PCchips MB694A User manual

i
Important Information
Copyright
This publication, including all photographs, illustrations and
software, is protected under international copyright laws, with all
rights reserved. Neither this manual, nor any of the material con-
tained herein, may be reproduced without the express written
consent of the manufacturer.
Version 1.0
Disclaimer
The information in this document is subject to change without
notice. The manufacturer makes no representations or warran-
ties with respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims
any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any par-
ticular purpose. Further, the manufacturer reserves the right to
revise this publication and to make changes from time to time in
the content hereof without obligation of the manufacturer to no-
tify any person of such revision or changes.

ii
Trademark Recognition
Microsoft, MS-DOS and Windows are registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corp.
MMX, Pentium, Pentium-II, Pentium-III, Celeron are registered
trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Other product names used in this manual are the properties of
their respective owners and are acknowledged.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the lim-
its for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency en-
ergy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communica-
tions. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is en-
couraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and the
receiver.
Connect the equipment onto an outlet on a circuit differ-
ent from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician
for help.
Shielded interconnect cables and a shielded AC power cable
must be employed with this equipment to ensure compliance
with the pertinent RF emission limits governing this device.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the sys-
tem’s manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.

iii
Declaration of Conformity
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is
subject to the following conditions:
This device may not cause harmful interference, and
This device must accept any interference received, in-
cluding interference that may cause undesired operation.
Canadian Department of Communications
This class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Ca-
nadian Interference-causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exi-
gences du Réglement sur le matériel brouilieur du Canada.

iv
About the Manual
The manual consists of the following chapters:
Introduction
Use the Introduction Chapter to learn about the features of the
mainboard, and verify the checklist of items that are shipped
with the package.
Installation
Use the Installation Chapter to learn how to install the main-
board and get your system up and running.
Setup
Use the Setup Chapter to configure the mainboard for optimum
performance.
Software
Use the Software Chapter to learn how to install the software
drivers and support programs that are provided with this main-
board.

v
Contents
Important Information i
Copyright i
Disclaimer i
Trademark Recognition ii
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ii
Declaration of Conformity iii
Canadian Department of Communications iii
About the Manual iv
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1
Welcome 1
Checklist 2
Recommendations 3
Features 4
CHAPTER 2: INSTALLATION 7
Quick Installation Table 7
Quick Jumper Setting Reference 8
Before You Begin 12
Static Electricity 12
Choosing a Case 12
How to Set Jumpers 13
Preparing the Mainboard 14
Mainboard Guide 14
I/O Ports Side View 16
Check the Jumper Settings 17
Installing the Mainboard in a Case 21
Connecting Internal Components 22
Installing Other Hardware 24
Installing the Processor 24
Install the Memory Modules 26
Installing a Hard Disk Drive and CD-ROM 28
Installing a Floppy Diskette Drive 31
Using the Expansion Slots 32

vi
Add-in Card Options 35
Making External Connections 37
External Connector Color Coding 38
CHAPTER 3: SETUP 39
About the Setup Utility 39
Entering the Setup Utility 40
BIOS Navigation Keys 41
Using BIOS 42
How to Flash a New BIOS 43
Standard CMOS Setup Option 44
Advanced CMOS Setup Option 47
Advanced Chipset Features Option 51
Integrated Peripherals Option 55
Power Management Setup Option 59
PNP/PCI Configuration Option 65
PCI Health Status Option 67
Frequency Control Option 68
Load Fail-Safe Defaults Option 69
Load Optimized Defaults Option 69
Set Supervisor and User Passwords Options 70
Save & Exit Setup Option 71
Exit Without Saving Option 71
CHAPTER 4: SOFTWARE 73
Driver Folders 73
Utility Folders 73
Driver Installation Notes 74
IDE 74
Audio 74
Utility Folder Installation Notes 74

