Your Computer’s

BIOS Guide

A great many computer builders find setting up the BIOS to be difficult. They usually find
that the BIOS settings they make results in unpredictable computer performance, rather than
making BIOS adjustment to obtain specific performance requirements. This tutorial will
take you through the many BIOS features available explaining in as simple terms as
possible what each setting is for and what effects it will have on your computers
performance.
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What is the BIOS?
Every computer builder should master the configuration of the BIOS if they wish to achieve a
working and stable PC. All computer motherboards come supplied with a ‘User’s Guide’
which hopefully deals with the basic configuration of the BIOS. However, the terms and
language they use can put many aspiring computer builders off. I will try to explain in as
much detail as possible, which some may find ‘over-the-top’, but will help to give a clear
description and interpretation of the BIOS configuration terms used in many motherboard
‘User’s Guides’.

The BIOS is a special chip on the motherboard, that has

special types of hardware and memory inside – mainly
ROM & RAM memory. It uses the two type of memory for
specific purposes as follows (ROM - read only memory;
RAM – random access memory):

a. The ROM - To store a mini program which ‘BOOTS UP’ the computer. This
program is held in a type of memory called ROM. Well, actually it’s a type of memory
called EEPROM, which stands for ‘electrically erasable programmable read-only
memory’, this part of the BIOS is not lost when power is removed. This is why you
can ‘FLASH’ the BIOS to change the mini program. The motherboard is capable of
erasing the memory contents ‘electrically’ and then ‘re-write’ the contents with new
data you may have downloaded to a floppy disk. This part of the BIOS also holds a
database for the hardware that it can detect during the ‘BOOT’ process - mainly the
processor; sound chip; types of graphics card etc, fitted to the motherboard.
b. The RAM – ‘random access memory’. This type of memory will only hold data when
power is supplied to the chip. This type of memory can be changed very quickly and
accessed very quickly by the processor to store data that will be changed either during
the ‘BOOT’ process or by the operating system during start-up. It will also hold
details of all the hardware fitted to the motherboard during the boot process such as –
hardware interrupts settings; DIM memory module timings; hard drive settings; PCI &
AGP clock settings etc. It is a vital part of the motherboard as it holds the key to all
the hardware settings used by the operating systems ‘Device Manager’. If the battery
becomes weak then data may be lost. The battery preserves the data stored in the
RAM.
c. The system Clock – stores the correct date & time. The reason the BIOS has a
small battery fitted is because of the clock and the above RAM. The battery preserves
all of the data necessary for a successful re-boot next time you switch on your
computer. You do not just lose the correct time when the battery goes flat, you lose the
hardware settings as well. Which is why, Windows® complains should this data
become lost or corrupted. There is a BIOS setting called – reset configuration data. If
you enable this option, it will allow the processor to delete all of the data relating to
the motherboards hardware and force the motherboards hardware to be ‘re-detected’.
This should only be done after the building of the computer and then left ‘disabled’
thereafter.

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When building a computer with a brand new motherboard, the BIOS configuration tables will
of course be empty or blank (no data has been entered). The BIOS mini program routine will
detect this condition – and start a special routine for the very first ‘BOOT UP’. This first boot
will usually take longer than normal (30 to 50 seconds) as the hardware is detected in turn,
until complete. The hardware tables will now contain the details of everything it was able to
find and record – processor; hard drive; graphics card; main memory DIMM’s etc. Should
something go wrong, then you will hear the BEEP code telling you of the problem(s) found.

Note! – When handling any computer hardware:

¾ Switch Off your PC

¾ Use an Anti-Static wrist Band when working on your computers motherboard
(prevents static electricity from destroying the components on your motherboard) see
– static electricity
¾ Clean your hands to remove perspiration (prevents Corrosion of exposed motherboard contacts)
Step 1 – Setting Motherboard Jumpers
Whether your motherboard is new or to be reused, this is
the first item to check!

First – set the jumper to ‘clear’ the BIOS.

