4 Summary of the HP/Phoenix BIOS

BIOS Addresses

HP I/O Port Map (I/O Addresses Used by the System1)

Peripheral devices, accessory devices and system controllers are accessed via the system I/O space, which is not located in system memory space. The 64 KB of addressable I/O space comprises 8-bit and 16-bit registers (called I/O ports) located in the various system components. When installing an accessory board, ensure that the I/O address space selected is in the free area of the space reserved for accessory boards (100h to 3FFh).

The following address map is not BIOS dependent, but is determined by the operating system. However, the Setup program can be used to change some settings. Beware that some of the I/O addresses are allocated dynamically.

I/O Address Ports

Function

 

 

 

0000h

- 000Fh

DMA controller 1

 

 

 

0020h

- 0021h

Interrupt controller 1

 

 

 

0040h

- 0043h

Interval timer 1

 

 

0060h, 0064h

Keyboard controller

 

 

 

0061h

 

System speaker, or NMI status and control

 

 

 

0070h

 

NMI mask register, RTC and CMOS address

 

 

 

0071h

 

RTC and CMOS data

 

 

 

0081h

- 0083h, 008Fh

DMA low page register

 

 

 

0092h

 

Alternate reset and A20 Function

 

 

00A0h - 00A1h

Interrupt controller 2

 

 

00C0h - 00DFh

DMA controller 2

 

 

00EAh - 00EBh

Internal port

 

 

00F0h - 00FFh

Co-processor error

 

 

 

0102h

 

Graphics controller (Matrox MGA)

 

 

 

0170h

- 0177h

IDE hard disk drive controller secondary channel

 

 

01F0h - 01F7h

IDE hard disk drive controller primary channel

 

 

 

0200h

- 0207h

Joystick port (Soundblaster)

 

 

 

1.If configured (legacy resources only).

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HP Vectra VL 5/xxx 5 manual HP I/O Port Map I/O Addresses Used by the System1

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.