The Pentium III processor implements dynamic execution performance, a multi-transaction system bus, Intel MMX, and SSE instructions. Also, it offers streaming SIMD (Single Instruction Multiple Data) extensions, which are 70 new instructions enabling advanced imaging, 3D, streaming audio and video, and speech recognition applications. The Pentium III processor delivers higher performance than the previous Pentium processor while maintaining binary compatibility with all previous Intel architecture processors.

This system board supports 133-MHz host bus frequencies for single or dual Pentium III processors running at either 733 to 800 MHz, as well as future generation Pentium processors.

The three DIMM sockets on board allow memory upgrade to a maximum of 1.5 GB using three 512-MB SDRAM (synchronous DRAM) DIMMs. For data integrity, the default setting of the ECC (error-correction code) function of the memory system in BIOS is enabled. See “Memory/Cache Options” in Chapter 4 for more information on this setting.

The system board supports 100-MHz and 133-MHz ECC registered SDRAMs only; 66-MHz SDRAMs are not supported.

The system board supports a power management function that conforms to the power-saving standards of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Energy Star program. It also offers plug and play, which helps prevent configuration problems and makes the system more user-friendly.

Always observe the following electrostatic discharge ( ESD) precautions before installing or removing a system component:

The Pentium III comes in an FC-PGA (Flip-Chip Pin Grid Array) 370-pin package. The FC-PGA package is designed for the new breed of sleek, high performance, small form factor PCs.

The system board supports dual Pentium III processors running at 733, 800, or 866 MHz, and future generations of Pentium CPUs on a 133-MHz system bus.

The three 168-pin sockets onboard support SDRAM-type DIMMs. You may install 64-MB, 128-MB, 256-MB, or 512-MB (single and double density) DIMMs for a maximum of 1.5 GB of system memory.

This system board supports 100-MHz and 133-MHz SDRAM. However, they cannot be used at the same time in the system.

Each of the DIMM sockets is independent from the others. This independence allows you to install DIMMs with different capacities to form different configurations.

To install a DIMM, align it to an empty slot and press it in until the holding clips secure the DIMM in place, as show in Figure 3-4.

To remove a DIMM, press the holding clips on both sides of the socket outward to release the DIMM, as shown in Figure 3-5.

There are two kinds of expansion slots available in this system board: PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) and AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port). AGP is based on PCI, but is designed especially for the throughput demands of 3D graphics.

To i nstall expansion cards, complete the following steps:

When you turn on the system, BIOS automatically detects and assigns resources to the new device.

Software error messages are returned by your operating system or application. These messages typically occur after you boot the operating system or when you run your applications. If you receive this type of message, consult your application or operating system manual for help.

A system error message indicates a problem with the computer itself and normally appears during the power-on self-test (POST), before the operating system prompt appears. Table 3-2 describes corrective actions for system error messages.

As a general rule, if an error message says “Press F1 to continue” it is caused by a configuration problem, which can be easily corrected. An equipment malfunction is more likely to cause a fatal error, i.e., an error that causes complete system failure.

Following are some corrective measures for error conditions:

If you go through these corrective steps above and still receive an error message, the cause may be an equipment malfunction. If you are sure that your configuration values are correct and your battery is in good condition, the problem may be a damaged or defective chip. In either case, contact an authorized service center for assistance. The BIOS utility allows you to view your system's configuration settings. Most systems are already configured by the manufacturer or the dealer. You do not need to run Setup when starting the computer unless you receive a Run Setup message.

The Setup program loads configuration values into the battery-backed nonvolatile memory called CMOS RAM. This memory area is not part of the system RAM.

If you repeatedly receive Run Setup messages, the battery may be bad. In this case, the system cannot retain configuration values in CMOS. Ask a qualified technician for assistance.