2 System Board

Devices on the ISA Bus

Updating the BIOS Before Considering Replacing the System Board

If the computer is faulty, but it starts up correctly, and the fault is not clearly due to the system board hardware, then it is advisable to check the BIOS version number. The BIOS version number can be found from the summary

screen, or the Setup program, obtained by pressing or , respectively, when the computer has just been restarted, as described in Chapter 4.

If it is not the current version of the BIOS, the System ROM should be flashed with the new version, as described on the previous page. The computer should then be re-run to see if this has cleared the problem.

Little Ben

Little Ben is an HP application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), designed to be a companion to the Super I/O chip. It is described on page 73.

Other PCI and ISA Accessory Devices Under Plug and Play

Plug and Play is an industry standard for automatically configuring the computer’s hardware. When you start the computer, the Plug and Play system BIOS can detect automatically which hardware resources (IRQs, DMAs, memory ranges, and I/O addresses) are used by the system-based components.

All PCI accessory boards are Plug and Play, although not all ISA boards are. Check the accessory board’s documentation if you are unsure.

The computer is PCI 2.1 compliant, and PnP 1.1 compliant. This meets the “Windows 95 Required” level for Plug and Play. Accessory boards which are Plug and Play are automatically configured by the operating system (Windows 95) or by the BIOS (other operating systems).

In general, in a Plug and Play configuration, resources for an ISA board have to be reserved first (using a utility under Windows 95 or ICU for DOS/ Windows) and then you can plug in your board. If you want to install an ISA board when running a non Plug-and-Play operating system, such as Windows for Workgroups, you have to reserve the resources for the board using the ICU (for Windows). Failure to do so may lead to resource conflicts.

The procedure for installing an ISA accessory board that is not Plug and Play in Windows 3.11 or Windows 95 is described in the User’s Guide that is supplied with the computer.

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HP Vectra VL 5/xxx 5 manual Little Ben, Other PCI and ISA Accessory Devices Under Plug and Play

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.