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Acer Altos 500 Series User Manual
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Acer Altos 500 Series User Manual

Acer Altos 500 Series User Manual

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  • Page 1 Altos 500 Series User’s Guide...
  • Page 2 Further, Acer reserves the right to revise this publication and to make changes from time to time in the contents hereof without obligation to notify any person of such revisions or changes. Acer reserves the right to make changes to the products described in this manual at any time and without notice.
  • Page 3 (e) sublicense or otherwise make the software available to third parties. The software is the property of Acer or Acer’s supplier and you do not have and shall not gain any proprietary interest in the software (including any modifications or copies made by or for you) or any related intellectual property rights.

  • Page 4: Important Safety Instructions

    11. Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet slots as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product. Altos 500 Series User’s Guide...
  • Page 5 12. Do not attempt to service this product yourself, as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. 13. Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions: When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed b.
  • Page 6 Notice 2: Shielded interface cables, if any, must be used in order to comply with the emission limits. Altos 500 Series User’s Guide FCC Class B Radio Frequency Interference Statement However, there is no...

  • Page 7: About This Manual

    Manual Structure This user’s guide consists of four chapters and an index. Chapter 1 Describes the system board and all its major components. It contains the system board layout, jumper settings, cache and memory configurations, and information on other internal devices. Chapter 2 Gives information about the system BIOS and tells how to configure the system by changing the settings of the BIOS parameters.
  • Page 8 Conventions The following conventions are used in this manual: Text entered by user , etc. viii Altos 500 Series User’s Guide Represents text input by the user. Represent the actual keys that you have to press on the keyboard. NOTE...

  • Page 9: Table Of Contents

    Chapter 1 System Board 1.1 Features...1-1 1.2 Major Components ...1-2 1.2.1 System Board Layout...1-3 1.3 Jumpers and Connectors ...1-4 1.3.1 Jumper and Connector Locations...1-4 1.3.2 Jumper Settings ...1-5 1.3.3 Connector Functions ...1-5 1.4 Front Panel Connectors...1-7 1.5 Installing Components...1-8 1.5.1 ESD Precautions ...1-9 1.5.2 Pre-installation Instructions...1-9 1.5.3 Post-installation Instructions ...1-10 1.6 Installing and Removing a Heatsink...1-11...
  • Page 10 2.3.4 Main Board S/N...2-9 2.3.5 System BIOS Version ...2-9 2.3.6 DMI BIOS Version...2-9 2.4 Disk Drives ...2-10 2.4.1 Floppy Drives ...2-10 2.4.2 LS-120 Drive Compatible As ...2-11 2.4.3 IDE Drives ...2-12 2.5 Onboard Peripherals ...2-16 Altos 500 Series User’s Guide...
  • Page 11 2.5.1 Serial Ports 1 and 2...2-16 2.5.2 Parallel Port...2-17 2.5.3 Onboard Device Settings...2-19 2.6 Power Management ...2-21 2.6.1 Power Management Mode...2-21 2.6.2 Power Switch < 4 sec..2-22 2.6.3 System Wake-up Event ...2-22 2.7 Boot Options...2-23 2.7.1 Boot Sequence...2-24 2.7.2 First Hard Disk Drive ...2-24 2.7.3 Fast Boot ...2-24 2.7.4 Silent Boot ...2-24 2.7.5 Num Lock After Boot ...2-25...
  • Page 12 4.1.2 Rear Panel...4-3 4.2 Internal Structure...4-4 4.3 Opening the Housing Panels...4-5 4.3.1 Front Panel ...4-5 4.3.2 Left Panel...4-6 4.4 Installing Drives...4-7 4.4.1 3.5-inch Drive...4-7 4.4.2 5.25-inch Drives ...4-9 4.5 Installing an Expansion Board ...4-11 INDEX Altos 500 Series User’s Guide...
  • Page 13 List of Figures 1-1 System Board Layout ...1-3 1-2 Jumper and Connector Locations ...1-4 1-3 Front-Panel Connectors ...1-7 1-4 Installing a Pentium III Processor...1-13 1-5 Unlocking the Module Latches ...1-15 1-6 Installing a DIMM ...1-17 1-7 Removing a DIMM...1-18 3-1 Options Menu Screen...3-4 3-2 Configure/View Host Adapter Settings Screen (1 of 2)...3-5 3-3 Configure/View Host Adapter Settings Screen (2 of 2)...3-6 3-4 Host Adapter SCSI ID Selection Screen for AHA-3950U2B ...3-7...
  • Page 14 Altos 500 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 15: Chapter 1 System Board

    500 and 550 MHz. Integrated with the Intel 440BX system controller, which consists of the PCI controller and the PCI/ISA IDE accelerator (PIIX4), the Altos 500 combines the new generation of Pentium III power with unmatched graphics performance.

