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V55LA System
User's Guide

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Summary of Contents for Acer V55LA

  • Page 1 V55LA System User’s Guide...
  • Page 2 Copyright Copyright ã 1996 by this company. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language or computer language, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual or otherwise, without the prior written permission of this company.
  • Page 3 Other brand and product names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
  • Page 4 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Read these instructions carefully. Save these instructions for future reference. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product. Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
  • Page 5 Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not locate this product where persons will walk on the cord. 10. If an extension cord is used with this product, make sure that the total ampere rating of the equipment plugged into the extension cord does not exceed the extension cord ampere rating.
  • Page 6 14. Replace battery with the same type as the product's battery we recommend. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or explosion. Refer battery replacement to a qualified serviceman. 15. Warning! Battery may explode if not handled properly. Do not recharge, disassemble or dispose of in fire.
  • Page 7 FCC Class B Radio Frequency Interference Statement Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
  • Page 8 About this Manual Purpose This user’s guide aims to give you all the necessary information to enable you to operate the system properly. Manual Structure This user’s guide consists of two chapters. Chapter 1 System Board This chapter describes the system board and all its major components.
  • Page 9 Conventions The following are the conventions used in this manual: Represents text input by the user. Text entered by user Denotes actual messages that Screen messages appear on the screen. a, e, s, etc. Represent the actual keys that you have to press on the keyboard.
  • Page 10 through little shortcuts.
  • Page 11: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Chapter 1 System Board Major Features............1-2 1.1.1 Layout............1-3 1.1.2 Slot Board...........1-4 Jumpers and Connectors...........1-5 1.2.1 Jumper and Connector Locations....1-5 1.2.2 Jumper Settings..........1-6 1.2.3 Connector Functions........1-9 ESD Precautions............1-11 Memory Upgrade.............1-12 1.4.1 Installing a SIMM........1-14 1.4.2 Removing a SIMM........1-15 1.4.3 Reconfiguring the System......1-16 IDE Hard Disk Support..........1-16...
  • Page 12 1.10.2 System Error Messages......1-26 1.10.3 Correcting Error Conditions.......1-29 Chapter 2 BIOS Utility Entering Setup............2-2 Basic System Configuration........2-3 2.2.1 Date and Time..........2-4 2.2.2 Diskette Drives..........2-5 2.2.3 IDE Drives...........2-6 2.2.4 System Memory..........2-8 2.2.5 Math Coprocessor........2-8 2.2.6 Video Display..........2-8 2.2.7 Communication Settings......2-9 2.2.8 Enhanced IDE Features......2-9 2.2.9 Num Lock After Boot.........2-10...
  • Page 13 Power Saving Configuration........2-16 2.4.1 Power Management Mode......2-17 2.4.2 Monitored Activities........2-18 System Security Setup..........2-19 2.5.1 Disk Drive Control........2-19 2.5.2 Onboard Communication Ports....2-21 2.5.3 Onboard PS/2 Mouse (IRQ 12)....2-24 2.5.4 Crystal Audio Chip........2-24 2.5.5 Setup Password........2-25 2.5.6 Power On Password.........2-26 PCI System Configuration........2-27 2.6.1 PCI IRQ Setting.........2-27 2.6.2...
  • Page 14 List of Figures System Board Layout..........1-3 2-PCI/3-ISA Slot Board (for desktop systems)...1-4 3-PCI/5-ISA Slot Board (for minitower systems)..1-4 System Board Jumper and Connector Locations..1-5 20-Pin Multifunction Connector (CN19)....1-10 Installing a SIMM............1-14 Removing a SIMM............1-15 Installing a Pentium CPU..........1-17 Installing a Video Memory Chip........1-18 1-10 Audio Connectors Onboard........1-20 1-11...
  • Page 15 List of Tables System Board Jumper Settings........1-6 SW2 Settings 1 and 2..........1-8 SW2 Settings 3 and 4..........1-8 SW2 Setting 5............1-8 SW2 Setting 6............1-8 Connector Functions..........1-9 Memory Configurations (64-bit)........1-12 Memory Configurations (32-bit)........1-13 IDE Hard Disk Configuration........1-16 1-10 Second-level Cache Configurations......1-19 1-11 System Error Messages...........1-27 Drive Control Settings..........2-20 Serial Port 1 Settings..........2-21...
  • Page 16: Chapter 1 System Board

