11

10
9 SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

TVL-ICT-CSS
Quarter 3 – Module 2:
INSTALLING AND CONFIGURING COMPUTER
SYSTEM (ICCS)
(Motherboard and Power ON self-test and basic-input-output-
system (BIOS) configuration procedures)
 What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to
help you master the nature of Biology. The scope of this module permits it to
be used in many different learning situations. The language used recognizes
the diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged to follow
the standard sequence of the course. But the order in which you read them
can be changed to correspond with the textbook you are now using.

The module contains lesson in Motherboard.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Identify materials necessary to complete the work in accordance with
established procedures and check against system requirements.
2. Obtain materials necessary to complete the work in accordance with
established procedures and check against system requirements.
3. Assemble computer hardware in accordance with established
procedures and system requirements.
4. Identify the different of Bios and their entry keys
5. Perform BIOS configuration in accordance with hardware requirements.
6. Follow the steps on how to boot priority.

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 What I Know

A. Multiple choice: Write the letter of the correct answer into your notebook.
1. It is a slightly smaller variation of the full ATX size that measures 11.2″ x
8.2″ (28cm x 21cm).
a. Micro ATX c. Mini ITX
b. Mini ATX d. Flex ATX
2. It is derived from Micro ATX and is used in small computer cases.
a. Micro ATX c. Mini ITX
b. Mini ATX d. Flex ATX
3. It is an even smaller version of the ATX standard, with a maximum
size of 9.6″ x 9.6″ (24cm x 24cm).
a. Micro ATX c. Mini ITX
b. Mini ATX d. Flex ATX
4. It is a single expansion slot and the motherboard itself is considerably
smaller than the ATX and even the micro ATX.
a. Micro ATX c. Mini ITX
b. Mini ATX d. Flex ATX
5. It is used with smaller devices like set-top boxes, car PCs, media
centers, and other embedded devices.
a. Nano ITX c. Pico ITX
b. Mobile ITX d. DTX Form Factor

B. Name the parts of the motherboard. Write your answer in your notebook.

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6

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C. Identify the following statement and Write your answer in to your notebook.

1. It is a process performed by firmware or software routines immediately

after a computer or other digital electronic device is powered on.
2. How many beep in AIM BIOS when Motherboard does not detect
a RAM module (continuous beeping).
3. How many beeps in IBM when Power supply, system board problem,
disconnected CPU, or disconnected speaker.
4. How many beeps in IBM when Power supply, system board, RAM
or keyboard problem.
5. How many beeps in IBM when Normal POST – system is OK.

2
 Lesson

1 MOTHERBOARD

The motherboard is the main circuit board of your computer and is also
known as the mainboard or logic board. If you ever open your computer, the biggest
piece of silicon you see is the motherboard. Attached to the motherboard, you'll find
the CPU, ROM, memory RAM expansion slots, PCI slots, and USB ports. It also
includes controllers for devices like the hard drive, DVD drive, keyboard, and mouse.
Basically, the motherboard is what makes everything in your computer work
together.

What’s In

Disassemble Computer is to break down a device into separate parts. A device

may be disassembled to help determine a problem, to replace a part, or take the parts
and use them in another device or sell them individually.

In this module you will learn the parts of the motherboard and its functions.

What’s New

2 Pics 1 Word Puzzles

What is the answer to the puzzle?
1 word (11 letters)

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____

3
 What is It

Different types of motherboard

ATX Form Factor (Full ATX)

Probably the most common form factor for a

motherboard is the ATX form factor. The board is
approximately 12″ x 9.6″ (30cm x 24cm).

Image 113.6 – ATX Form Factor

Mini ATX

A mini-ATX motherboard is a slightly smaller variation of the full ATX size that
measures 11.2″ x 8.2″ (28cm x 21cm). The main difference between ATX and mini-
ATX is the number of buses and possibly memory slots on the motherboard.
Mounting holes for both are located in the same place, making them interchangeable
in most cases. A case that supports an ATX motherboard can also support mini-ATX
motherboard.

