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FILE:        BIOS/READMEconnect.txt
LAST_UPDATE: 6/2/10
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NOTE: Vista SP1 or above is recommended for use with PCI Express expander frames whenever possible.  The use of Windows XP can be seriously hampered by the use of old BIOSes.  And older PCs may not have BIOSes well suited for use with PCI Express expander cages and may no longer be receiving BIOS updates from the PC manufacturer.


Instructions:
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* Check the BIOS/README.txt file regarding special BIOS instructions for your PC.  If there are no instructions, update to the latest available BIOS on the manufacturer's site.  Special restrictions on PCI Express cable card deployment for particular PCs may also be available in the BIOS/README.txt file.

* If the BIOS has a SERR# generation option then disable it.

* If the BIOS has an option that limits bus numbers, then set the option to maximize available bus numbers.


Additional instructions and troubleshooting information:
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* Although most do, some PCs may not utilize spread spectrum PCI Express clocking.  The only way to tell for sure is to look at the clock signal with a scope as there is normally no BIOS switch exposed for this.  If you are using the Agilent 2-slot expander cage, you will find that there is a slider switch immediately behind the cable port on the half height resource manager card with the port.  This slider is in the right-most position by default and this is appropriate for the vast majority of (spread spectrum) PCs.  If you are having trouble connecting to the cage with your PC -- especially if it is an older model such as the P4 HP xw4300 PCs -- you should slide the slider to the left and attempt again to connect/ boot. If you do not have a slider switch on the resource manager card then it is a newer design that will work with any clock type.

* If you are having trouble connecting, try the cable card in different slots if there is no guidance in the BIOS/README.txt file for your PC.

* Check that the "Link" LEDs are lit properly on your cable card and the resource manager board.


Current PCI Express cable card recommendations:
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* One Stop Systems:
 - HIB25 (x8 Gen2 re-driver)
 - HIB2  (x4 Gen1/2 re-driver)
 - HIB2 EC (x1/x4 ExpressCard)