Intel BLKD946GZABL, D946GZAB Technical Product Specification
Intel® Desktop Board
D946GZAB
Technical Product Specification
The Intel® Desktop Board D946GZAB may contain design defects or errors known as errata that may cause the product to deviate from published specifications. Current
characterized errata are documented in the Intel Desktop Board D946GZAB Specification Update.
October 2006
Order Number: D56027-001US
Revision History
Revision Revision History Date
-001 First release of the Intel® Desktop Board D946GZAB Technical Product
Specification.
This product specification applies to only the standard Intel® Desktop Board D946GZAB with
BIOS identifier TS94610J.86A.
Changes to this specification will be published in the Intel Desktop Board D946GZAB
Specification Update before being incorporated into a revision of this document.
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®
PRODUCTS. NO LICENSE,
October 2006
Intel may make changes to specifications and product descriptions at any time, without notice.
Designers must not rely on the absence or characteristics of any features or instructions marked “reserved”
or “undefined.” Intel reserves these for future definition and shall have no responsibility whatsoever for
conflicts or incompatibilities arising from future changes to them.
®
desktop boards may contain design defects or errors known as errata, which may cause the product
Intel
to deviate from published specifications. Current characterized errata are available on request.
Contact your local Intel sales office or your distributor to obtain the latest specifications before placing your
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Copies of documents which have an ordering number and are referenced in this document, or other Intel
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Copyright © 2006, Intel Corporation. All rights reserved.
Preface
This Technical Product Specification (TPS) specifies the board layout, components,
connectors, power and environmental requirements, and the BIOS for the Intel
Desktop Board D946GZAB. It describes the standard product and available
manufacturing options.
Intended Audience
The TPS is intended to provide detailed, technical information about the Desktop Board
D946GZAB and its components to the vendors, system integrators, and other
engineers and technicians who need this level of information. It is specifically not
intended for general audiences.
What This Document Contains
Chapter Description
1 A description of the hardware used on the board
2 A map of the resources of the bard
3 The features supported by the BIOS Setup program
4 A description of the BIOS error messages, beep codes, and POST codes
5 Regulatory compliance and battery disposal information
®
Typographical Conventions
This section contains information about the conventions used in this specification. Not
all of these symbols and abbreviations appear in all specifications of this type.
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings
NOTE
Notes call attention to important information.
INTEGRATOR’S NOTES
#
Integrator’s notes are used to call attention to information that may be useful to
system integrators.
CAUTION
Cautions are included to help you avoid damaging hardware or losing data.
iii
Intel Desktop Board D946GZAB Technical Product Specification
Other Common Notation
# Used after a signal name to identify an active-low signal (such as USBP0#)
GB Gigabyte (1,073,741,824 bytes)
GB/sec Gigabytes per second
Gbit Gigabit (1,073,741,824 bits)
KB Kilobyte (1024 bytes)
Kbit Kilobit (1024 bits)
kbits/sec 1000 bits per second
MB Megabyte (1,048,576 bytes)
MB/sec Megabytes per second
Mbit Megabit (1,048,576 bits)
Mbit/sec Megabits per second
xxh An address or data value ending with a lowercase h indicates a hexadecimal value.
x.x V Volts. Voltages are DC unless otherwise specified.
* This symbol is used to indicate third-party brands and names that are the property of their
respective owners.