Micro ATX

The micro-ATX form factor is an even

smaller version of the ATX standard, with a
maximum size of 9.6″ x 9.6″ (24cm x 24cm). The
faceplate line up to the exact same position as in
all other versions of ATX. System case that can
hold an ATX motherboard can also hold micro
ATX motherboard. The smaller mid or mini tower
cases would likely be too small for a full ATX
motherboard but should accommodate micro ATX
motherboard. The terms mini-ATX and micro-ATX Image 113.7 – Micro ATX Form
are often used interchangeably. Factor

Flex ATX

The size of Flex ATX is 9” x 7.5” (22,9 cm x 19,1

cm). It is derived from Micro ATX and is used in
small computer cases.

Flex ATX Form Factor

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Mini ITX
Going down in size we have a mini ITX
motherboard with a maximum size of 6.7″ x
6.7″ (17cm x 17cm). Notice that there is a
single expansion slot and the motherboard
itself is considerably smaller than the ATX and
even the micro ATX. Also notice that the
faceplate still line-up and the hole positions
still match the ATX hole positions.
Theoretically we could take this micro ITX
motherboard and place it inside a full tower Image 113.8 – Mini ITX Form
case. However, we usually use a small form Factor
factor case for this motherboard.

Em ITX
Em ITX dimensions are 17 cm x 12 cm.

Em ITX Form Factor

Nano ITX
Measures of Nano ITX are 4.7″ x 4.7″ (12
cm x 12 cm). It is used with smaller devices like
set-top boxes, car PCs, media centers, and other
embedded devices.

Nano ITX Form Factor

Pico ITX

The size of the Pico ITX is 3.9” x 2.8” (10

cm X 7,2 cm).

Pico ITX Form Factor

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Mobile ITX

Mobile ITX is the smallest form factor with

the size of 2.4” x 2.4” (6 cm x 6 cm).

Mobile ITX Form Factor

DTX Form Factor

DTX form factor is intended for small form

factor PCs, and is backward compatible with ATX
form factor cases. Dimensions are 8” x 9.6” (20,3 cm
x 24,4 cm).

DTX Form Factor

Mini DTX

Mini DTX is a shorter version of DTX

form factor. Dimensions are 8” x 6.7” (20,3 cm
x 170 cm).

Mini DTX Form Factor

SSI CEB

SSI form factors were developed by SSI

(Server System Infrastructure) forum, and are
intended for dual or multi-processor
motherboards used in servers and or even
workstations. SSI form factors were derived from
ATX specification, so they have the same rear
panel, IO connector area, and mounting holes.
But, SSI form factors are larger than ATX, so SSI
motherboards will not fit cases designed for SSI CEB Form Factor

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standard ATX. The computer case has to be designed for larger than standard ATX
form factor.
Three SSI form factors are CEB (Compact Electronics Bay), EEB (Enterprise
Electronics Bay), and MEB (Midrange Electronics Bay). The smallest of them is SSI
CEB, and the size is 12” x 10.5” (30,5 cm x 26,7cm).

SSI EEB (also called Extended ATX or E-ATX)

SSI EEB dimensions are 12” x 13” (30,5 cm x 33

cm).

SSI EEB Form Factor

SSI MEB

The SSI MEB size is 16.2” x 13” (41,1 cm x 33

cm). It is longer in order to provide space for two
additional CPU sockets.

BTX Form Factor SSI MEB Form Factor

There are a few main differences with the

BTX form factor. Notice that the faceplate is on the
opposite end. Another difference is that the hole
positions are different. Also, the processor socket is
slightly rotated so that it is at an angle to the system
board. This rotation is to aid in the airflow across
the processor to assist in cooling the processor. The
BTX motherboard will only fit within a system case
that is designed for a BTX motherboard. In many
cases this means that an ATX system case will not
work with a BTX system board, although there are
system cases that are able to accommodate both the
ATX and the BTX form factors. The BTX form factor
Image 113.9 – BTX Form
has not been widely adopted despite its
Factor
improvements over ATX and related standards. As a
result, the availability and variety of BTX-
compatible components is limited.

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NLX Form Factor
The NLX is an older style form factor
that is not used very often anymore. We might
see it in some older motherboards but it’s not
likely to encounter it with newer
motherboards.

Image 113.10 – NLX Form Factor

NLX is an older form factor used for

slimline desktop-style computers. NLX is an
improvement over an even earlier LPX form
factor. Notice that this motherboard has no
expansion slots for the PCI or ISA bus. The
NLX form factor is used in slim line cases that
are very short.

