Chapter: 1 Overview Introduction This manual describes the Viglen L440GX+ motherboard inside your computer. The motherboard is the most important part of your computer. It contains all of the CPU, memory and graphics circuitry that makes the computer work. The motherboard contains the very latest CPU design, Pentium III processors, which include Intel’s MMX technology.
L440GX+ Motherboard Specification A B D C 1 2 3 E 4 H G F FF J Intel 8440GX Chipset EE CC Primary Secondary DD Intel NIC K Primary Secondary BB AA 6 Z 5 Y 4 L Intel DC111D M LVD N SE P 3 Adaptec 7896 2 Intel 82371EB Cirrus Logic 5480 iFlash 1 Q X W V U Figure 1 T S R System Board Components A B C D E F G H J K L M N P Q PS/2 keyboard and Mouse ports Heatsink fan connectors Processor connector (SECC2) DIMM Memory sockets (4) ATX power connector System fan connec
Back Panel Connectors The motherboard external IO connectors are attached to a metallic I/O shield. This shield serves several purposes: •= It protects the sensitive motherboard from any external EMC problems. •= It stops the computer from interfering with other electrical devices. •= It allows the motherboard to be easily upgraded in the future without having to resort to buying a whole new case. Simply change the I/O shield to match the motherboard.
Feature Summary The L440GX+ server board supports Pentium III processors running at 450, 500, 550, and 600MHz with 512KB of integrated L2 cache, and also Pentium III processors running at 600, 650 and 700MHz with 256KB of integrated L2 cache. The motherboard features: Form Factor •= ATX form factor of 12 x 13 inches Intel 82440GX AGPSet •= 100MHz processor host bus interface support •= PCI 2.
National 87309 I/O features •= Support for two FIFO serial ports, one Multi-mode Parallel port, floppy disk drive and PS/2 keyboard and mouse Adaptec AIC-7896 controller Interface •= Support for 8 or 16 bit fast SCSI •= Ultra2 Wide (Low Voltage Differential) and Ultra Wide (Single Ended) interfaces •= Up to 15 devices per channel (depending on configuration) •= High data transfer rates: - 40MB/sec max data transfer rate on the Ultra Wide channel 80MB/sec max data transfer rate on the Ultra2 channel •= Sup
Microprocessor The motherboard supports dual Pentium III processors. The processor’s VID pins automatically program the voltage regulator on the motherboard to the required processor voltage. The motherboard currently supports processors that run internally at 450, 500, 550 and 600MHz with 512 KB second-level cache and 600, 650 and 700MHz with 256 KB second-level cache.
Memory Main Memory The motherboard has four dual inline memory module (DIMM) sockets. Minimum memory size is 32 MB using unbuffered DIMMs; maximum memory size is 2 GB using registered DIMMs. The BIOS automatically detects memory type, size, and speed. The motherboard supports the following memory features: •= 168-pin DIMMS with gold-plated contacts. •= 100 MHz PC/100 SDRAM only. •= ECC (72-bit) 3.3 V memory only.
Chipset The Intel 440GX+ chipset is the latest generation of Intel’s PCI set and is designed for the Pentium III processors. It consists of the Intel 82440GX PCI/A.G.P. controller (PAC) and the Intel 82371EB PCI/ISA/IDE controller (PIIX4e) bridge chip. Intel 82440GX PCI/A.G.P. Controller (PAC) The 82440GX host bridge is a 492-pin BGA device with a 3.3V core and mixed 5V, 3.3V, and GTL+ signal interface pins.
