Monitor............................................................................................3-40
Front Control Panel..................................................................................................3-42
Rear Control Panel ...................................................................................................3-43
NEC SVGA Monitor Troubleshooting......................................................................3-44
Section 4 Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Maintenance...................................................................................................................4-2
System Unit................................................................................................................4-2
Keyboard....................................................................................................................4-3
Mouse........................................................................................................................4-4
Routine Checks ..........................................................................................................4-4
Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................4-5
Error Messages...........................................................................................................4-5
Diagnosing and Solving Problems...............................................................................4-6
Diagnostic Output and Beep Codes...........................................................................4-10
Section 5 Desktop Repair
Disassembly and Reassembly ..........................................................................................5-1
Top Cover Removal ...................................................................................................5-3
Expansion Board Removal..........................................................................................5-4
ISA/VL-BUS Backboard Removal .............................................................................5-7

viii Contents
Front Panel Assembly Removal...................................................................................5-7
Power Button Cover Removal....................................................................................5-9
Speaker Assembly Removal......................................................................................5-10
SIMM Removal........................................................................................................5-11
3 1/2-inch Diskette and Hard Disk Drive Removal....................................................5-12
Optional 5 1/4-Inch Device Removal ........................................................................5-14
5 1/4-Inch Device Cage Removal..............................................................................5-15
Power Supply Removal.............................................................................................5-16
System Board Removal.............................................................................................5-17
Battery Removal.......................................................................................................5-19
Illustrated Parts Breakdown......................................................................................5-20
Section 6 Minetower Repair
Disassembly and Reassembly ..........................................................................................6-1
Top Cover Removal ...................................................................................................6-3
Expansion Board Removal..........................................................................................6-5
ISA/VL-BUS Backboard Removal .............................................................................6-6
Front Panel Assembly Removal...................................................................................6-7
Power Button Cover Removal....................................................................................6-8
Speaker Assembly Removal........................................................................................6-9
SIMM Removal........................................................................................................6-10
3 1/2-inch Diskette Drive Removal ...........................................................................6-11
3 1/2-inch Hard Disk Drive Removal ........................................................................6-13
5 1/4-Inch Device Removal.......................................................................................6-15
5 1/4-Inch Device Cage Removal..............................................................................6-16
Power Supply Removal.............................................................................................6-17
System Board Removal.............................................................................................6-18
Battery Removal.......................................................................................................6-20
Illustrated Parts Breakdown......................................................................................6-21
Appendix A Connector Pin Assignments
Serial Interface Connectors............................................................................................ A-3
Parallel Interface Connector........................................................................................... A-4
VGA Interface Connector Pin Assignments.................................................................... A-5
Speaker Connector Pin Assignments.............................................................................. A-5
Power Supply Connectors.............................................................................................. A-6
Keyboard and Mouse Connectors.................................................................................. A-6
Power Lamp Connector................................................................................................. A-7
Hard Disk Drive Lamp Connector ................................................................................. A-7
Reset Button Connector ................................................................................................ A-7
Diskette Drive Interface Pin Assignments....................................................................... A-8