  • Page 16: Major Components

    256-KB Flash ROM for system BIOS Enhanced IDE hard disk and diskette drive interface System controller chipset External ports: Two USB connectors One SPP/ECP/EPP high speed parallel port PS/2 keyboard and mouse ports Two high speed serial ports Altos 500 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 17: System Board Layout

    1.2.1 System Board Layout PS/2 keyboard port PS/2 mouse port USB connectors Serial port 1 Parallel port Serial port 2 BIOS ISA slots PCI slots 10 AGP slot Figure 1-1 System Board Layout Battery Intel 82371EB Primary IDE connector Secondary IDE connector FDD connector Intel 440BX DIMM sockets...

  • Page 18: Jumpers And Connectors

    Jumper and Connector Locations Figure 1-2 shows the jumper and connector locations on the system board. Figure 1-2 Jumper and Connector Locations In this figure, the blackened pin of a jumper or connector represents pin 1. Altos 500 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 19: Jumper Settings

    Table 1-2 lists the different connectors on the system board and their respective functions. Table 1-2 Connector Functions Connector Setting Check password 2-3* Bypass password 1-2* Acer None Function Suspend 5V CPU thermal sensor connector CPU fan connector Power connector Floppy disk connector USB connectors COM1 (lower left), COM2 (lower right), and...
  • Page 20 CN11 CN12 CN13 CN15 CN16 CN19 CN20 CN21 CN22 Altos 500 Series User’s Guide Function Upper: PS/2 mouse connector Lower: PS/2 keyboard connector Enhanced IDE 2 connector Enhanced IDE 1 connector Hard disk LED connector SCSI disk LED connector Reserved...

  • Page 21: Front Panel Connectors

    Front Panel Connectors The following figure shows the pin orientation of the front-panel connectors. Figure 1-3 Front-Panel Connectors Chapter 1 - System Board 1-7...

  • Page 22: Installing Components

    Before beginning the installation, please take a moment to read the sections below. They contain important ESD precautions and pre- and post-installation instructions. Altos 500 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 23: Esd Precautions

    1.5.1 ESD Precautions Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage your processor, disk drives, expansion boards, and other components. Always observe the following precautions before you install a system component. Do not remove a component from its protective packaging until you are ready to install it.

  • Page 24: Post-Installation Instructions

    Make sure you have set all the required jumpers. See section 1.3.2 for the correct jumper settings. Replace any expansion boards or peripherals that you removed earlier. Replace the system cover. Connect the necessary cables and turn on the system. Altos 500 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 25: Installing And Removing A Heatsink

    Installing and Removing a Heatsink Your system comes with a fully assembled Pentium III processor connected to a heat sink. In the event that you need to install a new processor, you may need to install a heatsink as well. To install a heatsink onto a Pentium III processor: Insert the brackets through the holes in the processor, and then insert the ends of the brackets into the heatsink as shown below.
  • Page 26 To remove the heatsink: Disconnect the ends of the bracket as shown below, and separate the bracket, processor, and heatsink. Altos 500 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 27: Installing A Pentium Iii Processor

    Installing a Pentium III Processor Follow these steps to install a Pentium III processor into the socket on the processor board. The system settings are configured at the factory for the correct processor frequency/ Memory DIMM combination, and require Registered PC-100 SDRAM DIMMs. Your system will not work properly if you use non- certified DIMMs.
  • Page 28 Press the latches on the sides to lock the processor module into place. Connect the fan and temperature connectors. See Figure 1-2 and Table 1-2. CPU temperature connector – CN2 CPU fan connector – CN3 Altos 500 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 29: Removing A Pentium Iii Processor

    Removing a Pentium III Processor Follow these steps to remove the Pentium III processor module from the slot. Remove the fan and temperature connections. See Table 1-2. CPU temperature connector – CN2 CPU fan connector – CN3 Unlock the latches that secure the processor module. Figure 1-5 Unlocking the Module Latches Firmly hold the processor module and pull it out of the socket.

  • Page 30: Memory Upgrade

    Memory Configurations Bank 0 Bank 1 128 MB 128 MB 128 MB 128 MB 128 MB 256 MB 256 MB Altos 500 Series User’s Guide Bank 2 Total Memory 128 MB 256 MB 128 MB 384 MB 256 MB 768 MB...

  • Page 31: Installing A Dimm

    1.9.2 Installing a DIMM To install a DIMM, align it with the socket and press it down until the holding clips secure the DIMM in place. The DIMM socket is slotted to ensure proper installation. If you install a DIMM but it does not completely fit, you may have inserted it the wrong way.