Second – re-set the jumper to ‘Normal’ when done.
A new motherboard may come supplied with the CMOS
set to ‘Normal’.

The CMOS – the BIOS to you and me. CMOS stands for
– ‘complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor’. It refers
to the method of construction used to manufacture the BIOS.

It is very easily damaged just by touching it with your bare hands. This type of semiconductor
material needs extremely small amounts of power to work, therefore, any electricity stored on
your hands is enough to ‘Overwhelm’ the chip and destroy it. This is why it can run for years
on one small battery. So – don’t touch it!

The BIOS Revision Number is usually

displayed here:

Figure 1 – BIOS Revision Number

When building your computer or restoring an old PC, the first thing to do is make sure the
BIOS or CMOS is fully cleared from old data and you have a new battery installed.

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You need to use the jumpers fitted somewhere near the CMOS/BIOS chip to perform this
task. You may believe using the ‘reset configuration data’ with-in the BIOS will perform the
same task. However, this involves booting the computer using the old settings – what about
the processor? Has this changed, if so, the timings will be wrong preventing the computer to
boot or even worse, damaging the processor by providing incorrect voltages settings etc. Play
it safe and always clear the CMOS/BIOS first before assembly of the computer. Remove the
battery and set the jumpers to – ‘Clear CMOS’ and leave for up to 30 minutes to completely
clear the memory contents. Yes, the CMOS chip can still hold data for quite a long time even
when the battery is removed.

Step 2 – Enter the BIOS

To get into the BIOS Set-up Utility, you will need to know which keyboard ‘key’ to press
during boot-up, wait until you hear a single beep. If you hear more than one beep – see BIOS
beep codes for trouble-shoot help. For the vast majority of computers the keyboard keys to
press are shown below. You could carefully watch the boot screen for instructions on how to
enter the BIOS if you prefer. You may need to switch your monitor on first and allow it warm
up!
To Enter the BIOS - Keyboard Key Sequence
‘del’ or ‘delete’
F1
IBM Compatibles CTRL-Alt-Insert
Using Award or Phoenix BIOS F10
& AMI BIOS Insert
CTRL-Alt-Esc
CTRL-Alt

Once inside the BIOS, you should see the following screen.

Nearly all BIOS screens follow the same layout as shown –

a table of menu items for you to choose using either the
keyboard courser keys or a mouse. Many motherboards
now use the mouse to navigate around the screen menus.
You must practice and learn how to navigate around the
menus and how to make a selection. These instructions are
always displayed along the bottom of the screen of the Set-
Up Utility to help you.

Note! - Before you enter the BIOS ‘Set-up Utility’, I would strongly suggest that you make a note of
the BIOS revision number – see Figure 1 above. This is displayed at or near the top of the screen
usually just before the ‘BEEP’. The BIOS revision number tells you when the motherboard was last
up-dated either by you or when the motherboard was manufactured. Once you have this information I
would check the manufactures or computers suppliers web site for details of any BIOS updates that
may be available for download. You may need to FLASH your BIOS if you are fitting any newly
released hardware such as the latest graphics card or processor! Failure to check may result in either
the new hardware detected incorrectly, or not at all. An example of this would be a new processor
speed/type not correctly identified. If the motherboard already has an older processor fitted, FLASH
the BIOS BEFORE you fit the new processor. The old settings will already be set for the older
processor. This is the best way to prepare for a new processor upgrade and you can be sure that the
flashed BIOS was successful, before you start fitting a new processor. Saves a lot of trouble when
trying to identify problems later!

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Step 3 – BIOS Settings commonly available
The BIOS ‘Set-up Utility’ menus are sometimes set-out as shown below. The menu options
available vary according to the BIOS and motherboard make. Therefore, all of the features
shown may not be available for your motherboards BIOS. I have set out below as many of the
BIOS features found in many of the motherboards currently available. Don’t worry if a
feature listed here is not shown on your BIOS menu, it just means that your motherboard does
not require or have the need for that particular feature.