1
C
Ch ha ap pt te er r 1 1: : I In nt tr ro od du uc ct ti io on n
Welcome
Congratulations on purchasing MB694A mainboard. The
MB694A mainboard is an ATX mainboard that uses a 4-layer
printed circuit board and measures 304 mm x 190 mm. The
mainboard features a Socket 370 that accommodates PPGA
Celeron, FC-PGA Pentium III, and Cyrix III processors that sup-
port frontside bus (FSB) speeds up to 133 MHz.
This MB694A uses the VIA family chipset and features the AC
97 audio codec. The mainboard delivers high-level performance
with a 4xAGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) slot and two PCI Bus
Master Ultra DMA (UDMA) ports that support up to four ATAPI (AT
Attachment Packet Interface) devices. The PCI IDE also supports
PIO Mode 3 and 4, UDMA33/66 IDE, and an ATAPI CD-ROM.
The mainboard accommodates PC 100/133 SDRAM (Synchro-
nous DRAM) up to 1.5 GB using three 3.3V unbuffered DIMM
modules. The MB694A also has a full set of I/O ports, such as dual
channel IDE interfaces, a floppy controller, two FIFO serial port
connectors, an EPP/ECP-capable bi-directional parallel port con-
nector, a dual USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector, and PS/2
keyboard and mouse connectors.
One AGP slot, five PCI local bus slots, and one audio modem riser
(AMR) slot provide expandability for add-on peripheral cards.

2
This chapter contains the following information:
Checklist comprises a list of the standard and optional
components that are shipped with this mainboard
Recommendations lists some Do’s and Don’ts from the
manufacturer to help ensure reliability and performance
from this product
Features highlights the functions and components that
make this one of the best value mainboards on the mar-
ket
Checklist
Compare the contents of your mainboard package with the stan-
dard checklist below. If any item is missing or appears damaged,
please contact the vendor of your mainboard package.
Standard Items
One mainboard
One diskette drive ribbon cable and bracket
One IDE drive ribbon cable and bracket
This user’s manual
Software support CD-ROM disc

3
Recommendations
This mainboard automatically determines the CPU clock fre-
quency and system bus frequency for the kind of processor that
you install. You may be able to change these automatic settings
by making changes to jumpers on the mainboard, or changing
the settings in the system Setup Utility. We strongly recommend
that you do not overclock the mainboard to run processors or
other components faster than their rated speed.
Warning: Overclocking components can adversely affect the reliabil-
ity of the system and introduce errors into your system. Overclocking
can permanently damage the mainboard by generating excess heat
in components that are run beyond the rated limits.
Components on this mainboard can be damaged by discharges
of static electricity. Handle the board carefully holding it by the
edges. Don’t flex or stress the circuit board. Keep the board in
its static-proof packing until you are ready to install it. Follow the
static guidelines given at the beginning of Chapter 2.

4
Features
The key features of this mainboard are the wide range of proc-
essors that can be installed, and the high level of integration.
Value-class Processors
Functioning as a platform for a value PC, the MB694A features a
Socket 370 that accommodates PPGA Celeron, Pentium III, and
Cyrix III processors. The MB694A supports 66/100/133 MHz
FSB speeds.
VIA North Bridge Chipset
This board features the VIA VT82C694X NB (North Bridge)
chipset, enabling synchronous and asynchronous frequency op-
eration between the processor and the memory over a wide
frequency range. The NB chipset is optimized for Pentium III
processors at 66/100/133 MHz Front Side Bus (FSB) frequency
and supports 32-bit processor bus addressing.
The integrated DRAM controller supports up to four double-
sided DIMMs consisting of EDO, SDRAM, or VCM SDRAM. The
NB chipset provides SDRAM with 64-bit data access.
The AGP interface is AGP specification Rev 2.0 compliant, and
supports 2x/4x/4x 3.3/1.5V devices. The PCI bus interface com-
plies with PCI Rev. 2.1, and supports 3.3V and power supplies.
Five PCI bus masters are supported in addition to the host and
PCI-to-ISA I/O bridge.
VIA South Bridge Chipset
The VIA VT82C686A SB (South Bridge) chipset comes in a 352-
pin BGA package. The PCI to ISA Bridge has an integrated ISA
bus controller with integrated DMA, timer, and interrupt control-
lers.
The Real Time Clock features extended 256 byte CMOS RAM
and a day and month alarm for the ACPI (Advanced Configura-
tion and Power Interface).