iv
Contents
1 Product Description
1.1 Overview........................................................................................ 10
1.1.1 Feature Summary ................................................................ 10
1.1.2 Board Layout ....................................................................... 12
1.1.3 Block Diagram ..................................................................... 14
1.2 Online Support................................................................................ 15
1.3 Processor ....................................................................................... 15
1.4 System Memory .............................................................................. 16
1.4.1 Memory Configurations ......................................................... 18
1.5 Intel® 946GZ Express Chipset ........................................................... 21
1.5.1 Intel 946GZ Graphics Subsystem............................................ 21
1.5.2 USB ................................................................................... 23
1.5.3 Serial ATA Interfaces ............................................................ 24
1.5.4 Parallel IDE Interface ............................................................ 25
1.5.5 Real-Time Clock, CMOS SRAM, and Battery .............................. 25
1.6 Legacy I/O Controller ....................................................................... 26
1.6.1 Serial Port........................................................................... 26
1.6.2 Parallel Port......................................................................... 26
1.6.3 Diskette Drive Controller ....................................................... 26
1.6.4 Keyboard and Mouse Interface ............................................... 26
1.7 Audio Subsystem............................................................................. 27
1.7.1 Audio Subsystem Software .................................................... 28
1.7.2 Audio Connectors and Headers ............................................... 28
1.8 LAN Subsystem ............................................................................... 29
1.8.1 Intel® 82562GX PLC Device ................................................... 29
1.8.2 LAN Subsystem Software....................................................... 29
1.8.3 RJ-45 LAN Connector with Integrated LEDs .............................. 29
1.9 Hardware Management Subsystem .................................................... 30
1.9.1 Hardware Monitoring and Fan Control...................................... 30
1.9.2 Fan Monitoring..................................................................... 30
1.9.3 Chassis Intrusion and Detection.............................................. 30
1.9.4 Thermal Monitoring .............................................................. 31
1.10 Power Management ......................................................................... 32
1.10.1 ACPI .................................................................................. 32
1.10.2 Hardware Support ................................................................ 34
2 Technical Reference
2.1 Memory Map................................................................................... 39
2.1.1 Addressable Memory............................................................. 39
2.2 DMA Channels................................................................................. 41
2.3 Fixed I/O Map ................................................................................. 42
2.4 PCI Configuration Space Map ............................................................ 43
2.5 Interrupts ...................................................................................... 44
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Intel Desktop Board D946GZAB Technical Product Specification
2.6 PCI Interrupt Routing Map ................................................................ 45
2.7 Connectors and Headers................................................................... 46
2.7.1 Back Panel Connectors .......................................................... 47
2.7.2 Component-side Connectors and Headers ................................ 48
2.8 Jumper Block .................................................................................. 56
2.9 Mechanical Considerations ................................................................ 57
2.9.1 Form Factor......................................................................... 57
2.9.2 I/O Shield ........................................................................... 58
2.10 Electrical Considerations................................................................... 59
2.10.1 DC Loading.......................................................................... 59
2.10.2 Fan Header Current Capability................................................ 59
2.10.3 Add-in Board Considerations .................................................. 60
2.10.4 Power Supply Considerations ................................................. 60
2.11 Thermal Considerations.................................................................... 61
2.12 Reliability....................................................................................... 63
2.13 Environmental ................................................................................ 63
3 Overview of BIOS Features
3.1 Introduction ................................................................................... 65
3.2 BIOS Flash Memory Organization ....................................................... 66
3.3 Resource Configuration .................................................................... 66
3.3.1 PCI Autoconfiguration ........................................................... 66
3.3.2 PCI IDE Support................................................................... 67
3.4 System Management BIOS (SMBIOS)................................................. 67
3.5 Legacy USB Support ........................................................................ 68
3.6 BIOS Updates ................................................................................. 68
3.6.1 Language Support ................................................................ 69
3.6.2 Custom Splash Screen .......................................................... 69
3.7 BIOS Recovery................................................................................ 69
3.8 Boot Options................................................................................... 70
3.8.1 CD-ROM Boot ...................................................................... 70
3.8.2 Network Boot....................................................................... 70
3.8.3 Booting Without Attached Devices........................................... 70
3.8.4 Changing the Default Boot Device During POST ........................ 70
3.9 Adjusting Boot Speed....................................................................... 71
3.9.1 Peripheral Selection and Configuration..................................... 71
3.9.2 BIOS Boot Optimizations ....................................................... 71
3.10 BIOS Security Features .................................................................... 72
4 Error Messages and Beep Codes
4.1 Speaker ......................................................................................... 73
4.2 BIOS Beep Codes ............................................................................ 73
4.3 BIOS Error Messages ....................................................................... 73
4.4 Port 80h POST Codes ....................................................................... 74
vi
Contents
5 Regulatory Compliance and Battery Disposal Information
5.1 Regulatory Compliance..................................................................... 79