  • Page 32: Removing A Dimm

    To remove a DIMM, press the holding clips on both sides of the socket outward to release the DIMM. Place your forefingers on the top of the DIMM before you press the holding clips to gently disengage the DIMM from the socket. Figure 1-7 Removing a DIMM Altos 500 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 33: Reconfiguring The System

    1.9.4 Reconfiguring the System Reconfigure the system after installing or removing DIMMs. Follow these steps to reconfigure the system: Reboot the system. Press Setup. During POST, a memory error message appears, indicating that the total memory does not match the value stored in CMOS. Press twice to exit Setup and reboot the system.

  • Page 34: Server Management Features

    Do not continue using the computer if you receive an error message of any type. Note the message and take corrective action. This section explains the different types of error messages and corresponding corrective measures. There are two general types of error messages: Software System Altos 500 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 35: Software Error Messages

    1.11.1 Software Error Messages Software error messages are returned by your operating system or application. These messages typically occur after you boot the operating system or when you run your applications. If you receive this type of message, consult your application or operating system manual for help.

  • Page 36: System Error Messages

    Hard Disk 1 Extended Type Error I/O Parity Error Keyboard Error or No Keyboard Connected Keyboard Interface Error Altos 500 Series User’s Guide Action Replace the CMOS battery. Run Setup (see section 2.1). Contact your dealer. Check and connect the control cable to the diskette controller.
  • Page 37 Table 1-4 System Error Messages (continued) Message Memory Error at: MMMM:SSSS:OOO (W:XXXX, R:YYYY) where: M: MB, S: Segment, O: Offset, X/Y: write/read pattern Memory Size Mismatch Processor Clock Mismatch Onboard Serial Port 1 Conflict Onboard Serial Port 2 Conflict Onboard Parallel Port Conflict Pointing Device Error Pointing Device Interface Error...

  • Page 38: Correcting Error Conditions

    If you are sure that your configuration values are correct and your battery is in good condition, the problem may lie in a damaged or defective chip. In either case, contact an authorized service center for assistance. Altos 500 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 39: Chapter 2 Bios Utility

    Chapter 2 The BIOS Utility allows you to view and change your system’s configuration settings. Most systems are already configured by the manufacturer or the dealer. There is no need to run Setup when starting the computer unless you get a Run Setup message.

  • Page 40: System Information

    The system supports two BIOS Utility levels: Basic and Advanced. The above screen is the BIOS Utility Basic Level screen. This allows you to view and change only the basic configuration of your system. Altos 500 Series User’s Guide Setup Utility System Information...
  • Page 41 If you are an advanced user, you may want to check the detailed configuration of your system. Detailed system configurations are contained in the Advanced Level. To view the Advanced Level, press Advanced Level main menu. The asterisk (*) mark indicates that the parameter appears only when you are in the Advanced Level.

  • Page 42: System Information

    The following screen shows page 2 of the System Information menu. Serial Port 1 ... 3F8h, IRQ 4 Serial Port 2 ... 2F8h, IRQ 3 Parallel Port ... 378h, IRQ 7 PS/2 Mouse ... Installed The following sections explain the parameters. Altos 500 Series User’s Guide System Information System Information...

  • Page 43: Processor

    2.2.1 Processor The Processor parameter specifies the type of processor currently installed in your system. The system supports Intel Pentium III processors. 2.2.2 Processor Speed The Processor Speed parameter specifies the speed of the processor currently installed in your system. At the time of printing, the system supports Pentium III processors running at 500 and 550 MHz.

  • Page 44: Floppy Drive A

    This parameter specifies the current configuration of the IDE device connected to the slave port of the secondary IDE channel. For information on how to configure the IDE drives, see section 2.4.2. The default setting is None. Altos 500 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 45: Total Memory

    2.2.11 Total Memory This parameter specifies the total amount of onboard memory. The memory size is automatically detected by BIOS during the POST. If you install additional memory, the system automatically adjusts this parameter to display the new memory size. 1st Bank/2nd Bank/3rd Bank The 1st Bank, 2nd Bank, and 3rd Bank parameters indicate the type and size of DRAM installed in DIMM sockets 1, 2, and 3 respectively.

  • Page 46: Product Information

    Product Name This parameter specifies the official name of the system. 2.3.2 System S/N This parameter specifies the system’s serial number. 2.3.3 Main Board ID This parameter specifies the system board’s identification number. Altos 500 Series User’s Guide Product Information...

  • Page 47: Main Board S/N

    2.3.4 Main Board S/N This parameter specifies the system board’s serial number. 2.3.5 System BIOS Version This parameter specifies the version of the BIOS utility. 2.3.6 DMI BIOS Version This parameter specifies the version of the DMI (Desktop Management Interface) BIOS version.

