End of Interactive Support
Intel is announcing the end of interactive support for the Intel® AL440LX Motherboard. See the End of Interactive Support Announcement for details.


For technical support, contact your place of purchase -- which will have the most current information about your specific product or configuration. You also can check the Intel FAQ for that product.

• What processors are supported on the Intel® AL440LX Motherboard?
• Why can't I find speed settings in my BIOS configuration mode?
• If I disable Wake On LAN (WOL) in the BIOS setup does my power supply still need to provide 720 mA on 5VSB?
• Does the Intel AL440LX Motherboard support the 333 MHz Pentium® II processor?
• What hardware is needed to integrate an Intel® Celeron® processor with the Intel AL440LX Motherboard?
• Does the Intel AL440LX Motherboard support Pentium with MMX™ technology?
• Why do I get beep codes with my Adaptec SCSI controller card in an Intel AL440LX Motherboard?
• What is the Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP)?
• Does the Intel AL440LX Motherboard support AGP?
• How do I remove the bottom passive heat sink support from the OEM version of the Intel AL440LX Motherboard without damaging it, or the motherboard?
• Are there any special jumpers related to the Pentium II processor selection?
• Why doesn't my CD-ROM or second IDE hard drive work with Windows* 95?
• Does the Intel AL440LX Motherboard support EDO memory?
• How can the onboard audio be disabled?
• Does the Intel AL440LX Motherboard have USB legacy support?
• I am getting beep code 1-3-3-1 and my motherboard does not boot or show any video. What does this mean?
• What kind of problems might occur in an 82440LX-based system that uses non-compliant DIMMs?
• Does Intel qualify memory for use on Intel motherboards?
• The 440LX AGPset supports both EDO and SDRAM. Why does the Intel AL440LX Motherboard support only SDRAM?
• Do all SDRAM DIMMs with an SPD EEPROM meet the 4-clock 66 MHz unbuffered SDRAM DIMM Specification?
• Why does the custom "User Logo", displayed at boot time, get erased when the BIOS is updated? What is the procedure to reprogram the logo is when the BIOS is updated?
• What steps should I take prior to upgrading to Intel AL440LX Motherboard BIOS version P10?
• I've performed an update to Intel AL440LX Motherboard BIOS version P10; But Windows* 98 did not find all of the installation files that it needed. Is there some way to make BIOS version P10 features available to Windows 98 without reinstalling Windows* 98 from scratch?

Additional Information: Intel AL440LX Motherboard

• What processors are supported on the Intel AL440LX Motherboard?
  The motherboard supports Pentium II processors at 233, 266, 300, or 333 MHz with 512KB of integrated L2 cache. The Intel Celeron processors 433 MHz, 400 MHz, 366 MHz, 333 MHz, 300A MHz, 300 MHz and 266 MHz are also supported.

  Note: The Intel Celeron processors 433 MHz are supported when the motherboard contains BIOS version 4A4LL0X0.86A.0030.P13, or later. The Intel Celeron processors 400 MHz, 366 MHz, 333 MHz and 300A MHz are supported when the motherboard contains BIOS version 4A4LL0X0.86A.0027.P10, or later. The Intel Celeron processors 300 MHz and 266 MHz are supported when the motherboard contains BIOS version 4A4LL0X0.86A.0023.P08, or later.
  

  Warning: Processors not specifically listed by type and rated speed may have requirements that are not supported by the motherboard's design. Use of these processors may result in improper operation, damage to the motherboard or processor, or reduced product life.

• Why can't I find speed settings in my BIOS configuration mode?
  The processor speed option previously available in configuration mode is not displayed with newer Intel® processors, and will not effect the processor speed. Newer Intel processors boot with the ratio preset and tested during manufacturing. The fixed pre-selected ratios are reflected in the EBL_CR_POWERON register.

• If I disable Wake On LAN (WOL) in the BIOS CMOS setup does my power supply still need to provide 720 mA on 5VSB?
  Yes, the BIOS option only programs the chipset to recognize a WOL interrupt or to ignore this interrupt. It cannot prevent a WOL capable Network Interface Card (NIC) from attempting to draw power from the 5VSB pin at system boot. A power supply that provides at least 720mA on 5VSB must be used when building a WOL capable system.

  If your power supply is not capable of meeting the 720 mA current requirement, your system may not power up. Also you could experience damage to your power supply if it does not have any overcurrent protection. Please contact your system integrator to see if your power supply meets the 720 mA current requirement.

  If you are using a WOL capable NIC but are not using the WOL capability you can remove the cable from the NIC to the WOL header on the motherboard. This will prevent the NIC from drawing additional current from the 5VSB.

