System BIOS for SuperMicro "P55CWA" motherboard (Intel Triton) MR BIOS (r) V097B5WS Version 3.30 Copyright (c) 1996, Microid Research, Inc. MR BIOS is a registered trademark of Microid Research, Inc. MR CHIPS is a registered trademark of Microid Research, Inc. Instant! Boot is a trademark of Microid Research, Inc. Patents Pending. All Rights Reserved. Other trademarks are property of their respective owners. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ShareWare Version: "Please copy this program in its entirety, without modification, and pass it on to others. If you like it, please pay for each copy you install. If you don't pay for it, please uninstall it. Remember, your purchase is a vote." License Fee: USD $15.00 per installed copy Microid Research, Inc. 2336-D Walsh Ave. Santa Clara, CA, 95051 USA email: mrbios@mrbios.com web-site: http://www.mrbios.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ MR BIOS (r) Copyright (c) 1996 Microid Research, Inc. Patents Pending Advanced buzzword features include: (1) Plug 'n Play card support. 1a) Auto resource steering 1b) Win95 compatible (2) PCI and Bridge support. 2a) Auto resource steering 2b) DEC PCI-PCI bridges (3) Energy Star power management. 3a) APM for Windows and DOS 3b) VESA DPMS video mgmt 3c) SMI and STPCLK 3d) Timewarp correction (4) Fast-ATA support. 4a) ATA Mode 4/5 (to 20 MB/S) 4b) Built-in CMD-640, OPTi-621 drivers (5) Enhanced IDE support. 5a) LBA and CHS translations 5b) EDPT Table support 5c) IBM/Microsoft INT13 extensions 5c) 8 discs max, each to 137 GByte 5d) Drive remapping 5e) Boot SCSI (ahead of IDE) (6) Atapi and Removable IDE. 6a) CD-ROM recognition 6b) SyQuest and Ejectable Media (7) Enhanced Floppy support. 7a) 4 floppy/tape-drives max 7b) Drive remapping (8) Enhanced Parallel Port. 8a) SPP, Bidir, EPP, ECP modes (9) Anti-Virus protection. (10) Password Security. (11) PS/2 Mouse support. (12) Pentium and 6x86 CPU support. (13) Instant! Boot (tm). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ --- READ THIS FIRST ------ READ THIS FIRST ------ READ THIS FIRST --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- SuperMicro P55CWA - Undocumented Jumper J37 ------------------------------------------- NOTE! There is a jumper (J37) on the P55CWA motherboard that you will need to change in the course of installation of MR BIOS (r). If you do not want to do this, or cannot do so, then stop reading now and abandon loading MR BIOS (r) into your SuperMicro P55CWA... ----------- Explanation ----------- With respect to the Flash-ROM, the Super Micro P55CWA motherboard design closely parallels Intel's Zappa, Endeavor and etc. (1) The Flash-ROM is a 28F001-BXT that contains a write-protected "boot-block" whose purpose is to provide failsafe recovery in the unlikely event the Flash somehow becomes corrupted. (2) Also, a 2-way jumper (J37) exists on the P55CWA motherboard that allows the bottom and top halves of the Flash-ROM to be swapped. The equivalent jumper on Intel designs is used to manually engage their Failsafe Flash Recovery mode. With the Intel design, the protected boot-block and jumper are used collectively to effect a failsafe recovery mode. When the jumper is manually plugged in the "recovery" position, the Flash's boot-block is relocated in memory to a position that causes it to take control when the computer is powered-up. When set this way, the computer single-mindedly waits for you to insert a recovery diskette that contains a flash-loader and BIOS image. After completing the Flash recovery process, you plug the jumper back to its normal position and things are back to normal. It appears the Super Micro board was designed to support this same scheme, but their BIOS vendor had different ideas about how to implement the recovery mode. The jumper J37 is unused, and the boot-block always resides in the top-most region of the Flash-ROM. ------------------------ How this Effects MR BIOS ------------------------ There are two important effects to the P55CWA's proprietary way of doing things. First, it precludes use