    C h a p t e r System Board The V55LA is a high-performance system board with a 64-bit architecture. It supports the Intel P54C, P54CTB, P54CS, P54CT, and P55C CPUs running at 75/90/100/120/133/150/166/200 MHz. It also supports Cyrix M1 and AMD K5 CPUs. The system board utilizes the...
  • Page 17: Major Features

    Major Features The system board has the following major features: · A zero-insertion force (ZIF) socket for Intel P54C, P54CTB, P54CS, P55C, Cyrix M1, and AMD K5 · Two DRAM banks composed of four 72-pin SIMM sockets that support 4/8/16/32-MB 60/70ns SIMMs ·...
  • Page 18: Layout

    1.1.1 Layout Figure 1-1 shows the locations of the system board major components. Battery Video RAM Tag SRAM VIdeo port Pipeline burst second-level cache Parallel port Pentium CPU socket BIOS CPU voltage regulators Serial port 2 SIMM sockets Slot board connector Buzzer Serial port 1 Switch 2 (SW2)
  • Page 19: Slot Board

    1.1.2 Slot Board The system board comes with a slot board already installed. The slot board carries the PCI and ISA bus slots for system enhancements and future expansion. The slot board may vary in size and layout depending on your system housing.
  • Page 20: Jumpers And Connectors

    Figure 1-3 3-PCI/5-ISA Slot Board (for minitower systems) Jumpers and Connectors 1.2.1 Jumper and Connector Locations Figure 1-4 shows the jumper and connector locations on the system board. Figure 1-4 System Board Jumper and Connector Locations The blackened pin of a jumper represents pin 1.
  • Page 21: Jumper Settings

    Table 1-1 System Board Jumper Settings Jumper Setting Function BIOS Type For models with Acer BIOS For models with OEM BIOS LED Function LED for IDE and FDD LED for IDE only Second-level Cache JP3, JP4 256 KB asynchronous or pipeline...
  • Page 22 Table 1-1 System Board Jumper Settings (continued) Jumper Setting Function Software Shutdown JP16 UPS enabled UPS disabled L2 Cache Mode JP42 Intel or M1 “1+4” mode M1 linear burst mode CPU Voltage JP43 (for I/O) 3.5V 3.3V JP44 (for core) 2.5V 2.8V In the “1+4”...
  • Page 23: Sw2 Settings 1 And 2

    Tables 1-2 to 1-5 show the settings and functions of DIP switch 2 (SW2). Table 1-2 SW2 Settings 1 and 2 Setting 1 Setting 2 CPU Clock Frequency 50 MHz 60 MHz 66 MHz Table 1-3 SW2 Settings 3 and 4 Frequency Ratio Setting 3 Setting 4...
  • Page 24: Connector Functions

    1.2.3 Connector Functions Table 1-6 lists the different connectors on the system board and their respective functions. Table 1-6 Connector Functions Connector Function Feature connector for multimedia or Ethernet solution CD-audio line-in connector Power connector LAN connector WaveTable connector PS/2 keyboard connector PS/2 mouse connector Audio I/O board connector CN10...
  • Page 25: 20-Pin Multifunction Connector (Cn19)

    Table 1-6 Connector Functions (continued) Connector Function CN31 Internal line-in connector Hard disk and power LED connector (Fujitsu) JP10 Hard disk and diskette drive LED connector JP11 SMM switch/reset switch SMM switch Reset switch Reserved JP14 Power-on switch connector (pins 1-2) JP15 Standby power connector JP30...
  • Page 26: Esd Precautions

    ESD Precautions Always observe following electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions before installing a system component: Do not remove a component from its antistatic packaging until you are ready to install it. Wear a wrist grounding strap before handling electronic components. Wrist grounding straps are available at most electronic component stores.
  • Page 27: Memory Upgrade

