Motorola quick start Preparing the Computer for SM56 Installation, Level 2 Cache Benefits

Level 2 Cache Benefits

Level 2 (L2) cache is an instruction memory (SRAM) bank that resides outside the CPU core. It holds many instructions close to the CPU, to reduce the need for the processor to use slow access cycles fetching instructions from main memory (DRAM). Eliminating most CPU accesses to main memory considerably improves overall system performance.

The SM56 modem works best when a minimum of 256K L2 Cache is installed on the computer system motherboard to minimize processor loading. Intel's Celeron (266MHz PII) systems do not have L2 cache. Although the SM56 operates on those systems, host processor loading increases in the absence of L2 cache.

Compatible Operating Systems

The SM56 modem will run on the following operating systems:

∙Windows 95 (OEM Service Release 2.0 or later)

∙Windows 98

∙Windows NT

∙DOS Box under Windows 95/98.

System RAM Requirements

The SM56 operates on systems that have the minimum RAM required by the installed operating system. As with L2 cache, the more main memory, the better. This reduces slow hard-disk swapping and improves overall system performance....especially when executing numerous

concurrent processes.

4 Preparing the Computer for SM56 Installation

To ensure problem-free installation of the SM56, ensure that an Interrupt Request (IRQ) line is available, as follows.

1.In Win95/98, open the Control Panel.

2.Double click the System icon.

3.Select the Device Manager tab.

4.Highlight the Computer icon.

5.Select the Properties radio button.

6.Ensure that the Interrupt Request (IRQ) radio button is selected.

This displays the IRQ lines that are in use on the computer. Available/unused lines are not shown on the list. The SM56 PCI software modem can use an IRQ in the range 3 through 15, inclusive.