Image 113.11 – NLX With Riser

Card

In order to accommodate expansion cards, we use a tab on the edge of the

motherboard. We insert a Riser Card on the end of the motherboard. Riser Card is
then used for expansion cards, so that now expansion cards lay flat rather than being
perpendicular to the motherboard. The riser card does not have built-in ports for
audio, joystick, USB, network or modem.

Parts of A Motherboard

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1. BIOS And CMOS

BIOS or Basic Input Output System is where all the information and settings
for the motherboard are stored. It can be accessed, updated, and modified via the
BIOS mode.
The CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semi-Conductor) battery is what’s
responsible for keeping all the information intact when the entire system is shut
down.

The CMOS battery can be removed to reset the BIOS after a failed update or
if you overclock your RAM beyond its capabilities.

2. Input/output Ports

It’s an interface or a point of connection between the computer and its

peripheral devices. Some of the common peripherals are mouse, keyboard, monitor
or display unit, printer, speaker, flash drive etc.

3. IDE and SATA Connector (Storage Device Connectors)

The internal storage device connectors are where you will connect your storage
devices, such as mechanical hard drives and solid-state drives. These storage
devices need to be connected to the motherboard for data to be submitted and
retrieved.

Don’t forget: while HDDs and SSDs do the same thing (store data), there is a big
difference between how HDDs and SSDs accomplish this.
IDE, or Integrated Drive Electronics, is used to hook up disk drives, floppy disks,
and HDDs. This is a 40-pin male connector that connects the HDD.

As technology advanced, IDE connectors became obsolete. Now the SATA connector
(Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) is the standard connector with a 7-pin
interface. Despite having 33 fewer pins, this is faster than the IDE connectors.

4. Power Connectors
The ATX (Advanced Technology eXtended) connector (found in more recent
motherboards) has 20 or 24-pin female connectors. This is the largest connector on
the motherboard, as this draws out the needed power directly from the power supply.
The SMPS (switched-mode power supply) then utilizes this power to keep the
motherboard running.

5. Front I/O Connectors

This is where you connect the Power Switch, LED power indicator, Reset
Switch, and the HDD LED cables. The front audio port and front USB are also
connected here. These connections are usually located at the bottom part of the
motherboard.
6. CPU Socket

The CPU socket is where your CPU (processor) is installed. This is where the
processing and transfer of data happens. Your CPU is one of the most important
parts of your computer, so you often choose your motherboard based on

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compatibility with the CPU you intend to use. The CPU needs to be 100% compatible
with the motherboard socket for it to work.
7. Expansion Card Slots

The expansion card slots are where you add extra components such as a video
card, network card, audio card, or PCIe SSD. The slots are located in the bottom half
of the motherboard below the CPU socket.

Video Card Slot

The video card slot lets you install a dedicated GPU and boost the graphical
performance of your computer further than an AMD APU or Intel CPU would. This
goes to the high data slots, like the PCIe slot or AGP slot. Ports include, but are not
limited to, (depends on the card):

• HDMI
• DVI
• DisplayPort
• USB-C

Network Card Slot

The network card slot is where you put the Network Interface Card (NIC). This
allows you to connect to other computer networks via LAN or the internet. It has an
RJ-45 port at the back.

Modem Card Slot

This is where you connect your network card so you can connect to the
internet through the telephone line. Obviously, this is an older technology than the
above NIC. This typically has 2 RJ-11 connectors to connect to the telephone.

Audio Card Slot

This is where audio cards fit. They convert electrical signals to the audio signals
or sound that we can hear. Depending on the type of audio, there will be different
types of ports found at the back. But it usually has several 3.5mm ports used for the
following:

• Microphone
• Speaker
• Recorder
• Gaming Joystick

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8. RAM (Memory) Slots

RAM, or Random Access Memory, slots are one of the most important parts
on a motherboard. RAM gives applications a place to store and access data on a
short-term basis. It stores the information your computer is actively using so that it
can be accessed quickly
The RAM slots are, unsurprisingly, where you place the RAM modules. There is the
SIMM slot (Single in-line memory module) that only supports a 32-bit bus, and there
is the DIMM slot (Dual inline memory module) that can simultaneously run with a
64-bit bus.

