chipset

- A chipset is a group of integrated circuits (microchips) that can be used together to serve a single function and are therefore manufactured and sold as a unit. For example, one chipset might combine all the microchips needed to serve as the communications controller between a processor and memory and other devices in a computer.

• What is a BIOS?

BIOS is an acronym for Basic Input and Output System.  This program is stored in a Read-Only Memory chip on the motherboard.  Upon computer power-up, the BIOS is launched to perform various start-up functions.
 

• Power-On Self Test (POST) - to test and initialize the hardware
• Loads the operating system
• Manage Setup for enhancing computer behavior
• Helps operating systems and application programs to manage PC hardware via BIOS Run-Time Service routines
 

• What is Setup?

The BIOS Setup is a program essential to optimizing and configuring the hardware and behavior of the computer.  Setup programs vary from one computer to another.  Check your motherboard manual for BIOS Setup options and settings.  In general the BIOS Setup program is needed when:
 

• installing or changing hardware on your system
• changing the behavior of your computer (changing date & time, enabling or disabling special features, etc.)
• improving the behavior of your computer (changing performance speed, adjusting shadowing or caching)
 

• What is CMOS?

CMOS stands for Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor in which your PC hardware configuration is stored.  Information is permanently saved in 64 bytes of CMOS RAM and is maintained by a battery (so that nothing is lost after the PC is turned off).  The CMOS maintains a PC´s internal clock, controls how fast your computer reads from memory, whether or not your CPU's cache is enabled or disabled, how fast your PCI bus communicates with its adaptor cards, and much more.  These CMOS settings can be adjusted in the BIOS Setup.  At times, the CMOS needs to be cleared - especially if you need to flash upgrade a BIOS or when you lose your password to the BIOS Setup program.  Click [HERE] for more information on how to clear a CMOS.
 

• What is POST?

POST is short for Power-On Self Test.  It consists of a series of diagnostic routines that automatically runs at start-up and tests / initializes the devices on the system.  The POST tests the RAM, keyboard, and disk drives.  If for some reason the tests are unsuccessful, the computer would emit a series of beeps with an error message and code.  Please refer to your motherboard manual on how to interpret Beep Codes.
 

• How do I determine which BIOS version I have?

BIOS Versions may be difficult to distinguish on some motherboards.  This guide will assist you in determining the BIOS version on your particular BIOS.

All TYAN motherboards use either the AMI, Award or Phoenix BIOS.  The BIOS version can be found at bootup just below the left hand corner logo.  Ignore all version numbers that do not start with TYN.  TYAN BIOS versions are stated at startup at the following line:

TYN [motherboard model] Vx.xx  MM/DD/YY

x.xx is the BIOS version number,
motherboard model reflects the motherboard you have, and
MM/DD/YY is the release date of the BIOS.
 

• Why do I get a "CMOS checksum invalid" error message during POST?

If you get the above error message or "Invalid configuration, run Setup" message, the it is an indication that the CMOS battery needs to be changed.  Contact your dealer for assistance.
 

• Why do I get the message, "Stack overflow, system halted, please adjust stacks in config.sys and try again" when I try to flash my BIOS?

Make sure that you have all USB devices unplugged during the flash process.  If any USB devices are plugged in during the flash process you will receive this message.