Standard CMOS Settings Frequency/Voltage Control

Advanced BIOS Features Load Fail-Safe Defaults
Advanced Chipset Features Load Optimised Defaults
Integrated Peripherals Hardware Monitor
Power Management Set-up Change Password
CPU PNP Configuration Save & Exit Set-up
PC Health Status Exit Without Saving
Esc: Quit ↑↓→←: Select Item (Shit) F2: Change Colour F5: Old Value
F6: Optimal Values F7: Best performance F10: Save & Exit Set-up

Typical BIOS/CMOS Menu screen

BIOS settings found on systems using the latest processors such as Athlon 64 are shown as BLUE:-
o CPU Interface [Optimal] – this is the most stable setting. Other settings include
Aggressive to help increase system speeds.
o HT Frequency [1000MHz] (Hyper Transport) – options are [200MHz]
[400MHz] [600MHz] [800MHz] – this sets the data transfer speed from the
CPU to the AGP port. Note some graphics cards may not cope with the
highest setting. If you encounter problems you could try lowering the speed.

Step 4 – Making BIOS Adjustments/Settings

Before you begin to make BIOS adjustments, you need to follow a procedure which will keep
you out of trouble. Always remember, that it is possible to make a setting within your BIOS
which will result in the computer failing to boot up. Even worse, some settings cannot be
undone even by removing the CMOS battery. This situation usually occurs when making
changes to processor/AGP port timings & voltages.

Most modern motherboards have a fail-safe second BIOS which can be accessed to help undo
any potentially bad settings within the BIOS (CMOS data can become corrupted if an
unstable condition occurs - such as when bad voltage & timing setting are made), so be
careful!

The procedure to help avoid any disasters is as follows:

1. Select each of the following BIOS/CMOS menu items in turn.

2. Load Optimum Defaults.
3. Make only one change at a time – so you know what change you made and what effect
it had. If it made the system unstable, check if the option you chose works in
conjunction with other BIOS settings.

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Main – Standard CMOS – Standard CMOS Setup

1. Enter the BIOS after waiting up to 50 seconds and you hear the single ‘BEEP’
2. Stop if more than one ‘BEEP’ is heard – refer to ‘BEEP codes for trouble shooting. Do
not proceed until the problem has been identified and CORRECTED.
3. Select the first menu item – Main or Standard CMOS. Here you must set:
a. System Date [dd/mm/yy] – with the correct date & time (Windows® will read this
information during the install process).
b. Auto Detection [Press Enter] - detect all IDE/serial drives fitted using auto-detect
option – if they cannot be detected – Stop! Exit the BIOS and switch off. Do not allow
the computer to restart. Check ALL cables connecting your drives to the motherboard
including power connectors. Read any documentation you have regarding your drives.
As a last resort, try booting with just the master hard drive fitted.
c. Halt On [All Errors} – select this option to ensure safe operation.
d. Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5] – if you have one fitted

Setting the hard drives:-

This is where you are going to enter details in the ‘RAM’ part of the BIOS which relies upon
the battery to preserve but may not change apart from the date and time. So, in this part of the
BIOS, you will have access to – date; time; hard drives; CD-ROM’s ; DVD-ROM’s; Floppy
disk drive and probably the – Auto Detection routine used to set up your hard drives etc. If
you do not see Auto-Detect Drives, you may have to navigate to each drive list as:
- Primary Master
- Primary Slave
- Secondary Master
- Secondary Slave

Clicking onto each one in turn where a drive is known to be fitted will reveal further menus
where you can access the Auto-Detection routines as shown here. Most motherboards have a
setting –‘AUTO’, selecting this option is better than ‘Manual’ i.e. having to entering data
which you cannot be sure of, these are:

o Access modes
• CHS ‘Cylinders, heads, Sectors/track’
• LBA - ‘Logical Block Addressing’
• Large – ‘for drive that do not support LBA’
o Precomp - ‘Write Pre-compensation’
o Heads - ‘Each side of the disk platter’
o Cylinders - ‘Tracks of the same diameter on each platter’
o Sector - ‘part of a cylinders track’
o Landing Zone (LANDZ) - sector of landing zone

Using the AUTO setting ensures that the drive will be detected with the correct settings.

