MSI MICRO-STAR INTERNATIONAL 645 Ultra MS-6547 (v1.X) ATX Mainboard Version 1.1 G52-MA00514 i 6547v1.1-Preface.P65 1 05.02.
Manual Rev: 1.1 Release Date: Dec. 2001 FCC-B Radio Frequency Interference Statement This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits 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 when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
Edition Dec. 2001 Copyright Notice The material in this document is the intellectual property of MICRO-STAR INTERNATIONAL. We take every care in the preparation of this document, but no guarantee is given as to the correctness of its contents. Our products are under continual improvement and we reserve the right to make changes without notice. Trademarks All trademarks used in this manual are the property of their respective owners. Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Safety Instructions 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Always read the safety instructions carefully. Keep this User’s Manual for future reference. Keep this equipment away from humidity. Lay this equipment on a reliable flat surface before setting it up. The openings on the enclosure are for air convection hence protects the equipment from overheating. DO NOT COVER THE OPENINGS. 6. Make sure the voltage of the power source and adjust properly 110/220V before connecting the equipment to the power inlet. 7.
CONTENTS Chapter 1. Getting Started ........................................................................ 1-1 Mainboard Specification ...................................................................... 1-2 Mainboard Layout ............................................................................... 1-4 Quick Components Guide .................................................................... 1-5 Chapter 2. Hardware Setup .......................................................................
Modem-In Connector: JMD1 ....................................................... 2-14 Fan Power Connectors: CPUFA/SYSFA ...................................... 2-15 Wake On Ring Connector: JMDM1 ............................................. 2-16 IrDA Infrared Module Header: JIR2 ............................................. 2-16 Front Panel Connector: JFP1 or JFP2 ........................................... 2-17 Front Panel Audio Connector: JP20 .............................................
Glossary ....................................................................................................
Getting Started Chapter 1. Getting Started Getting Started 1 Thank you for purchasing the 645 Ultra (MS-6547 v1.X) ATX mainboard. The 645 Ultra is a superior computer mainboard based on SiS645 & SiS961 chipsets for optimal system efficiency. Designed to fit the advanced Intel® Pentium® 4 processors in the 478 pin package, the 645 Ultra delivers a high performance and professional desktop platform solution.
Chapter 1 Mainboard Specification CPU - Supports Intel® Pentium® 4 processors in the 478 pin package. - Supports 1.5GHz, 1.6GHz, 1.7GHz, 1.8GHz, 1.9GHz, 2GHz and up. Chipset - SiS®645 Open Architecture DDR333 Chipset - Supports DIMMs of DDR333/DDR266/DDR200 SDRAM up to 3GB maxi mum memory. - Supports 400MHz system bus with 2X address and 4X data rate. - Supports AGP 4X/2X interface with fast write transaction. - SiS®961 MuTIOL® Media I/O Chipset - Bi-directional 16-bit data bus with 533MB bandwidth.
Getting Started 2.88Mbytes. - 2 serial ports (COM A + COM B). - 1 parallel port supports SPP/EPP/ECP mode. - 4 USB ports (Rear * 2/ Front * 2). - 1 IrDA connector for SIR. - 1 audio/game port. Audio - S/W Realtek ALC201A AC'97 Codec. BIOS - The mainboard BIOS provides “Plug & Play” BIOS which detects the peripheral devices and expansion cards of the board automatically. - The mainboard provides a Desktop Management Interface (DMI) function which records your mainboard specifications.
Chapter 1 Mainboard Layout Top : mouse Bottom: keyboard JPW1 USB ports ATX Power Supply CPUFA Top : Parallel Port Bottom: COM A COM B SiS 645 Top : Game port AGP Slot JMD1 JUSB3 (optional) (optional) PCI Slot 1 JUSB1 DDR 1 Winbond W83697HF Codec DDR 3 JAUX1 JCD1 DDR 2 Bottom: Line-Out Line-In Mic SiS 961 PCI Slot 2 IDE 1 PCI Slot 3 IDE 2 BIOS PCI Slot 4 PCI Slot 5 SYSFA JMDM1 CNR JP20 JFP1 FDD 1 BATT + JBAT1 (optional) JLED1 JFP2 (optional) JIR2 645 Ultra (MS-6547 v1.