    Memory Upgrade The system board comes with four 72-pin SIMM sockets that support 4-MB and 16-MB single-density SIMMs and 8-MB and 32-MB double- density SIMMs. Table 1-7 lists the possible 64-bit memory configurations. Table 1-7 Memory Configurations (64-bit) Bank 0 Bank 1 Total SIMM-1...
  • Page 28 32 MB 32 MB 32 MB 32 MB 128 MB System Board 1-13...
  • Page 29: Memory Configurations (32-Bit)

    The system also supports 32-bit memory configurations. This feature allows you to install only one SIMM in one configuration. Table 1-8 shows the 32-bit configurations. Table 1-8 Memory Configurations (32-bit) Bank 0 Bank 1 Total SIMM-1 SIMM-2 SIMM-3 SIMM-4 Memory 4 MB 4 MB 4 MB...
  • Page 30: Installing A Simm

    1.4.1 Installing a SIMM Follow these steps to install a SIMM: Carefully slip a SIMM at a 45° angle into a socket making sure that the curved edge indicating the pin 1 of the SIMM matches pin 1 of the socket. A SIMM fits only in one direction.
  • Page 31: Removing A Simm

    1.4.2 Removing a SIMM Follow these steps to remove a SIMM: Press the holding clips on both sides of the SIMM outward to release it. Move the SIMM to a 45° angle. Pull the SIMM out of the socket. Holding Clip Figure 1-7 Removing a SIMM Always remove SIMMs from the socket...
  • Page 32: Reconfiguring The System

    1.4.3 Reconfiguring the System You must enter Setup after installing or removing SIMMs to reconfigure the system. Follow these steps to reconfigure the system: Turn the system on. A memory error message appears, indicating that the total memory does not match the value stored in CMOS.
  • Page 33: Cpu Installation

    CPU Installation The system board comes with a zero-insertion force (ZIF) CPU socket for easy installation. Follow these steps to install a Pentium CPU: Lift up the socket lever. Insert the CPU to the socket. Make sure that the notched corner of the CPU matches the pin 1 indicator on the socket.
  • Page 34 Set the CPU jumpers accordingly. Refer to Table 1-1. System Board 1-19...
  • Page 35: Video Memory Upgrade

    Video Memory Upgrade Larger video memory allows you to display higher resolutions and more colors. The system board comes with a 1-MB video memory onboard upgradable to 2 MB. Follow these steps to upgrade the video memory: Locate the video DRAM upgrade sockets labeled U3 and U4 on the system board.
  • Page 36: Second-Level Cache Configuration

    Second-level Cache Configuration The system board supports up to 256-KB asynchronous or pipeline burst second-level cache. Boards without onboard cache come with nine cache sockets for a 256-KB upgrade. Table 1-10 shows the second-level cache configuration options. Table 1-10 Second-level Cache Configurations Cache Size Cache Type Upgrade Option...
  • Page 37: Audio Features

    Audio Features The system board supports Sound Blaster Pro-compatible sound system. It has four connectors onboard to accommodate the audio-I/O board, WaveTable, CD-ROM, and fax-voice modem. You may disable the audio feature in the BIOS Utility. Figure 1-10 shows the four audio connectors on the system board. CN22 Audio-I/O board connector (CN9) WaveTable connector (CN6)
  • Page 38: Installing The Audio-I/O Board

    1.9.1 Installing the Audio-I/O Board The connector CN9 on the system board accommodates the audio-I/O board. Figure 1-11 shows how to install the board. Figure 1-11 Installing the Audio-I/O Board System Board 1-23...
  • Page 39: Audio-I/O Board Features

    1.9.2 Audio-I/O Board Features The audio-I/O board consists of microphone port, line-in port, line-out port, and MIDI/game port. These ports accommodate the external audio devices. Microphone Connector Line-in Connector Microphone Port Line-in Port Line-out Port MIDI/Game Port Figure 1-12 Audio-I/O Board The internal connectors on the audio-I/O board are useful for system housings with built-in speakers, microphone, amplifier, or auxiliary devices.
  • Page 40: Wavetable Daughterboard (Optional)