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However, if you fit a new hard drive which is newer than the motherboards BIOS revision
number/date, chances are that the ‘Auto’ detect may not recognise the new drive because the
BIOS data base will not have the latest codes for your new drive. This applies to all new
hardware you intend to fit to older motherboards. Many people have discovered this problem
even when the motherboard is only a few months old. So, flashing the BIOS is an essential
skill to be mastered for any computer builder. It is better to practice on an older computer for
your first attempt. See ‘Flashing your BIOS’.

Load System Defaults – not every motherboard provides this option! - Select and run.
This will ensure that the basic system configuration settings
are loaded first before you begin to navigate around within
the BIOS. All the settings you will now see will be the
minimum required to get a system to boot up. You can leave
the settings as they are now or continue to make further
changes which will help to achieve a successful ‘Vanilla
Build’. This is a term used to describe a system software
install for the first time onto the new hardware. I always
make a list of the items I need to check and/or change. This has always worked for me

Advanced BIOS Features – here you set the options which relate to how the
motherboard will boot up.
Ideal BIOS setting:

o Boot Virus Detection [Disabled] set to

[Enable] once the operating system has been
installed. Prevents data entering the BIOS
without your consent/knowledge. When
enabled you will be prompted every time to
allow data to be written to the BIOS.
o CPU Level 1, Level 2 Cache [Enabled] –
cache comes from the French word for ‘hide-
a-way’. Disabled – will drastically slow down your computer. This is the memory within
your processor.
o Quick Power On Self Test [Enabled] – allows for a quick boot-up, you could disable
this option to ensure there are no memory problems, it takes awhile to complete the
memory test!
o First Boot Device [CDROM] – will enable you to boot from Windows® CD. You must
change this back to [IDE0] when the install is complete.
o Second/Third/other boot devices [Floppy/IDE1/LS120/USB] – set these to each device
in turn where the system should look to find the system boot media.
o Boot-up Floppy Seek [Enabled] – can improve boot-up speed on some motherboards. If
no floppy drive fitted – set to disable.
o Gate A20 [Fast] – this is a legacy from the days of old when the IBM computer had some
small amounts of RAM. This gate switched the memory addressing feature. Leave on Fast
for better performance.
o APIC Mode [Enabled] - Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller. Do not confuse
this with power management options. This controls the way hardware is interrupted by the
processor.
o OS/2 Onboard Memory .64MB [Disabled] – this is only required for the IBM operating
system software.

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Advanced Chipset features/Advanced Menu

o CPU External Frequency (MHz)

[100/166/200] – this sets the external
frequency of the CPU.
o CPU Frequency Multiple
[10.0x/11.5x/ etc] For any processor,
this sets the frequency multiple
between the CPU’s internal
frequency and the FSB (front side
bus). CPU speed = CPU external
frequency x the multiplier.
o System Performance [Optimal/Aggressive] – select Optimal to start with. Note –
this option will change other BIOS settings automatically. You must check to see
which other settings have changed.
o CPU Interface [Optimal] – this is the most stable setting. Other settings include
Aggressive to help increase system speeds.
o HT Frequency [1000MHz] (Hyper Transport) – options are [200MHz]
[400MHz] [600MHz] [800MHz] – this sets the data transfer speed from the
CPU to the AGP port. Note some graphics cards may not cope with the
highest setting. If you encounter problems you could try lowering the speed.
o HT Data width (Upstream) [16BIT] – this sets the data width of transfer data
to the graphics card. Options are 16 BIT or 8 BIT. 16 bit is better.
o HT Data width (Downstream) [16BIT] – this sets the data width of transfer
data to the graphics card. Options are 16 BIT or 8 BIT.
o Memory Frequency [By SPD] – serial presence detect. This allows the BIOS to
automatically read the memory DIMM’s on-board controller for the correct
memory timings.
o FSB Spread Spectrum [Disabled] – can help reduce interference from the
computer.
o Memclock Mode [Auto] – allows the memory clock to be selected manually.
o Bank Interleaving [Disabled] – only enable this option if you wish to over
clock your memory. It enables the memory to be accessed over ‘Banks’ on the
same node.
o Node Interleaving [Disabled] – only enable if you wish to over clock your
memory.
o Burst Length [8 Beats] – this sets the data width, 8 beats for (32 bits) or 4
beats for (64 bits).
o TRC [Auto] – ‘Time Row Clock’. The lower the setting the faster the system
will go. Be careful as this will make the system unstable if the memory cannot
support the lower settings.
o CAS [Auto] – Column Address Strobe. Sets the length of time the column will
be ‘ON’ during memory reads/writes. The lower the setting the faster the
memory access.
o RAS - Row Address Strobe. Sets the time delay before memory can be
accessed. Lower setting increase performance.
o TRFC [Auto] - Refresh Row Cycle Time. Lower times increase performance.
o TRCD [Auto] - Row Address to Column Address Delay.
o TWR [Auto] – Write Recovery Time.
o TRWT [Auto] – Time Read Time Write delay