Getting Started Quick Components Guide Component JWR1/JPW1 JKBMS1 USB Connectors COM A & COM B LPT1 FDD1 IDE1~ IDE2 JCD1/JAUX1/JMD1 CPUFA/SYSFA JMDM1 JIR2 JFP1/JFP2 JP20 JUSB1/JUSB3 Function ATX power connectors Mouse/keyboard connector Connecting to USB devices Serial port connector Parallel port connector Floppy disk drive connector Hard disk connectors CD/AUX/Modem-in connectors Fan power connectors Wake on ring connector IrDA infrared module connector Front panel connectors Front panel audio connector
Hardware Setup Chapter 2. Hardware Setup Hardware Setup 2 This chapter provides you with the information about hardware setup procedures. While doing the installation, be careful in holding the components and follow the installation procedures. For some components, if you install in the wrong orientation, the components will not work properly. Use a grounded wrist strap before handling computer components. Static electricity may damage the components.
Chapter 2 Central Processing Unit: CPU The mainboard supports Intel® Pentium® 4 processor in the 478 pin package. The mainboard uses a CPU socket called PGA478 for easy CPU installation. When you are installing the CPU, make sure the CPU has a heat sink and a cooling fan attached on the top to prevent overheating. If you do not find the heat sink and cooling fan, contact your dealer to purchase and install them before turning on the computer. Open Lever CPU Installation Procedures 1.
Hardware Setup Installing the CPU Fan As processor technology pushes to faster speeds and higher performance, thermal management becomes increasingly important. To dissipate heat, you need to attach the CPU cooling fan and heatsink on top of the CPU. Follow the instructions below to install the Heatsink/Fan: 1. Locate the CPU and its retention 2. Position the heatsink onto the reten- mechanism on the motherboard. tion mechanism. retention mechanism 3. Mount the fan on top of the heatsink. 4.
Chapter 2 5. C o n n e c t to the the fan power cable from the mounted fan 3-pin fan p o w e r c o n n e c t o r o n t h e b o a r d . fan power cable CPU Core Speed Derivation Procedure If CPU Clock Core/Bus ratio then CPU core speed WARNING! = = = = = 100MHz 14 Host Clock x Core/Bus ratio 100MHz x 14 1.4GHz Overclocking This motherboard is designed to support overclocking. However, please make sure your components are able to tolerate such abnormal setting, while doing overclocking.
Hardware Setup Memory DDR3 DDR2 DDR1 The mainboard provides 3 slots for 184-pin, 2.5V DDR DIMM with 6 memory banks. You can install PC1600/PC2100 DDR SDRAM modules on the DDR DIMM slots (DDR 1~3). To operate properly, at least one DIMM module must be installed. DDR DIMM Slots (DDR 1~3) Introduction to DDR SDRAM DDR (Double Data Rate) SDRAM is similar to conventional SDRAM, but doubles the rate by transferring data twice per cycle. It uses 2.5 volts as opposed to 3.
Chapter 2 DDR Module Combination You can install either single sided or double sided 184-pin DDR DIMM modules into DDR DIMM slots to meet your needs. Different from the SDR DIMM, the DDR DIMM has only one notch on the center of module. The number of pins on either side of the breaks are different. The module will only fit in the right orientation.
Hardware Setup Power Supply The mainboard supports ATX power supply for the power system. Before inserting the power supply connector, always make sure that all components are installed properly to ensure that no damage will be caused. ATX 20-Pin Power Connector: JWR1 This connector allows you to connect to an ATX power supply. To connect to the ATX power supply, make sure the plugs of the power supply is inserted in the proper orientation and the pins are aligned.
Chapter 2 Back Panel The Back Panel provides the following connectors: Parallel Mouse Keyboard USB COM A Midi/Joystick COM B L-out L-in MIC Mouse Connector: JKBMS1 The mainboard provides a standard PS/2® mouse mini DIN connector for attaching a PS/2® mouse. You can plug a PS/2® mouse directly into this connector.
Hardware Setup Keyboard Connector: JKBMS1 The mainboard provides a standard PS/2® keyboard mini DIN connector for attaching a PS/2® keyboard. You can plug a PS/2® keyboard directly into this connector.