Contents ix
IDE Interface Connectors.............................................................................................. A-9
SIMM Sockets ............................................................................................................ A-10
Secondary Cache Socket ............................................................................................. A-11
ISA Expansion Bus Connector Pin Assignments .......................................................... A-12
Appendix B Specifications
System Unit Specifications............................................................................................. B-1
Power Supply Specifications.......................................................................................... B-3
Diskette Drive Specifications......................................................................................... B-4
Hard Disk Specifications................................................................................................ B-5
NEC SVGA Monitor Specifications............................................................................... B-6
List of Figures
1-1 PowerMate Desktop System Unit Features..........................................................1-1
1-2 PowerMate Minitower System Unit Features ......................................................1-2
2-1 Desktop Voltage Selector Switch........................................................................2-2
2-2 Desktop Peripheral Connections..........................................................................2-3
2-3 Desktop Lamps, Reset Button, And Power Button..............................................2-3
2-4 Minitower Voltage Selector Switch.....................................................................2-5
2-5 Minitower Peripheral Connections.......................................................................2-6
2-6 Minitower Indicators, Reset Button, and Power Button.......................................2-6
2-7 System Board Jumpers......................................................................................2-24
3-1 Desktop Cover Screws........................................................................................3-2
3-2 Removing The Desktop Cover............................................................................3-2
3-3 Minitower Cover Screws.....................................................................................3-3
3-4 Removing the Minitower Cover ..........................................................................3-4
3-5 Desktop Expansion Slots.....................................................................................3-5
3-6 Inside Expansion Slot Screw...............................................................................3-6
3-7 Removing the Inside Expansion Slot Bracket ......................................................3-6
3-8 Minitower Expansion Slots .................................................................................3-7
3-9 System Board Option Sockets.............................................................................3-9
3-10 PGA/OverDrive Socket Lever...........................................................................3-10
3-11 OverDrive Processor Alignment........................................................................3-11
3-12 SIMM Installation.............................................................................................3-15
3-13 Secondary Cache Installation.............................................................................3-17
3-14 Video DRAM Module Installation.....................................................................3-19
3-15 Video Cache RAM Chip Installation..................................................................3-24
3-16 OSDA-90C, 1.44-MB Diskette Drive................................................................3-24
3-17 FD1158C, 1.2-MB Diskette Drive.....................................................................3-24

xContents
3-18 WDAC1270/2340/2420 270-, 340-, and 420-MB Hard Disk Drives..................3-25
3-19 CFS420 420-MB Hard Disk Drives...................................................................3-25
3-20 3 1/2-Inch Drive Bracket Screws.......................................................................3-26
3-21 Indicator Panel Connectors ...............................................................................3-27
3-22 Desktop Blank Panel Removal ..........................................................................3-28
3-23 Desktop 5 1/4-Inch Device Screws....................................................................3-29
3-24 Desktop 5 1/4-Inch Diskette Drive Cables.........................................................3-30
3-25 Desktop 5 1/4-Inch Hard Disk Drive Cables......................................................3-31
3-26 Minitower Blank Panel Removal .......................................................................3-32
3-27 Device Cage Slot Cover....................................................................................3-33
3-28 Minitower 5 1/4-Inch Device Screws.................................................................3-34
3-29 Minitower 5 1/4-Inch Diskette Drive Cables......................................................3-35
3-30 Minitower 5 1/4-Inch Hard Disk Drive Cables...................................................3-36
3-31 Monitor Connections ........................................................................................3-41
3-32 NEC SVGA Monitor Front Control Panel.........................................................3-42
4-1 Removing the Keyboard Enclosure......................................................................4-3
4-2 Removing the Mouse Ball Cover.........................................................................4-4
5-1 Top Cover Screws ..............................................................................................5-3
5-2 Removing the Top Cover....................................................................................5-4
5-3 Expansion Slot Screw .........................................................................................5-5
5-4 Inside Expansion Slot Screw...............................................................................5-5
5-5 Removing The Expansion Slot L-Bracket............................................................5-6
5-6 ISA/VL-Bus Backboard Screws..........................................................................5-7
5-7 Indicator Panel Connectors .................................................................................5-8
5-9 Speaker Screw..................................................................................................5-10
5-10 SIMM Socket...................................................................................................5-11
5-11 3 1/2-Inch Drive Bracket Screws.......................................................................5-12
5-12 3 1/2-Inch Diskette and Hard Disk Drive Screws...............................................5-13
5-13 5 1/4-Inch Device Screws..................................................................................5-14
5-14 5 1/4-Inch Device Cage Screws.........................................................................5-15
5-15 Power Button Screws .......................................................................................5-16
5-16 Power Supply Screws .......................................................................................5-17
5-17 System Board Connectors and Screws ..............................................................5-18
5-18 Battery Replacement.........................................................................................5-19
5-19 Powermate Desktop Illustrated Parts Breakdown..............................................5-22
6-1 Top Cover Screws ..............................................................................................6-3
6-2 Removing the Top Cover....................................................................................6-4
6-3 Expansion Slot Screw .........................................................................................6-5
6-4 ISA/VL-Bus Backboard Bracket Screws.............................................................6-6
6-5 ISA/VL-Bus Backboard Screws..........................................................................6-6
6-6 Front Panel Screws .............................................................................................6-7
6-7 Power Button Tabs.............................................................................................6-8