of any Failsafe Flash Recovery program except one compatible with their original BIOS. Per Super Micro's manual, you can download it from their BBS at (408) 451-1114. Second, the protected "boot-block" is located in a position that interferes with normal operations of MR BIOS. The MR BIOS Flash Loader Utility was therefore customized to load the BIOS around this write-protected "boot-block". Upon completion of loading MR BIOS into the Flash-ROM, you will need to change the position of jumper J37 in order to relocate the "boot-block" out of the way. ------------------------ J37 Location and Setting ------------------------ The jumper J37 is a 3-pin berg-strip which provides two different settings by plugging pins 1-2 or 2-3. It is found near the back of the motherboard behind the PCI slots, approximately half-way between the left and right sides. It is silkscreened "J37", with a single numeral "1" closest to pin #1. Also, a silkscreened rectangle around the jumper block has a "cut" corner that indicates pin #1. From the factory, J37 is plugged [1-2]. This position maps the "boot-block" to the top region of the Flash-ROM. It is required to be in this position to run the BIOS supplied by Super Micro. After loading MR BIOS, J37 needs to be plugged in the [2-3] position. This relocates the "boot-block" out of the way to the low half of the Flash-ROM. You will be "reminded" to do this after loading MR BIOS into the Flash-ROM by the fact that your computer simply won't boot otherwise. After loading MR BIOS into the Flash-ROM and setting J37 to [2-3], you never need to touch it again. The MR BIOS Flash Loader can upload updated versions of MR BIOS, or it can restore the original backup BIOS image without replacing the jumper to its factory position. If you do restore the original BIOS that came with the computer, you will need to restore the jumper J37 to its original [1-2] position afterwards. If you ever have occasion to use Super Micro's Flash Utility, follow their directions. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------------------- Contents, Overview and Disclaimer --------------------------------- Three files are included in this distribution kit. MR_SMCWA.BIO - MR BIOS (r) System BIOS MR_SMCWA.TXT - This file you're reading MR_SMCWA.EXE - Flash Loader Utility The System BIOS file contains the Microid Research BIOS ("MR BIOS (r)"), customized for your SuperMicro P55CWA motherboard. The 1995 MR BIOS (r) core provides the latest state-of-the-art BIOS technologies that automate your computer's setup and deliver unmatched performance and utility. Unlike most programs that you are familiar with, the System BIOS does not execute from disk. Instead, it is stored in a Flash-ROM component that resides on the motherboard and begins executing immediately upon powerup. This Flash-ROM can be reprogrammed by means of a Flash Upload Utility. In order to install MR BIOS (r) in your computer, you'll need to reprogram its Flash-ROM through use of the Flash Loader utility. Usual Disclaimer: ----------------- BE ADVISED THAT THERE IS AN ELEMENT OF RISK IN REPROGRAMMING THE COMPUTER'S FLASH SYSTEM BIOS. If the Flash Load procedure begins, but fails to completely load a valid BIOS image, your computer will be out of commission and you'll have to have it serviced. The Flash-ROM will need to be physically replaced with another that contains valid code. Reasons for the Flash Upload failure include 1) losing power while the upload is in progress, and 2) specifying and uploading the wrong file. Needless to say, this would be a horribly disappointing experience. Microid Research Inc. would most sincerely regret such a misfortune, however, understand that MICROID RESEARCH INC. DISCLAIMS ALL RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY FOR THE USE AND CONSEQUENCES OF THE USE OF THIS PRODUCT. So, please, take your time and be careful! However... ---------- According to Super Micro's manual, you can obtain a Flash Utility from their BBS at (408) 451-1114 that presumably supports a failsafe recovery mode. Microid