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PC System Design Guide
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The PC System Design Guide (also known as the PC-97, PC-98, PC-99, or PC 2001 specification) is a series of hardware design requirements and recommendations for IBM PC compatible personal computers, compiled by Microsoft and Intel Corporation during 1997–2001. They were aimed at helping manufacturers provide hardware that made the best use of the capabilities of the Microsoft Windows operating system, and to simplify setup and use of such computers.
Every part of a standard computer and the most common kinds of peripheral devices are defined with specific requirements. Systems and devices that meet the specification should be automatically recognized and configured by the operating system.
Versions
[edit]Four versions of the PC System Design Guide were released. In PC-97, a distinction was made between the requirements of a Basic PC, a Workstation PC and an Entertainment PC. In PC-98, the Mobile PC was added as a category. In PC 2001, the Entertainment PC was dropped.
| Version | Date |
|---|---|
| PC-97 | February 9, 1998 |
| PC-98 | December 31, 1998 |
| PC-99 | July 14, 1999 |
| PC 2001 | November 2, 2000 |
PC-97
[edit]Required:
- 120 MHz Pentium, MIPS R4x00, Digital Alpha 21064 (EV4) or IBM PowerPC architecture (latter three only under Windows NT)
- 16 MB RAM
Initial version.
- Introduced color code for PS/2 keyboard (purple) and PS/2 mouse (green) connectors
PC-98
[edit](Not to be confused with NEC's incompatible PC-98 series)
Aimed at systems to be used with Windows 98 or Windows 2000. Required:
- 200 MHz Pentium processor with MMX technology (or equivalent performance)
- 256 KB L2 cache
- 32 MB RAM (recommended: 64 MB of 66 MHz DRAM)
- ACPI 1.0 (including power button behavior)
- Fast BIOS power-up (limited RAM test, no floppy test, minimal startup display, etc.)
- BIOS Y2K compliance
- PXE preboot environment
It was published as ISBN 1-57231-716-7.
PC-99
[edit]Required:
- 300 MHz CPU
- 64 MB RAM
- USB
- Comprehensive color-coding scheme for ports and connectors (see below)
Strongly discouraged:
- Non plug-and-play hardware
- ISA slots
It was published as ISBN 0-7356-0518-1.
PC 2001
[edit]Required:
- 667 MHz CPU
- 64 MB RAM
Final version. First to require IO-APICs to be enabled on all desktop systems. Places a greatly increased emphasis on legacy-reduced and legacy-free systems. Some "legacy" items such as ISA expansion slots and device dependence on MS-DOS are forbidden entirely, while others are merely strongly discouraged.[1]
PC 2001 removes compatibility for the A20 line: "If A20M# generation logic is still present in the system, this logic must be terminated such that software writes to I/O port 92, bit 1, do not result in A20M# being asserted to the processor."[2]
Color-coding scheme for connectors and ports
[edit]
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Perhaps the most end-user visible and lasting impact of PC 99 was that it introduced a color code for the various standard types of plugs and connectors used on PCs.[3] As many of the connectors look very similar, particularly to a novice PC user, this made it far easier for people to connect peripherals to the correct ports on a PC. This color code was gradually adopted by almost all PC and motherboard manufacturers. Some of the color codes have also been widely adopted by peripheral manufacturers.