5.1.1 Safety Regulations................................................................ 79
5.1.2 European Union Declaration of Conformity Statement................ 79
5.1.3 Product Ecology Statements................................................... 82
5.1.4 EMC Regulations .................................................................. 85
5.1.5 Product Certification Markings (Board Level)............................. 86
5.2 Battery Disposal Information............................................................. 87
Figures
1. Major Board Components.................................................................. 12
2. Block Diagram ................................................................................ 14
3. Memory Channel and DIMM Configuration........................................... 18
4. Dual Channel (Interleaved) Mode Configuration with Two DIMMs............ 19
5. Single Channel (Asymmetric) Mode Configuration with One DIMM .......... 20
6. Single Channel (Asymmetric) Mode Configuration with Two DIMMs......... 20
7. 6-Channel (5.1) Audio Subsystem Block Diagram................................. 27
8. Front/Back Panel Audio Connector Options.......................................... 28
9. LAN Connector LED Locations............................................................ 29
10. Thermal Sensors and Fan Headers ..................................................... 31
11. Location of the Standby Power Indicator LED....................................... 37
12. Detailed System Memory Address Map ............................................... 40
13. Back Panel Connectors ..................................................................... 47
14. Component-side Connectors and Headers ........................................... 48
15. Connection Diagram for Front Panel Header ........................................ 53
16. Connection Diagram for Front Panel USB Headers ................................ 55
17. Location of the Jumper Block............................................................. 56
18. Board Dimensions ........................................................................... 57
19. I/O Shield Dimensions...................................................................... 58
20. Localized High Temperature Zones..................................................... 62
Tables
1. Feature Summary............................................................................ 10
2. Board Components Shown in Figure 1 ................................................ 13
3. Supported Memory Configurations ..................................................... 16
4. Memory Operating Frequencies ......................................................... 17
5. LAN Connector LED States ................................................................ 30
6. Effects of Pressing the Power Switch .................................................. 32
7. Power States and Targeted System Power........................................... 33
8. Wake-up Devices and Events ............................................................ 34
9. System Memory Map ....................................................................... 41
10. DMA Channels................................................................................. 41
11. I/O Map ......................................................................................... 42
12. PCI Configuration Space Map ............................................................ 43
13. Interrupts ...................................................................................... 44
vii
Intel Desktop Board D946GZAB Technical Product Specification
14. PCI Interrupt Routing Map ................................................................ 45
15. Component-side Connectors and Headers Shown in Figure 14................ 49
16. Front Panel Audio Header ................................................................. 49
17. Front and Rear Chassis Fan Headers .................................................. 49
18. Processor Fan Header ...................................................................... 50
19. Chassis Intrusion Header .................................................................. 50
20. Serial ATA Connectors ...................................................................... 50
21. High Definition Audio Link Header ...................................................... 50
22. Processor Core Power Connector........................................................ 52
23. Main Power Connector...................................................................... 52
24. Front Panel Header .......................................................................... 53
25. States for a One-Color Power LED ...................................................... 54
26. States for a Two-Color Power LED ...................................................... 54
27. BIOS Setup Configuration Jumper Settings.......................................... 56
28. DC Loading Characteristics ............................................................... 59
29. Fan Header Current Capability........................................................... 59
30. Thermal Considerations for Components ............................................. 63
31. Desktop Board D946GZAB Environmental Specifications........................ 63
32. BIOS Setup Program Menu Bar .......................................................... 66
33. BIOS Setup Program Function Keys.................................................... 66
34. Acceptable Drives/Media Types for BIOS Recovery ............................... 69
35. Boot Device Menu Options ................................................................ 70
36. Supervisor and User Password Functions............................................. 72
37. Beep Codes .................................................................................... 73
38. BIOS Error Messages ....................................................................... 73
39. Port 80h POST Code Ranges.............................................................. 74
40. Port 80h POST Codes ....................................................................... 75
41. Typical Port 80h POST Sequence........................................................ 78
42. Safety Regulations........................................................................... 79
43. Lead-Free Board Markings ................................................................ 84
44. EMC Regulations ............................................................................. 85
45. Product Certification Markings ........................................................... 86
viii
1 Product Description
What This Chapter Contains
1.1 Overview........................................................................................ 10
1.2 Online Support................................................................................ 15
1.3 Processor ....................................................................................... 15
1.4 System Memory .............................................................................. 16
1.5 Intel® 946GZ Express Chipset ........................................................... 21
1.6 Legacy I/O Controller ....................................................................... 26
1.7 Audio Subsystem............................................................................. 27
1.8 LAN Subsystem ............................................................................... 29
1.9 Hardware Management Subsystem .................................................... 30
1.10 Power Management ......................................................................... 32
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Intel Desktop Board D946GZAB Technical Product Specification
1.1 Overview
1.1.1 Feature Summary
Table 1 summarizes the major features of the Desktop Board D946GZAB.
