Hard Disks

BIOS 2

Award BIOS Configuration

The BIOS supports up to four IDE drives. This section does not show information about other IDE devices, such as a CD-ROM drive, or about other hard drive types, such as SCSI drives. Note: We recommend that you select type auto for all drives.

The BIOS can automatically detect the specifications and optimal operating mode of almost all IDE hard drives. When you select type auto for a hard drive, the BIOS detects its specifications during POST, every time the system boots. If you do not want to select drive type auto, other methods of selecting the drive type are available:

1.Match the specifications of your installed IDE hard drive(s) with the preprogrammed values for drive types 1 through 45.

2.Select User and enter values into each drive parameter field.

3.Use the IDE HDD Auto Dectection function in Setup.

Here is a brief explanation of drive specifications:

Type: The BIOS contains a table of pre-defined drive types. Each defined drive type has a specified number of cylinders, number of heads, write precompensation factor, landing zone, and number of sectors. Drives whose specifications do not accommodate any pre-defined type are classified as type user.

Size: Disk drive capacity (approximate). Note that this size is usually slightly greater than the size of a formatted disk given by a disk-checking program. Cyls: Number of cylinders

Head: Number of heads

Precomp: Write precompensation cylinder

Landz: Landing zone

Sector: Number of sectors

Mode: Auto, Normal, large, or LBA

Auto: The BIOS automatically determines the optimal mode.

Normal: Maximum number of cylinders, heads, and sectors supported are 1024, 16, and 63.

Large: For drives that do not support LBA and have more than 1024 cylinders.

LBA (Logical Block Addressing): During drive accesses, the IDE controller transforms the data address described by sector, head, and cylinder number into a physical block address, significantly improving data transfer rates. For drives with greater than 1024 cylinders.

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Tyan S1857, Trinity 371 Motherboard specifications

The Tyan Computer Trinity 371 motherboard, also known as the Tyan S1857, is a versatile and reliable choice for various computing needs. Designed primarily for the industrial and server markets, this motherboard is known for its robust build quality and extensive feature set that supports a wide range of applications.

One of the standout features of the Tyan S1857 is its support for AMD processors, specifically the Socket A (462) interface. This compatibility allows users to utilize a variety of AMD CPUs, including the Athlon and Duron series, ensuring that the motherboard can accommodate different performance requirements. The motherboard supports a maximum of 1.5GB of DDR SDRAM, enhancing its ability to handle memory-intensive applications and multitasking operations efficiently.

Additionally, the Tyan Trinity 371 offers integrated VIA Apollo KT133A chipsets, which provide reliable performance and optimized speed for both desktop and server environments. The motherboard supports a 100MHz Front Side Bus (FSB), ensuring high data transfer rates and improved overall system performance. The inclusion of five PCI slots permits the addition of various expansion cards, such as graphics cards, network cards, and additional storage controllers, enhancing the system’s versatility.

From a storage perspective, the Tyan S1857 features a standard IDE controller that supports up to four IDE devices. This includes the ability to connect multiple hard drives and optical drives, providing ample storage options for user needs. The motherboard also supports RAID configurations, which can enhance data redundancy and performance for server applications.

On the connectivity front, the Tyan Trinity 371 incorporates a variety of ports, including USB and serial ports, facilitating connections to peripherals and external devices. The onboard Ethernet connectivity ensures that users can easily connect to networks, making it suitable for both standalone and networked environments.

The Tyan S1857 also emphasizes stability and durability, making it a reliable choice for critical applications. Its design considers thermal management, allowing for effective heat dissipation, which is essential for maintaining optimal operating conditions, especially in industrial settings.

In summary, the Tyan Computer Trinity 371 motherboard, or Tyan S1857, stands out for its comprehensive feature set, robust support for AMD processors, and reliable performance in various applications. Its ability to support expansion through additional slots, RAID configurations, and versatile connectivity options makes it an excellent choice for both industrial and server environments.