| Color / Pantone value | Function | Connector on PC | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mouse and keyboard | ||||
| Green / 3395C | PS/2 mouse / pointing device | 6-pin mini-DIN female | ||
| Purple / 2715C | PS/2 keyboard | |||
| Gold / 131C | Game port / MIDI | 15-pin D female | ||
| General input/output | ||||
| Black / 426C | USB 1 | USB Type A female | ||
| Grey / 424C | IEEE 1394 (FireWire) | 6-pin FireWire 400 | ||
| Burgundy / 235C | Parallel port | 25-pin D female | ||
| Teal or turquoise / 322C | Serial port | 9-pin D male | ||
| Video | ||||
| Blue / 661C | Analog monitor | 15-pin VGA female | ||
| White | Digital monitor | DVI female | ||
| Yellow / 123C | Video out: S-Video | 4-pin mini-DIN | ||
| Yellow / 123C | Video out: Composite video | RCA jack | ||
| Audio | ||||
| Pink / 701C | Analog microphone audio input (mono or stereo). | 3.5 mm TRS | ||
| Light blue / 284C | Analog line level audio input. | |||
| Lime green / 577C | Analog line level audio output. | |||
| Orange / 157C | Analog audio output for the center speaker and Subwoofer | |||
| Brown / 4645C | Analog audio output for "right-to-left" speakers. | |||
See also
[edit]- ATX
- Legacy-free PC
- Multimedia PC
- Sound card
- IBM PC–compatible
- PoweredUSB (proprietary high-power USB extension using other color-coded ports)
References
[edit]- ^ Robert Bruce Thompson; Barbara Fritchman Thompson (24 July 2003). PC Hardware in a Nutshell (3rd ed.). O'Reilly & Associates, Inc. p. 1.1 PCs Defined. ISBN 0-596-00513-X. Archived from the original on July 11, 2011. Retrieved January 4, 2011.
- ^ "Chapter 3 PC System". PC 2001 System Design Guide (PDF). Intel Corporation and Microsoft Corporation. p. 52. Retrieved 2023-06-03.
SYS–0047. A20M# is always de-asserted (pulled high) at the processor
- ^ PC 99 System Design Guide, Intel Corporation and Microsoft Corporation, 14 July 1999. Chapter 3: PC 99 basic requirements (PC 99 System Design Guide (Self-extracting .exe archive) Archived 2007-02-16 at the Wayback Machine. Requirement 3.18.3: Systems use a color-coding scheme for connectors and ports. Accessed 2009-02-05
External links
[edit]- Legacy PC Design Guides – Microsoft Download Center
PDF versions:
PC System Design Guide
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
The PC System Design Guide is a series of technical reference documents co-authored by Microsoft Corporation and Intel Corporation between 1997 and 2001, establishing mandatory requirements, recommended practices, and optional features for the hardware design of IBM PC-compatible personal computers and peripherals to ensure seamless integration, optimal performance, and enhanced user experience with Microsoft Windows operating systems such as Windows 98 and Windows NT 5.0.[1][2] These guides, known by version numbers including PC 97, PC 98, PC 99, and PC 2001, were developed to reduce the total cost of ownership for users, promote hardware interoperability through standards like Plug and Play, and qualify systems for the "Designed for Microsoft Windows" and Intel logo programs.[3][2]
The guides evolved annually to address emerging technologies and user needs, starting with PC 97 in 1997, which introduced foundational guidelines for x86-based systems running Windows, including initial support for advanced power management and connectivity standards.[4] Subsequent versions like PC 98 (1998) and PC 99 (1999) expanded on these by banning legacy ISA buses in favor of modern interfaces, mandating compliance with ACPI 1.0 for power states (D0-D3 and S5), and requiring at least two USB ports on desktops for improved peripheral connectivity and wake-from-sleep functionality.[1][2] PC 2001 further emphasized legacy-free designs, promoting IEEE 1394 (FireWire) for high-speed data transfer and Device Bay for hot-swappable modules, while setting performance baselines such as 733 MHz processors and 64 MB RAM for consumer and office PCs.[5][6]
Key aspects covered in the guides include standardized color-coding for ports (e.g., purple for keyboards, green for mice) to simplify user setup, full-duplex audio with 16-bit stereo at 44.1/48 kHz sampling rates and ≥80 dB signal-to-noise ratios, and graphics adapters supporting 1024×768 resolution at 60 Hz with VESA ergonomic timings and hardware acceleration for 2D/3D rendering.[2] They also mandated Windows Driver Model (WDM) compliance for devices like modems (V.90 standard) and network adapters (NDIS 5.0), accessibility features such as flicker-minimized displays and one-hand operable controls, and support for emerging media like DVD drives with 2x speeds and Ultra DMA for storage.[2] By prioritizing manageability (e.g., SMBIOS 2.2), power efficiency (e.g., fast resume under 500 ms from sleep), and innovation in areas like smart cards and digital imaging peripherals, the guides significantly influenced PC architecture, fostering a shift toward USB-centric, user-friendly designs that minimized configuration hassles and supported multimedia applications.[7][2]