Super I/O Controller The PC87309 Super I/O Controller from National Semiconductor is an ISA Plug and Play compatible, multifunction I/O device that provides the following features: •= Serial ports = Two 16450/16550A-software compatible UARTs = Internal send/receive 16-byte FIFO buffer = Four internal 8-bit DMA options for the UART with SIR support (USI) •= Multimode bidirectional parallel port = Standard mode: IBM and Centronics compatible = Enhanced parallel port (EPP) mode with BIOS and driver suppor
Floppy Controller In the Setup program, the floppy interface can be configured for the following floppy drive capacities and sizes: •= •= •= •= •= 360 KB, 5.25-inch 1.2 MB, 5.25-inch 720 KB, 3.5-inch 1.2 MB, 3.5-inch (driver required) 1.25/1.44 MB, 3.5-inch Keyboard and Mouse Interface PS/2 keyboard and mouse connectors are located on the back panel.
Programmed I/O operations usually require a substantial amount of processor bandwidth. However, in multitasking operating systems, the bandwidth freed by bus mastering IDE can be devoted to other tasks while disk transfers are occurring. LS-120 Support LS-120 MB Diskette technology enables you to store 120MB of data on a single, 3.5” removable diskette. LS-120 technology is backward (both read and write) compatible with 1.
IDE Auto Configuration If you install an IDE drive in the system, the IDE auto-configuration utility automatically detects and configures the drive for operation in the system. This utility eliminates the need to enter the Set-up program after you install an IDE drive. PCI Auto Configuration The PCI auto-configuration utility works in conjunction with the Set-up program to support PCI add-in boards in the system.
•= Updates the nonvolatile storage device (EEPROM) associated with the Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) that holds the SDR and FRU area •= Updates the DMI area located in the BIOS nonvolatile storage device •= Generically handles FRU devices that may not be associated with the BMC Emergency Management Port (EMP) The COM2 serial port on your L440GX+ server motherboard can be configured for use as an Emergency Management Port.
Chapter: 2 System Board Options The L440GX+ motherboard is capable of accepting 450, 500, 550, 600, 650 and 700MHz, Pentium III CPU's. RAM can be upgraded to a maximum of 2GB using registered ECC SDRAM DIMMs. Warnings and Cautions WARNING! Unplug the system before carrying out the procedures described in this chapter. Failure to disconnect power before you open the system can result in personal injury or equipment damage. Hazardous voltage, current, and energy levels are present in this product.
CAUTION! The Viglen L440GX+ motherboard and associated components are sensitive electronic devices. A small static shock from your body can cause expensive damage to your equipment. Make sure you are earthed and free of static charge before you open the computer case. If you are unsure about upgrading your computer, return it to Viglen so a qualified engineer can perform the upgrade. STEPS TO TAKE TO PREVENT STATIC DISCHARGE: 1.
Overview of Jumper Settings The system motherboard inside your computer contains a block of twenty-four pins and eight plastic jumpers. Different pins and jumper configurations make it possible to change how the computer functions. This section of the manual should give you all the information you will require making any changes. Changes you can make, in this way, are as follows: •= •= •= •= •= •= •= •= Reset the CMOS RAM settings to the default values. Clear the system password.
Jumper Settings Each set of 3 pins requires one jumper, and has two options. The following figure shows the position of jumpers on the motherboard, and also the standard position of the jumpers (two white pins).
Table 2 Function Clear CMOS Clear system password. Recover from corrupted BIOS Jumper J2J1 1-2 Configuration 2-3 Replace contents of NVRAM with default settings. 5-6 Maintain current system password. 6-7 9-10 Clear password System boots using BIOS stored in the flash memory. BIOS attempts to load BIOS code from a floppy into the flash memory. Typically used when BIOS code has been corrupted. BIOS boot block is write protected.
Motherboard Connectors There are connectors on the motherboard for Floppy drives, IDE devices, Fans, Power, Serial Port’s, SCSI, and Front Panel Connectors. The location and/or details of these connections are shown below.
Front Panel Connectors The following are all connectors situated along the front edge of the motherboard. They are often connected to buttons and LED’s situated on the front panel. Pwr LED SLP Reset HD LED SPK Pwr On Front Panel I/O Connector Header Figure 4.1 SLP – Sleep switch This option is not used in you Viglen server. Reset - Reset switch connector When these pins are shorted, it will cause the computer to perform a cold reboot. PWR LED - Power L.E.D. This attaches to the power L.E.