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o TRAS [Auto] – Row Active Time
o TRP [Auto] – Row Recharge Time.
o TWCL [Auto] – Time Width Control pulse.
o Master ECC [Disable] – enables or disables error checking and correction
o DRAM ECC [Disable] – sets hardware to report and correct memory errors.
o DRAM BG Scrub [60ns] – DRAM function that corrects rewrites errors so later
reads are correct while the memory is not being used.
o DRAM SCRUB REDIRECT [Disable] – Sets the system to correct memory
errors immediately.
o ECC Chip Kill [Disable] – additional error check hardware to augment software
option. Allows the memory hardware to withstand ‘Multi-bit failure.
o AGP Spread Spectrum [Disabled] – can help reduce interference from the
computer.
o CPU Vcore Setting [Auto] – Set to manual if you wish to set the CPU voltage –
greys out other menu options.
o CPU Vcore [1.850V] etc – should be set automatically during the first boot up.
You can change this if you are into ‘over clocking’. Leave on the default setting
until you have finished building your computer and installed the OS and drivers.
You will need to make very small changes and test for stability over several hours
during testing.
o Graphics Aperture Size [64M] – this was first used during the early days when
graphics cards had small amounts of memory. It refers to the amount of system
memory to act as a ‘Buffer’ before writing to the graphics card. Too high a setting
here will ‘Steal’ system memory and make the system slower.
o AGP Master 1 WS write [Disabled] – If enabled, the system reduces the AGP
port to 1 WS (Wait State) to increase performance.
o Primary Graphics Adaptor [AGP] – Switches between a PCI or AGP devices.
o Search for MDA Resources [Yes] – Sets whether the system will search for
‘Multi Display Adaptors’.
o VLink 8X Support [Enabled] – Technology for connecting the motherboard
chipset.
o AGP Mode [AGP 8X] – Sets the write speed to the graphics card.
o AGP Fast Write [Enabled] – The fast write feature enable a much greater
transfer of data to the AGP port. If problems are encountered such as PCI devices
becoming unstable, then disable this feature to improve stability.
o AGP 3.0 Calibration Cycle [Enabled] – This is the latest AGP specification. It
allows the signal voltage for the AGP port to drop to 0.8 volts as well as the signal
timings. Disable if using an older graphics card that does not support the AGP 3.0
specification.
o DBI Output for AGP Trans [Enabled] - Dynamic Bus Inversion Output for
AGP Transmitter. It is an AGP 3.0 specification. Set to enabled – help to reduce
power consumption and signal noise.
o MPS Revision [1.4] – Multi-processor specification. Options are 1.1 or 1.4. The
Athlon 64 motherboards should be set to 1.4.
o PCI Delayed Transaction [Disabled] – Sets the data timings for the latest PCI
2.1 compliant devices. If an older PCI device is used then enable this feature to
allow the older device to access the PCI bus.