DDR3 (Double Data Rate 3rd Generation) was once the standard with RAM,
but this has slowly been replaced with DDR4 (Double Data Rate 4th Generation).
While DDR3 is still surprisingly effective, DDR4 is the new standard.

When it comes to gaming, there’s still an active debate whether you need 8GB
or 16GB of DDR4.
This is where you connect your M.2 SSD. The M.2 slot is regarded as the
replacement for mSATA standard and was formerly known as Next Generation Form
Factor (NGFF).
When M.2 devices use the PCI bus instead of the SATA bus, they can transfer
data six times faster than a standard SSD.

M.2 SSDs were designed to enable high-performance storage in compact

devices, such as laptops and tablets. M.2 devices are widely accepted as being the
best types of storage, as we see them becoming a standard feature in desktop PCs
too.
We have covered the different sections of a motherboard you are likely to
interact with during your PC build. Of course, there is much more at work on a
motherboard that plays a major role in the operation of your various components.
Other parts, such as chipsets, act as a communications hub or a traffic
control center, and they manage the flow of data between the processor, memory,
and peripherals. It’s essentially the backbone of a PC.
Since this is an article to help educate PC builders/gamers, new or
experienced, let’s take a look at these parts and their functions:

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9. North Bridge and South Bridge Chip

The northbridge chip is connected directly to the CPU and handles fast
communication between the CPU and performance-sensitive components such as
the graphics card and system memory.

It is also connected to the southbridge chip that acts as a communications

hub too. However, the southbridge communicates with less performance-sensitive
components such as USB ports, storage devices, onboard networks, and audio chips.

Nowadays, modern CPUs have the northbridge inside of them, which is why
you can’t find a northbridge on modern motherboards. This is a faster, more
responsive system and has reduced latency when compared to the older, on-board
northbridge.
The southbridge chip, however, is on the physical motherboard but is usually
covered with a heatsink that’s engraved with the logo of the motherboard’s brand.

Other Parts of a Motherboard and Their Functions

Since the introduction of the Intel 5 series, Intel calls the southbridge
the Platform Controller Hub, or PCH, while AMD still calls it the southbridge.
ROM Chip

ROM or Read Only Memory is where critical information needed to start a

computer is stored. It’s very hard (if not impossible) to modify the contents of ROM.
Unlike RAM, where information is lost when power is turned off, ROM retains
the contents even when the computer is turned off. This is why RAM is considered
"volatile," while ROM is "non-volatile."

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VRMs (Voltage Regulator Module)

VRM also called a processor power module (PPM), is a component that acts
very similar to a computer power supply unit (PSU). It cuts down the voltage, a
process that actually happens several times before the electricity even reaches your
home, to provide the CPU with the exact amount of voltage it needs.

Top motherboard manufacturers:

ASRock. Asus

Click this link for parts and other info: Optional only Click this link for parts and other info:
Optional only
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/
File:AsRock_H97_Fatal1ty_Sockel_1150.png https://www.asus.com/Motherboards/PR
IME-B365M-A/

Biostar EVGA Corporation

Click this link for parts and other info: Optional only Click this link for parts and other info:
Optional only
http://www.biostar-
usa.com/app/enus/mb/introduction.php?S_ID=865 https://asia.evga.com/articles/01386/evg
File:AsRock_H97_Fatal1ty_Sockel_1150.png a-sr-3-dark/

us/mb/introduction.php?S_ID=865
Gigabyte Technology MSI (Micro-Star International)
File:AsRock_H97_Fatal1ty_Sockel_1150.pn
g

13
 Click this link for parts and other info: Click this link for parts and other info:

https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/GA- https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/short-guide-
MA78LMT-S2-rev-3x#ov motherboard-parts/

What’s More

Complete the crossword by filling in a word that fits each clue. Write your answer in
your notebook.

Across

1where all the information and settings for the motherboard are stored.
3. card slot is where you put the Network Interface Card (NIC).
4. has 20 or 24-pin female connectors.

