4 Summary of the HP/Phoenix BIOS

BIOS Addresses

The PCI interrupt lines A, B, C and D are spread across the four inputs of the interrupt router (which is part of the PCI/ISA bridge, in the PIIX3 chip). Since most PCI devices are single-function, this allows for an even distribution of the lines. The distribution is shown in the following diagram. In this, Slot 4 is present only on minitower models (and is omitted on desktop models); Slot R refers to the PCI proprietary slot on the rear side of the double sided backplane of desktop models (and is omitted on minitower models).

Integrated

Slot 1

Slot 2

Slot 3 or R

Slot 4 (MT)

graphics

 

 

 

 

A

A B C D

A B C D

A B C D

A B C D

 

 

 

 

 

A

 

 

 

 

 

B

PCI/ISA

 

 

 

 

C

Bridge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D

 

PCI interrupts are then mapped into ISA interrupts inside the PCI/ISA

Bridge (in the PIIX3 chip), by configuring registers 60h through 63h.

Bit

Description

 

 

7

Routing of interrupts: when enabled, this bit routes the PCI interrupt signal to the PC-

 

compatible interrupt signal specified in bits[3:0]. At reset, this bit is disabled (set to 1)

 

 

6:4

Reserved: read as 000

 

 

3:0

IRQx# Routing Bits: these bits specify which IRQ signal to generate.

 

Possible values are: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15.

 

 

The possible choices given by the Setup program are 9, 10, 11, 15. If some of these are unavailable due to ISA cards, some interrupts will have to be shared.

The IDE controller is actually configured in legacy mode, and uses IRQ 14 (IRQ 15 for the secondary channel). The mode setting is in configuration byte 09h of the IDE controller, device 01h.

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HP Vectra VL 5/xxx 5 manual Bit Description, Reserved read as, Possible values are 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14

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.