Contents xi
6-8 Speaker Tabs ......................................................................................................6-9
6-9 SIMM Socket...................................................................................................6-10
6-10 3 1/2-Inch Diskette Drive Cables.......................................................................6-11
6-11 Diskette Drive Bracket Screws..........................................................................6-12
6-12 3 1/2-Inch Hard Disk Drive Cables....................................................................6-13
6-13 Right Side Device Screws .................................................................................6-14
6-14 Left Side Device Screw Access Holes ...............................................................6-15
6-15 5 1/4-Inch Device Cage Screws.........................................................................6-16
6-16 Power Button Screws .......................................................................................6-17
6-17 Power Supply Screws .......................................................................................6-18
6-18 System Board Connectors and Screws ..............................................................6-19
6-19 Battery Replacement.........................................................................................6-20
6-20 Powermate Minitower Illustrated Parts Breakdown...........................................6-23
A-1 System Board Layout......................................................................................... A-1
A-2 Serial Interface (P11/P12).................................................................................. A-3
A-3 Parallel Interface (P10)....................................................................................... A-4
A-4 Power Supply Connector (P3/P4) Pin Assignments ............................................ A-6
List of Tables
1-1 System Board Chips............................................................................................1-4
1-2 System Memory Map..........................................................................................1-6
1-3 I/O Address Map ................................................................................................1-8
1-4 Interrupt Level Assignments..............................................................................1-10
1-5 Text Modes.......................................................................................................1-12
1-6 Graphic Modes .................................................................................................1-13
1-7 Parallel Port Addressing and Interrupts .............................................................1-15
1-8 Serial Port Addressing and Interrupts................................................................1-16
2-1 Setup Key Functions.........................................................................................2-11
2-2 Legend Bar Main Menu Parameters ..................................................................2-12
2-3 IDE Hard Disk Parameters................................................................................2-14
2-4 Memory Shadow Parameters.............................................................................2-14
2-5 Boot Parameters ...............................................................................................2-15
2-6 Numlock Parameters.........................................................................................2-16
2-7 Integrated Peripherals Parameters .....................................................................2-17
2-8 Large Disk Parameters......................................................................................2-18
2-9 System Security Options ...................................................................................2-19
2-10 Power Management Parameters ........................................................................2-20
2-11 System Configuration Jumpers..........................................................................2-25
3-1 Expansion Board Problems and Solutions..........................................................3-11
3-2 OverDrive Problems and Solutions....................................................................3-12