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 Down

2. Also commonly referred to as I/O ports for short.

What I Have Learned

I have learned that ____________________________________________

I have realized that ____________________________________________
I will apply ___________________________________________________

What I Can Do

Instruction: Draw a motherboard and label the parts and functions of it.

Drawing/Labeling Rubrics gram

Needs
Excellent Very Good Good
Improvement
20 pts 15 pts 10 pts
5 pts

Comprehension Excellent Very Good Good Needs Improvements

Student Student displays a Student shows Student shows little

demonstrates full good understanding some to no understanding
understanding of of how to draw a understanding of of how to draw a
how to properly diagram. how to draw a diagram.
draw a diagram. diagram.

Content Excellent Very Good Good Needs Improvements

Student Student displays a Student shows Student shows little

demonstrates full good understanding some to no understanding
understanding of of how to label a understanding of of how to label a
how to properly diagram. how to label a diagram.
label a diagram. diagram.

Accuracy Excellent Very Good Good Needs Improvements

Student can draw Student can draw Student can Student draws and
and label a and label a diagram draw and label a labels a diagram
diagram with 100% with at least 80% diagram with 70- with less than 70%
accuracy. accuracy. 75% accuracy. accuracy.

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 Lesson Power ON self-test and basic-input-

2 output-system (BIOS) configuration

procedures

When power is turned on, POST (Power-On Self-Test) is the diagnostic testing
sequence that a computer's basic input/output system (or "starting program") runs
to determine if the computer keyboard, random access memory, disk drives, and
other hardware are working correctly.

What’s In

In past module we learn how to assemble computer systems. Now we will turn on
our computer but first it is important to know the power-on and self-test. How the
bios work and their beep codes.

What’s New

2 Pics 1 Word Puzzles

What is the answer to the puzzle?

2 words (9 letters)

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____

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 What is It

Power-on self-test

A power-on self-test (POST) is a process performed

by firmware or software routines immediately after a computer or other digital
electronic device is powered on.
This article mainly deals with POSTs on personal computers, but many
other embedded systems such as those in major appliances, avionics,
communications, or medical equipment also have self-test routines which are
automatically invoked at power-on.
The results of the POST may be displayed on a panel that is part of the device,
output to an external device, or stored for future retrieval by a diagnostic tool. Since
a self-test might detect that the system's usual human-readable display is non-
functional, an indicator lamp or a speaker may be provided to show error codes as a
sequence of flashes or beeps. In addition to running tests, the POST process may
also set the initial state of the device from firmware.
In the case of a computer, the POST routines are part of a device's pre-boot
sequence; if they complete successfully, the bootstrap loader code is invoked to load
an operating system.

IBM-compatible PC POST

In IBM PC compatible computers, the main duties of POST are handled by

the BIOS, which may hand some of these duties to other programs designed to
initialize very specific peripheral devices, notably for video and SCSI initialization.
These other duty-specific programs are generally known collectively as option
ROMs or individually as the video BIOS, SCSI BIOS, etc.
The principal duties of the main BIOS during POST are as follows:

• verify CPU registers

• verify the integrity of the BIOS code itself
• verify some basic components like DMA, timer, interrupt controller
• find, size, and verify system main memory
• initialize BIOS
• pass control to other specialized extension BIOSes (if installed)

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 • identify, organize, and select which devices are available for booting
The functions above are served by the POST in all BIOS versions back to the very
first. In later BIOS versions, POST will also:
• discover, initialize, and catalog all system buses and devices
• provide a user interface for system's configuration
• construct whatever system environment is required by the target operating
system
Original IBM POST beep codes

Beeps Meaning
1 short beep Normal POST – system is OK
2 short beeps POST error – error code shown on screen
Power supply, system board problem, disconnected CPU,
No beep
or disconnected speaker
Continuous beep Power supply, system board, RAM or keyboard problem
Repeating short beeps Power supply, system board or keyboard problem
1 long, 1 short beep System board problem
1 long, 2 short beeps Display adapter problem (MDA, CGA)
1 long, 3 short beeps Enhanced Graphics Adapter problem (EGA)
3 long beeps 3270 keyboard card error

POST AMI BIOS beep codes

Beeps Meaning
1 Memory refresh timer error
2 Parity error in base memory (first 64 KiB block)
3 Base memory read/write test error
Motherboard timer not operational (check all PSU to MB
4
connectors seated)
5 Processor failure
6 8042 Gate A20 test error (cannot switch to protected mode)
7 General exception error (processor exception interrupt error)
8 Display memory error (system video adapter)
9 AMI BIOS ROM checksum fix
10 CMOS shutdown register read/write fix
11 Cache memory test failed
continuous Motherboard does not detect a RAM module (continuous
beeping beeping)

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How BIOS Works

The basic input-output system BIOS is the first thing you see when you turn
on your computer.