5
There is an integrated USB controller with a built-in root hub and
four function ports. The integrated Ultra DMA-33/66 master
mode EIDE controller with enhanced PCI bus commands.
The UltraDMA-33/66 Master Mode PCI EIDE controller features
dual channel master mode PCI supporting Enhanced IDE (EIDE)
devices and employ transfer rates up to 33 MB/sec to cover PIO
mode 4, multi-word DMA mode 2 drives, and UltraDMA-33 inter-
face. The SB chipset also supports ATAPI compliant devices
including DVD devices and four USB 1.1 ports for serial trans-
fers at 12 or 1.5 Mbits/sec.
The integrated super IO controller supports two serial ports, an
IR port, parallel port, and floppy disk controller functions. There
is also system monitor support, providing system feedback of
voltage, temperature, and fan speed conditions.
Inexpensive Memory
The board has three DIMM sockets for the installation of 168-pin,
3.3V non-buffered DIMM memory modules. The DIMM memory
modules can be SDRAM or VCM memory chips.
4xAGP Graphics Adapter Slot
The MB694A includes a 4xAGP slot that provides four times the
bandwidth of the original AGP specification. AGP technology
provides a direct connection between the graphics sub-system
and the processor so that the graphics do not have to compete
for processor time with other devices on the PCI bus.
The AGP design allows the graphics controller to use part of the
main memory when it needs it, for example, in handling the very
large texture maps required by virtual reality and 3D video
games and applications.
AC 97 Audio Codec
The AC 97 Audio codec is compliant with the AC 97 2.1 specifi-
cation, and supports 18-bit ADC (Analog Digital Converter) and
DAC (Digital Analog Converter) resolution as well as 18-bit ste-
reo full-duplex codec with independent and variable sampling
rates. Further features include support for four analog line-level
stereo inputs.

6
Expansion Options
Five 32-bit PCI slots, an AGP slot, and an AMR slot provide
plenty of expansion potential. The MB694A PCI slots support Ul-
tra DMA33/66 bus mastering with transfer rates up to 33/66
MB/sec.
Integrated I/O
The mainboard has a full set of I/O ports and connectors. The
I/O template on the backplane includes two PS/2 ports for
mouse and keyboard, one serial port, one VGA port, one parallel
port, one MIDI/game port, two USB ports with an onboard
header providing two extra USB ports, and audio jacks for mi-
crophone, line-in and line-out. The board includes two PCI IDE
channels and a floppy disk drive interface.
Keyboard Power on Feature
Using the system BIOS setup program, you can configure the
system to turn on using a keyboard-typed password. A green
keyboard is not required.
Programmable Firmware
The mainboard includes Award BIOS that allows BIOS setting of
CPU parameters. This fully programmable firmware enhances
the system features and allows users to set such items as power
management, CPU and memory timing, and modem wake-up
alarms. The firmware can also be used to set parameters for dif-
ferent processor clock speeds so that you don’t need to change
mainboard jumpers and switches.
This concludes Chapter 1. The next chapter will cover installing
and building a working system.

7
C
Ch ha ap pt te er r 2 2: : I In ns st ta al ll la at ti io on n
Quick Installation Table
This chapter explains how to successfully install the mainboard
into a computer case and build a working system. The installa-
tion procedure is as follows:
Quick Jumper
Setting
Reference
Provides a quick reference for the jumper
settings on this mainboard.
Before you
Begin
Provides advice on choosing a case,
avoiding static electricity damage, and set-
ting jumpers.
Preparing the
Mainboard
Provides a guide to the mainboard and I/O
port locations, full details on the jumper
settings, and advice on installing the main-
board in the system case.
Installing Other
Hardware
Provides guidance on installing essential
hardware: processor, memory, hard disk
drive, CD-ROM, floppy disk drive, and ex-
pansion cards.
Making
External
Connections
Provides advice on using the external I/O
ports to install peripheral devices such as a
keyboard, a monitor, a mouse, a printer,
and loudspeakers.