xii Contents
3-3 SIMM Configurations.......................................................................................3-14
3-4 SIMM Upgrade Problems and Solutions............................................................3-16
3-5 Secondary Cache Problems and Solutions .........................................................3-18
3-6 Video DRAM Module Problems and Solutions .................................................3-20
3-7 Video Cache RAM Chip Problems and Solutions ..............................................3-22
3-8 Optional 5 1/4-Inch Device Problems and Solutions ..........................................3-38
3-9 NEC SVGA Monitor Problems and Solutions ...................................................3-44
4-1 NEC Service and Information Telephone Numbers..............................................4-1
4-2 BIOS Update Utility Error Messages ..................................................................4-5
4-3 Problems and Solutions.......................................................................................4-6
4-4 Diagnostic Output and Beep Codes...................................................................4-10
4-5 Diagnostic Output and Beep Codes Looped On Post.........................................4-12
5-1 Powermate Desktop Disassembly Sequence ........................................................5-1
5-2 Connector Identifiers.........................................................................................5-18
5-3 Powermate Desktop Field-Replaceable Parts List..............................................5-20
5-4 Powermate Desktop Options.............................................................................5-23
5-5 Powermate Desktop Documentation and Packaging..........................................5-24
6-1 Powermate Minitower Disassembly Sequence .....................................................6-1
6-2 Connector Identifiers.........................................................................................6-19
6-3 Powermate Minitower Field-Replaceable Parts List...........................................6-21
6-4 Powermate Minitower Options..........................................................................6-24
6-5 Powermate Minitower Documentation and Packaging.......................................6-25
A-1 System Board Connector Descriptions ............................................................... A-2
A-2 Video Connector (P8) Pin Assignments.............................................................. A-5
A-3 Speaker Connector (P6) Pin Assignments........................................................... A-5
A-4 Keyboard (P1) and Mouse (P2) Connector Pin Assignments............................... A-6
A-5 Power Lamp Connector (P5) Pin Assignments ................................................... A-7
A-6 Hard Disk Drive Busy Lamp Connector (P7) Pin Assignments ........................... A-7
A-7 Reset Button Connector (P5) Pin Assignments................................................... A-7
A-8 Diskette Drive Connector (P13) Pin Assignments............................................... A-8
A-9 IDE Connector Pin Assignments (P8/P14).......................................................... A-9
A-10 SIMM Socket Pin Assignments........................................................................ A-10
A-11 Secondary Cache Pin Assignments (U49)......................................................... A-11
A-12 ISA Expansion Slot Pin Assignments................................................................ A-12
B-1 System Unit Specifications................................................................................. B-1
B-2 Power Supply Input Requirements ..................................................................... B-3
B-3 Power Supply Output Specifications .................................................................. B-3
B-4 Specifications for Diskette Drives....................................................................... B-4
B-5 Specifications for 270-, 340-, 420-, and CFS420-MB Hard Disk Drives............. B-5
B-6 NEC SVGA Monitor Specifications................................................................... B-6

Contents xiii

xiii
Preface
This service and reference manual contains the technical information necessary to set up,
maintain, troubleshoot, and repair the NEC PowerMate433D, PowerMate 466D, Power-
Mate 466M, and PowerMate 4100M computer systems. It also provides hardware and in-
terface information for users who need an overview of the computer system design. The
manual is written for NEC-trained customer engineers, system analysts, service center per-
sonnel, and dealers.
The manual is organized as follows:
Section 1, Technical Information, provides an overview of the computer features, hard-
ware design, interface ports and internal devices.
Section 2, Setup and Operation, takes the user from unpacking to setup and operation.
Included is a description of the system configuration, system password, and the computer’s
jumper settings, including the factory default settings.
Section 3, Options, provides the user with installation and troubleshooting information for
each specific option.
Section 4, Maintenance and Troubleshooting, includes recommended maintenance in-
formation and lists possible problem and solutions for computer.
Section 5, Desktop Repair, includes a list of NEC service information and telephone num-
bers that provide access to the NEC Bulletin Board System (BBS), FastFacts, and Techni-
cal Information Bulletins. Included are desktop disassembly and reassembly procedures
along with an illustrated parts breakdown. NEC service and spare parts ordering informa-
tion is also provided.
Section 6, Minitower Repair, includes a list of NEC service information and telephone
numbers that provide access to the NEC Bulletin Board System (BBS), FastFacts, and
Technical Information Bulletins. Included are minitower disassembly and reassembly proce-
dures along with an illustrated parts breakdown. NEC service and spare parts ordering in-
formation is also provided.
Appendix A, Connector Pin Assignments, provides a list of the system boards' internal
connector pin assignments and a list of external pin assignments for the keyboard/mouse,
serial port, parallel port, and video port.
Appendix B, Specifications, provides specifications for the system unit, power supply,
diskette drives, hard disk drives, and optional NEC SVGA Monitor.

