Chapter 3

BIOS Configuration

SwapFloppyDrive

This option allows you to swap the floppy drives if more than one is installed. It allows you to switch the A: and B: to make B: become A: .

Boot Up NumLock Status

Toggle between On or Off to control the state of the NumLock key when the system boots. When toggled On, the numeric keypad generates numbers instead of controlling cursor operations.

IDE HDD Block Mode

Enables multi-sector transfers from the IDE drive in PIO mode.

Gate A20 Option

Gate A20 refers to the way the system addresses memory above 1 MB (extended memory). When set to Fast, the system chipset controls Gate A20. When set to Normal, a pin in the keyboard controller controls Gate A20. Setting Gate A20 to Fast improves system speed, particularly with OS/2 and Windows.

Memory Parity/ECC Check

Select Enabled or Disabled. If Enabled, allows memory checking when the BIOS detects the presence of ECC or Parity DRAM.

Typematic Rate Setting

When Disabled, the following two items (Typematic Rate and Typematic Delay) are irrelevant. Keystrokes repeat at a rate determined by the keyboard controller in your system. When Enabled, you can select a typematic rate and typematic delay.

Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec)

When the typematic rate setting is enabled, you can select a typematic rate (the rate at which character repeats when you hold down a key) of 6, 8, 10,12, 15, 20, 24 or 30 characters per second.

Typematic Delay (Msec)

When the typematic rate setting is enabled, you can select a typematic delay (the delay before key strokes begin to repeat) of 250, 500, 750 or 1000 millisec- onds.

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Tyan Computer S1854 SwapFloppyDrive, Boot Up NumLock Status, IDE HDD Block Mode, Gate A20 Option, Memory Parity/ECC Check

S1854 specifications

The Tyan Computer S1854 is a powerful motherboard designed specifically for demanding server and workstation applications. As a part of Tyan's extensive lineup, the S1854 stands out for its balance of performance, reliability, and expandability, making it an attractive option for businesses and professionals requiring robust computational capabilities.

One of the key features of the S1854 is its support for dual Intel Xeon processors. This design allows users to harness the power of up to 16 cores, which is essential for high-performance tasks such as virtualization, scientific simulations, and large data processing. The motherboard supports Intel's latest Xeon E5-2600 series CPUs, providing cutting-edge performance along with advanced features like Turbo Boost and Hyper-Threading.

The Tyan S1854 is built on the Intel C602 chipset, further enhancing its capabilities. The chipset offers reliable data transfers, increased memory bandwidth, and improved power management features. With support for up to 512 GB of ECC DDR3 memory across eight DIMM slots, the motherboard ensures data integrity and stability, which are critical for mission-critical applications.

Another important characteristic is the array of expansion options provided by the S1854. The motherboard includes multiple PCI Express slots, allowing for the installation of high-speed network cards, storage controllers, and GPU accelerators. This flexibility is essential for businesses that require customized configurations to meet their specific workload demands.

In terms of storage, the S1854 features an impressive variety of connectivity options, including six SATA III ports for standard hard drives and SSDs, as well as support for RAID configurations. This capability ensures data redundancy and improved performance, which are vital for server environments.

The S1854 is also designed with energy efficiency in mind. Tyan employs advanced thermal management technologies, including strategically placed heatsinks and fan headers, to ensure optimal cooling in even the most demanding conditions. This design reduces overall power consumption, leading to cost savings in operational budgets.

Overall, the Tyan Computer S1854 delivers a blend of performance, scalability, and reliability. Its support for dual Xeon processors, high-capacity ECC memory, extensive expansion capabilities, and energy-efficient design make it an ideal choice for businesses and professionals seeking a robust foundation for their computing needs. Whether in data centers or high-performance workstations, the S1854 is engineered to excel.