Research Inc. recommends that you download it and follow its directions for preparing a failsafe diskette. Please be advised that Microid Research Inc. has not tested Super Micro's Flash Utility and will not be responsible for its results. Jumper J37 ---------- Upon completion of loading MR BIOS into your computer's Flash-ROM, you will need to change the position of a hardware plug on jumper "J37". If you are unwilling or unable to do so, DO NOT install MR BIOS into your computer! The Flash Loader provides a simple menu of 4 options (5, including "exit"). There are three objectives of this utility. First, it provides the facility to copy the existing BIOS into a disk-file for backup purposes. This is option "1. Backup". The companion function "2. Verify" allows you to confirm the backup file matches the existing BIOS. Selection "3. Install" is used to copy MR BIOS into the Flash-ROM. Selection "4. Restore" allows you to replace the original (backup) BIOS back into the Flash-ROM. Be sure to backup the original BIOS before uploading MR BIOS into the Flash-ROM. Otherwise, you won't be able to uninstall MR BIOS should you want to do so. Even if you're sure you won't, it is a good practice to retain all original equipment that is supplied with your computer, "just in case". The exact steps for uploading MR BIOS are enumerated in the Instructions section below. Assuming you have followed those instructions and the upload has just completed, the Flash Loader will display a message directing you to reset the computer or re-cycle its power. Upon doing so, you will be greeted with an alarming message that the "CMOS Memory is Corrupt", and the BIOS Setup Utility will be activated. Don't be alarmed. The Flash Loader Utility intentionally clears the CMOS to simulate a factory-new condition and provoke the Setup session. Upon arriving in the Setup Utility, you will need to reset the time and date, and manually input the type(s) of Floppy drive(s) in your computer. Beyond that, everything else will already be set for optimal performance and you can simply exit by pressing . Or, you might browse around and tailor some options like Password Security or Power Management per your preference. After this Setup session, your computer will reboot thereafter without any hysterical messages. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------- MR BIOS (r) Installation Instructions ------------------------------------- Step 1 ------ Disable power management in the BIOS Setup Utility. Step 2 ------ Boot your computer "clean", to a non-Protected-Mode DOS environment. This is easily done by booting a floppy that contains only DOS, but neither CONFIG.SYS nor AUTOEXEC.BAT. Step 3 ------ Invoke MR_SMCWA.EXE Flash Loader by typing "MR_SMCWA" at the DOS prompt. Step 4 ------ Select option "1. Backup" to make a copy of the original BIOS that came with the motherboard. It will be generated with the filename "SMCWA.BAK". Step 5 ------ Select option "2. Verify" to confirm the backup was successful. The status will be reported to you, either success or failure. If it worked OK, proceed to Step 6. Else figure out what is wrong and correct it. Repeat Steps 4 and 5. Step 6 ------ Select option "3. Install" to copy the file "MR_SMCWA.BIO" into the Flash-ROM. This file contains the actual MR BIOS image. Be aware that part of what is going on here is the erasure of the original content of the Flash-ROM. Step 6a ------ The upload process may take up to 15 eternal seconds, during which time you are likely to begin worrying. Relax, and do NOT shut off the power or otherwise disturb the computer. You'll be notified with a message on the CRT when the upload has completed. Step 6b ------- Turn off the computer's power. If this is the 1st time you have installed MR BIOS into your computer, the jumper J37 will currently be plugged in the [1-2] position. Change it to the [2-3] position. Turn the computer's power back on. Step 7 ------ The first bootup after loading the new BIOS, you will be directed into the BIOS Setup Utility. Configure time, date, floppy