ATI SX Motherboards and Windows 3.0

 Last reviewed: November 22, 1994
Article ID: Q64037
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.0, 3.0a

SUMMARY

Some computers currently being sold with 386 SX processors may contain 286 BIOS chips. This prevents these computers from operating in 386 enhanced mode under Microsoft Windows version 3.0. An example of a motherboard that has a 286 BIOS is the ATI SX motherboard. To run in enhanced mode with the ATI SX requires a 386 BIOS upgrade and change in jumper settings on the motherboard.

MORE INFORMATION

To upgrade an ATI motherboard containing 286 BIOS chips, follow these steps:

  1. Replace existing 286 BIOS chips with 386 compatible ATI BIOS chips.

  2. It may be necessary to reset the existing jumper settings on the motherboard. J8 and J9 need to be set to 32K page memory allocation not 16K. (Note: Please refer to ATI Technical Support or your ATI user's manual to verify these settings.)

Windows needs 32K pages and/or boundaries to run in enhanced mode. By using a 286 BIOS, Windows is forced to use 16K pages.

The products included here are manufactured by vendors independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding these products' performance or reliability.

KBCategory: kbhw
KBSubcategory: win30
Additional reference words: 3.00 3.0 3.0a 3.00a KBHW

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Last reviewed: November 22, 1994
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