Table 1. Feature Summary
Form Factor microATX (9.60 inches by 9.60 inches [243.84 millimeters by 243.84 millimeters])
Processor Support for the following:
®
• Intel
• Intel
• Intel
• Intel
Memory
Chipset
Video
Audio 6-channel (5.1) audio subsystem using the SigmaTel* STAC9227 (or the Analog
Legacy I/O
Control
USB
Peripheral
Interfaces
LAN Support 10/100 Mbits/sec LAN subsystem using the Intel® 82562GX Platform LAN Connect
BIOS
Instantly
Available PC
Technology
• Two 240-pin DDR2 SDRAM Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMM) sockets
• Support for DDR2 667 or DDR2 533 MHz DIMMs
• Support for up to 4 GB of system memory
Intel
• Intel
• Intel
Intel
Devices ADI1988A) audio codec
Legacy I/O controller for diskette drive, serial, parallel, and PS/2* ports
• Support for USB 2.0 devices
• Eight USB ports
• Four Serial ATA IDE interfaces
• One Parallel ATA IDE interface with UDMA 33, ATA-66/100 support
• One diskette drive interface
• One serial port
• One parallel port
(PLC) device
• Intel
• Support for Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI), Plug and Play,
• Support for PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.3
• Support for PCI Express* Revision 1.0a
• Suspend to RAM support
• Wake on PCI, RS-232, front panel, PS/2 devices, and USB ports
Core™2 Duo processor in an LGA775 socket with a 1066 or 800 MHz
system bus
®
Pentium® D processor in an LGA775 socket with an 800 or 533 MHz
system bus
®
Pentium® 4 processor in an LGA775 socket with an 800 or 533 MHz
system bus
®
Celeron® D processor in an LGA775 socket with a 533 MHz system bus
®
946GZ Express Chipset, consisting of:
®
82946GZ Graphics and Memory Controller Hub (GMCH)
®
82801GB I/O Controller Hub (ICH7)
®
GMA 3000 onboard graphics subsystem
®
BIOS (resident in the SPI Flash device)
and SMBIOS
continued
10
Table 1. Feature Summary (continued)
Expansion
Capabilities
Hardware Monitor
Subsystem
For information about Refer to
Available configurations for the Desktop Board D946GZAB Section 1.2, page 15
• One PCI Express x16 bus add-in card connector
• One PCI Express x1 bus add-in card connector
• Two PCI Conventional* bus connectors
• Voltage sense to detect out of range power supply voltages
• Thermal sense to detect out of range thermal values
• Three fan headers
• Three fan sense inputs used to monitor fan activity
Product Description
11
Intel Desktop Board D946GZAB Technical Product Specification
1.1.2 Board Layout
Figure 1 shows the location of the major components.