Overview and Purpose
Definition and Goals
The PC System Design Guide is a collaborative series of hardware design requirements and recommendations developed by Microsoft Corporation and Intel Corporation between 1997 and 2001, aimed at IBM PC-compatible personal computer systems optimized for Windows operating systems.[2][8] This guide establishes minimal quality standards for hardware, firmware, and device drivers to ensure seamless integration with Windows, focusing on advancing platform capabilities while encouraging innovation through industry standards rather than rigid implementations.[2] The primary goals of the guide include enabling automatic hardware recognition and configuration by the Windows operating system, which simplifies user setup and reduces the need for manual intervention during installation.[8] It optimizes systems for Plug and Play functionality, allowing dynamic resource allocation and effortless peripheral integration to enhance overall ease of use and reliability.[2] Additionally, the guide promotes the adoption of standardized peripherals and components to minimize compatibility issues, thereby lowering total cost of ownership and boosting end-user satisfaction with Windows-based applications.[8] To achieve these objectives, the guide categorizes PC designs into types such as Consumer PC (basic systems for general use), Entertainment PC (for multimedia experiences), Office PC (productivity-focused), Mobile PC (portable configurations), and Workstation PC (high-performance computing), providing targeted recommendations to guide system builders toward consistent, reliable performance across varied applications.[2] These categories ensure that hardware meets Windows-specific needs like power management and manageability, fostering a synergy between PC architecture and the operating system.[4] The guide evolved through successive versions—PC-97, PC-98, PC-99, and PC 2001—to progressively refine these standards.[8]Development Partners
The PC System Design Guide was co-authored by Microsoft Corporation and Intel Corporation, establishing a foundational partnership for standardizing personal computer hardware and software integration. Microsoft took the lead in defining requirements for Windows compatibility, emphasizing software services, driver models, and user experience optimization to support features like Plug and Play. Intel, in turn, concentrated on hardware architecture, including chipset standards, bus specifications, and processor integration for x86 platforms.[2][8] The joint development process involved collaborative authoring of updates, timed to synchronize with evolving Windows operating systems, and drew on extensive input from industry stakeholders to refine guidelines. Numerous companies, including Compaq, Dell, Gateway 2000, Hewlett-Packard, 3Com, and IBM, provided feedback that shaped hardware recommendations and ensured broad applicability across the PC ecosystem. Standards organizations such as the PCI Special Interest Group, USB Implementers Forum, and Video Electronics Standards Association also contributed technical specifications integrated into the guide.[2][8] In terms of enforcement and validation, Microsoft administered the "Designed for Microsoft Windows" logo program, certifying compliant systems to guarantee seamless operation and interoperability. Intel complemented this by offering technical validation for hardware designs, particularly those leveraging Intel Architecture components, to promote reliability and performance in x86-based PCs. This division of responsibilities facilitated a cohesive framework that advanced overall system quality and innovation.[2][8]Historical Development
Origins in the 1990s
In the mid-1990s, the PC System Design Guide emerged as a response to the increasing complexity of personal computer hardware coinciding with the release of Microsoft Windows 95 in 1995, which demanded greater harmony between diverse system components and the operating system to enable features like Plug and Play.[9] This period saw PCs evolving from relatively simple configurations to intricate assemblies incorporating multiple buses such as ISA, PCI, and SCSI, along with varied peripherals that often required manual resource allocation, leading to frequent incompatibilities.[9] The guide's initial formulation, outlined in the 1994 Hardware Design Guide for Windows 95, aimed to standardize designs for what was termed the "PC 95" platform, focusing on automated detection and configuration to streamline user experiences.[9] Precursor influences included Microsoft's Windows Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL) testing program, established in the early 1990s to certify hardware compatibility through rigorous validation of drivers and systems, setting the stage for more prescriptive design guidelines.[10] Additionally, Intel's reference designs for Pentium processors provided foundational blueprints for motherboard layouts and chipset integrations, influencing how OEMs approached system architecture to support advanced features like enhanced graphics and power management.