Chapter 2 Serial Port Connector: COM A & COM B The mainboard offers two 9-pin male DIN connectors for serial port COM A and COM B. The ports are 16550A high speed communication ports that send/receive 16 bytes FIFOs. You can attach a serial mouse or other serial devices directly to them.
Hardware Setup Parallel Port Connector: LPT1 The mainboard provides a 25-pin female centronic connector for LPT. A parallel port is a standard printer port that supports Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP) and Extended Capabilities Parallel Port (ECP) mode.
Chapter 2 Connectors The mainboard provides connectors to connect to FDD, IDE HDD, case, modem, LAN, USB Ports, IR module and CPU/System FAN. Floppy Disk Drive Connector: FDD1 The mainboard provides a standard floppy disk drive connector that supports 360K, 720K, 1.2M, 1.44M and 2.88M floppy disk types. FDD 1 2-12 Kap2_6547v1.1.P65 12 05.02.
Hardware Setup Hard Disk Connectors: IDE1 & IDE2 The mainboard has a 32-bit Enhanced PCI IDE and Ultra DMA 33/66/100 controller that provides PIO mode 0~4, Bus Master, and Ultra DMA/33/66/100 function. You can connect up to four hard disk drives, CD-ROM, 120MB Floppy (reserved for future BIOS) and other devices. These connectors support the provided IDE hard disk cable. IDE 1 IDE 2 IDE1 (Primary IDE Connector) The first hard drive should always be connected to IDE1.
Chapter 2 CD-In Connector: JCD1 The connector is for CD-ROM audio connector. Aux Line-In Connector: JAUX1 The connector is for DVD add-on card with Line-in connector. Modem-In Connector: JMD1 The connector is for modem with internal audio connector. JAUX1 JCD1 R R GND GND L L JMD1 GND Phone_In Mono_Out 2-14 Kap2_6547v1.1.P65 14 05.02.
Hardware Setup Fan Power Connectors: CPUFA/SYSFA The CPUFA (processor fan) and SYSFA (system fan) support system cooling fan with +12V. It supports three-pin head connector. When connecting the wire to the connectors, always take note that the red wire is the positive and should be connected to the +12V, the black wire is Ground and should be connected to GND.
Chapter 2 Wake On Ring Connector: JMDM1 This connector allows you to connect to a modem card with Wake On Ring function. The connector will power up the system when a signal is received through the modem card. MDM_WAKEUP 5VSB NC NC 1 JMDM1 IrDA Infrared Module Header: JIR2 This connector allows you to connect to IrDA Infrared modules. You must configure the setting through the BIOS setup to use the IR function. The JIR2 is compliant to Intel Front Panel I/O Connectivity Design Guide.
Hardware Setup Front Panel Connector: JFP1 or JFP2 The mainboard provides one front panel connector for electrical connection to the front panel switches and LEDs. Users can choose either the JFP1 or the JFP2 depending on their needs.The difference between JFP1 & JFP2 is that JFP2 is compliant with Intel® Front Panel I/O Connectivity Design Guide.
Chapter 2 Front Panel Audio Connector: JP20 The JP20 front panel audio connector allows you to connect to the front panel audio and is compliant with Intel Front Panel I/O Connectivity Design Guide.
Hardware Setup Front USB Connector: JUSB1 or JUSB3 The mainboard provides one front Universal Serial Bus connector for users to connect to USB devices. Users can choose either the JUSB1 or the JUSB3 depending on their needs. The JUSB3 is compliant with Intel® Front Panel I/O Connectivity Design Guide.
Chapter 2 Jumpers The motherboard provides one jumper for you to set the computer’s function. This section will explain how to change your motherboard’s function through the use of the jumper. Clear CMOS Jumper: JBAT1 There is a CMOS RAM on board that has a power supply from external battery to keep the data of system configuration. With the CMOS RAM, the system can automatically boot OS every time it is turned on. That battery has long life time for at least 5 years.
Hardware Setup Slots The motherboard provides five 32-bit Master PCI bus slots, one AGP slot and one CNR slot. AGP Slot PCI Slots CNR Slot AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) Slot The AGP slot allows you to insert the AGP graphics card. AGP is an interface specification designed for the throughput demands of 3D graphics. It introduces a 66MHz, 32-bit channel for the graphics controller to directly access main memory and provides three levels of throughputs: 1x (266Mbps), 2x (533Mbps) and 4x (1.07Gbps).
