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2 configuring an expansion card, Standard interrupt assignments – Asus A7V266-M User Manual

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Chapter 2: Hardware information

Standard Interrupt Assignments

This table lists the standard IRQ assignments for most PC devices.

IRQ

Priority

Standard Function

0

1

System Timer

1

2

Keyboard Controller

2

N/A

Programmable Interrupt

3*

11

Communications Port (COM2)

4*

12

Communications Port (COM1)

5*

13

Sound Card (sometimes LPT2)

6

14

Floppy Disk Controller

7*

15

Printer Port (LPT1)

8

3

System CMOS/Real Time Clock

9*

4

ACPI Mode when used

10*

5

IRQ Holder for PCI Steering

11*

6

IRQ Holder for PCI Steering

12*

7

PS/2 Compatible Mouse Port

13

8

Numeric Data Processor

14*

9

Primary IDE Channel

15*

10

Secondary IDE Channel

*These IRQs are usually available for ISA or PCI devices.

IRQ assignments for

this motherboard

2.6.2 Configuring an expansion card

Some expansion cards need an IRQ to operate. Generally, an IRQ must be
exclusively assigned to one function at a time. In a standard design
configuration, 16 IRQs are available but most are already in use. Normally,
6 IRQs are free for expansion cards. If themotherboard has PCI audio
onboard, an additional IRQ will be used. If your motherboard also has MIDI
enabled, another IRQ will be used, leaving 4 IRQs free. Sometimes IRQs
are “shared” by more than one function; in this case, IRQ assignments are
swapped automatically or adjusted through the BIOS firmware.

IMPORTANT!

When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the

drivers support “Share IRQ” or that the cards do not need IRQ
assignments. Otherwise, conflicts will arise between the two PCI groups,
making the system unstable and the card inoperable.