Chapter 3

BIOS Configuration

Flash Writer Utility

The AMI Flash Writer Utility is now included in the AMIBIOS (S1857-B & S1857A-B) and so it is simpler to upgrade the BIOS of your mainboard. The system BIOS is stored on a flash EEPROM ROM chip on the mainboard which can be erased and reprogrammed by following the directions below.

1.From the DOS prompt, rename the BIOS file that you have downloaded to “amiboot.rom” and copy it on to a floppy disk.

2.Insert the floppy disk with the BIOS upgrade into the A: drive.

3.Turn the power off.

4.While holding the <Ctrl> and <Home> keys, turn the power on. The system will begin to read from the A: drive, and write the BIOS information contained on the floppy disk in that drive to the EEPROM ROM chip. When the BIOS has been totally reprogrammed, the system will reboot with the new BIOS in operation.

5.If the system does not reboot in three minutes, power down the system wait a few seconds, and then turn the power back on again. You will be prompted to press <F1> to run Setup. You may check your settings at this time, or simply save and exit the program.

The AWARDBIOS Flash writer utility is now included in the AWARDBIOS. Like the AmiBIOS, the AWARDBIOS can be upgraded by reprogramming the flash EEPROM ROM chip on the mainboard. Follow the instructions below for a quick and easy upgrade to your BIOS. (For more detailed instructions please refer to the AWARDBIOS settings chapter. S1857 & S1857A only)

1.Download the AWDFLASH.exe from the Tyan website

2.Download the latest AWARDBIOS update for your motherboard.

3.Copy both the AWDFLASH.EXE & *.BIN files to a floppy disk.

4.Reboot system to DOS mode.

5.Insert floppy disk with the BIOS upgrade into the A: drive

6.Type AWDFLASH.EXE x.BIN ‘ x’being the filename of the BIOS upgrade.

7.The program will ask you to backup your existing BIOS file, select yes.

8.You are then prompted to reboot, select “yes”

9.The program will ask you are you sure?, select “yes”.

10.If the system does not reboot in three minutes, power down the system wait a few seconds, and then turn the power back on again. You will be prompted to press <Delete> to run Setup. You may check your settings at this time, or simply save and exit the program.

Need BIOS upgrade?

Visit TYAN @ http://www.tyan.com

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Tyan Computer Trinity 371 Motherboard, Tyan S1857 manual Flash Writer Utility

Tyan S1857, Trinity 371 Motherboard specifications

The Tyan Computer Trinity 371 motherboard, also known as the Tyan S1857, is a versatile and reliable choice for various computing needs. Designed primarily for the industrial and server markets, this motherboard is known for its robust build quality and extensive feature set that supports a wide range of applications.

One of the standout features of the Tyan S1857 is its support for AMD processors, specifically the Socket A (462) interface. This compatibility allows users to utilize a variety of AMD CPUs, including the Athlon and Duron series, ensuring that the motherboard can accommodate different performance requirements. The motherboard supports a maximum of 1.5GB of DDR SDRAM, enhancing its ability to handle memory-intensive applications and multitasking operations efficiently.

Additionally, the Tyan Trinity 371 offers integrated VIA Apollo KT133A chipsets, which provide reliable performance and optimized speed for both desktop and server environments. The motherboard supports a 100MHz Front Side Bus (FSB), ensuring high data transfer rates and improved overall system performance. The inclusion of five PCI slots permits the addition of various expansion cards, such as graphics cards, network cards, and additional storage controllers, enhancing the system’s versatility.

From a storage perspective, the Tyan S1857 features a standard IDE controller that supports up to four IDE devices. This includes the ability to connect multiple hard drives and optical drives, providing ample storage options for user needs. The motherboard also supports RAID configurations, which can enhance data redundancy and performance for server applications.

On the connectivity front, the Tyan Trinity 371 incorporates a variety of ports, including USB and serial ports, facilitating connections to peripherals and external devices. The onboard Ethernet connectivity ensures that users can easily connect to networks, making it suitable for both standalone and networked environments.

The Tyan S1857 also emphasizes stability and durability, making it a reliable choice for critical applications. Its design considers thermal management, allowing for effective heat dissipation, which is essential for maintaining optimal operating conditions, especially in industrial settings.

In summary, the Tyan Computer Trinity 371 motherboard, or Tyan S1857, stands out for its comprehensive feature set, robust support for AMD processors, and reliable performance in various applications. Its ability to support expansion through additional slots, RAID configurations, and versatile connectivity options makes it an excellent choice for both industrial and server environments.