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HP Vectra VL 5/xxx 5 manual Devices on the ISA Bus, Super I/O Controller, Serial Eeprom

Models: Vectra VL 5/xxx 5

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2 System Board

Devices on the ISA Bus

Devices on the ISA Bus

ISA Device

Index

Data

 

 

 

Super I/O

15Ch

15Dh

 

 

 

Little Ben (HP ASIC)

496h

497h

 

 

 

Super I/O Controller

The Super I/O chip (37C932) is part of the chip set, and is described on page 26.

The computer is supplied with a Logitech 2-button mouse, and a C3758A keyboard with the following features:

❒Space bar power on, to start the computer from the Off state (if power on from keyboard is enabled in the Setup program).

❒Windows key (next to the keys), which has the same effect as clicking the “Start” button on the Windows 95 task bar.

❒Pull-down key (next to the right key), which has the same effect as clicking the right mouse button.

Serial EEPROM

The computer uses 4 Kbit of Serial EEPROM implemented within a single 512 K ✕ 8-bit ROM chip. Serial EEPROM is ROM in which one byte at a time can be returned to its unprogrammed state by the application of appropriate electrical signals. In effect, it can be made to behave like very slow, non- volatile RAM. It is used for storing the contents of the CMOS memory (the tatoo string, the serial number, and the parameter settings for the Setup program), even during long periods of the computer being unplugged from the mains supply.

When installing a new system board, the Serial EEPROM will have a blank serial number field. This will be detected automatically by the BIOS, which will then prompt the user to enter the serial number which is printed on the identification label on the back of the computer.

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HP Vectra VL 5/xxx 5 manual Devices on the ISA Bus, Super I/O Controller, Serial Eeprom
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Vectra VL 5/xxx 5 specifications

The HP Vectra VL 5/xxx was a series of desktop personal computers introduced by Hewlett-Packard in the mid-1990s. These machines were designed for both business and professional environments, making them suitable for a range of applications from basic office tasks to more demanding computing needs. This series played a significant role in HP's efforts to strengthen its market presence in the PC sector during a time when competition was intensifying.

One of the standout features of the HP Vectra VL 5/xxx line was its versatility. The series included various configurations designated by the '5/xxx' nomenclature, which indicated different performance levels and specifications. The performance was driven primarily by Intel Pentium processors, widely acclaimed for their reliability and efficiency. This allowed users to choose a model that suited their specific requirements, whether for everyday tasks or more resource-intensive applications.

In addition to its strong processing capabilities, the Vectra VL 5/xxx featured advanced graphics support, which was critical for visual applications and presentations. Many units in this series came equipped with onboard graphics capabilities that supported a range of resolutions, enhancing the user experience in both standard office environments and more creative settings.

Storage options were another highlight of the HP Vectra VL 5/xxx series. The machines typically featured a variety of hard drive configurations, allowing for ample data storage. Some models included the option for expanding storage through additional hard drives or external devices. Coupled with considerable RAM options, these machines ensured smooth multitasking and efficient performance across various applications.

Connectivity was also a core aspect of the Vectra VL 5/xxx. The systems typically included multiple USB ports, parallel and serial ports, and integrated networking capabilities. This made it easy for businesses to integrate the Vectra machines into their existing infrastructure, facilitating seamless interaction with peripherals and networks.

In terms of design, the HP Vectra VL 5/xxx series presented a robust yet compact form factor, which was ideal for office environments with limited space. Additionally, HP emphasized the reliability and serviceability of these machines, which included easy access to internal components for maintenance and upgrades, thereby extending the product life cycle.

Overall, the HP Vectra VL 5/xxx line offered a balanced combination of performance, flexibility, and reliability, making it a solid choice for organizations looking to leverage computing power for a range of professional applications. The series embodied HP's commitment to delivering quality and innovation in the ever-evolving landscape of personal computing.