• Does the Intel AL440LX Motherboard support the 333 MHz Pentium® II processor?
  The Intel AL440LX Motherboard with BIOS version 4A4LL0X0.86A.0015.P05, and future revisions, supports the 333 MHz Pentium II processor. Processor speed is set using the system configuration jumper (J8B2) to access maintenance mode.

  Function Jumper J8B2 Configuration Mode Normal pins 1-2 use current configuration Configure pins 2-3 access maintenance mode after POST (set processor speed) Recover none use to recover BIOS from floppy

  Note:The Intel AL440LX Motherboard carries a Declaration of Conformity label certifying that it complies with open chassis emission standards specified in FCC rules. The following PBA revision levels have successfully completed open chassis emission testing with the 333 MHz Pentium II processor:

  Product Code PBA Number Intel® BOXAL440LX 696925-308 and higher Intel® BLKAL440LX 696925-308 and higher Intel® BOXAL440LXNA 696926-308 and higher Intel® BLKAL440LXNA 696926-308 and higher

  For other PBAs, conformity with FCC open chassis emission standards was verified with processor speeds up to 300 MHz, the highest processor speed available at the time the motherboard was introduced.

  Higher speed processors may increase system electromagnetic emissions. It is the responsibility of the system integrator to verify that a system based on the combination of any Intel AL440LX Motherboard not listed above and any new higher speed processor, including the 333 MHz Pentium II processor, complies with EMC emission standards.

• What hardware is needed to integrate an Intel Celeron processor with the Intel AL440LX Motherboard?
  The correct retention mechanism and heatsink supports are required to integrate the Intel Celeron processor on the Intel AL440LX Motherboard.

  Retention Mechanism:
  To integrate a Celeron processor on the motherboard, a Single Edge Processor Package (SEPP) retention mechanism is used. The retention mechanism must be compatible with metal fasteners.

  The motherboard has a Retention Mechanism Attach Mount (RMAM) with metal fasteners. The holes in the motherboard are .140" (.35560 cm) and are only compatible with the metal fastener SEPP retention mechanism. Plastic Push Pin fasteners made for .159" (.40386 cm) motherboard holes will not work with the holes on the motherboard.

  Heatsink:
  There are two versions of heatsink supports depending on whether the heatsink solution is passive or active (with fan). Passive heatsink supports are pre-installed on the motherboard. The motherboard also requires a heatsink support top bar. If you would like to use an active heatsink solution, you will need to remove the bottom passive heatsink support from the motherboard.  

• Does the Intel AL440LX Motherboard support MMX technology?
  The Intel AL440LX Motherboard is designed for the Pentium II processor. The Pentium II processor delivers the power of the Intel® Pentium® Pro processor plus the capabilities of MMX™ technology for better, smoother, and more realistic media experiences.

• Why do I get beep codes with my Adaptec SCSI controller card in an Intel AL440LX Motherboard?
  Certain Adaptec SCSI BIOSes (namely versions 1.31 on AHA-3940AU, 3940AUW, 3940AUWD and 1.32 on AHA-2940AU, 2940U, 2940UW) do not accurately calculate a run-time BIOS checksum at the completion of POST. The validation of this checksum is a function that is implemented on many Intel Motherboard System BIOSes which implement the industry-wide "BIOS Boot Specification ". Therefore, an option ROM checksum error (one long and two short beeps) is reported back.

  Note: There are no system functionality problems caused by this error.

  Resolution: Adaptec will be providing a SCSI BIOS upgrade in the mid-May '98 time frame (version 1.34) that will be available on Adaptec's Web site ^†.
  
  Note: This link will take you off of the Intel website. Intel is not responsible for the content on this site.

• What is the Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP)?
  AGP is a dedicated graphics bus with higher bandwidth and which allows texturing from main memory. By providing high-bandwidth access to memory, AGP enables a new level of sophisticated graphics allowing software developers to create richer, more inviting 3D environments with higher resolutions than ever before.

• Does the Intel AL440LX Motherboard support AGP?
  Yes. The Intel AL440LX Motherboard supports the AGP bus since it is based on the Intel® 440LX AGPset

• How do I remove the bottom passive heat sink support from the OEM version of the Intel AL440LX Motherboard without damaging it, or the motherboard?
  After removing the oval headed plastic pins the support is gently rocked back and forth until it comes off the board. A special tool (part number 58982-01) is available through Dexter Design in the United States (503) 648-7000 which will facilitate the safe removal. Email:dxtrdsgn@aol.com. However, we recommend system integrators purchase the boxed Intel AL440LX Motherboard, which is designed without the bottom passive heatsink support and intergrates easily with the boxed Pentium II processes, which uses an active fan heatsink.

