Question about a setting in the MSI P6N BIOS.

[ty1er]

In the BIOS under the Integrated Peripherals section there lists two items.
Shown here

Onboard E-SATA Controller
and
Onboard E-SATA Option ROM

Now I would think that the "onboard e-sata cotroller" setting simply turns the esata port on the mobo, off and on.
But I am curiuos on what the "Onboard E-SATA Option ROM" does. Anyone know?

Thanks

 

[ty1er]

When I Enable "Onboard E-SATA Option ROM" in the bios I "see" the external sata HD in dos. Also when I boot into 2003 Ghost (dos ver), using a standard vanllia 2003 Ghost boot disc the external drive shows up! So I can make images of my pc with out messing around trying to figure out a way to get a external USB HD to work with ghost.

 

[Peter]

Generally speaking, those "option ROMs" are extra pieces of BIOS made for "optional" components that aren't part of the main chipset. Their purpose is to provide boot services for these devices.

You will find option ROMs are usually included for LAN, extra storage controllers on the mainboard, or special modes (RAID) of the chipset's own integrated storage controllers.

Add-on cards must physically bring their own "option ROM" with them.

 

[ty1er]

Originally posted by: Peter
Generally speaking, those "option ROMs" are extra pieces of BIOS made for "optional" components that aren't part of the main chipset. Their purpose is to provide boot services for these devices.

You will find option ROMs are usually included for LAN, extra storage controllers on the mainboard, or special modes (RAID) of the chipset's own integrated storage controllers.

Add-on cards must physically bring their own "option ROM" with them.

Thanks Peter for the info.