  • Page 48: Disk Drives

    [1.44 MB, 3.5-inch] [2.88 MB, 3.5-inch] Follow the same procedure to configure floppy drive B. Choose None if you do not have a second floppy drive. Altos 500 Series User’s Guide Disk Drives key to view the options and select the None...

  • Page 49: Drive Compatible As

    2.4.2 LS-120 Drive Compatible As This parameter allows you not only to enable the LS-120 device installed in your system, but also to specify the function of the device. The setting affects how BIOS will detect the device. The default setting is Normal. Although LS-120 options are provided in the system BIOS, LS-120 drives are neither qualified nor supported in this server.

  • Page 50: Ide Drives

    This parameter lets you configure the hard disk drive connected to the master port of IDE channel 2. IDE Secondary Channel Slave This parameter lets you configure the hard disk drive connected to the slave port of IDE channel 2. Altos 500 Series User’s Guide...
  • Page 51 The following screen appears if you select any of the IDE Drive parameters: IDE Primary/Secondary Channel Master/Slave Device Type ... [ IDE CD-ROM ] Used as ... [ ---- ] Cylinder ... [ XXXX ] Head ... [ XXXX ] Sector ...

  • Page 52: Enhanced Ide Features

    Block Mode function. If supported, it allows data transfer in block (multiple sectors) at a rate of 256 bytes per cycle. disregard the feature, change the setting to Disabled. The default setting is Auto. Altos 500 Series User’s Guide...
  • Page 53 Advanced PIO Mode When set to Auto, the BIOS utility automatically detects if the installed hard disk supports the function. If supported, it allows for faster data recovery and read/write timing that reduces hard disk activity time. This results in better hard disk performance.

  • Page 54: Onboard Peripherals

    These parameters allow you to enable or disable serial ports 1 and 2. Base Address This function lets you set a logical base address for serial ports 1 and 2. The options are: 3F8h Altos 500 Series User’s Guide Onboard Peripherals 2F8h 3E8h 2E8h...

  • Page 55: Parallel Port

    This function lets you assign an interrupt for serial ports 1 and 2. The options for serial ports 1 are IRQ 4 and 11. The options for serial port 2 are IRQ 3 and 10. The Base Address and IRQ parameters for each port are configurable only if the port is enabled.

  • Page 56: Parallel Port Operation Mode Settings

    This item becomes active only if you select Extended Capabilities Port (ECP) as the operation mode. It allows you to assign DMA channel 1 or DMA channel 3 for the ECP parallel port function (as required in Windows 95). Altos 500 Series User’s Guide Function Allows normal speed one-way operation...

  • Page 57: Onboard Device Settings

    2.5.3 Onboard Device Settings The Onboard Device Settings menu allows you to configure the onboard communication ports and the onboard devices. Selecting this option from the Onboard Peripherals menu displays the following screen: Onboard Device Settings Floppy Disk Controller ... [Enabled ] IDE Controller ...
  • Page 58 The System Management Bus (SMBus) is used to control and get information from devices on a motherboard. The system management software uses SMBus hardware and software interfaces to access the information about the devices attached to the SMBus. The default setting is Disabled. Altos 500 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 59: Power Management

    Power Management Power Management power-management feature. The following screen shows the Power Management parameters and their default settings: Power Management Mode ... [Disabled] IDE Hard Disk Standby Timer ... [Off] System Sleep Timer ... [Off] Sleep Mode ... [----] Power Switch < 4 sec..[Power Off] System Wake-up Event Modem Ring Indicator ...

  • Page 60: Power Switch < 4 Sec

    The system wake-up event allows the system to resume operation when the modem ring indicator is enabled. Modem Ring Indicator When Enabled any fax/modem activity wakes up the system from suspend mode. The default setting is Disabled. Altos 500 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 61: Boot Options

    Boot Options This option allows you to specify your preferred setting for bootup. The following screen appears if you select Boot Options from the Basic Configuration menu: Boot Sequence [Floppy Disk] [Hard Disk [IDE CD-ROM ] First Hard Disk Drive ... [ SCSI] Fast Boot ...

  • Page 62: Boot Sequence

    When set to Disabled, BIOS is in the conventional text mode where you see the system initialization details on the screen. The default setting is Disabled. Altos 500 Series User’s Guide searches fail then it boots from this drive. when you see the “Ctrl-Alt-Esc key to enter setup” message...

  • Page 63: Num Lock After Boot

    2.7.5 Num Lock After Boot This parameter allows you to activate the Num Lock function upon booting. The default setting is Enabled. 2.7.6 Memory Test When set to Enabled, this parameter allows the system to perform a RAM test during the POST routine. When set to Disabled, the system detects only the memory size and bypasses the test routine.

