Onboard Parallel Port

To use the parallel port on the system, select an address and corresponding interrupt for the parallel port. The possible val- ues are:

378/IRQ7 / 278/IRQ5 / 3BC/IRQ7 / Disabled

Parallel Port Mode

This option allows the user to select the parallel port mode. This is linked to the parallel port so if you disable the parallel port, this feature will not appear or will appear greyed out.

There are four options. The default value is Normal (SPP) which will work with all parallel port devices. However, it is the slowest transfer mode and should only be used when faster transfer modes cannot be used.

There are two faster bidirectional modes available - the ECP (Extended Capabilities Port) and EPP (Enhanced Parallel Port) modes. ECP uses the DMA protocol to achieve data transfer rates of up to 2.5Mbits/s and provides symmetric bidirectional communication. On the other hand, EPP uses existing parallel port signals to provide asymmetric bidirec- tional communication.

Generally, because of its FIFOs and the DMA channel it uses, ECP is good for large data transfers (useful for scan- ners and printers). On the other hand, EPP is better with links that switch directions frequently (like parallel port drives).

However, the manufacturer of your parallel port peripheral may have designated a preferred parallel port mode for the device in question. In that case, it's best to follow their recom- mendation.

For those who don't know what mode to select but at least know that their parallel port device supports bidirectional transfers, the BIOS offers the ECP+EPP mode. If you select this mode, then the parallel port device will be able to use either one of those modes. However, this should be consid- ered as a last resort as you may be needlessly tying up an IRQ for nothing if your device does not use ECP at all. Or, the BIOS may not select the best parallel port mode for the device. If possible, set the parallel port to the transfer mode that best suits your parallel port device. The choices are:

SPP / EPP / ECP / ECP+EPP

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Tyan Computer B5102, GX21 manual Onboard Parallel Port, Parallel Port Mode
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GX21, B5102 specifications

The Tyan Computer B5102, GX21 is a cutting-edge server motherboard designed to cater to the needs of performance-intensive applications. Built with the latest technologies, it represents the fusion of processing power, reliability, and flexibility, making it an ideal choice for businesses and data centers.

One of the standout features of the B5102, GX21 motherboard is its support for dual Intel Xeon processors. This capability enables it to handle heavy computational tasks and offers remarkable scalability. The motherboard supports various Intel Xeon Scalable processors, which incorporate features like advanced security and memory management, ensuring that users can effectively manage their workloads while maintaining efficiency.

In terms of memory, the Tyan B5102, GX21 supports up to 2TB of DDR4 memory across its 16 DIMM slots. This substantial memory capacity allows for high-performance computing and data processing, making it suitable for applications ranging from virtualization to big data analytics. The motherboard also supports memory speeds of up to 3200MHz, ensuring rapid data access and improved performance in memory-intensive tasks.

The B5102, GX21 motherboard is equipped with multiple expansion slots, including PCIe 4.0 slots, which provide ample room for additional graphics cards, storage controllers, and network interfaces. This feature enhances the motherboard's capability for custom configurations, allowing users to tailor their systems to fit specific application requirements, whether for gaming, simulation, or scientific computation.

Another notable aspect of the Tyan B5102, GX21 is its support for various storage technologies. It features multiple SATA interfaces for traditional hard drives and SSDs, as well as M.2 connectors for NVMe SSDs. This flexibility ensures that users can achieve optimal performance and efficiency in data storage, with quick access speeds and reliable data management.

The motherboard also prioritizes connectivity and manageability. Built-in dual Gigabit Ethernet ports enable efficient networking, while dedicated management interfaces allow for remote monitoring and control, making it easier for IT departments to maintain and manage server workloads.

In conclusion, the Tyan Computer B5102, GX21 is a robust motherboard that stands out for its powerful processor support, extensive memory capabilities, and ample connectivity options. It is a versatile and reliable platform suitable for various high-performance applications, making it an excellent choice for modern data center environments.
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