    1.9.3 WaveTable Daughterboard (Optional) The system board supports a WableTable daughterboard as option. The WaveTable does not come with the basic system. WaveTable daughterboard supports same external connectors as the audio-I/O board but comes with enhanced audio features. It bundles the Crystal chipsets that work together to produce better sound quality.
  • Page 41: Installing The Wavetable Daughterboard

    The WaveTable has two connectors, CN5 and CN6, located underside. Match these two connectors with the audio-I/O connector (CN9) and WaveTable connector (CN6) on the system board. Figure 1-14 shows how to install the WaveTable connector. Figure 1-14 Installing the WaveTable Daughterboard 1-26 User’s Guide...
  • Page 42: Audio-I/O Devices

    1.9.4 Audio-I/O Devices Figure 1-15 shows the various devices that you can connect to the audio-I/O board. Joystick MIDI Adapter Speakers Head phones Stereo Amplifier Synthesizer CD Player Microphone Figure 1-15 Audio I/O External Devices System Board 1-27...
  • Page 43: Error Messages

    1.10 Error Messages 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: ·...
  • Page 44 Table 1-11 System Error Messages Message Action CMOS Battery Error Replace the RTC chip or contact your dealer. CMOS Checksum Error Check the RTC chip and the necessary jumper. If the battery is still good, run Setup. Display Card Mismatch Run Setup Diskette Drive Controller Error Check and connect the control...
  • Page 45 Table 1-11 System Error Messages (continued) Message Action Memory Error at: Check SIMMs on the system MMMM:SSSS:OOO board. Contact your dealer. (W:XXXX, R:YYYY) where: M: MB, S: Segment, O: Offset, X/Y: write/read pattern CPU Clock Mismatch Run Setup. Check if the CPU clock is correct.
  • Page 46: Correcting Error Conditions

    1.10.3 Correcting Error Conditions As a general rule, if an error message says "Press F1 to continue," it is caused by a configuration problem, which can be easily corrected. An equipment malfunction is more likely to cause a fatal error, i.e., an error that causes complete system failure.
  • Page 47: Chapter 2 Bios Utility

    C h a p t e r BIOS Utility 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. The Setup program loads configuration values into the battery-backed nonvolatile memory called CMOS RAM.
  • Page 48: Entering Setup

    Entering Setup To enter Setup, press the key combination You must press while the system is booting. This key combination does not work during any other time. The BIOS Utility main menu then appears: BIOS Utility Basic System Configuration Advanced System Configuration Power Saving Configuration System Security PCI System Configuration...
  • Page 49 Basic System Configuration Select Basic System Configuration to input configuration values such as date, time, and disk types. The following screen shows the Basic System Configuration menu. Basic System Configuration Page 1/2 Date ......[MM/DD/YY] Time ......[HH:MM:SS] Diskette Drive A ..[xx-MB xx-inch] Diskette Drive B ..[xx-MB xx-inch]...
  • Page 50: Date And Time

    The following screen shows page 2 of the Basic System Configuration menu. Basic System Configuration Page 2/2 Communication Settings Baud Rate ......[9600] BPS Parity ......[None] Stop Bits ......[1] Bits Data Length ....[8] Bits Enhanced IDE Features Hard Disk Block Mode ...[Enabled ] Advanced PIO Mode ....[Enabled ] Hard Disk Size >...
  • Page 51: Diskette Drives

    Valid values for month, day, and year are: · Month · · Year Time Highlight the items on the time parameter and press to set the time following the hour-minute-second format. Valid values for hour, minute, and second are: · Hour ·...
  • Page 52: Ide Drives

    2.2.3 IDE Drives Move the highlight bar to the IDE Drive 0 parameter to configure the first IDE drive (drive C). Press to display the IDE drive types with their respective values. Select the type that corresponds to your IDE hard disk drive. Follow the same procedure for the other IDE drives, if any.
  • Page 53 Follow the same procedure to auto-configure other IDE drives. BIOS Utility...
  • Page 54: System Memory