  • Page 64: Date And Time

    Valid values for weekday, month, day, and year are: Weekday Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat Month 1 to 12 1 to 31 Year 1980 to 2099 Altos 500 Series User’s Guide Boot Options to set the date...

  • Page 65: Time

    2.8.2 Time Highlight the items on the Time parameter and press following the hour-minute-second format. Valid values for hour, minute, and second are: Hour 00 to 23 Minute 00 to 59 Second 00 to 59 to set the time Chapter 2 - BIOS Utility 2-27...

  • Page 66: Advanced Options

    To avoid damaging the system, do not change any settings in the Advanced Configuration unless you are a qualified technician. The following screen shows the Advanced Options parameters. Memory/Cache Options PnP/PCI Options CPU Frequency Altos 500 Series User’s Guide Advanced Options Press F8 to access the...

  • Page 67: Memory/Cache Options

    2.9.1 Memory/Cache Options The Memory/Cache Options allows you to configure the advanced system memory functions. Internal Cache(CPU Cache) ... [Enabled ] External Cache ... [Enabled ] Cache Scheme ... [ Write Back ] Memory at 15MB-16MB Reserved for ... [System] Memory Parity Mode ...

  • Page 68: Memory Parity Mode

    This parameter allows you to enable or disable the ECC (Error Checking and Correction) feature. The ECC feature enables BIOS to detect and correct data errors. Disable this parameter if you want to disregard the function. The default setting is ECC. Altos 500 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 69: Pnp/Pci Options

    2.9.2 PnP/PCI Options The PnP/PCI Options allows you to specify the settings for your PCI devices. Selecting this option displays the following screen: PCI IRQ Setting ... [ PCI Slot 1 ... [--] PCI Slot 2 ... [--] PCI Slot 3 ... [--] PCI Slot 4 ...

  • Page 70: Pci Irq Sharing

    RAM DACs. The signal goes through the cards continuously until all RAM DAC data has been updated. This allows the display of multiple images on the screen. Some VGA cards have required settings for this feature. Check your VGA card manual before setting this parameter. Altos 500 Series User’s Guide...
  • Page 71 Graphics Aperture Size This parameter determines the effective size of the graphics aperture. Graphics aperture is the address range that the AGP video and the CPU use to manage graphical objects. The lowest setting is 8 MB and the highest is 256 MB. Plug and Play OS When this parameter is set to Yes, BIOS initializes only PnP boot devices such as SCSI cards.

  • Page 72: Cpu Frequency

    Clock speeds are expressed in megahertz (MHz), with 1 MHz being equal to 1 million cycles per second. The faster the clock, the more instructions the CPU can execute per second. Altos 500 Series User’s Guide Selecting this option displays the CPU Frequency...

  • Page 73: System Security

    2.10 System Security The Setup program has a number of security features to prevent unauthorized access to the system and its data. The following screen appears if you select System Security from the Main menu: Setup Password ... [None] Power-on Password ... [None] Operation Mode ...
  • Page 74 Do you want to save to CMOS settings? [Yes] Press Yes to save your settings and exit Setup Utility. Your password will be saved to CMOS. Altos 500 Series User’s Guide arrow key. The Setup Password window appears: Setup Password Setup Password...
  • Page 75 For the password to take effect you must set jumper JP3 to 1-2 (Check password): Turn off and unplug the computer. Open the computer housing and set JP3 to 2-3 (Bypass password) to bypass the password function. See figure 1-2 for the location of JP3. Close your computer’s housing and reboot your system.
  • Page 76 Turn on the system and enter the BIOS utility. This time, the system does not require you to type in a password. You can either change the existing Setup password or remove it by selecting None. Refer to the previous section for the procedure. Altos 500 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 77: Power-On Password

    2.10.2 Power-on Password The Power-on Password secures your system against unauthorized use. Once you set this password, you have to type it whenever you boot the system. To set this password, enter Setup Utility, select System Security, then highlight the Power-on Password parameter.

  • Page 78: Disk Drive Control

    Write Protect Boot Sector Hard Disk Drive Setting Normal Write Protect All Sectors Write Protect Boot Sector Altos 500 Series User’s Guide Description Floppy drive functions normally Disables the write function on all sectors Disables the write function only on the boot sector...

  • Page 79: Load Default Settings

    2.11 Load Default Settings Use this option to load the default settings for the optimized system configuration. When you load the default settings, some of the parameters are grayed-out with their fixed settings. These grayed parameters are not user-configurable. The following dialog box appears when you select Load Default Settings from the main menu: Do you want to load default settings? Select Yes to load the default settings.

