User's Manual
14
B. CPU L1 and L2 Cache
Cache memory is much faster than conventional DRAM system memory. These
fields allow you to enable or disable the CPUs Level 1 built-in cache and Level
2 external cache. Both settings are left enabled to significantly increase the
performance of your computer.
C. Boot Up Features
After turning on the system, BIOS will perform a series of device initializations
and diagnostic tests discussed below.
Quick Power On Self Test (POST)
Enable this function to reduce the amount of time required to run the POST (Power
On Self Test). BIOS saves time by skipping some items during POST. It is
recommended that you disable this setting. Discovering a problem during bootup
is better than loosing data during your work.
First/Second/Third/Boot Other Device
This option sets the sequence of drives BIOS attempts to boot from after POST
completes. BIOS will search these drives for an operating system.
Swap Floppy Drive
Enabling this function will swap the floppy drive assignment so that drive A will
function as drive B, and drive B will function as drive A. Note that the boot
sequence assignment mentioned directly above does not inlcude booting from
floppy drive B. This function is useful if floppy drives B and A are of a different
format and you want to boot from floppy drive B.
Boot up Floppy Seek
During POST, BIOS will determine if the installed floppy disk drive has 40 or 80
tracks. A 360K drive has 40 tracks and 720K, 1.2M and 1.44M drives have 80 tracks.
All modern floppy disk drives have 80 tracks.
Boot Up NumLock Status
This function defines the keyboard's numberpad as number keys or arrow keys.
D. Gate A 20 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.