• Are there any special jumpers related to the Pentium II processor selection?
  There is a single configuration jumper to put the board into the configuration mode. All configuration options are then available through the BIOS configuration screen, including selection of CPU speed. (Refer to the Technical Product Specification for more information.

• Why doesn't my CD-ROM or second IDE hard drive work with Windows* 95?
  There are two known issues involving CD-ROM or secondary hard drives:
  • The retail version of Microsoft Windows 95 may not recognize the Intel®  82371AB PIIX4 IDE controller used on Intel motherboards, causing the BIOS to disable the secondary IDE channel. This can result in IDE devices (such as CD-ROM drives) not being detected or disappearing after the system is rebooted.
  • Windows 95 also may fail to recognize a CD-ROM drive that does not comply with the ATAPI specification.

• Does the Intel AL440LX Motherboard support EDO memory?
  Only SDRAM memory is supported on the Intel AL440LX Motherboard. EDO memory will not function on the Intel AL440LX Motherboard.

• How can the onboard audio be disabled?
  The onboard audio can be disabled using the BIOS Setup Utility. Select the Advanced menu, then the Peripheral Configuration screen. The menu will offer options to enable or disable the audio if it is present on the motherboard. Refer to your user's guide on the CD-ROM which ships with the boxed product or the Technical Product Specification for other setup options.

• Does the Intel AL440LX Motherboard have USB legacy support?
  Yes. USB legacy support enables USB keyboards and mice to be used although no operating system drivers are in place. By default, USB legacy support is disabled. USB Legacy support is for use in accessing BIOS Setup and the installation of a USB aware operating system only.

  This sequence describes how USB legacy support operates in the default (disabled) mode.

  1. When you power up the computer, USB legacy support is disabled.
  2. POST begins.
  3. USB legacy support is temporarily enabled by the BIOS. This allows you to use a USB keyboard to enter the Setup program or the maintenance mode.
  4. POST completes and disables USB legacy support (unless it was set to Enabled while in Setup)
  5. The operating system loads. While the operating system is loading, USB keyboards and mice are not recognized. After the operating system loads the USB drivers, the USB devices are recognized.

     To install a USB aware operating system, enable USB Legacy support in BIOS Setup and follow the operating system's installation instructions. Once the operating system is installed and the USB drivers configured, USB Legacy Support is no longer used. USB Legacy Support can be left enabled in BIOS Setup if needed. Notes on using USB legacy support:

     • If USB legacy support is enabled, don't mix USB and PS/2* keyboards and mice. For example, don't use a PS/2 keyboard with a USB mouse, or a USB keyboard and a PS/2 mouse.
     • It is not recommended to use USB devices with an operating system that does not support USB. USB legacy does not support the use of USB devices in a non USB operating system.
     • USB legacy support is for keyboards and mice only. Hubs and other USB devices are not supported in this special mode.

        

• I am getting beep code 1-3-3-1 and my motherboard does not boot or show any video. What does this mean?
  This beep code indicates that a failure was detected during POST memory testing. Try doing a BIOS recovery to the latest BIOS to see if it resolves your problem. If this does not resolve the problem, try replacing the DIMMs. See the Intel motherboard web site for a list of tested memory for your motherboard.

• What kind of problems might occur in an 82440LX-based system that uses non-compliant DIMMs?
  The most extreme example of memory failure causes the system to hang while booting up. This will happen because the system is not able to communicate properly with the memory. In less extreme cases, the memory may generate intermittent errors or fail during stress.

• Does Intel Qualify memory for use on Intel motherboards?
  No. OEMs and system integrators are solely responsible for qualifying the memory that they include in their systems. Intel will perform only limited testing of a few memory modules to verify functionality of the motherboard's design. Intel does offer a program for 3rd parties to self-test their own memory and to report passing results to Intel for inclusion on our Internet based tested memory list.

• The 440LX AGPset supports both EDO and SDRAM. Why does the Intel AL440LX Motherboard support only SDRAM?
  Intel made this decision based on AGP performance considerations. The synchronous, high performance architecture of SDRAM is well suited to the burst memory accesses of AGP and advanced 3D applications. Comparative AGP benchmarking of EDO vs. SDRAM has shown that the performance advantage of SDRAM increases with CPU speed. This advantage is already over 5% at 300MHz.

• Do all SDRAM DIMMs with an SPD EEPROM meet the 4-clock 66 MHz unbuffered SDRAM DIMM Specification?
  No. The SPD device and data structure is only part of the specification. Although the SPD contains data that could be used in configuring the DIMMs into the motherboard, there is no way to determine if this data is valid.

• Why does the custom "User Logo ", displayed at boot time, get erased when the BIOS is updated? What is the procedure to reprogram the logo is when the BIOS is updated?
  The Phoenix BIOS is designed to always clear the user logo flash area when the BIOS is updated. There are several reasons for this requirement, some of which are related to flash security, manufacturing quality and service return processing.

