3 Motherboard BIOS and Setup Utility

3.1 Introduction

The motherboard uses an Intel BIOS, which is stored in Flash EEPROM and upgraded using a floppy disk-based program. In addition to the Intel BIOS, the Flash EEPROM also contains the Setup utility, Power-On Self Tests (POST), APM 1.1, the PCI auto-configuration utility, and Windows 95 ready Plug and Play. This motherboard also supports system BIOS shadowing, allowing the BIOS to execute from 64-bit on-board write-protected DRAM.

Hardware has been added to the board so only Intel compiled BIOS can be flashed into the Flash EEPROM. This was done for extended virus protection.

The BIOS displays a sign-on message during POST identifying the type of BIOS and a five-digit revision code. The initial production BIOS in the motherboard will be identified as 1.00.0x.CY0.

Information on BIOS functions can be found in the IBMPS/2 and Personal Computer BIOS Technical Reference published by IBM, and the ISA and EISA Hi-Flex AMIBIOS Technical Reference published by AMI. Both manuals are available at most technical bookstores

3.2 BIOS Flash Memory Organization

The Intel PA28FB100BX 1 Mb Flash component is organized as 128K x 8 (128 KB). The Flash device is divided into four areas, as described in Table 11.

Table 11. Flash Memory Organization

System Address

FFFFE000H FFFFFFFFH

FFFFD000H FFFFDFFFH

FFFFC000H FFFFCFFFH

FFFE0000H FFFFBFFFH

FLASH Memory Area

8 KB Boot Block (erasable only if jumpered)

4 KB Plug and Play ESCD Storage Area

4 KB Custom LOGO and Vital Product Data

112 KB System BIOS Reserved during boot

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Intel TE430VX manual Introduction, Bios Flash Memory Organization, System Address, Flash Memory Area

TE430VX specifications

The Intel TE430VX was a landmark product in the realm of computing during the early 1990s. This microprocessor, part of Intel's line of Pentium processors, was primarily aimed at the burgeoning market for personal and business computing.

One of the main features of the Intel TE430VX was its 32-bit architecture, which allowed for a significant increase in processing power compared to its predecessors. The 32-bit data bus enabled the handling of larger amounts of data simultaneously, enhancing overall system performance. The TE430VX was capable of executing instructions at clock speeds ranging from 60 MHz to 66 MHz, which was quite impressive for its time. This processing power made it suitable not only for everyday computing tasks but also for more demanding applications such as graphic design and gaming.

The TE430VX also incorporated advanced technologies such as pipelining, which allowed it to execute multiple instructions in a single clock cycle. This feature contributed to improved performance and responsiveness, making the user experience smoother. The microprocessor supported a variety of RAM types, including EDO (Extended Data Out) RAM, which further enhanced its performance by reducing memory access times.

Another characteristic that set the TE430VX apart was its compatibility with a wide range of operating systems, including DOS, Windows, and various UNIX variants. This flexibility ensured that users could run their preferred software without compatibility issues, making it a versatile choice for home and business environments alike.

The integration of a built-in memory controller also simplified motherboard design, reducing the overall cost of systems utilizing the TE430VX. This chip also supported advanced graphics options, allowing users to experience better multimedia performance through dedicated graphics cards.

Power consumption was another consideration in the design of the TE430VX. It was engineered to operate efficiently while maintaining good performance, an important factor for long-term sustainability in computing environments.

In summary, the Intel TE430VX was a significant advancement in microprocessor technology during the early 1990s. Its 32-bit architecture, pipelining capabilities, compatibility with multiple operating systems, and efficient power consumption contributed to its reputation as a reliable choice for both personal and professional use, solidifying Intel's position as a leader in the computing landscape.