One of the most common uses of Flash memory is for the basic input/output
system of your computer, commonly known as the BIOS (pronounced "bye-ose"). On
virtually every computer available, the BIOS makes sure all the other chips, hard
drives, ports and CPU function together.
Every desktop and laptop computer in common use today contains
a microprocessor as its central processing unit. The microprocessor is
the hardware component. To get its work done, the microprocessor executes a set of
instructions known as software (see How Microprocessors Work for details). You are
probably very familiar with two different types of software:
• The operating system - The operating system provides a set of services for the
applications running on your computer, and it also provides the fundamental
user interface for your computer. Windows 98 and Linux are examples of
operating systems. (See How Operating Systems Work for lots of details.)
• The applications - Applications are pieces of software that are programmed to
perform specific tasks. On your computer right now you probably have a
browser application, a word processing application, an e-mail application and
so on. You can also buy new applications and install them.
It turns out that the BIOS is the third type of software your computer needs to
operate successfully. In this article, you'll learn all about BIOS -- what it does, how
to configure it and what to do if your BIOS needs updating.

BIOS uses Flash memory, a type of ROM.

The BIOS software has a number of different roles,
but its most important role is to load the operating
system. When you turn on your computer and the
microprocessor tries to execute its first instruction, it
has to get that instruction from somewhere. It cannot
get it from the operating system because the operating
system is located on a hard disk, and the
microprocessor cannot get to it without some
instructions that tell it how. The BIOS provides

19
those instructions. Some of the other common tasks that the BIOS performs include:
• A power-on self-test (POST) for all of the different hardware components in the
system to make sure everything is working properly
• Activating other BIOS chips on different cards installed in the computer - For
example, SCSI and graphics cards often have their own BIOS chips.
• Providing a set of low-level routines that the operating system uses to interface
to different hardware devices - It is these routines that give the BIOS its name.
They manage things like the keyboard, the screen, and the serial and parallel
ports, especially when the computer is booting.
• Managing a collection of settings for the hard disks, clock, etc.
• The BIOS is special software that interfaces the major hardware components
of your computer with the operating system. It is usually stored on a Flash
memory chip on the motherboard, but sometimes the chip is another type
of ROM.

When you turn on your computer, the BIOS does several things. This is its usual
sequence:

1. Check the CMOS Setup for custom settings

2. Load the interrupt handlers and device drivers
3. Initialize registers and power management
4. Perform the power-on self-test (POST)
5. Display system settings
6. Determine which devices are bootable
7. Initiate the bootstrap sequence

The first thing the BIOS does is check the information stored in a tiny (64 bytes)
amount of RAM located on a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS)
chip. The CMOS Setup provides detailed information particular to your system and
can be altered as your system changes. The BIOS uses this information to modify or
supplement its default programming as needed. We will talk more about these
settings later.

Interrupt handlers are small pieces of software that act as translators between
the hardware components and the operating system. For example, when you press a
key on your keyboard, the signal is sent to the keyboard interrupt handler, which
tells the CPU what it is and passes it on to the operating system. The device
drivers are other pieces of software that identify the base hardware components such
as keyboard, mouse, hard drive and floppy drive. Since the BIOS is constantly
intercepting signals to and from the hardware, it is usually copied, or shadowed,
into RAM to run faster.

20
 This is the message you receive if a disk is in the drive when you restart your
computer.
Whenever you turn on your computer, the first thing you see is the BIOS
software doing its thing. On many machines, the BIOS displays text describing things
like the amount of memory installed in your computer, the type of hard disk and so
on. It turns out that, during this boot sequence, the BIOS is doing a remarkable
amount of work to get your computer ready to run. This section briefly describes
some of those activities for a typical PC.
After checking the CMOS Setup and loading the interrupt handlers, the BIOS
determines whether the video card is operational. Most video cards have a miniature
BIOS of their own that initializes the memory and graphics processor on the card. If
they do not, there is usually video driver information on another ROM on the
motherboard that the BIOS can load.