[9] These elements collectively informed the guide's emphasis on linear frame buffers, programmable logic, and standardized interfaces to mitigate the era's hardware fragmentation.[9] The primary motivation stemmed from widespread user complaints regarding installation difficulties, driver conflicts, and non-standard peripherals in the pre-Plug and Play landscape, where static resource limitations—such as 10-bit I/O decoding and fixed IRQ/DMA assignments—often resulted in boot failures or suboptimal performance.[9] By promoting a Plug and Play BIOS and automatic resource reconfiguration, the guide sought to eliminate manual jumper settings and conflict resolution, making hardware upgrades "as easy as possible for the user."[9] This initiative was bolstered by a partnership between Microsoft and Intel, who jointly developed standards like the Plug and Play ISA Specification (Version 1.0a, 1994) and the Display Control Interface (DCI).[9]Timeline of Versions
The PC System Design Guide underwent annual iterative releases from 1997 to 2001, reflecting progressive refinements in hardware standards to align with evolving Windows operating systems and industry needs. Each version built upon the prior one, starting with foundational compatibility requirements and advancing toward enhanced multimedia capabilities, mobility support, and streamlined architectures. The initial PC-97 version, released in 1997, established core compatibility guidelines for PC systems and peripherals designed for Microsoft Windows environments. This was followed by PC-98 in 1998, which expanded on basic standards by incorporating improved multimedia and mobility features to better support Windows 98.[11] PC-99, issued in 1999, continued this progression with further enhancements in multimedia and mobility, including the introduction of specialized categories such as the Entertainment PC.[2] The series concluded with PC 2001 in 2000, emphasizing legacy-free designs that eliminated outdated components for more efficient systems aligned with Windows 2000 and Me.[12] These annual updates were closely tied to key software advancements, including Windows NT 5.0 (Windows 2000) and the Windows 98/Me family, ensuring hardware evolution kept pace with operating system capabilities.[7]Detailed Version Specifications
PC-97 Requirements
The PC-97 specification, introduced by Microsoft in 1996, established the foundational hardware guidelines for personal computers designed to ensure compatibility with Windows 95 and subsequent versions, focusing on enhanced system performance, power management, and device integration. It categorized systems into three distinct types to address varying user needs: the Basic PC for entry-level office and general-purpose tasks, the Workstation PC for high-performance computing in professional environments, and the Entertainment PC for multimedia-focused applications. These categories set minimum hardware thresholds while emphasizing uniform design principles to simplify manufacturing and user experience.[13][14] For the Basic PC, intended for everyday desktop and portable use in office settings, the minimum requirements included a 120 MHz Pentium processor and 16 MB of RAM, with 32 MB recommended for smoother operation; a 512 KB Level 2 cache was suggested but not mandatory. The Workstation PC, targeted at users running complex Win32-based applications such as engineering or data-intensive software, required a higher baseline of a 150 MHz Pentium processor, 32 MB of RAM (64 MB recommended), and a mandatory 512 KB Level 2 cache, along with advanced networking options like ISDN or cable modems. The Entertainment PC, optimized for multimedia playback and content creation, mandated a 150 MHz Pentium processor, 32 MB of RAM, and a 256 KB Level 2 cache, incorporating features like 3D audio support to handle video and sound-intensive tasks.[13][14] Key mandates across all PC-97 categories emphasized seamless hardware integration, including full Plug and Play (PnP) support on system boards to enable automatic device detection and configuration without manual setup. Systems were required to implement ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) version 1.0 or later for efficient power management, aligning with the OnNow initiative to allow instant-on capabilities and reduced energy consumption. Standardized I/O ports, such as serial, parallel, and PS/2 connectors, were specified to ensure interoperability, though USB was not yet required. These requirements laid the groundwork for later iterations that expanded to dedicated mobile categories.[13][4]PC-98 Requirements