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Integrated Peripherals

o Primary VGA BIOS [PCI or AGP]

– most likely AGP as no one will be
using a PCI graphics card.
o USB Controllers [V1.1 +2.0] – sets
the protocols for on-chip processing.
Version 2.0 is the current standard.
o Onboard AC97 Audio Controller
[Auto] – permits selection of audio
codec processing. Disable if not using
ON-Board sound card.
o Onboard AC97 Modern [Auto] – permits the selection of AC97 support for on-
board modem. Disable if not using on-board modem.
o Onboard LAN [ Auto] – selects the use of on-board LAN (local area network)
including setting the MAC address.
o Power On By Button [Enabled] – Enable the computer to be turned on by the
‘Power Button’.
o Floppy Disk Access Controller [Enable] – Options are ‘Enabled’ or ‘Disabled’.
Disable if no Floppy drive is fitted.
o Onboard Serial Port 1 [3F8/IRQ4] – sets the serial port address/interrupt.
o Onboard Serial Port 2 [2F8/IRQ3] – sets the serial port address/interrupt.
o UART use as [Com Port] – selects the device assigned to the UART.
o Onboard Parallel Port [378/IRQ7] – address assigned to the on-board parallel
port. Disable if not using the parallel port as this improves system performance.
o Parallel Port Mode [ECP+EPP] – mode of operation of the parallel port.
o ECP DMA Select [3] – parallel port DMA channel (Direct Memory Access).
o Onboard Game Port [201] – sets the address for the game port.
o Onboard MIDI I/O [330] – the address of the on-board Midi I/O port.

CPU/PNP/PCI Configuration

o Plug & Play O/S [No] – When set to no,

the BIOS configures all the devices in the
system.
o PCI Latency Timer [64] – Sets the PCI
clock latency timer. Lower values
increase performance.
o Allocate IRQ to PCI VGA [Yes] –
When set to yes. The system assigns an
IRQ (interrupt request) to the PCI/AGP graphics card.
o Palette Snooping [Disabled] – Allows some graphics cards to correctly generate
the VGA colours during processing such as MPEG de-coding.
o IRQ xx [Available] – Allows the spare/free IRQ lines to be allocated to each
device. When set to ‘Reserved’, these IRQ’s will be ‘reserved’ for specified
devices. (IRQ – Interrupt Request)
o Resources Controlled by [ESCD] – Allows the system to automatically assign
IRQ channels. Set to manual if you wish to set IRQ’s yourself.

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o CPU FSB Frequency [200MHz] – Allows you to adjust the CPU FSB (Front-
side Bus) frequency. Usually given in 1MHz increments. To high a value will
make the system unstable.
o CPU Host Clock (CPU/PCI) [Default] – Option vary from 66MHz to 133MHz.
o CPU Speed/Voltage Setting [Auto] – Allows you to set a specific Vcore offset
voltage when over-clocking your CPU.
o CPU Speed [800MHz] – Allows you set the CPU speed manually. Greyed out
when CPU Speed Voltage is set to Auto.
o CPU Voltage [check your CPU] – Allows you to manually set the CPU voltage
when over-clocking your processor.
o DDR Voltage [Auto] – sets the memory voltage. You can set this manually when
over-clocking your system.
o AGP Voltage [1.5V] – You can increase the AGP voltage to help over-clocking,
may result in an unstable graphics card or even damage!
o V-Link Voltage [2.5V] – You can adjust the V-Link voltage when over-clocking.
o Adaptive Over clocking [x%] – You can set a percentage value to be used by the
system to adjust the other settings.
o PCI 1/2 Master – 0 WS (Wait State) Write [Disabled] - Set this only if system
stability is okay. Most systems enable this by default which causes most system
instability. Disabled, the system must wait until write function is complete.