Chapter 2 PCI Interrupt Request Routing The IRQ, abbreviation of interrupt request line and pronounced I-R-Q, are hardware lines over which devices can send interrupt signals to the microprocessor.
BIOS Setup 3 Chapter 3. BIOS Setup BIOS Setup This chapter provides information on the BIOS Setup program and allows you to configure the system for optimum use. You may need to run the Setup program when: An error message appears on the screen during the system booting up, and requests you to run SETUP. You want to change the default settings for customized features.
Chapter 3 Entering Setup Power on the computer and the system will start POST (Power On Self Test) process. When the message below appears on the screen, press key to enter Setup. Press DEL to enter SETUP If the message disappears before you respond and you still wish to enter Setup, restart the system by turning it OFF and On or pressing the RESET button. You may also restart the system by simultaneously pressing , , and keys.
BIOS Setup Getting Help After entering the Setup menu, the first menu you will see is the Main Menu. Main Menu The main menu lists the setup functions you can make changes to. You can use the control keys ( ↑↓ ) to select the item. The on-line description of the highlighted setup function is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
Chapter 3 The Main Menu Once you enter Award® BIOS CMOS Setup Utility, the Main Menu (Figure 1) will appear on the screen. The Main Menu allows you to select from twelve setup functions and two exit choices. Use arrow keys to select among the items and press to accept or enter the sub-menu. Standard CMOS Features Use this Menu for basic system configurations. Advanced BIOS Features Use this menu to set the Advanced Features available on your system.
BIOS Setup PC Health Status This entry shows your PC health status. Frequency/Voltage Control Use this menu to specify your settings for frequency/voltage control. Load Fail-Safe Defaults Use this menu to load the BIOS default values for minimal but stable system performance. Load Optimized Defaults Use this menu to load the BIOS default values that are factory settings for optimal system operations. Set Supervisor/User Password Use this menu to set User and Supervisor Passwords.
Chapter 3 Standard CMOS Features The items in Standard CMOS Features Menu are divided into 10 categories. Each category includes no, one or more than one setup items. Use the arrow keys to highlight the item and then use the or keys to select the value you want in each item. Date The date format is . day Day of the week, from Sun to Sat, determined by BIOS. Read-only. month The month from Jan. through Dec.
BIOS Setup ing items. Enter the information directly from the keyboard. This information should be provided in the documentation from your hard disk vendor or the system manufacturer. If the controller of HDD interface is SCSI, the selection shall be “None”. If the controller of HDD interface is CD-ROM, the selection shall be “None”. Access Mode The settings are CHS, LBA, Large, Auto. Capacity The formatted size of the storage device. Cylinder Number of cylinders. Head Number of heads.
Chapter 3 Advanced BIOS Features Anti-Virus Protection The item is to set the Virus Warning feature for IDE Hard Disk boot sector protection. If the function is enabled and any attempt to write data into this area is made, BIOS will display a warning message on screen and beep. Settings: Disabled and Enabled. CPU L1 & L2 Cache The item allows you to turn on or off CPU’s internal (L1) and external (L2)cache. Settings: Enabled and Disabled.
BIOS Setup First/Second/Third Boot Device The items allow you to set the sequence of boot devices where BIOS attempts to load the disk operating system. The settings are: Floppy The system will boot from floppy drive. LS120 The system will boot from LS-120 drive. HDD-0 The system will boot from the first HDD. SCSI The system will boot from the SCSI. CDROM The system will boot from the CD-ROM. HDD-1 The system will boot from the second HDD. HDD-2 The system will boot from the third HDD.
Chapter 3 Typematic Rate Setting This item is used to enable or disable the typematic rate setting including Typematic Rate & Typematic Delay. Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec) After Typematic Rate Setting is enabled, this item allows you to set the rate (characters/second) at which the keys are accelerated. Settings: 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, 24 and 30. Typematic Delay (Msec) This item allows you to select the delay between when the key was first pressed and when the acceleration begins.
BIOS Setup HDD S.M.A.R.T. Capability This allows you to activate the S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring Analysis & Reporting Technology) capability for the hard disks. S.M.A.R.T is a utility that monitors your disk status to predict hard disk failure. This gives you an opportunity to move data from a hard disk that is going to fail to a safe place before the hard disk becomes offline. Settings: Enabled and Disabled. 3-11 Kap3_6547v1.1.P65 11 05.02.