The PC-98 requirements, jointly developed by Microsoft and Intel, represented an evolution of the PC System Design Guide to align with the anticipated launch of Windows 98 and Windows NT 5.0, emphasizing enhanced performance, multimedia capabilities, and user experience improvements over the PC-97 baseline. Building on the PC-97 categories of desktop, portable, and workstation systems, PC-98 introduced a dedicated Mobile PC category for laptops alongside refined definitions for Consumer, Office, Workstation, and a new Entertainment PC category tailored for media-centric applications. These updates aimed to ensure seamless compatibility, reduced setup complexity through advanced Plug and Play support, and better integration with emerging technologies like accelerated graphics and networking.[8][15] Central to the PC-98 specifications were elevated minimum hardware thresholds to support multitasking and multimedia workloads, applicable across all categories unless otherwise noted. Desktop systems required at minimum a 200 MHz Pentium processor with MMX technology (or equivalent performance), while mobile systems required a 166 MHz Pentium processor with MMX technology; all had 32 MB of RAM (with 64 MB recommended for optimal operation), and 2 MB of video RAM on a VGA-compatible graphics subsystem featuring hardware acceleration for 2D/3D rendering via support for the Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) and DirectDraw Video Port Extensions (VPE). Storage guidelines mandated an 8x or faster CD-ROM drive and at least a 2 GB hard disk, while audio subsystems were recommended to include Sound Blaster-compatible interfaces for broad software compatibility. These specs provided a performance boost over PC-97's 90 MHz Pentium and 16 MB RAM minimums, enabling smoother execution of Windows applications and early DirectX-based content.[15][16][17] The introduction of the Mobile PC category addressed the growing laptop market, incorporating standards for battery life, docking, and connectivity to promote portability without sacrificing functionality. Mobile systems were required to support the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) 1.0 for efficient power management, including OnNow initiatives that allowed instant-on resume from sleep states and optimized battery usage through intelligent device power states (D0-D3). Docking stations needed to enable warm docking for seamless transitions between portable and desktop modes, with guidelines for at least three hours of typical battery life under mixed workloads. Additionally, infrared (IrDA) ports were mandatory for Mobile PCs, supporting data rates up to 115 Kb/s for wireless peripherals like printers and mice, ensuring cable-free connectivity in mobile environments.[8][18] For the Entertainment PC category, PC-98 emphasized superior audio and video handling to elevate home media experiences, distinguishing it from business-oriented categories. Audio requirements included enhanced support for multichannel output, with metrics targeting a signal-to-noise ratio of at least 70 dB and low total harmonic distortion to deliver high-fidelity playback for music and games. Video enhancements focused on MPEG-2 decoding acceleration for DVD and digital TV integration, alongside TV tuner readiness and NTSC/PAL output options for direct connection to consumer televisions. Power efficiency guidelines across categories promoted ACPI-compliant components to minimize energy draw during idle or multimedia sessions, reducing overall system heat and extending component longevity without mandating specific wattage limits. These features positioned Entertainment PCs as versatile media hubs, capable of handling broadcast video and streaming content with minimal user intervention.[8][18]PC-99 Requirements
The PC-99 requirements, outlined in the collaborative Microsoft-Intel system design guide released in 1999, established updated hardware and feature standards for PCs optimized for Windows 2000 and Windows Me operating systems, emphasizing improved connectivity, multimedia capabilities, and ease of use across various system categories including consumer, office, workstation, and entertainment PCs.[2] These guidelines built upon prior versions by mandating broader input/output (I/O) support while refining performance thresholds to accommodate emerging digital media applications. Minimum hardware specifications under PC-99 varied by category but centered on a 300 MHz processor, with 32 MB of RAM minimum (64 MB recommended) for consumer systems and 64 MB for entertainment systems to ensure smooth operation of Windows-based tasks.[2] For instance, workstations demanded 400 MHz and 128 MB to handle professional workloads.[2] Connectivity mandates included at least two USB 1.1 ports on all desktop systems (one for mobile PCs) to support Plug and Play peripherals without additional drivers.[2] The entertainment PC category specifically required three IEEE 1394 (FireWire) ports, with at least one externally accessible, to enable high-speed data transfer for digital video and audio devices at up to 400 Mb/s.[2] Category refinements in PC-99 placed a stronger emphasis on digital media integration, particularly for entertainment systems, where a DVD-ROM drive became mandatory to support playback of DVD-Video 1.0 content at MPEG-2 Main Profile at Main Level (720 × 480 resolution at 60 fields per second) with a minimum sustained transfer rate of 2 MB/s.