Next, the BIOS checks to see if this is a cold boot or a reboot. It does this by
checking the value at memory address 0000:0472. A value of 1234h indicates a
reboot, and the BIOS skips the rest of POST. Anything else is considered a cold boot.

If it is a cold boot, the BIOS verifies RAM by performing a read/write test of

each memory address. It checks the PS/2 ports or USB ports for a keyboard and a
mouse. It looks for a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus and, if it finds one,
checks all the PCI cards. If the BIOS finds any errors during the POST, it will notify
you by a series of beeps or a text message displayed on the screen. An error at this
point is almost always a hardware problem.

The BIOS then displays some details about your system. This typically includes
information about:

• The processor
• The floppy drive and hard drive
• Memory
• BIOS revision and date
• Display

Any special drivers, such as the ones for small computer system interface (SCSI)
adapters, are loaded from the adapter, and the BIOS displays the information. The
BIOS then looks at the sequence of storage devices identified as boot devices in the
CMOS Setup. "Boot" is short for "bootstrap," as in the old phrase, "Lift yourself up
by your bootstraps." Boot refers to the process of launching the operating system.
The BIOS will try to initiate the boot sequence from the first device. If the BIOS does
not find a device, it will try the next device in the list. If it does not find the proper
files on a device, the startup process will halt. If you have ever left a disk when you
restarted your computer, you have probably seen this message.

The BIOS has tried to boot the computer off of the disk left in the drive. Since it
did not find the correct system files, it could not continue. Of course, this is an easy
fix. Simply pop out the disk and press a key to continue.

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CMOS Setup
In the previous list, you saw that the BIOS checks the CMOS Setup for custom
settings. Here's what you do to change those settings.
To enter the CMOS Setup, you must press a certain key or combination of
keys during the initial startup sequence. Most systems use "Esc," "Del," "F1," "F2,"
"Ctrl-Esc" or "Ctrl-Alt-Esc" to enter setup. There is usually a line of text at the bottom
of the display that tells you "Press ___ to Enter Setup."
Once you have entered setup, you will see a set of text screens with a number of
options. Some of these are standard, while others vary according to the BIOS
manufacturer. Common options include:
• System Time/Date - Set the system time and date
• Boot Sequence - The order that BIOS will try to load the operating system
• Plug and Play - A standard for auto-detecting connected devices; should be
set to "Yes" if your computer and operating system both support it
• Mouse/Keyboard - "Enable Num Lock," "Enable the Keyboard," "Auto-Detect
Mouse"...
• Drive Configuration - Configure hard drives, CD-ROM and floppy drives
• Memory - Direct the BIOS to shadow to a specific memory address
• Security - Set a password for accessing the computer
• Power Management - Select whether to use power management, as well as set
the amount of time for standby and suspend
• Exit - Save your changes, discard your changes or restore default settings
• Be very careful when making changes to setup. Incorrect settings may keep
your computer from booting. When you are finished with your changes, you
should choose "Save Changes" and exit. The BIOS will then restart your
computer so that the new settings take effect.
• The BIOS uses CMOS technology to save any changes made to the computer's
settings. With this technology, a small lithium or Ni-Cad battery can supply
enough power to keep the data for years. In fact, some of the newer chips have
a 10-year, tiny lithium battery built right into the CMOS chip!
Occasionally, a computer will need to have its BIOS updated. This is especially
true of older machines. As new devices and standards arise, the BIOS needs to
change in order to understand the new hardware. Since the BIOS is stored in some
form of ROM, changing it is a bit harder than upgrading most other types of software.
To change the BIOS itself, you'll probably need a special program from the
computer or BIOS manufacturer. Look at the BIOS revision and date information

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displayed on system startup or check with your computer manufacturer to find out
what type of BIOS you have. Then go to the BIOS manufacturer's Web site to see if
an upgrade is available. Download the upgrade and the utility program needed to
install it. Sometimes the utility and update are combined in a single file to download.
Copy the program, along with the BIOS update, onto a floppy disk. Restart your
computer with the floppy disk in the drive, and the program erases the old BIOS and
writes the new one. You can find a BIOS Wizard that will check your BIOS at BIOS
Upgrades.