Upgrading the CPUs CAUTION! Allow time for the processor and heatsink to cool before touching either of them. The Pentium III processors together with Level 2 cache chips are housed in a protective cartridge called a SECC2. The SECC2 modules are attached to the computer using a slot 1 interface. Vertical supports, retention pillars, are used to keep the module fixed into place. The design of the L440GX+ computer makes it a simple job to replace or upgrade the processors.
Pentium III shown with Heatsink (Marked A in Figure 5) fitted.
Installing & Removing DIMM Memory Modules Installing Memory You can install from 32MB to 2GB of memory in the motherboard DIMM (Dual InLine Memory Modules) sockets. The board has DIMM sockets arranged as banks 1, 2, 3, and 4. The motherboard supports the following memory features: •= 168-pin 3.
To install DIMMs, follow these steps: 1 2 3 4 Intel 8440GX Chipset Primary Secondary Primary Intel NIC Secondary 6 Intel DC111D 5 LVD 4 SE 3 Adaptec 7896 2 iFlash 1 Intel 82371EB Cirrus Logic 5480 Ensure DIMM Notch Locations match exactly with DIMM scoket Keys Notches 1 1 Figure 6.1 1. Observe the precautions in “Before You Begin” Turn off all peripheral devices connected to the computer. Turn off the computer. 2. Remove the computer cover and locate the DIMM sockets. 3.
6. Insert the bottom edge of the DIMM into the socket. 7. When the DIMM is seated, push down on the top edge of the DIMM until the retaining clips at the ends of the socket snap into place. Make sure the clips are firmly in place, marked 1 in Figure 6.1. 8. Reinstall and reconnect any parts you removed or disconnected to reach the DIMM sockets 9. Replace the computer cover. Removing Memory To remove a DIMM, follow these steps: 1. Observe the precautions in "Before You Begin". 2.
Replacing the Clock/CMOS RAM Battery A lithium battery is installed in a socket on the system board. The battery has an estimated life expectancy of seven years. When the battery starts to weaken, it loses voltage; when the voltage drops below a certain level, the system settings stored in CMOS RAM (for example, the date and time) may be wrong. If the battery fails, you will need to replace it with a Panasonic CR2032 battery or an equivalent.
Chapter; 3 Solving Problems The first part of this chapter helps you identify and solve problems that might occur when the system is in use. The second part lists error code messages that might be displayed. Viglen Technical Support can be reached in the following ways: Telephone: 0181 758 7050 Fax: 0181 758 7080 Email: technical@viglen.co.uk You can also look for support information on our web site: http://www.viglen.co.
•= FRB 3 - 7 minute timer. If the system does not make it up to the end of POST in 7 minutes, the system will automatically reset and try again. It is assumed that the processor failed regardless of what may have caused the system to hang. The primary processor is taken off line and the system will boot off the secondary (if installed otherwise it will try to restart again off of the primary). Bad memory or a bad plug in card may cause an FRB 3 failure. All failures are logged to the system event log.
Errors that prevent the boot process from continuing (fatal errors), are communicated by a series of audible beeps. If this type of error occurs, refer to the error codes and messages listed at the end of this chapter. 6. Confirm that the operating system has loaded. Problems and Suggestions Table 4 What happens What to do Application software problems Make sure all cables are installed correctly. Verify that the system board jumpers are set properly.
Table 4 continued What happens What to do Characters do not appear on screen Make sure the video display is plugged in and turned on. Check that the brightness and contrast controls are properly adjusted. Check that the video signal cable is properly installed. Make sure a video board is installed, enabled, and the jumpers are positioned correctly. Reboot the system.
Table 4 continued What happens What to do Setup, can't enter If you can't enter Setup to make changes, clear CMOS RAM to the default values and reconfigure the system in Setup. System halts before completing POST This indicates a fatal system error that requires immediate service attention. Note the screen display and write down any beep code emitted. Provide this information to your dealer service department / Technical Support.