[2] Graphics requirements also advanced, mandating hardware-accelerated 3D capabilities with multi-texturing and Z-buffer comparison for consumer and entertainment PCs, alongside a minimum of 4 MB display RAM for workstations to achieve resolutions like 800 × 600 at 16 bits per pixel with double buffering.[2] These features ensured compatibility with Direct3D and OpenGL APIs, prioritizing smooth rendering for media-rich applications over exhaustive computational power. User-centric enhancements introduced in PC-99 aimed to improve security, accessibility, and maintainability, including recommended chassis intrusion detection to alert users of unauthorized physical access via BIOS or software monitoring.[2] Standardized cabling practices, such as keyed and shrouded connectors for internal components like SCSI and IEEE 1394 (using S400-rated cables), facilitated easier upgrades by reducing installation errors and supporting modular designs like Device Bay bays.[2] These guidelines also incorporated a comprehensive color-coding scheme for external ports and internal connectors to further simplify user interactions, though detailed visual standards are addressed separately.[2]PC 2001 Requirements
The PC 2001 System Design Guide, jointly developed by Intel and Microsoft, represented the final iteration in the series of PC design guidelines, emphasizing streamlined architectures optimized for the impending release of Windows XP in late 2001. It shifted focus toward enhanced performance, reduced legacy dependencies, and forward-looking features to support multimedia, networking, and power efficiency in consumer and enterprise environments. This version aimed to simplify hardware design by mandating modern interfaces while deprecating outdated elements, ensuring compatibility with emerging software demands without compromising on scalability.[19] Key hardware specifications established minimum baselines to guarantee a robust user experience. Desktop systems required a 733 MHz processor with Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller (APIC) enabled for improved interrupt handling, paired with at least 128 MB of RAM. Graphics subsystems mandated support for AGP 4x interfaces compliant with the AGP Pro Bus 1.1 specification to enable high-performance video playback and 3D acceleration. Storage requirements included a primary hard disk drive as the boot device, alongside a CD-ROM or DVD drive, with integration of ATA-100 interfaces for faster data transfer rates up to 100 MB/s, building on prior USB enhancements from PC-99 for peripheral connectivity.[19][5] To modernize designs and eliminate outdated mechanisms, PC 2001 significantly reduced legacy support. Handling of the A20 gate—a remnant from early PC architectures for memory addressing—was effectively eliminated; if A20M# generation logic remained in the system, it had to be configured such that software writes to I/O port 92, bit 1, would not assert A20M# to the processor, removing the need for operating system intervention. Floppy drives became optional, reflecting the declining reliance on magnetic media for installation and data transfer. Additionally, the guide promoted the phase-out of serial and parallel ports by prohibiting ISA bus usage and requiring USB as the primary connectivity standard, with provisions for legacy serial port conflict resolution to ensure at least one port's availability if implemented, thereby encouraging migration to USB alternatives.[5] Advanced features underscored PC 2001's enterprise orientation and power management priorities. Mandatory compliance with ACPI 2.0 enabled sophisticated power states, including sleep modes (S3) and hibernation (S4), for better energy efficiency and system responsiveness in battery-powered and desktop scenarios. Network boot capabilities were promoted through integrated Preboot Execution Environment (PXE) support in the BIOS, facilitating remote OS deployment and maintenance in corporate settings without physical media.[5]Core Design Guidelines
Hardware Compatibility Standards
The Hardware Compatibility Standards outlined in the PC System Design Guide establish foundational rules for ensuring that PC hardware integrates seamlessly with Windows operating systems, emphasizing reliability, interoperability, and resource management across versions. These standards mandate specific technical implementations to prevent conflicts and support automated configuration, forming the basis for the "Designed for Microsoft Windows" logo program. By requiring adherence to industry specifications, they promote consistent performance in diverse system configurations, from desktops to mobile devices.