AR-B1474 User¡¦s Guide

6.3 ADVANCED CMOS SETUP

The <Advanced CMOS SETUP> option consists of configuration entries that allow you to improve your system performance, or let you set up some system features according to your preference.

System BootUp Sequence

The option determines where the system looks first for an operating system.

System BootUp Num-Lock

This item is used to activate the Num Lock function upon system boot. If the setting is on, after a boot, the Num Lock light is lit, and user can use the number key.

Floppy Drive Seek At Boot

If the <Floppy Drive Seek> item is setting Enabled, the BIOS will seek the floppy <A> drive one time upon bootup.

System BootUp CPU Speed

The option set the speed of the CPU at system boot time.

Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec)

Typematic Rate sets the rate at which characters on the screen repeat when a key is pressed and held down.

Above 1MB Memory Test

When this option is enabled, the BIOS memory test will be performed on all system memory. When this option is disabled, the memory test will be done only for the first 1MB of system memory.

Memory Test Tick Sound

The option enables or disabled the ticking sound during the memory test.

Password Checking Option

This option enables password checking every time the computer is powered on or every time the BIOS Setup is executed. If Always is chosen, a user password prompt appears every time the computer is turned on. If Setup is chosen, the password prompt appears if the BIOS executed.

Hard Disk Type 47 RAM Area

Specify in this option if the top 1KB of the system programming area beginning at 639K or 0:300 in the system BIOS area in low memory will be used to store hard disk information.

Wait for ‘ F1’ If Error

BIOS POST error messages are followed by:

Press <F1> to continue

If this option is set to Disabled, the AMIBIOS does not wait for you to press the <F1> key after an error message.

Hit ‘ DEL’ Message Display

Set this option to Disabled to prevent the message as follows:

Hit ‘DEL’ if you want to run setup

It will prevent the message from appearing on the first BIOS screen when the computer boots.

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Sony 486DX, DX4, AR-B1474 manual Advanced Cmos Setup

DX4, AR-B1474, 486DX specifications

The Sony 486DX, AR-B1474, and DX4 are notable examples of advanced computing technologies from the early to mid-1990s, a time when personal computers were rapidly evolving to meet increasing user demands. These systems played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of modern computing.

The Sony 486DX is built around the popular Intel 80486 microprocessor, which was a significant step up from its predecessor, the 386. The 486DX featured a 32-bit architecture and introduced integrated cache memory, which greatly enhanced data processing speeds and overall system performance. Operating at clock speeds typically ranging from 25 to 100 MHz, the 486DX models provided a solid foundation for running more sophisticated software applications and advanced games of the era.

Accompanying the 486DX was the AR-B1474 motherboard, designed to maximize the potential of the 486 architecture. This motherboard featured support for up to 512 KB of level 2 cache memory, further boosting performance for data-heavy tasks. The AR-B1474 also included extensive connectivity options, with ISA slots for legacy devices, as well as support for EISA, making it compatible with a wide range of hardware peripherals. This versatility made the AR-B1474 a popular choice among builders of custom desktop PCs during its time.

The DX4, another significant milestone, built upon the 486 architecture by introducing a clock-doubling technique. By effectively allowing the processor to perform operations at up to three times its base clock speed (typically 75 or 100 MHz), the DX4 could handle even more demanding applications, thereby providing users with significant performance improvements without requiring a complete overhaul of their systems.

Both the 486DX and DX4 processors facilitated advancements in multimedia capabilities, with improved graphics rendering and audio performance that supported CD-ROMs and early gaming technologies. This made them particularly appealing to consumers looking for a versatile machine for both work and entertainment.

Overall, the combination of the Sony 486DX, AR-B1474 motherboard, and DX4 processor exemplifies a significant chapter in computing history, showcasing how hardware advancements seamlessly integrated with user needs for performance and flexibility. As these technologies laid the groundwork for future innovations, they remain noteworthy for their contributions to the evolution of personal computing.