Chapter 3 Advanced Chipset Features The Advanced Chipset Features Setup option is used to change the values of the chipset registers. These registers control most of the system options in the computer. Note: Change these settings only if you are familiar with the chipset. Advanced DRAM Control 1 Press to enter the sub-menu and the following screen appears: System Performance The DRAM timing is controlled by the DRAM Timing Registers. The 3-12 Kap3_6547v1.1.P65 12 05.02.
BIOS Setup Timings programmed into this register are dependent on the system design. Slower rates may be required in certain system designs to support loose layouts or slower memory. Setting options: Safe Mode, Normal Mode, Fast Mode, Turbo Mode, Ultra Mode. CAS Latency Setting When synchronous DRAM is installed, the number of clock cycles of CAS latency depends on the DRAM timing. The settings are: 2T, 2.5T, 3T. Memory Hole At 15M-16M You can reserve this area of system memory for ISA adapter ROM.
Chapter 3 Integrated Peripherals SiS OnChip IDE Device Press to enter the sub-menu and the following screen appears: Internal PCI/IDE This setting enables or disables the internal primary and secondary PCI & 3-14 Kap3_6547v1.1.P65 14 05.02.
BIOS Setup IDE controllers. Setting options: Disabled, Primary, Secondary, Both. IDE Primary/Secondary Master/Slave PIO The four IDE PIO (Programmed Input/Output) fields let you set a PIO mode (0-4) for each of the four IDE devices that the onboard IDE interface supports. Modes 0 through 4 provide successively increased performance. In Auto mode, the system automatically determines the best mode for each device. The settings are: Auto, Mode 0, Mode 1, Mode 2, Mode 3, Mode 4.
Chapter 3 SiS-7012 AC97 Audio This setting enables or disables the SiS-7012 AC97 audio. Setting options: Disabled, Auto. SiS-7013 S/W Modem This setting enables or disables the SiS-7013 S/W modem. Setting options: Disabled, Auto. USB Controller Select Enabled if your system contains a Universal Serial Bus (USB) controller and you have USB peripherals. The settings are: Enabled, Disabled.
BIOS Setup UART Mode Select This setting allows you to specify the operation mode for serial port 2. Setting options: IrDA, ASKIR, Normal. Normal RS-232C Serial Port IrDA IrDA-compliant Serial Infrared Port ASKIR Amplitude Shift Keyed Infrared Port RxD, TxD Active This setting controls the receiving and transmitting speed of the IR peripheral in use. Setting options: Hi/Hi, Hi/Lo, Lo/Hi, Lo/Lo.
Chapter 3 SPP/EPP/ECP/ECP+EPP To operate the onboard parallel port as Standard Parallel Port only, choose “SPP.” To operate the onboard parallel port in the EPP mode simultaneously, choose “EPP.” By choosing “ECP”, the onboard parallel port will operate in ECP mode only. Choosing “ECP + EPP” will allow the onboard parallel port to support both the ECP and EPP modes simultaneously. EPP Mode Select The onboard parallel port is EPP Spec.
BIOS Setup Power Management Setup The Power Management Setup allows you to configure you system to most effectively save energy while operating in a manner consistent with your own style of computer use. IPCA Function This item is to activate the ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Management Interface) Function. If your operating system is ACPI-aware, such as Windows® 98SE/2000/ME, select Enabled. Settings: Enabled and Disabled.
Chapter 3 Video Off Option This setting is used to control the mode in which the monitor will shut down. Setting options: Always On Always turn on. Suspend -> Off During suspend mode, the monitor will shut down. Susp, Stby->Off During suspend or standby mode, the monitor will shut down. All Modes ->Off The monitor is turned off during doze, standby, or suspend mode. Video Off Method This determines the manner in which the monitor is blanked.
BIOS Setup the sleep state. Available options are: Single LED The power LED blinks to indicate the sleep state without changing its color. Dual LED The power LED changes its color to indicate the sleep state. After AC Power Lost This setting specifies whether your system will reboot after a power failure or interrupts occurs. Available settings are: Power Off Leaves the computer in the power off state. Power On Reboots the computer.