xv
Abbreviations
Aampere
AC alternating current
AT advanced technology
(IBM PC)
BBS Bulletin Board System
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
Ccapacitance
Ccentigrade
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
DTE data terminal equipment
ECC error checking and correction
EGA Enhanced Graphics Adapter
EPROM erasable and programmable
ROM
EVGA Enhanced Video Graphics
Array
FFahrenheit
FCC Federal Communications
Commission
FG frame ground
FM frequency modulation
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
IRR Interrupt Request register
ISA Industry Standard Architecture
ISR In Service register
I/O input/output
IPC integrated peripheral controller
ips inches per second
IRQ interrupt request

xvi Abbreviations
Kkilo (1024)
kkilo (1000)
KB kilobyte
kg kilogram
kHz kilohertz
lb pound
LED light-emitting diode
LSB least-significant bit
LSI large-scale integration
Mmega
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
PFP plastic flat package
PIO parallel input/output
pixel picture element
PLCC plastic lead 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
RAS row address strobe
RGB red green blue
RGBI red green blue intensity
ROM read-only memory
rpm revolutions per minute
Rread
RTC real-time clock
R/W read/write
Sslave
SG signal ground
SIMM single inline memory module
SVGA Super Video Graphics Array
SW switch
TAC Technical Assistance Center
TSC Technical Support Center
TTL transistor/transistor logic
tpi tracks per inch
Vvolt
Vdc volts, direct current
VESA video electronics standards
association
VGA Video Graphics Array
VRAM virtual RAM
Wwatt
Wwrite

Section 1
Technical Information
The PowerMateSeries includes the PowerMate 433D, PowerMate 466D, Power-
Mate 466M, and PowerMate 4100M. The information in this manual applies to all models
except where indicated. Models differ primarily in the chassis, and microprocessor.
This section provides an overview of the PowerMate Series hardware. The basic hardware
for the system includes a system unit, keyboard, and mouse. The “D” in the model name
refers to a desktop style chassis and the “M” refers to the minitower style chassis.
External interface connectors are located in the rear of the system unit and are identified in
Section 2, Setup and Operation. Jumper settings for all of the internal boards are also pro-
vided in Section 2. Appendix A provides the system unit connector pin assignments and
Appendix B provides specifications.
An overview of each of the two system unit styles are described in the following subsec-
tions.
DESKTOP SYSTEM UNIT
The desktop chassis provides an enclosure for the system board, power supply, four storage
device slots, and a five-expansion-slot ISA/VESA Local Bus (VL-Bus™) backboard. The
storage device slots accommodate a 3 1/2-inch diskette drive, a 3 1/2-inch hard disk (1-inch
height), and two 5 1/4-inch storage devices (1.6-inch height). The system ships with a
31/2-inch diskette drive and a hard disk drive leaving two 5 1/4-inch storage device slots
available for optional devices. All desktop models share the system unit features shown in
Figure Section 1-1.
Figure Section 1-1PowerMate Desktop System Unit Features
5 1/4-Inch Accessible
Slots (available)
3 1/2-Inch Internal
Hard Disk Drive Slot
3 1/2-Inch Accessible
Slot (contains 1.44-MB
diskette drive)
Power Lamp
Hard Disk Drive
Busy Lamp
Reset Button
Power Button

1-2 Technical Information
MINITOWER SYSTEM UNIT
The minitower chassis provides an enclosure for the system board, power supply, five stor-
age device slots, and five-expansion-slot ISA/VL-Bus backboard. The storage device slots
accommodate a 3 1/2-inch diskette drive, a 3 1/2-inch hard disk (1-inch height), and three
51/4-inch storage devices (1.6-inch height). The system ships with a 3 1/2-inch diskette and
a hard disk drive leaving three 5 1/4-inch storage device slots available for optional devices.
All minitower models share the system unit features shown in Figure Section 1-2.
Figure Section 1-2PowerMate Minitower System Unit Features
Power Lamp
Hard Disk
Drive Busy
Lamp
Reset Button
Power Button
3 1/2-Inch Accessible
slot (contains 1.44-MB
diskette drive)
5 1/4-Inch Accessible
slots
3 1/2-Inch Internal Slot
(contains hard disk)