  • Page 80: Exit Setup

    Do you want to save CMOS settings? Use the arrow keys to select your response. Select Yes to save the changes in CMOS. Select No to retain the old configuration values. Press Altos 500 Series User’s Guide Exit Setup [Yes]...

  • Page 81: Chapter 3 Scsiselect Configuration Utility

    Some settings apply globally to the SCSI controller and all SCSI devices on the bus; other settings apply individually to each device on the bus. The Altos 500 Series system is equipped with a dual SCSI channel controller that enhances your system's performance and flexibility.

  • Page 82: Default Settings For Scsi Controller And All Devices

    Maximum Sync Transfer Rate Enable Disconnection Send Start Unit Command Initiate Wide Negotiation Settings are valid only if host adapter BIOS is enabled. Do not change this setting from the default. Altos 500 Series User’s Guide Default Value Enabled Automatic A/0 (zero) Enabled...

  • Page 83: When To Use The Scsiselect Utility

    3.1.3 When to Use the SCSISelect Utility Use the SCSISelect utility if you need to Change any of the default values listed in the settings table Check and/or change SCSI device settings that may conflict with those of other devices (e.g., SCSI ID) Perform low-level formatting on new SCSI disk devices 3.1.4 Running the SCSISelect Utility...

  • Page 84: Scsiselect Utility Options

    Press Esc at any time to return to the previous menu. You can press F5 to toggle the display between color and monochrome modes. (This feature may not work on all monitors.) Altos 500 Series User’s Guide SCSISelect (TM) AHA-3950U2B at Bus:Device 01:06h Options...

  • Page 85: Configure/View Host Adapter Settings Menu

    3.2.1 Configure/View Host Adapter Settings Menu The Configure/View Host Adapter Settings menu lists three settings under SCSI Bus Interface Definitions and three additional options, as shown below: Host Adapter SCSI ID: changes the host controller SCSI ID from its default value of 7 SCSI Parity Checking: enables or disables host controller SCSI parity checking Host Adapter SCSI Termination: configures host controller SCSI termination...

  • Page 86: Configure/View Host Adapter Settings Screen (2 Of 2)

    Press F6 to reset all settings to the SCSI controller defaults. SCSI controller default settings are marked with an asterisk (*) throughout the selection submenus. Altos 500 Series User’s Guide SCSISelect (TM) AHA-3950U2B at Bus:Device 00:00h <F6> - Reset to Host Adapter Defaults...

  • Page 87: Host Adapter Scsi Id Selection Screen For Aha-3950U2B

    Host Adapter SCSI ID This option allows you to change the host controller SCSI ID. The figure below shows the available IDs for use with the AHA-3950U2B. The default setting is SCSI ID 7. (We recommend that you not change this setting.) Some operating system software will not run unless the SCSI controller ID is set at ID 7.

  • Page 88: Scsi Parity Checking Selection

    SCSI devices do support SCSI parity.) Use the cursor ( ) and Enter keys to make selections. Press Esc at any time to return to the previous menu. Altos 500 Series User’s Guide SCSISelect (TM) AHA-3950U2B at Bus:Device 01:06h Enabled Disabled <F6>...

  • Page 89: Host Adapter Scsi Termination Selection For Aha-3950U2B

    Host Adapter SCSI Termination This option allows you to configure host controller SCSI termination. following figure shows the choices available if you have an AHA-3950U2B. Adaptec AHA-3950U2B Configuration SCSI Bus Interface Definitions Host Adapter SCSI ID... 7 SCSI Parity Checking ... Enabled Host Adapter SCSI Termination...

  • Page 90: Boot Device Options Screen

    -----------Options Listed Below Have NO EFFECT if Multiple Lun Support is Disabled------------ Boot Lun Number ... 0 Arrow keys to move cursor, <Enter> to select option, <Esc> to exit ( Figure 3-7 Boot Device Options Screen Altos 500 Series User’s Guide SCSISelect (TM) AHA-3950U2B at Bus:Device 00:00h Boot Device Configuration <F6>...