Chapter 3 receiving the signal, when the operating system is ready, the system will interrupt itself and perform the service required by the I/O device. RING Power Up Control, PCI PME Power Up Control, USB Port Wake Up Control, Hot Key Power Up Control, PS2 Mouse Power Up Control These fields specify whether the system will be awakened from power saving modes when activity or input signal of the specified hardware peripheral or component is detected.
BIOS Setup PNP/PCI Configurations This section describes configuring the PCI bus system. PCI, or Peripheral Component Interconnect, is a system which allows I/O devices to operate at speeds nearing the speed the CPU itself uses when communicating with its own special components. This section covers some very technical items and it is strongly recommended that only experienced users should make any changes to the default settings. Reset Configuration Data Normally, you leave this field Disabled.
Chapter 3 Press and you will enter the sub-menu of the items. IRQ Resources list IRQ 3/4/5/7/9/10/11/12/14/15 for users to set each IRQ a type depending on the type of device using the IRQ. Settings are: PCI Device For Plug & Play compatible devices designed for PCI bus architecture. Reserved The IRQ will be reserved for further request.
BIOS Setup PC Health Status This section shows the status of your CPU, fan, warning for overall system status. CPU Warning Temperature If the CPU temperature reaches the upper limit preset in this setting, the warning mechanism will be activated. This helps you to prevent the CPU overheat problem. Current System/CPU Temperature, CPU/System Fan, Vcore, 3.
Chapter 3 Frequency/Voltage Control This section describes how to set the Chassis Intrusion feature, CPU FSB frequency, monitor the current hardware status including CPU/system temperatures, CPU/System Fan speeds, Vcore etc. Monitor function is available only if there is hardware monitoring mechanism onboard. CPU Clock Ratio This setting controls the multiplier that is used to determine the internal clock speed of the processor relative to the external or motherboard clock speed.
BIOS Setup cause even a slight jitter can introduce a temporary boost in clockspeed which may just cause your overclocked processor to lock up. CPU Host/SDRAM/PCI Clock This setting controls the clock speed of the CPU Host (FSB)/SDRAM memory bus/PCI bus on the motherboard. 3-27 Kap3_6547v1.1.P65 27 05.02.
Chapter 3 Load Fail-Safe/Optimized Defaults The two options on the main menu allow users to restore all of the BIOS settings to the default Fail-Safe or Optimized values. The Optimized Defaults are the default values set by the mainboard manufacturer specifically for optimal performance of the mainboard. The Fail-Safe Defaults are the default values set by the BIOS vendor for stable system performance.
BIOS Setup Set Supervisor/User Password When you select this function, a message as below will appear on the screen: Type the password, up to six characters in length, and press . The password typed now will replace any previously set password from CMOS memory. You will be prompted to confirm the password. Retype the password and press . You may also press to abort the selection and not enter a password.
Glossary Glossary Glossary ACPI (Advanced Configuration & Power Interface) This power management specification enables the OS (operating system) to control the amount of power given to each device attached to the computer. Windows 98/98SE, Windows 2000 and Windows ME can fully support ACPI to allow users managing the system power flexibly. AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) A new, high-speed graphics interface that based on PCI construction and designed especially for the throughput demands of 3-D graphics.
Glossary a PC chipset provides the electronic interfaces between all subsystems. CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) CMOS is a widely used type of semiconductor, which features high speed and low power consumption. PCs usually contain a small amount of battery-powered CMOS memory to retain the date, time, and system setup parameters. COM In MS-DOS system, the name of a serial communications port. DOS supports four serial ports.
Glossary ECC Memory (error correcting code memory) A type of memory that contains special circuitry for testing the accuracy of data and correcting the errors on the fly. IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) A type of disk-drive interface widely used to connect hard disks, CD-ROMs and tape drives to a PC, in which the controller electronics is integrated into the drive itself, eliminating the need for a separate adapter card. The IDE interface is known as the ATA (AT Attachment) specification.
Glossary PnP (Plug and Play) A set of specifications that allows a PC to configure itself automatically to work with peripherals. The user can "plug" in a peripheral device and "play" it without configuring the system manually. To implement this useful feature, both the BIOS that supports PnP and a PnP expansion card are required. POST (Power On Self Test) During booting up your system, the BIOS executes a series of diagnostic tests, include checking the RAM, the keyboard, the disk drives, etc.