Technical Information 1-3
System Board
The system boards are similar, differing only in the processor. The system board contains a
Flash ROM which is upgradeable through the BIOS Update utility (see Section 2).
Key features of the system board are listed below.
nprocessor
Intel486SX™-33 – PowerMate 433D™
Intel486DX2™-66 – PowerMate 466D™
Intel486DX2-66 – PowerMate 466M™
Intel486DX4™-100 – PowerMate 4100M™
nsupport for Intel OverDrive™ processor upgrades
n4 megabytes (MB) of random access memory (RAM) in the SX an DX2 systems
and 8 MB in the DX4 systems
accepts 36-bit (32-bit U.S. and Canada), 70-nano second (ns) single-inline
memory modules (SIMMs)
expandable to 128 MB
n8-kilobyte (KB) primary cache (16 KB in the Intel486DX4)
noptional 256-KB secondary cache module
nWingine video graphics array (VGA) controller and 32-bit Local Bus
supports 640 x 480 with 16.8 million colors (24-bit true color), 800 x 600
with 64 K colors 1024 x 768 resolution with 256 colors, and 1280 x 1024
resolution with 16 colors
1-MB (two 256K x 16) video dynamic RAM (DRAM), expandable to 2 MB
128-KB (256K x 4) standard video cache, expandable 256-KB
ntwo intelligent drive electronics (IDE) interface connectors
one fast local bus IDE connector (primary interface) used by the hard disk
drive to transfer data at the hard disk's optimum rate
one standard IDE connector (secondary interface) for additional IDE devices
(not used)

1-4 Technical Information
nenergy saving features: system switches to power save mode when idle for an es-
tablished amount of time
n3 1/2-inch, 1.44-MB diskette drive
nISA/VL-Bus backboard providing four ISA and one ISA/VL-Bus expansion slots
nexternal connectors providing an interface for the following external devices:
VGA-compatible monitor
personal system/2 (PS/2®)-style mouse
PS/2-style keyboard
enhanced capabilities port (ECP) for the parallel printer
two buffered serial ports
Table Section 1-1 lists the major chips on the system board. See Section 2, Setup and Op-
eration, for a description of the system board's jumpers. See Appendix A, Connector Pin
Assignments, for a list of the system board connectors.
Table Section 1-1System Board Chips
Chip Description
486SX – PowerMate 433D
486DX2 – PowerMate 466D and
PowerMate 466M
486DX4 – PowerMate 4100M
33-MHz processor
33/66-MHz processor
33/100-MHz processor
28F010 128k x 8 Flash ROM
VL82C483 System/cache/ISA Controller
VL82C003 Interrupt, I/O controller
VL82C114A Combination , I/O controller
VL82C611 VL-Bus controller
64300 WingineVGA controller

Technical Information 1-5
Processor
The PowerMate systems use the following processors.
nPowerMate 433D – uses the 486SX with a 33 MHz clock speed
nPowerMate 466D and 466M – use the 486DX2 with a 66-MHz internal clock
speed and a 33-MHz external clock speed.
nPowerMate 4100M – use the 486DX4 with a 100-MHz internal clock speed and a
33-MHz external clock speed.
The processors are advanced 32-bit processors designed to optimize multitasking operating
systems. The 32-bit registers and data paths support 32-bit addresses and data types.
The processor is installed in a 237-pin, zero-insertion-force (ZIF) processor socket. This
socket allows the installation of the 486SX, DX2 and DX4 processors and the next genera-
tion of Intel OverDrive processors based on the Pentium core (PGA type package). When
upgrading processors they must operate with and external clock of 25 or 33 MHz.
The 486DX2 is exactly like previous 486DXs except that it runs twice as fast internally.
When the interface bus portion of the DX2 accesses main memory, executes I/O instruc-
tions, or accesses one of the other chips on the system board, the DX2 operates at 33 MHz.
The DX2 works at 66 MHz when accessing its internal registers, refers to a memory loca-
tion alPowerMate mapped into its internal cache, or performs a floating-point operation and
CPU operations.
The DX4 runs three times as fast internally. When the interface portion accesses external
registers it operates at 33 MHz and works at 100 MHz when accessing its internal registers.
Secondary Cache
The 8-KB primary cache (16-KB of primary cache in the DX4) is integrated into the proc-
essor. The system board provides an 80-pin SIMM socket for an optional 256 KB of sec-
ondary cache, external to the processor. Cache memory improves read performance by
holding copies of code and data that are frequently requested from the system memory by
the processor. Cache memory is not considered part of the possible 128 MB of total mem-
ory capacity.
The cache is connected directly to the processor address bus and uses physical addresses. A
bus feature known as burst enables fast cache fills. Memory areas (pages) can be designated
as cacheable or non-cacheable by software. The cache can also be enabled and disabled by
software.
The write strategy of the cache (primary and secondary) is write-through. If the write is a
cache hit, an external bus cycle is generated and information is written to the cache. Any
area of memory can be cached in the system. Non-cacheable portions of memory are de-
fined by software. The cache can be cleared by software instructions.