drive(s) and other options. Exit by pressing . Step 8 ------ Win95 Users: In a few installations, Windows 95 has been reported to "remember" certain properties of the BIOS that has been replaced by MR BIOS. This can lead to some bewildering behavior. The best rule of thumb is to unconditionally run Win95's "Hardware Wizard" once after installing MR BIOS. If weirdness persists, use the sledge-hammer approach and run Win95's "Setup". Step 9 ------ Enjoy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------- Un-Installation Instructions ---------------------------- Use the "4. Restore" option to reload "SMCWA.BAK" back into the Flash-ROM. If you followed the instructions above, this backup file was created (above, in Step 4) before you installed MR BIOS. Upon completion, shut off the computer's power, and replace the jumper J37 to its factory position [1-2]. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------- Revision History ---------------- Microid Research Inc. is grateful for your suggestions, criticisms, and bug reports. We're proud to share with you evidence of continued progress and improvements, much to your credit. Thank you! Ver 3.30 - Display MR BIOS logo on powerup screen. Show PnP serial and parallel ports in setup utility. Longer IDE spindown timer values (2,5,10 --> 5,10,20 min). Ver 3.29 - EV2,ATX,Atlantis: Fix for Crystal Audio + Win95. UMC/ITE 8669F Super I/O chip: Fix PnP support. Ver 3.28 - Update: Deleting on-board COM/LPT ports in "Ports" setup utility now fully disables them. Fix: 6x86 cacheable range for non-binary memory sizes. Ver 3.27 - Workaround: PnP issues with Crystal soundblaster. Workaround: COM4 port usage by ATI video. Update: Aggressive CMOS-default memory settings. Update: Roundup CPU MHz display (cosmetic). Update: Display dram config in Chipset setup screen. Update: Performance tweaks for 6x86 CPU. Ver 3.26 - Workaround: Aha2940 PCI I/O alignment for Chinese OS/2 (TWarp). Reduced binary bios image to 92K. Changed flash loader, now does not clear cmos century byte (ref: NDD95). Ver 3.25 - Fix: Timing problem with certain 512K pipeline cache modules. Fix: Incompatibility with WD 719X SCSI controllers. Ver 3.24 - Workaround: Disable CPU Pipelining during POST. Upgrade: Higher performance for Mode4 IDE drives. Ver 3.23 - Workaround: Apply v3.22 fix to *all* Adaptec PCI devices. LPT modes: SPP,Bidir,EPP,ECP options for Winbond Super I/O too. Upgrade: Add "CPU-Pipeline" on/off option (for debug purposes). Upgrade: RAID-0 disk striping option, interleave 2-8 IDE drives. Ver 3.22 - Workaround: Fix for Adaptec 2940 bios Ver 1.21 warm-boot bug. Workaround: Fix for nVidia/SGS VGA, replicated PCI ROM register. Workaround: Fix for Holtek asic 8042 bug. Workaround: Move Pnp-Data-Read port to avoid gameport decode bug. Ver 3.21 - Upgrade: Add aggressive "55nS" memory-type option. Bugfix: Obscure bug in "manual" PCI-Int Setup affects mapping over bridge of Ints B,C,D (not A) for a few non-Zappa's. Ver 3.20 - Upgrade: Add CMD 646 EIDE built-in driver. Upgrade: Longer IDE spindown timer values (1,2,5 --> 2,5,10 min). Upgrade: Provide setup field to disable soundblaster totally. Workaround: De-enhance disk seeks to eliminate Norton8 complaint. Workaround: Fix for Adaptec 2940 bios Ver 1.20 bug. Workaround: Fix for S3 '968 32MB pageframe decode bug. Workaround: Fix for Supra PnP Modem bug (drop Adaptec 1542CP fix). Ver 3.19 - LPT modes: SPP,Bidir,EPP,ECP now user options. (SMC & NSC chips). Ver 3.18 - Update for production Cyrix 6x86. Ver 3.17 - Limit ATA-disc "auto" to Mode 3. Mode 4 only avail via "manual". Ver 3.16 - Asymmetric 2M dram support (16M/bank, single-sided). Ver 3.15 - n/a Ver 3.14 - Force bidirectional parallel-port for Nat'l Semi Super-I/O. Ver 3.13 - n/a Ver 3.12 - Bugfix: PnP core overlapped "manual" setup of PCI interrupts. Ver 3.11 - n/a Ver 3.10 - Original Zappa ED,ZP ShareWare release; with new PnP core. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ End document ------------------------------------------------------------------------------