  Some customers ship configured systems with their own identifying logo (displayed at boot time) installed during system integration in their factory. Once the system has been distributed to the field, it is possible that BIOS updates may be made available from Intel. Updating the system BIOS with only the files distributed by Intel will erase the logo.

  If a customer wants their "User Logo" to be maintained after updating the BIOS (i.e. at the field location), the logo area must be reprogrammed with the custom "User Logo", using the iflash utility. This can be accomplished automatically by executing the iflash utility from an autoexec.bat file on the update boot diskette after the BIOS is updated. The following AUTOEXEC.BAT will automatically update the BIOS followed by programming the "User Logo ". The BIOS files and the user logo file must be present on the boot diskette during the update process.

  Note: Only the executable lines are required, user feedback is not mandatory.

  AUTOEXEC.BAT COMMENTS @echo off   beep alerts user to activity in progress echo Programming system BIOS informs user BIOS is going to be updated iflash /P p03-0011.bio updates BIOS echo BIOS update complete informs user BIOS update complete echo   echo Restoring Logo informs user Logo is going to be restored pause prompts user to continue iflash /p Logodata.usr programs "User Logo" echo Update complete informs user Update complete

• What steps should I take prior to upgrading to Intel AL440LX Motherboard bios version P10?
  Previous versions of the Intel AL440LX Motherboard BIOS did not have support for ACPI, P10 is the first Intel AL440LX Motherboard BIOS that has ACPI support.

  After updating the Intel AL440LX Motherboard bios to P10, Windows 98 will find new device nodes and try to update it's device configuration objects.

  In the process of Windows 98 updating it's configuration, it must access one of the "CAB " files from the installation CD-ROM. The issue is that for some configurations of systems, the ATAPI-CD-ROM device can not be found, so the Windows device update fails.

  The following procedure should be followed in performing a BIOS update to BIOS P10 while running Windows* 98 on an Intel AL440LX Motherboard based system:

  1. While the previous version of BIOS is still active, copy the file "BASE5.CAB " from the Windows* 98 installation CD-ROM into a temporary directory.

     For example: COPY D:\WIN98\BASE5.CAB to C:\TEMP\BASE5.CAB

  2. Follow the procedure to update the Intel AL440LX Motherboard to BIOS version P10.

  3. When Windows 98 is booted for the first time, direct the Windows 98 new hardware detection prompts to locate the Windows 98 files that would normally be located on the Windows 98 installation CD-ROM to the file "C:\TEMP\BASE5.CAB ".

  4. Reboot your computer for the changes to take effect.

• I've performed an update to Intel AL440LX Motherboard bios version P10; But Windows 98 did not find all of the installationn files that it needed. Is there some way to make BIOS version P10 features available to Windows 98 without reinstalling Windows 98 from scratch?
  After updating the Intel AL440LX Motherboard bios to P10, Windows 98 will find new device nodes and try to update its device configuration objects to support ACPI.

  In the process of Windows 98 updating it's configuration, it must re-install the ATAPI-CD-ROM device. However, these configuration files are found on the Windows 98 CD-ROM which has been disabled.

  The following is a procedure to synchronize Windows 98 configuration with the new ACPI functions offered with BIOS P10 after BIOS P10 has been already been installed in a Windows 98 system.

  1. Directly after rebooting the system, Go to the control panel. Double click on the "Add new hardware " icon.

  2. In the "Add New Hardware Wizard" screen click on "Next". The wizard will display the message: "Windows will now search for any new Plug and Play devices on your system". Click on "Next ".

  3. The wizard will display the message: "Windows can now search for hardware that is not Plug and Play compatible, or you can select your hardware from a list". "Do you want Windows to search for your new hardware? "

     Select "Yes" and click on "Next ".

  4. The wizard will display the message: "Windows will now search for any new devices that are not Plug and Play compatible". Click on "Next".

  5. The "Add New Hardware Wizard" indicates that it has found some hardware. Click on "Finish ".

  6. A pop-up window will appear with the following message: "To finish setting up your new hardware you must restart your computer. Do you wish to restart now ?"

     <<Click on the entry "No".>>

  7. Windows 98 will now start detecting the baseboard devices. Make sure that you have the Windows 98 installation CD-ROM placed in your CD-ROM drive. When some devices are detected, Windows 98 will ask you for the CD-ROM and will read files from it.

  8. After all devices have been detected, shutdown Windows and reboot.

  The Windows 98 update for BIOS P10 is now complete and is configured for the ACPI enabled BIOS.

This applies to:

Intel® AL440LX Motherboard