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Abit VA-20 User Manual

Abit VA-20
64 pages
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VA-20
AMD Athlon
XP / Athlon
/ Duron
Socket 462 System Board
User’s Manual
Rev. 1.00
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Abit VA-20 Specifications

General IconGeneral
Form FactorMicro ATX
Memory TypeDDR SDRAM
Number of Memory Slots3
LAN10/100 Mbps
Socket TypeSocket 462
Memory Slots3
Expansion Slots1 x AGP, 3 x PCI
Onboard AudioAC'97
Onboard LAN10/100 Mbps
CPU SocketSocket 462
SocketSocket 462
Storage Interfaces2 x IDE

Summary

Chapter 1. Introduction

1.1. Features & Specifications

Details the hardware specifications and features of the motherboard.

Back Panel I/O

Describes the connectors and ports on the rear of the motherboard.

Miscellaneous

Covers form factor and other general information about the motherboard.

1.2. Layout Diagram

Provides a visual representation of the motherboard's components and connectors.

1.3. Jumpers & Connectors Description

Explains the function and default settings of jumpers and connectors.

Chapter 2. Hardware Setup

2.1. Precautions

Outlines essential safety precautions to be taken before hardware installation.

2.2. Installing the System Board

Provides step-by-step instructions for mounting the motherboard into the computer chassis.

2.3. Install CPU and Heatsink

Details the procedure for installing the CPU and its associated heatsink and fan assembly.

2.4. System Memory

Explains how to install and configure system memory modules (DIMMs).

2.4.1. Memory Configuration Table

Presents a table showing memory module compatibility and total memory capacity.

2.4.2. Installing and Removing Memory Modules

Provides detailed steps for inserting and removing RAM modules.

2.5. Connectors, Headers, and Switches

Details various connectors, headers, and switches on the motherboard.

2.5.1. ATX Power Connectors (ATX1)

Describes the 20-pin ATX12V power connector and its pinout.

2.5.2. FAN Connectors (CPUFAN1, CASFAN1)

Explains the function of CPU and chassis fan power connectors.

2.5.3. CMOS Memory Clearing Header (JP1)

Details how to clear CMOS memory using the JP1 header.

2.5.4. BIOS Write Protection Header (JP3)

Explains the function of the JP3 header for protecting BIOS contents.

2.5.5. CPU FSB Frequency Selector (JP8, JP9)

Describes how to select CPU FSB frequency using jumpers JP8 and JP9.

2.5.6. Front Panel Switches & Indicators Connection Headers (PANEL1)

Details the pinout and function of the front panel connection header.

2.5.7. Additional USB Port Connection Header (USB3, USB4)

Explains the pinout for connecting additional USB ports.

2.5.8. Front Panel Audio Connection Header (AUDIO1)

Describes the pinout for front panel audio connections.

2.5.9. Accelerated Graphics Port Slot (AGP1)

Explains the AGP slot and compatibility with different AGP card types.

2.5.10. Internal Audio Source Connectors (CDIN1, AUXIN1)

Describes connectors for internal CD-ROM or add-on card audio.

2.5.11. Floppy Disk Drive Connector (FDD1)

Explains the floppy disk drive connector and cable connection.

2.5.12. IDE Disk Drive Connectors (IDE1, IDE2)

Details the IDE connectors for hard drives and their ribbon cable connection.

2.5.13. Additional COM Port Connection Header (COM2)

Describes the pinout for an additional serial port header.

2.5.14. Serial ATA connectors (SATA1, SATA2)

Explains the Serial ATA connectors and RAID support.

2.5.15. External I/O Panel

Details the external connectors and ports available on the motherboard.

Chapter 3. BIOS Setup

3.1. About the Setup Utility

Explains the purpose and capabilities of the BIOS Setup Utility.

3.1.1. The Standard Configuration

Discusses the default BIOS configuration and when to use it.

3.1.2. Entering the Setup Utility

Guides on how to access the BIOS Setup Utility using the DEL key.

