4 Summary of the HP/Phoenix BIOS

BIOS Addresses

BIOS Addresses

This section provides a summary of the main features of the HP system BIOS. This is software that provides an interface between the computer hardware and the operating system.

System Memory Map

Reserved memory used by accessory boards must be located in the area from C8000h to EFFFFh.

0 - 3FFh

Interrupt vector table

640 KB: The addresses

 

 

 

0-9FFFFh are collectively

400h - 4FFh

BIOS data area

known as the Base

 

 

 

500h - 9EFFFh

 

 

memory area

 

 

 

 

 

 

9F000h - 9FFFFh

Extended BIOS data area

 

 

 

 

A0000h - BFFFFh

128 KB: Video memory area

 

 

 

 

 

C0000h - C7FFFh

32

KB: Video BIOS area

 

 

 

 

 

C8000h - D7FFFh

64

KB: available for accessory boards

 

 

(used by the boot ROM, if configured in the Setup program)

 

 

 

D8000h - EFFFFh

96

KB: available after the POST (for upper memory block, UMB, for example)

 

 

 

F0000h - FFFFFh

64 KB: System BIOS area

 

 

 

 

100000h - FFFFFFFFh

1 MB plus: Extended memory

 

 

 

 

 

Product Identification

The reserved addresses in the 64 KB BIOS ROM data area, which contain various product identification and BIOS identification strings, are no longer accessed directly. Instead, the information is obtained from utilities in the Desk Management Interface (DMI).

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HP Vectra VL 5/xxx 5 manual Bios Addresses, System Memory Map, Product Identification

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.