Motherboard with automatic configuration

Abstract

The present invention is a logic circuit and a special module of BIOS for a computer motherboard that automatically reconfigures the motherboard to accept different microprocessors, (CPUs). Each series of CPUs includes different types having different parameters including: manufacturers; basic frequencies; multipliers; and operating voltages. These different parameters must be set on a conventional motherboard by opening and closing jumpers and/or dip-switches. The present invention avoids the need for changing these jumpers or switches by using the Basic Input/Output System, (BIOS), to instruct a logic circuit to set the proper voltage, frequency and multiplier for the specific CPU installed in the motherboard. When a user wishes to upgrade their computer, they remove the old CPU, insert the new CPU and turn on the computer. When the computer "powers up" the operating system senses whether a "hot key", (this can be preprogrammed to be any of the keys on the keyboard), is being or has been pressed. When the hot key has been pressed, the computer enters BIOS setup and the operator can then change the CPU parameters, (voltage, frequency and multiplier), as displayed on the screen. If the hot key is not pressed, the computer simply uses the parameters as previously defined. As with conventional personal computers, the BIOS can be entered from resets other than power-up and the CPU configuration can be changed without turning the computer off.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.