Major BIOS manufacturers include:

• American Megatrends Inc. (AMI)
• Phoenix Technologies
• ALi
• Winbond

As with changes to the CMOS Setup, be careful when upgrading your BIOS. Make
sure you are upgrading to a version that is compatible with your computer system.
Otherwise, you could corrupt the BIOS, which means you won't be able to boot your
computer. If in doubt, check with your computer manufacturer to be sure you need
to upgrade.

What’s More

Set the computer to boot from USB drive via BIOS

This is the most common way to boot a Windows system from a connected
USB drive. Every system has BIOS (Basic Input Output System) options that users
can access. In this way, they can customize the BIOS settings and set the attached
USB drive as a primary source for booting. You can access the BIOS options by
pressing the BIOS Entry key when the system is turning on. The key can be different
from one system to another. Here we can press F12 to enter PhoenixBIOS.

1. Firstly, you need to turn on your computer. If it is already switched

on, then you can just restart it.
2. As it would turn on, you need to press the designated BIOS entry
key on the keyboard. You might have to press the key a few times in
order to access the BIOS options. Additionally, you can simply view
the key on the booting screen as well.

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3. Shortly, the BIOS options will appear on the screen. Since your
mouse won’t work on the interface, you can have to navigate using
the allocated keys. Usually, the arrow keys are used to navigate,
ENTER to select, and ESC to exit. You can also view the shortcut
keys and their allocated jobs at the bottom of the screen.

4. As you can see, the interface has different tabs. Using the arrow keys
(left and right), you need to navigate to the "Boot" section.

5. From here, you can see the priority of the sources used by the BIOS.
Now, using the + (add) and the – (minus) key, you can set the priority
of the Removable Devices at the top.

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 6. After setting the USB device as the primary booting source, you can
save your changes by pressing the F10 key.

7. Just accept the changes and exit the interface by pressing the ESC
key. Connect a bootable USB drive to the system and let it be used
as a primary source by BIOS.

While the approach is same, the overall interface and the keys can be different
from one model to another. Nevertheless, by following these simple steps, you would
be able to boot your computer from a USB drive without any trouble.

Manufacturer Model BIOS Entry

key
HP HP and Compaq Desktop PCs (Built in F10
2006 or later (came with Vista or Windows
7))
HP HP and Compaq Desktop PCs (Built before F1
2006 (XP or earlier) )
HP HP Notebook PCs F10
DELL Dell Inspiron, Dell Dimension, Dell F2
Precision, Dell Optiplex, Dell Vostro Dell
XPS

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 DELL Dell Latitude Fn+F1
Accer Aspire, Power, Veriton, Extensa, Ferrari, DEL or F2
TravelMate, Altos
Gateway DX, FX, One, GM, GT, GX, Profile, Astro F1
Gateway Older model F2
Lenovo Lenovo F2
Fujitsu,NEC, Sharp Fujitsu,NEC, Sharp F2
Toshiba Portégé, Satellite, Tecra, Equium F1 or ESC
Toshiba Toshiba Equium F12
Shuttle Glamor G-Series, D'vo, Prima P2-Series, F1 or DEL
Workstation, X Mini XPC, Surveillance
Phoenix Phoenix BIOS F2
AMD® (Advanced AMD® (Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.) BIOS F1
Micro Devices, Inc.)
Award Award BIOS DEL
AMI (American AMI (American Megatrends, Inc.) BIOS DEL
Megatrends, Inc.)

What I Have Learned

I have learned that ____________________________________________

I have realized that ____________________________________________
I will apply ___________________________________________________

What I Can Do

Option 1
Perform USB boot priority.
Rubrics
Adherence to the Procedure 20
Workmanship 20
Speed 10
Total 50
Option 2
Enumerate the steps on have to USB priority. (50 pts)

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 Assessment

Instruction: Identify the following parts of the motherboard and its functions (5pts
each)

Additional Activities

For the preparation of the next lesson read about power-on self-test and
beep codes.

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