BIOS Navigation Keys

Lists and explains the function of keys used for navigating the BIOS.

3.1.3. Updating the BIOS

Provides step-by-step instructions for downloading and installing BIOS updates.

3.2. Using BIOS

Explains how to navigate and utilize the various options within the BIOS Setup Utility.

3.2.1. Standard CMOS Features

Describes how to configure basic system settings like date, time, and IDE devices.

3.2.2. Advanced BIOS Features

Covers advanced BIOS settings related to boot order, system tests, and security.

3.2.3. Advanced Chipset Features

Configures critical timing parameters for the motherboard chipset.

3.2.4. Integrated Peripherals

Defines operation of peripheral components on input/output ports.

3.2.5. Power Management Setup

Controls system power-saving modes and timeouts.

3.2.6. PnP/PCI Configurations

Configures Plug and Play and PCI expansion cards, including IRQ/DMA assignments.

3.2.7. PC Health Status

Monitors critical voltages, temperatures, and fan speeds for system health.

3.2.8. Frequency/Voltage Control

Adjusts clock speeds and system bus frequencies.

3.2.9. Load Fail-Safe Defaults Option

Loads fail-safe default settings for system stability.

3.2.10. Load Optimized Defaults Option

Loads optimized default settings for performance.

3.2.11. Set Password

Allows setting or disabling BIOS password protection.

3.2.12. Save & Exit Setup Option

Saves current settings and exits the BIOS Setup Utility.

3.2.13. Exit Without Saving

Discards changes and exits the BIOS Setup Utility.

Chapter 4. Driver Installation

4.1. Setup Items

Lists the drivers and utilities available on the CD for installation.

VIA 4in1 Driver

Instructions to install the VIA 4-in-1 driver for Windows.

VIA VGA Driver

Instructions to install the VIA VGA graphics driver for Windows.

Audio Driver

Instructions to install the audio driver for Windows.

LAN Driver

Instructions to install the LAN driver for Windows.

VIA USB 2.0 Driver

Instructions for installing VIA USB 2.0 drivers for different Windows versions.

VIA SATA RAID Driver

Instructions to install the VIA Serial ATA RAID driver for Windows.

Manual

Instructions to view the user's manual in PDF format.

Utility

Instructions to install supporting software like Acrobat Reader.

ABIT Utility

Instructions to install FlashMenu (BIOS Update Utility).

Browse CD

Instructions to browse the contents of the CD-ROM.

Close

Exit the CD setup items menu.

Appendix A. How to Get Technical Support

1. Check the Manual.

Recommends consulting the manual for information before seeking support.

2. Download latest BIOS, software or drivers.

Advises downloading the latest BIOS, software, and drivers from the website.

3. Check the ABIT Technical Terms Guide and FAQ on our Website.

Suggests checking the website's FAQ and technical terms guide.

4. Internet Newsgroups.

Recommends using internet newsgroups for information and help.

5. Ask your reseller.

Recommends contacting the reseller for initial technical support.

6. Contacting ABIT.

Provides instructions on how to contact ABIT's technical support department directly.

7. RMA Service.

Explains the process for obtaining RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) service.

8. Reporting Compatibility Problems to ABIT.

Advises on reporting compatibility issues with detailed system information.

North America and South America

Contact information for ABIT in North and South America.

RMA Center

Address for the RMA Center.

UK and Ireland

Contact information for ABIT in the UK and Ireland.

Germany and Benelux (...)

Contact information for ABIT European office in Germany/Benelux.

Austria, Czech, Romania (...)

Contact information for Asguard Computer in Austria.

Shanghai

Contact information for ABIT in Shanghai.

Russia and CIS

Contact information for ABIT in Russia and CIS.

Poland

Contact information for ABIT in Poland.

Japan

Web site for ABIT in Japan.

Taiwan Head Office (...)

Contact information for ABIT Taiwan Head Office.

Technical Support Form

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