    Selecting the “User” Option There are cases when you cannot use the option Auto , instead you have to select User . Choose the User option when you have installed an IDE hard disk that was previously formatted but does not use the disk native parameters or structure, that is, the disk type may be in the IDE hard disk types list but the number of cylinders, heads, and sectors differ.
  • Page 55: Video Display

    2.2.6 Video Display The video display is the monitor on which the operating system prompt appears when you boot the system. The system automatically detects the video mode of your primary display and sets the configuration value accordingly. Values for this parameter are: ·...
  • Page 56: Enhanced Ide Features

    2.2.8 Enhanced IDE Features Hard Disk Block Mode This function enhances disk performance depending on the hard disk in use. If you set this parameter to Enabled , it allows data transfer in block (multiple sectors). If your system does not boot after enabling Disabled this parameter, change the setting to .
  • Page 57: Num Lock After Boot

    Hard Disk 32-Bit Access Enabling this parameter improves system performance by allowing the use of the 32-bit hard disk access. This enhanced IDE feature works only under DOS, Windows 3.x and Novell NetWare. If your software or hard disk does not support this function, set this parameter to Disabled 2.2.9 Num Lock After Boot...
  • Page 58: Fast Boot Mode

    2.2.12 Fast Boot Mode When enabled, this parameter allows the system to boot faster by skipping some POST routines. It bypasses memory test and enables the primary- and second-level cache. This parameter is enabled by Enabled default. When set to , this parameter causes the Memory Test parameter to be fixed to Disabled...
  • Page 59: Advanced System Configuration

    Advanced System Configuration The Advanced System Configuration option allows you to configure the advanced system memory functions. Do not change any settings in the Advanced Configuration if you are not a qualified technician to avoid damaging system. The following screen shows page one of the Advanced System Configuration parameters.
  • Page 60: Shadow Ram

    2.3.1 Shadow RAM The system reserves 384 KB of random access memory (RAM) for the shadow RAM function. This parameter has eight range addresses. When you set these addresses to Enabled , the system BIOS, video BIOS, and I/O ROM functions run directly from the shadow RAM for faster operation.
  • Page 61: Ecc/Parity Mode Selection

    Cache Scheme Write-back Write- This parameter fixes the cache setting to mode. back updates the cache but not the memory when there is a write instruction. It updates the memory only when these is an inconsistency between the cache and the memory. 2.3.4 ECC/Parity Mode Selection This parameter allows you to enable or disable the ECC and parity...
  • Page 62: Power Saving Configuration

    Power Saving Configuration The Power Saving Configuration parameters are configurable only if your system supports the power management feature. The following screens show the Power Saving Configuration parameters and their default settings: Power Saving Configuration Page 1/1 Power Management Mode ....[Enabled ] *Monitor Power Saving Timer ..[15] Minute(s) *IDE Hard Disk Standby Timer ..
  • Page 63: Power Management Mode

    2.4.1 Power Management Mode This parameter allows you to reduce power consumption. When this parameter is set to Enabled , you can configure the monitor, IDE hard disk, and system timers. Setting to Disabled deactivates the power management feature and all the timers. Monitor Power Saving Timer This parameter sets the VESA DPMS-compatible display monitor to standby mode.
  • Page 64: Monitored Activities

    2.4.2 Monitored Activities The IRQ and DRQ items under this parameter allow you to monitor system activities occurring through the IRQ and DRQ channels to determine whether or not to enter power saving mode. For example, if you assign IRQ 3 to a fax/modem and you set this item Enabled , any fax/modem activity wakes up the system from standby mode.
  • Page 65: System Security Setup

    System Security Setup The Setup program has a number of security features to prevent unauthorized access to the system and its data. Enter the Setup program and select System Security. The following screen appears: System Security Page 1/1 Disk Drive Control Diskette Drive....[ Normal Hard Disk Drive....[...
  • Page 66: Drive Control Settings