[2] Core standards include the mandatory implementation of a Plug and Play (PnP) BIOS, which enables dynamic resource allocation for devices such as USB keyboards, hubs, SCSI controllers, and I/O ports, using unique device IDs and supporting post-boot reconfiguration. This BIOS must conform to the Plug and Play BIOS Specification Version 1.0A, facilitating automatic detection and enumeration without user intervention. Additionally, all drivers must undergo Windows Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL) certification, involving rigorous validation of 32-bit drivers for Windows 98 and NT 5.0 compatibility, including unattended installations and adherence to Windows Hardware Instrumentation Implementation Guidelines (WHIIG). ACPI compliance is required for power management across all systems, supporting states like S5 (soft off), device power levels (D0-D3), wake events from sleep (e.g., via USB in S1/S2), and the OnNow initiative for instant availability, building on PnP data structures as initially mandated in PC-97.[2][4][2] Testing protocols under the Logo program focus on system stability through the Hardware Compatibility Test (HCT) suite administered by WHQL, which verifies compliance starting from January 1, 1999, for components like Device Bay modules. These include stress tests simulating prolonged operation, such as CPU load under multi-processor scenarios, memory integrity checks for data corruption, and peripheral endurance trials (e.g., V.34 modem file transfers requiring 256 repetitions in ≤40 minutes with ≥97% call connect reliability). Systems must endure scenarios like Sleep Stress with I/O, Reinstall with I/O, and CHAOS tests without crashes, hangs, or faults, ensuring reliability for graphics rendering, storage I/O, and network operations. Driver Verifier is enabled during these evaluations to detect stability issues.[2][20] Peripheral guidelines emphasize standardized interfaces to support expansion and legacy connectivity. The PCI bus must comply with the PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.1 or later (2.2 recommended), eliminating ISA slots and requiring support for bus mastering, hot-plugging, power management, and non-DWORD-aligned buffers, with correctly populated Base Address Registers (BARs). For dial-up eras, modems must integrate V.90 (56 Kbps) standards, V.42 LAPM error correction, and V.80 parallel port protocols, preferably via USB or PCI, with wake-up from D3 cold state and WDM drivers; integrated mobile modems require at least V.34, enabling 115.2 Kbps baud rates over USB or legacy serial ports. These rules ensure peripherals like network adapters and storage devices interoperate reliably without resource conflicts.[2][2]Color-Coding for Connectors and Ports
The color-coding scheme for connectors and ports was introduced as part of the PC 99 System Design Guide to standardize visual identification, thereby reducing user errors when connecting peripherals to personal computers and improving overall usability for Windows-based systems.[2] This approach complemented the guide's emphasis on intuitive hardware design, including the mandate for USB ports on all compliant systems, by ensuring that external interfaces could be quickly and correctly matched with corresponding cables and devices.[2] The core scheme assigns specific colors to common external ports, using Pantone-matched shades for consistency across manufacturers. For legacy PS/2 interfaces, the keyboard port is purple (Pantone 2715C), while the mouse port is green (Pantone 3395C). USB ports, a key focus of PC 99, are black (Pantone 426C). Video output ports, such as VGA, use blue (Pantone 661C). Audio connections follow a distinct palette: light blue (Pantone 284C) for line-in, pink (Pantone 701C) for microphone input, and lime green (Pantone 577C) for line-out to speakers or headphones.[2] Extensions to the scheme cover additional legacy ports, with burgundy (Pantone 235C) for parallel ports, and teal (Pantone 322C) for serial ports. These colors were intended to extend the intuitive identification principle beyond core peripherals, aiding technicians and users in diverse connection scenarios. For advanced audio setups, further distinctions include black for rear surround and orange (Pantone 157C) for subwoofer or center channels.[2] Guidelines for internal cabling, while less rigidly defined in PC 99, encourage consistent color use to support assembly and maintenance, such as black for power connections and gray for data cables like ribbon or parallel ATA (IDE) variants, aligning with broader industry practices for chassis organization.[2] Mobile PCs were exempt from full color-coding due to space limitations, but desktop and portable systems were expected to implement these standards fully to achieve compliance. Icons and keyed connectors were required alongside colors to enhance accessibility, particularly for users with visual impairments.[2]| Port/Connector Type | Color | Pantone Code |
|---|---|---|
| PS/2 Keyboard | Purple | 2715C |
| PS/2 Mouse | Green | 3395C |
| USB | Black | 426C |
| Video (VGA) | Blue | 661C |
| Audio Line-In | Light Blue | 284C |
| Microphone | Pink | 701C |
| Speakers/Line-Out | Lime Green | 577C |
| Parallel | Burgundy | 235C |
| Serial | Teal | 322C |