8
Quick Jumper Setting Reference
If you are familiar with most of the material in this chapter, you
can prepare the mainboard for installation by using this quick
reference to set the jumpers. A detailed description of the
jumper setting appears later in this chapter.
JP1: Clear CMOS jumper
Use this jumper to clear the contents of the CMOS memory.
Function Jumper Setting
Normal operation Short pins 1-2
Clear CMOS Short pins 2-3
JP1
1 2 3
Note: Disconnect all AC power to the computer before clearing
the CMOS.
JP2: Keyboard power on/off jumper
Use this jumper to enable the keyboard to power on the com-
puter. You must also enable this function in the BIOS Setup
Utility. Refer to Chapter 3.
Function Jumper Setting
Disable Short pins 1-2
Enable Short pins 2-3
JP2
1 2 3
Note: When enabling the keyboard power on/off function, ensure
that the 5 VSB power supply is more than 720 mA.
JP3: BIOS flash protection jumper
Use this jumper to disable and enable BIOS flashing. Disable
the jumper if you are going to flash the system BIOS.
Function Jumper Setting
Disable Short pins 1-2
Enable Short pins 2-3
JP3
1 2 3

9
JP4: Onboard codec/AMR slot select jumper
Use this jumper to enable either the onboard codec or the AMR
slot (AMR1).
Function Jumper Setting
Onboard codec Short pins 1-2
AMR slot Short pins 2-3
JP4
1 2 3
JP5: AMR Master/Slave select jumper
Use this jumper to define the AMR codec mode to avoid conflict
with the onboard AC 97 codec.
Function Jumper Setting
Slave AMR Short pins 1-2
Master AMR Short pins 2-3
JP5
1 2 3
JP6: CPU frequency select jumper
Use this jumper to force a CPU that has a 66 MHz frontside bus
(FSB) to run at a 100 MHz FSB speed.
Function Jumper Setting
Normal operation Short pins 1-2
Force a 66 MHz FSB to
run at 100 MHz FSB
Short pins 2-3
JP6
1 2 3
Note: The CPU speed is determined by the CPU Host/PCI Clock
speed multiplied by the CPU Clock Ratio. Refer to the Frequency
Control Option in Chapter 3 for more information.
Forcing the CPU to run at a higher clock speed then it was rated
for is called overclocking and is not recommended.

10
JP7: CPU frequency select jumper
Use this jumper to force a CPU that has a 100 MHz frontside
bus (FSB) to run at a 133 MHz FSB speed.
Function Jumper Setting
Normal operation Short pins 1-2
Force a 100 MHz FSB to
run at 133 MHz FSB
Short pins 2-3
JP7
1 2 3
Note: The CPU speed is determined by the CPU Host/PCI Clock
speed multiplied by the CPU Clock Ratio. Refer to the Frequency
Control Option in Chapter 3 for more information.
Forcing the CPU to run at a higher clock speed then it was rated
for is called overclocking and is not recommended.
JP500: Set ROM voltage jumper
This jumper is used to select the voltage for the onboard ROM.
DO NOT make any adjustments to this jumper!
JP501: Set ROM memory size jumper
This jumper is used to select the memory size for the onboard ROM.
DO NOT make any adjustments to this jumper!
Important! Do not make any changes to JP500 or JP501. These
jumpers are set at the factory.

11
PANEL1: Panel connectors for switches and indicators
Use the panel connector to implement the switches and indica-
tors on your system case.
Panel connectors for switches and indicators
Function Pins
Power switch 22, 23
Hard disk LED Indicator +20, -21
Empty pin 19
Speaker +15, -16, 17, 18
Empty pin 14
Reset switch 12, -13
Empty pins 10, 11
Green LED indicator +7, +8, -9
Empty pin 6
Sleep switch 4, -5
Power LED indicator +1, +2, -3
PANEL1
Speaker 15-16-17-18
Power LED 1-2-3
Reset Switch 12-13
Green LED 7-8-9
Power Switch 22-23
HDD LED 20-21
1
23
Sleep Switch 4-5
PANEL1
Note: The plus sign (+) indicates a pin which must be connected
to a positive voltage.

12
Before You Begin
Before you begin to install your mainboard, take care not to
damage the product from static electricity. Ensure too that you
are installing the mainboard into a suitable case.
Static Electricity
In adverse conditions, static electricity can accumulate and dis-
charge through the integrated circuits and silicon chips on this
product. These circuits and chips are sensitive and can be per-
manently damaged by static discharge.
•If possible, wear a grounding wrist strap clipped to a
safely grounded device during the installation.
•If you don’t have a wrist strap, discharge any static by
touching the metal case of a safely grounded device be-
fore beginning the installation.
•Leave all components inside their static-proof bags until
they are required for the installation procedure.
•Handle all circuit boards and electronic components
carefully. Hold boards by the edges only. Do not flex or
stress circuit boards.
Choosing a Case
The mainboard complies with the specifications for the Micro
ATX system case. Some features on the mainboard are imple-
mented by cabling connectors on the mainboard to indicators
and switches on the system case. Ensure that your case sup-
ports all the features required. The mainboard can support one
or two floppy diskette drives and four enhanced IDE drives. En-
sure that your case has sufficient power and space for all the
drives that you intend to install.
The mainboard has a set of I/O ports on the rear edge. Ensure
that your case has an I/O template that supports the I/O ports
and expansion slots.