Speech Configuration
o Report IDE Error [Disable] – Allows the display of IDE errors during POST
boot.
o Report System Checking [Disabled] – Report system errors.
o Report System Booting [Disabled] – Reports system booting features.

Instant Music Configuration

o Instant Music [Disabled] - Allows the system to play music without booting to
the OS.
o Instant Music CD-ROM [IDE xxxxx] - Allows you to select the IDE device for
music play-back. Options are; IDE Primary Master; IDE Secondary Master etc.

Power Menu
o Power Management [Enabled] – Enables or Disables the APM (Advanced
Power Management) features.
o ACPI Function [Enabled] – Allows the operating system determine hardware
status. If hardware problems occur then check stability by disabling the ACPI
function (Advanced Configuration & Power management Interface).
o Power Button [On/Off] – Allows you to set the state the system will go when
pressed such as suspend.
o Suspend Power Saving Type [S1] – Options are [C3] [S1]. This determines how
memory is used when power is turned off. C3 enables the memory to be
preserved.
o Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off] – Other options allow the system to
automatically re-boot after a power cut. Can cause some confusion for some users
when set to [Power ON] or [Last State]. Best set to Power OFF.
o Suspend Time out [Disabled] – Allows the time to be set when the system will
go into suspend mode.
o Video Power Down Mode [Suspend] – Allows you to set the power down mode.

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o Power ON By RTC Alarm [Disabled] – Require an ATX power supply. Allows
the turn-On time or wake event to be set by: Time; Date etc.
o Power On External Modems [Disabled] – Allows the system to be turned on by
an external device. [C3] should be selected above for proper operation.
o Power On PCI Device [Disable] – Enable if you wish the system to wake up by
an internal PCI device such as a Network Card fitted with WOL connector.
o Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disable] – Allows the keyboard to wake up the
system.
o Power On By PS/2 Mouse [Disable] – Allows the mouse to wake up the
system.

Hardware Monitor

o CPU Temperature [xxx ºC/ xxxºF]

o Motherboard Temperature [xxx ºC/ xxxºF]
o Power temperature [xxx ºC/ xxxºF]
o CPU Fab Speed [xxxxRPM] or N/A (RPM –
Revolutions Per Minute)
o Chassis Fan Speed [xxxxRPM]
o Power Fan Speed [xxxxRPM]
o Chassis Q-Fan Control [Enabled] – Allows
the system to automatically adjust the chassis fan speed dependant upon CPU usage.
Fan speed is low when the processor is idle.
o CPU Q-Fan Control [Enabled] – Allows the system to automatically adjust the CPU
fan speed dependant upon CPU usage. Fan speed is low when the processor is idle.
o VCORE Voltage [+3.3V Voltage, +5V voltage, +12V voltage} – Monitors the on-board
voltage regulators output.

Boot Menu
Allows you to configure the boot options of the system.

o Boot Device 1 [chose from options:

Floppy; IDE0; CD-ROM; IDE1] etc
o Quick Boot [Enabled] – Allows the system
to boot quickly bypassing any memory
tests.
o Full Screen Logo [Disabled] – Display the
Logo screen when enabled such as ASUS.
o ADD On Rom Display Mode [Force BIOS] – You can select the option to
change to previous BIOS setting if the system fails to boot. Remember to keep
one BIOS setting with default settings!
o Boot up Num Lock [On] – Power on state of the ‘NUM lock’ LED on the
keyboard.
o PS/2 Mouse Support [Auto] – Allows a PS/2 mouse to be detected.
o Wait for F1 if Error [Enabled] – Gives the option to be displayed during ‘Boot-
Up’ to enter the BIOS by pressing F1 if the system encounters a system error.
o Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled] – You are given the option to hit the
‘DEL’ key during boot-up to enter the BIOS. Disabled, you may not get the
chance to re-enter the BIOS as no prompt is given.

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That’s it for the majority of motherboard BIOS. Always remember to save and exit when
prompted and never switch off the computer whilst you are in the BIOS, as this gives rise to
the possibility of an error occurring which could result in the BIOS becoming corrupted.

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