Motherboard BIOS and Setup Utility

3.5 PCI Auto-configuration

The PCI auto-configuration utility operates in conjunction with the system Setup utility to allow the insertion and removal of PCI cards to the system without user intervention (Plug and Play). When the system is turned on after adding a PCI add-in card, the BIOS automatically configures interrupts, I/O space, and other parameters. PCI interrupts are distributed to available ISA interrupts that have been not been assigned to an ISA card, or system resources. Those interrupts left set to “available” in the CMOS setup will be considered free for PCI add-in card use. It is nondeterministic as to which PCI interrupt will be assigned to which ISA IRQ.

The PCI Auto-Configuration function complies with version 2.10 of the PCI BIOS specification. System configuration information is stored in ESCD format. The ESCD data may be cleared by setting the CMOS clear jumper to the ON position.

PCI specification 2.1 for add-in card auto-configuration is also a part of the Plug and Play BIOS. Peer-to-peer hierarchical PCI Bridge 1.0 is supported, and by using an OEM supplied option ROM or TSR, a PCI-to-PCMCIA bridge capability is possible as well.

3.6 ISA Plug and Play

The BIOS incorporates ISA Plug and Play capabilities as delivered by Plug and Play Release 1.0A (Plug and Play BIOS V.. 1.0A, ESCD V.. 1.03). When used in conjunction with the ISA Configuration Utility (ICU) for DOS or Windows 3.x, the system allows auto-configuration of Plug and Play ISA cards, PCI cards, and resource management for legacy ISA cards. Because the BIOS supports configuring devices across PCI bridges, release 1.41 or greater of the ICU must be used with the motherboard to properly view and change system settings. System configuration information is stored in ESCD format. The ESCD data may be cleared by setting the CMOS clear jumper to the ON position.

The BIOS also has a setup option to support the Windows 95 run time Plug and Play utilities. When this option is selected, only devices critical to booting are assigned resources by the BIOS. Device Node information is available for all devices to ensure compatibility with Windows 95.

Copies of the IAL Plug and Play specification may be obtained via the Intel BBS , or via CompuServeby typing Go PlugPlay.

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Intel TE430VX manual PCI Auto-configuration, ISA Plug and Play, Motherboard Bios and Setup Utility

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.