13
How to Set Jumpers
A jumper consists of two or more pins mounted on the main-
board. Some jumpers might be arranged in a series with each
pair of pins numbered differently. Jumpers are used to change
the electronic circuits on the mainboard. When a jumper cap (or
shunt) is placed on two jumper pins, the pins are SHORT. If the
jumper cap is removed (or placed on just a single pin), the pins
are OPEN.
Short
Open
This illustration shows a 2-pin jumper.
When the jumper cap is placed on
both pins, the jumper is SHORT. If
you remove the jumper cap, or place
the jumper cap on just one pin, the
jumper is OPEN.
This illustration shows a 3-pin jumper.
The jumper cap is placed on pins 2
and 3, so this jumper setting is
SHORT PINS 2-3.
This illustration shows the same 3-pin
jumper. The jumper cap is placed on
pins 1 and 2, so this jumper setting is
SHORT PINS 1-2.
In this manual, all the jumper illustrations clearly show the pin
numbers. When you are setting the jumpers, make sure that the
jumper caps are placed on the correct pins to select the function
or feature that you want to enable or disable.

14
Preparing the Mainboard
Mainboard Guide
Use the following illustration and key to identify the components
on your mainboard.
LOCKFREE
3V+
ATX1
AGP1
LTI1 FDD1
IDE1 IDE2 DIMM1
AMR1 WOM1WOL1
CD1
PWRF
A
N1
CPUFAN1
J1
JP1 PANEL1
DIMM2 DIMM3
PCI1PCI2
CD2
BT1J2
J3 JP18JP17
JP16
JP1
JP6
JP14
J
P2
VID1 VID2VID3VID4VID5
JP9
J
P7
J
P
8
JP10
J
P1
5J
P
3
JP4JP5
SIR1
USB2
VGA1
PPGA1
DIMM1DIMM
3
AG
P1
LTI1
A
MR1
IDE1IDE
FDD1
S
IR1
PWRFAN1
CPUFAN1
W
O
M1W
O
L1
P
A
NEL1
ATX1
P
C
I1
P
C
I2
CD1
CD2
BT1
LOCK
FREE
3V+
ATX1
AGP1
LTI1
FDD1
IDE1 IDE2 DIMM1
AMR1 W
O
M1W
O
L1
CD1
PWRFAN1
C
P
U
F
A
N1
J1
JP1
PANEL1
DIMM2 DIMM3
PCI1
PCI2
CD2
BT1J2
J3 JP18JP17
JP16
JP1
JP6
JP14
J
P2 VID1VID2VID3VID4VID5
JP9
J
P7
J
P
8
JP10
J
P1
5
J
P
3J
P4
J
P
5
SIR1
USB2
VGA1
PPGA1
AG
P1
LTI1
A
MR1
IDE1ID
FDD1
S
IR1
C
P
U
FAN1
W
O
M1W
O
L1
P
A
NEL1
ATX1
P
C
I1
P
C
I2
CD1CD2
BT1
3V
+
ATX1
A
GP1
FDD1
DIMM1
A
MR1
WOM1WOL1
CD1
PWRFAN1
CPUFAN1
PANEL1
DIMM2 DIMM3
PCI1
PCI3
PCI4
PCI5
PCI2
CD2
JP500
JP7
JP6
JP2
JP3
JP501
SIR1
USB2
IDE1
IDE2
JP1
JP5
JP4
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Socket 370
ATX1
DIMM 1
DIMM 2
DIMM 3
JP6
JP7
JP1
JP2
SIR1
CPUFAN1
FDD1
IDE1 IDE2
PWRFAN1
PANEL1
WOM1
WOL1
JP4
JP3
BT1
PCI1
A
GP1
A
MR1
PCI2
PCI3
PCI4
PCI5
CD1
CD2
USB2
JP5
JP501 JP500