AwardBIOS Setup Information

The Setup program can be executed by pressing a key sequence, usually displayed on the screen when the computer is first started.

CAUTION - Because the BIOS is customized by each PC manufacturer, you should consult your computer's operation manual or the system or motherboard manufacturer before attempting to access or change values in Setup.

AwardBIOS Setup Manuals

The following are links to Acrobat file versions of various AwardBIOS Setup manuals.  If you do not have the Acrobat Reader, you can download it now.

  • AwardBIOS Setup manual for releases prior to August 1996
    This manual explains Setup options common to all AwardBIOS 4.51 releases including standard CMOS memory settings, BIOS features, and password screens. It also includes descriptions of other Setup functions, such as loading default values and configuring IDE hard drives. Explanations of BIOS POST codes and error messages are also included. Chipset-specific features are not described.

  • AwardBIOS Setup manual for releases after July 1996 -- See table below.  The table below lists manuals that explain specific Setup functionality for newer AwardBIOS products.  The table is arranged by BIOS part numbers and chipset names.  You can determine the part number of your AwardBIOS by watching the screen after turning on your PC. While the PC's memory is tested you will see the release date, the part number, and other BIOS information at the bottom of the screen. 
    Hint - use the PAUSE key to stop the BIOS software execution. 
    The part number is used to determine the chipset and match it to the correct manual (a lowercase 'x' represents an unimportant character in a part number).

BIOS Part #ChipsetManual
2A4KDxxxALI 1487/89
2A5KFxxxALI 1521/23
ALIM6117ALI M6117
2A59FxxxIntel 82430HX PCIset
2A59IxxxIntel 82430TX PCIset
2A59GxxxIntel 82430VX PCIset
2A69KxxxIntel 82440BX PCIset
2A69HxxxIntel 82440FX PCIset
2C4UKxxxOPTi 802G
2A5UNxxxOPTi Viper-M (82C556M/7M/8M)