1-6 Technical Information
Flash ROM
Machine language programs are stored in a 28F010 Flash ROM known as the system's
ROM BIOS. The system BIOS and video BIOS are contained in the ROM. The Flash ROM
is 128 KB, which consists of 64 KB of system BIOS, and 32 KB of video BIOS.
The Flash ROM allows the BIOS to be upgraded with the BIOS Update utility without re-
moving the ROM (see Section 2, Setup and Configuration). The BIOS can only be repro-
grammed by powering on the system with the BIOS Update utility diskette in Drive A.
The BIOS programs execute the Power-On Self-Test, initialize processor controllers, and
interact with the display, diskette drives, hard disks, communication devices, and peripher-
als. The system BIOS also contains the Setup program and provides VGA controller sup-
port. The hardware setup default copies the ROM BIOS into RAM (shadowing) for
maximum performance.
System BIOS is located in the upper portion of the Flash ROM and video BIOS in the
lower portion. System BIOS is located between F0000h-FFFFFh and supports shadowing
and shadowed memory. System BIOS is write protected and automatically enabled.
Video BIOS is located between C0000h and C7FFFh. If the internal video is disabled, this
range is mapped to ISA. The system memory map in shown in Table Section 1-2.
Table Section 1-2System Memory Map
Memory Space Size Function
000000-07FFFF 512 KB Reserved for system base memory
080000-09FFFF 128 KB Mapped to either system base memory or ISA bus*
0A0000-0BFFFF 128 KB Mapped to either on-board video memory or ISA video memory
0C0000-0C7FFF 32 KB Mapped to either on-board video BIOS or ISA video BIOS
0C8000-0EFFFF 160 KB Mapped to ISA bus
0F0000-0FFFFF 64 KB Reserved for system BIOS
100000-FDFFFF 14.9 MB Reserved for Extended and/or Expanded system memory
FE0000-FFFFFF 128 KB Mapped to ISA bus
1000000- On-Board 14.9 MB Reserved for Extended and/or Expanded system memory
*Always non-cachable.

Technical Information 1-7
Flash ROM supports the reprogramming of the system and built-in video BIOS. Software
controls this feature via port 94h. Flash ROM programming writes to location 0F0000h-
0FFFFFh. This range allows access to 64 KB of the 128 KB ROM. To write to the rest of
the ROM, bit 3 of port 94h must be set. Again, writing to 0F0000h-0FFFFFh allows the
rest of the ROM to be programmed. (Setting bit 3 on port 94h maps the 0F0000h to
0E0000h range.)
Power Management
Each computer system incorporates power management features that lowers power con-
sumption when there is no activity detected from the keyboard, mouse, diskette drive, CD-
ROM reader, or hard disk drive after a pre-defined period of time. As soon as activity is
detected the system resumes where it left off.
When Power Management is enabled the computer automatically activates power-saving
features and enters a sleep mode whenever inactivity is sensed. The computer's power-
saving functions are as follows.
nReduces the CPU clock speed
The CPU clock speed is changed from 33 MHz to 8 MHz (16 MHz in the
PowerMate 4100M) to put the computer in sleep mode. The cache and video
clocks are changed at the same time.
nBlanks out the monitor
Puts the video controller into sleep mode. The vertical sync clock and blank sig-
nals to the monitor are disabled.
nForces the IDE devices into stand-by mode
A suspend command is sent to the IDE devices which put the devices into a
stand-by mode.