  • Page 91: Scsi Device Configuration Screen For Aha-3950U2B

    SCSI Device Configuration This option allows you to configure certain parameters of each SCSI device on the SCSI bus. A screen similar to the figure below appears. The screen shows a column of information for each SCSI ID, even if some SCSI IDs are not assigned to a device.
  • Page 92 SCSI peripheral negotiates for synchronous data transfers. Some older SCSI-1 devices do not support synchronous negotiation. This may cause your computer to operate erratically or hang if Initiate Sync Negotiation is enabled. Set Initiate Sync Negotiation to no for these devices. Altos 500 Series User’s Guide...
  • Page 93 Maximum Sync Transfer Rate This option determines the maximum synchronous data transfer rate that the SCSI controller can support. The SCSI controller supports rates up to the UltraWide SCSI maximum of 80.0 MBytes/sec. The default value is 80.0. In most cases, you can use the maximum value of 80.0. If the SCSI controller is set not to negotiate for synchronous data transfer (i.e., Initiate Sync Negotiation is set to no), then the value selected here is the maximum rate that the SCSI controller accepts from the device during negotiation.
  • Page 94 (16-bit) SCSI bus. When set to yes, each device can connect on the bus. When set to no (disabled), communication can only occur on the lower 8-bits of the 16-bit SCSI bus. The default setting is yes. Altos 500 Series User’s Guide...
  • Page 95 Send Start Unit Command This option, which is supported by some SCSI devices, determines whether the Start Unit Command (SCSI command 1B) is sent to the SCSI device (most devices do not require this). Enabling this option reduces the load on your computer's power supply by allowing the SCSI controller to power-up SCSI devices one-at-a- time when you boot your computer.

  • Page 96: Advanced Configuration Options Screen

    Figure 3-9 Advanced Configuration Options Screen Use the cursor keys ( up menu with a selection of options. Use the cursor keys ( and press Enter to make your selection. Altos 500 Series User’s Guide SCSISelect (TM) AHA-3950U2B at Bus:Device 01:06h Advanced Configuration Options <F6>...
  • Page 97 Host Adapter BIOS This option enables or disables the SCSI controller BIOS. Default is Enabled. The SCSI controller BIOS must be enabled if you want the computer to boot from a SCSI hard disk drive connected to the SCSI controller. Several SCSISelect options cannot be used unless the SCSI controller BIOS is enabled.
  • Page 98 When this option is enabled, a bootable CD-ROM device may be used to directly load an operating system. The default setting is Enabled. BIOS Support for Int13 Extensions This option allows access to attached SCSI devices through BIOS Int13 functions. The default setting is Enabled. Altos 500 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 99: Scsi Disk Utilities

    3.2.2 SCSI Disk Utilities When you select SCSI Disk Utilities from the Options menu the SCSISelect utility scans the SCSI bus and lists all SCSI devices installed on the SCSI bus. You will see a screen similar to the figure below. You can easily determine from this screen which SCSI ID is assigned to each device on the SCSI bus.
  • Page 100 You can press Esc at any time to abort the Verify Disk Media utility. Altos 500 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 101: Configuring Multiple Scsi Controllers

    Configuring Multiple SCSI Controllers The AHA-3950U2B SCSI controller is used as an example in the following discussion. To use multiple PCI SCSI controllers, do the following: Install the boot SCSI controller in the lowest PCI Device number. The Device number is determined by the slot number on the PCI bus. To find out the Device number of the AHA-3950U2B SCSI controller(s), run the SCSISelect utility (by pressing the key combination Ctrl + A when it is displayed onscreen at bootup).

  • Page 102: Scsi Troubleshooting Checklist

    Setup program. Is each SCSI device, including the SCSI controller, set to a unique SCSI ID? Is SCSI termination set correctly? If your problem is still not resolved, continue with the next section. Altos 500 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 103: Bios Startup Messages

    BIOS Startup Messages After you have configured your SCSI controller, the SCSI controller BIOS displays a message when you boot your computer. Normally, this message lists the SCSI ID, manufacturer, model number and other information for each SCSI device that the BIOS detects.

  • Page 104: Device Connected, But Not Ready

    Exit the SCSISelect utility and request data from the drive again. If the message still appears, follow the drive manufacturer's instructions to make sure the drive is set to spin-up when the power is switched ON. Altos 500 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 105: Start Unit Request Failed

    Start unit request failed The BIOS was unable to send a Start Unit Command to the device. Run the SCSISelect utility and disable Send Start Unit Command for the device. Time-out failure during SCSI Inquiry command! Time-out failure during SCSI Test Unit Ready command! Time-out failure during Start Unit command! An unexpected time-out occurred.
  • Page 106 Be sure that the SCSI drive to be used as drive D is set to SCSI ID 0. Check the drive manual for information on setting the SCSI ID for that device. You can also use the SCSISelect utility to determine the SCSI addresses of peripherals on the SCSI bus. Altos 500 Series User’s Guide...
  • Page 107 Be sure that SCSI parity checking is consistently enabled or disabled on all devices on the SCSI bus. Verify that the SCSI controller and the SCSI devices are properly configured and installed. Be sure to cycle the power OFF and ON after changing any values on a SCSI controller, in a Setup program, or on a SCSI device.
  • Page 108 If the SCSI controller LED remains on when the computer hangs, the host adapter may be interfering with your computer's operation. It may be installed in a motherboard slot that does not support First-Party DMA (i.e., Bus Master) data transfers. See your computer documentation. Altos 500 Series User’s Guide...