Error and Information Messages The rest of this chapter describes beep codes, and error messages that you might see or hear when you start up the system: BIOS Error Messages Table 5 Error Message Diskette drive A error or Diskette drive B error Explanation Drive A: or B: is present but fails the POST diskette tests. Check that the drive is defined with the proper diskette type in Setup and that the diskette drive is installed correctly.
Table 5 (continued) Error Message Parity Check 1 Parity Check 2 Press to resume, to Setup Real time clock error Shadow RAM Failed at offset: nnnn System battery is dead – Replace and run SETUP System cache error – Cache disabled System CMOS checksum bad - run SETUP System RAM Failed at offset: nnnn System timer error 33 Explanation Parity error found in the system bus. BIOS attempts to locate the address and display it on the screen. If it cannot locate the address, it displays ????.
BIOS Beep Codes If a hardware problem occurs the computer may emit a number of beeps from the speaker. These are known as beep codes. The pitch and duration of the beep codes may vary but there will always be a set number of beeps. These beeps stem from the BIOS’s initial check on the system and will normally occur in the first few seconds of power on. Beeps codes represent a terminal error.
Chapter 4: System BIOS What is the BIOS ? The BIOS (Basic Input Output System) is an important piece of software which is stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) chip inside the computer. It consists of the basic instructions for controlling the disk drives, hard disk, keyboard and serial/parallel ports. The BIOS also keeps a list of the specifications of the computer in battery-backed RAM (also known as the CMOS RAM) and provides a special Setup program to change this information.
Overview of BIOS Features Introduction The motherboard uses an Intel/Phoenix BIOS, which is stored in flash memory and can be upgraded using a disk-based program. In addition to the BIOS, the flash memory contains the Setup program, Power-On Self Test (POST), the PCI autoconfiguration utility, and is Windows 95-ready Plug and Play. This motherboard supports system BIOS shadowing, allowing the BIOS to execute from 64-bit onboard write-protected DRAM.
Plug and Play: PCI Auto-configuration The BIOS automatically configures PCI devices and Plug and Play devices. PCI devices may be onboard or add-in cards. Plug and Play devices are ISA add-in cards built to meet the Plug and Play specification. Auto-configuration lets a user insert or remove PCI or Plug and Play cards without having to configure the system.
ISA Plug and Play If Plug and Play operating system is selected in Setup, the BIOS auto-configures only ISA Plug and Play cards that are required for booting (IPL devices). If Plug and Play operating system is not selected in Setup, the BIOS auto-configures all Plug and Play ISA cards. Desktop Management Interface (DMI) Desktop Management Interface (DMI) is an interface for managing computers in an enterprise environment.
Recovering BIOS Data Some types of failure can destroy the BIOS. For example, the data can be lost if a power outage occurs while the BIOS is being updated in flash memory. The BIOS can be recovered from a diskette with recovery files using the BIOS recovery Jumper See Recovering the BIOS later in the chapter.
Configuring the Motherboard Before You Begin ! CAUTION! •= Always follow the steps in each procedure in the correct order. •= Set up a log to record information about your computer, such as model, serial numbers, installed options, and configuration information. •= Use an anti-static wrist strap and a conductive foam pad when working on the motherboard.
Changing Jumper Settings Below is a list of actions to take to change the jumper setting for the Clear CMOS option. Most of the actions below refer to all of the jumpers that you might wish to change. Any differences for the changing of each jumper are listed in a table. Clearing the CMOS NOTE: Clearing the CMOS will load the Manufacture default settings in to the NVRAM. Figure 3 shows the location of the CMOS clear header on the motherboard.
9. On the header (J2J1), move the first jumper back to pins 1-2 to restore normal operation as shown below. CMOS Clear Jumper J2J1 (1-3) 1 2 3 Figure 8.2 10. Replace the cover and turn on the computer. For all the below actions after the operation is complete replace the jumper back to its original position unless otherwise stated.