    Table 2-1 Drive Control Settings Diskette Drive Setting Description Normal Diskette drive functions normally Write Protect All Sectors Disables the write function on all sectors Write Protect Boot Sector Disables the write function only on the boot sector Disabled Disables all diskette functions Hard Disk Drive Setting Description...
  • Page 67: Onboard Communication Ports

    Table 2-1 Drive Control Settings (continued) Boot from CD-ROM Setting Description Enabled The system for a bootable CD in the CD- ROM. If a CD is present, the system boots from the CD-ROM. Otherwise, it boots from the drive specified in the System Boot drive parameter.
  • Page 68: Serial Port 2 Settings

    Serial Port 2 Base Address This parameter allows you to set the serial port 2 logical base address. Table 2-3 Serial Port 2 Settings Setting Description 3F8h Serial port 2 with address 3F8h using IRQ4 2F8h Serial port 2 with address 2F8h using IRQ3 3E8h Serial port 2 with address 3E8h using IRQ4 2E8h...
  • Page 69: Parallel Port Operation Mode Settings

    Disabled Disables the parallel port To deactivate the parallel port, select the Disabled option. If you install an add-on card that has a parallel port whose address conflicts with the parallel port onboard, the system automatically disables the onboard functions. Check the parallel port address on the add-on card and change the address to one that does not conflict.
  • Page 70: Onboard Ps/2 Mouse (Irq 12)

    2.5.3 Onboard PS/2 Mouse (IRQ 12) This parameter enables or disables the onboard PS/2 mouse. When set to Enabled , it allows you to use the onboard PS/2 mouse assigned with IRQ12. When set to Disabled , it deactivates the mouse and frees IRQ12 for the use of other devices.
  • Page 71: Setup Password

    2.5.5 Setup Password The Setup Password prevents unauthorized access to the BIOS utility. Set jumper JP3 to pins 1-2 to enable the password function. Setting a Password Highlight the Setup Password parameter and press the left- or right-arrow key. The password prompt appears: Type a password.
  • Page 72: Power On Password

    If You Forget the Password If you forget your password, you must return the configuration values stored in CMOS to their default values. Should this happen, call your dealer for assistance. 2.5.6 Power On Password The Power On Password secures your system against unauthorized use.
  • Page 73: Pci System Configuration

    PCI System Configuration The PCI System Configuration allows you to specify the settings for your PCI devices. PCI System Configuration Page 1/1 PCI IRQ Setting ....[ Auto INTA INTB INTC INTD *PCI Slot 1.... [--] [--] [--] [ 9] *PCI Slot 2.... [--] [--] [--]...
  • Page 74: Pci Irq Sharing

    PCI Slots These parameters allow you to specify the appropriate interrupt for each of the PCI devices. You can assign IRQ5, IRQ9, IRQ10, IRQ11, IRQ14, or IRQ15 to the slots. Press to move between fields. Press to select options. 2.6.2 PCI IRQ Sharing When set to , this parameter allows you to assign the same IRQ to...
  • Page 75: Load Setup Default Settings

    Load Setup 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. If you want to change the settings of these items, disable the Fast Boot Mode parameter in the Basic System Configuration menu.
  • Page 76: Leaving Setup

    Leaving Setup Examine the system configuration values. When you are satisfied that all the values are correct, write them down. Store the recorded values in a safe place. In the future, if the battery loses power or the CMOS chip is damaged, you will know what values to enter when you rerun Setup.
  • Page 77: Ide Hard Disk Types

    IDE Hard Disk Types Type Cylinders Heads Sectors Per Track None (indicates SCSI or no hard disk) (reserved) 1024 BIOS Utility 2-31...
  • Page 78 Type Cylinders Heads Sectors Per Track 1023 1001 1024 1013 2-32 User’s Guide...
  • Page 79 Type Cylinders Heads Sectors Per Track 1024 (reserved) 1024 1024 1024 1024 1024 1024 1024 1024 1010 1024 1024 (reserved) 1001 1024 1024 1024 BIOS Utility 2-33...
  • Page 80 Type Cylinders Heads Sectors Per Track 1011 1016 Auto or User (User-defined) 2-34 User’s Guide...

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