  • Page 109: Chapter 4 System Housing

    Chapter 4 This chapter describes the features of the system housing and tells you how to install the basic system components such as disk drives, a system board, or expansion boards. If you receive a complete system, the basic components are already installed. The system housing is a standalone housing.

  • Page 110: Features

    Features 4.1.1 Front Panel Panel Door Keylock Altos 500 Series User's Guide...

  • Page 111: Rear Panel

    4.1.2 Rear Panel Power Supply Power Socket Mouse Housing Fan System Board Keyboard Connectors Expansion Slots Expansion Slots Com 1 Com 2 Parallel Video Connector External SCSI Connector RJ-45 Connector Chapter 4 - System Housing...

  • Page 112: Internal Structure

    Internal Structure Housing Fan Expansion Card Slots 3.5 Inch Drive Bays Altos 500 Series User's Guide 5.25-inch Drive Bays Power Switch Power LED Hard Disk Drive L System Status LED Reset Switch...

  • Page 113: Opening The Housing Panels

    Opening the Housing Panels 4.3.1 Front Panel Key lock To open the front panel, use the key to unlock and then pull the panel as shown in the illustration above. Chapter 4 - System Housing...

  • Page 114: Left Panel

    Remove the thumbscrews. Keep them in a safe place for later use. Pull the panel handle out and use it to remove the left panel from the housing. Altos 500 Series User's Guide section important Left panel...

  • Page 115: Installing Drives

    Installing Drives Do not attempt the procedures described in the following sections unless you are a qualified service technician. Turn off the power switch and unplug the power cord before installing or removing diskette drives. 4.4.1 3.5-inch Drive To install 3.5-inch drives: Open the front panel of the housing.
  • Page 116 Attach the drive frames to the 3.5-inch drive securing it with four screws as shown below. Insert the drive into the drive bay and secure it with two screws. Connect the diskette drive cables and close the housing panels. Altos 500 Series User's Guide...

  • Page 117: Inch Drives

    4.4.2 5.25-inch Drives You may install a CD-ROM, digital audio tape (DAT), hard disk, diskette drive or any other 5.25-inch device into the drive bay. To install 5.25-inch devices: Open the front panel. See section 4.3 for more information on opening the housing panel.
  • Page 118 Insert the drive into the drive bay and secure it with two screws. Connect the signal and power cables to the drive and close the housing panels. 4-10 Altos 500 Series User's Guide...

  • Page 119: Installing An Expansion Board

    Installing an Expansion Board To install an expansion board: Remove an expansion slot bracket cover. expansion board. Align an expansion board with the open slot and insert the golden fingers into the expansion bus connector. Secure the board with the screw. Save the screw to secure the Chapter 4 - System Housing 4-11...
  • Page 120 4-12 Altos 500 Series User's Guide...
  • Page 121 Index Abort settings change, 2-41 Advanced options, 2-28 CPU frequency, 2-34 Memory/cache, 2-29 PnP/PCI, 2-31 Advanced server manager (ASM pro), 1-20 ASM Pro, 1-20 BIOS startup messages, 3-23 BIOS utility, 2-1 System security, 2-35 Boot options, 2-23 Boot sequence, 2-24 Configuration table, 2-25 Fast boot, 2-24 First hard disk drive, 2-24...
  • Page 122 5.25-inch drives, 4-9 Internal cache, 2-5, 2-29 Jumper and connector locations, 1-4 Jumper settings, 1-5 Jumpers and connectors, 1-4 Altos 500 Series User’s Guide Connector functions, 1-5 Jumper settings, 1-5 Locations, 1-4 Load default settings, 2-41 LS-120 drive compatible as, 2-11...
  • Page 123 Left panel, 4-6 Parallel port, 2-7, 2-17 PnP/PCI options, 2-31 Post-installation instructions, 1-10 Power management, 2-21 Mode, 2-21 Power switch < 4 sec, 2-22 System wake-up event, 2-22 Power management mode, 2-21 Power switch < 4 sec, 2-22 Power-on password, 2-39 Pre-installation instructions, 1-9 Processor, 2-5, 2-34 Processor speed, 2-5, 2-34...
  • Page 124 IDE primary channel slave, 2-6, 2- IDE secondary channel master, 2-6, 2-12 IDE secondary channel slave, 2-6, 2-12 Altos 500 Series User’s Guide Internal cache, 2-5, 2-29 Parallel port, 2-7, 2-17 Processor, 2-5, 2-34 Processor speed, 2-5, 2-34 PS/2 mouse, 2-7, 2-19...
  • Page 125 Index 5...
  • Page 127 Index 7...

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