Installation

2-1

Installation

2-1 KP6-FX 2 Layout

The KP6-FX2 is designed with Intel 82440FX PCIset chipset which is devel- oped by Intel Corporation to fully support PCI/ISA systems. The Intel 82440FX PCIset chipset provides increased integration and improved performance. The chipset provides an integrated IDE controller with two high performance IDE interfaces for up to four IDE devices (hard drives, CD-ROM’s, etc.). The SMC 37C932FR Super I/O controller provides the standard PC I/O function: floppy interface, two 16 Byte FIFO serial ports and EPP/ECP capable parallel port, keyboard controller, and RTC. The KP6-FX 2 layout is shown in the next page ( Figure 2-1 ) for user's reference.

Care must be taken when inserting memory modules, inserting Pentium® II Processor or even plugging in a PCI card into associated slots to avoid damaging any circuits or sockets on board (Please unplug all power to the mainboard before installing any components). A high efficiency fan and heatsink fan is strongly recommended when installing a Pentium® II Processor to help prevent overheat- ing.

The KP6-FX2 supports a minimum of 8MB of system memory and a maximum of 1GigaByte while the L2 Cache and cache controller are included in Pentium® II Processor CPU.

The KP6-FX 2 supports standard Fast Page Mode (FPM) or Extended Data Out (EDO) memory. The KP6-FX 2 provides four 72-pin SIMM sockets and two 168-pin DIMM sockets for memory modules. The 72-pin sockets (2 Banks) support 1M x 32 (4MB), 2M x 32 (8MB), 4M x 32 (16MB), 8M x 32 (32MB) 16M x 32 (64MB), and 32M x 32 (128MB) single-sided or double-sided memory modules and the 168-pin sockets (2 Banks) support 1M x 64 (8MB), 2M x 64 (32MB), 4M x 64 (64MB), 8M x 64 (128MB), 16M x 64 (256MB) single-sided or double-sided memory modules. The memory timing requires 60ns or 70ns FPM, EDO DRAM modules. Memory parity generation and checking or Error Checking and Correction (ECC) are supported [DRAM Modules may be parity (x

72)or ECC (x 72)]. The BIOS will automatically detect which DRAM is installed in the SIMM sockets.

The KP6-FX 2 supports Onboard two PCI IDE connectors, these will be automatically detected by the BIOS to install your hard disk type at boot up. The KP6-FX 2 supports Award Plug & Play BIOS for ISA and PCI cards. The BIOS can be located in Flash memory. The advantage of having Flash memory is the ease of upgrading your BIOS to the current one with software.

13

Page 13
Image 13
EPoX Computer KP6-FX2 manual Installation, KP6-FX 2 Layout

KP6-FX2 specifications

The EPOX Computer KP6-FX2 is a notable motherboard from the late 1990s that garnered attention for its performance and versatility. Designed to support the AMD K6-2 and K6-III processors, the KP6-FX2 was particularly favored by enthusiasts looking to build cost-effective systems without sacrificing capabilities.

One of the standout features of the KP6-FX2 is its socket 7 architecture, which allowed compatibility with a broad range of processors. This flexibility provided users with options to upgrade over time, making it a long-term investment for many builders. The motherboard supports front-side bus speeds of 66/100 MHz, catering to varying performance needs and ensuring that users could benefit from enhanced processing power as new chips were released.

The KP6-FX2 supports up to 768 MB of SDRAM in three DIMM slots, another significant advantage during its time. The motherboard's ability to handle substantial memory was essential for users engaged in demanding applications or multitasking environments. Furthermore, it supports both single-sided and double-sided DIMMs, allowing for even more memory configuration options.

In terms of connectivity, the EPOX KP6-FX2 features an integrated VIA VT82C686B Southbridge, which provides an array of onboard features and I/O connectivity. Users could benefit from integrated PS/2 mouse and keyboard ports, as well as parallel and serial ports, giving them ample options for connecting peripherals. The onboard IDE controller supported up to four IDE devices, accommodating hard drives and optical drives, which was crucial for building a comprehensive system.

The motherboard also included AGP 2X support, which was advantageous for gamers and graphic designers looking to utilize 3D acceleration in their applications. With a dedicated AGP slot, users could install capable graphics cards that enhanced visual performance.

In summary, the EPOX Computer KP6-FX2 is remembered for its robust feature set and adaptability during a time when the PC industry was evolving rapidly. Its compatibility with socket 7 processors, support for substantial RAM, and integrated features made it a valuable choice for both casual users and tech enthusiasts alike. As a product of its era, the KP6-FX2 laid a foundation for future developments in motherboards, paving the way for more advanced technologies.