W
A
C
B
D
E
F
Z
Y
G
X
H
I
V
U
T
S
O
P
Q
R
N
Figure 1. Major Board Components
Table 2 lists the components identified in Figure 1.
M
J
K
L
OM18377
12
Table 2. Board Components Shown in Figure 1
Item/callout
from
Figure 1 Description
A Front panel audio header
B PCI Express x1 connector
C PCI Express x16 connector
D Back panel connectors
E Processor core power connector
F Rear chassis fan header
G LGA775 processor socket
H Intel 82946GZ GMCH
I Processor fan header
J DIMM Channel A socket
K DIMM Channel B socket
L Main Power connector
M Diskette drive connector
N Parallel ATE IDE connector
O Battery
P Front chassis fan header
Q Chassis intrusion header
R Auxiliary front panel power LED header
S Front panel header
T Serial ATA connectors [4]
U Intel 82801GB I/O Controller Hub (ICH7)
V Front panel USB headers [2]
W PCI Conventional bus add-in card connectors [2]
X Speaker
Y BIOS Setup configuration jumper block
Z High Definition Audio Link header
Product Description
13
Intel Desktop Board D946GZAB Technical Product Specification
1.1.3 Block Diagram
Figure 2 is a block diagram of the major functional areas.
PCI Express x1 Interface
PCI Express x1 Slot 1
Parallel ATA
IDE
Connector
LGA775
Processor
Socket
PCI Express
x16 Interface
PCI Express
x16
Connector
Parallel ATA Interface
System Bus
(1066/800/533
MHz)
Intel 946GZ Express
Chipset
Intel 82946GZ
Graphics and
Memory
Controller Hub
(GMCH)
Controller
Intel 82801GB
I/O Controller Hub
(ICH7)
DMI Interconnect
USB
Legacy
I/O
LPC
Bus
Back Panel/Front
Panel
USB Ports
Serial Port
Parallel Port
PS/2 Mouse
PS/2 Keyboard
Diskette Drive
Connector
Serial
Peripheral
Interface (SPI)
Flash Device
VGA
Port
Channel A
DIMM
Channel B
DIMM
PCI Slot 1
PCI Slot 2
Display Interface
Dual-Channel
Memory Bus
PCI Bus
SMBus
SMBus
Figure 2. Block Diagram
LAN Connect
Interface
High Definition Audio Link
Serial ATA
IDE Interface
Audio
Codec
10/100
LAN PLC
Serial ATA IDE
Connectors (4)
Mic In
Line Out
Line In/Retasking Jack
Line Out/Retasking Jack
Mic In/Retasking Jack
High Definition
LAN
Connector
Audio Link
Header
OM18438
14
Product Description
1.2 Online Support
To find information about… Visit this World Wide Web site:
Intel® Desktop Board D946GZAB
under “Desktop Board Products” or
“Desktop Board Support”
Available configurations for the
Desktop Board D946GZAB
Processor data sheets http://www.intel.com/products/index.htm
ICH7 addressing http://developer.intel.com/design/chipsets/datashts
Audio software and utilities http://www.intel.com/design/motherbd
LAN software and drivers http://www.intel.com/design/motherbd
Supported video modes http://www.intel.com/design/motherbd/ab/ab_documentation.htm
http://www.intel.com/design/motherbd
http://support.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop
http://developer.intel.com/design/motherbd/ab/ab_available.htm
1.3 Processor
The board is designed to support the following processors:
• Intel Core 2 Duo processor in an LGA775 socket with a 1066 or 800 MHz system
bus
• Intel Pentium D processor in an LGA775 processor socket with an 800 or 533 MHz
system bus
• Intel Pentium 4 processor in an LGA775 processor socket with an 800 or 533 MHz
system bus
• Intel Celeron D processor in an LGA775 processor socket with a 533 MHz
system bus
See the Intel web site listed below for the most up-to-date list of supported
processors.
For information about… Refer to:
Supported processors http://www.intel.com/design/motherbd/ab/ab_proc.htm
CAUTION
Use only the processors listed on web site above. Use of unsupported processors can
damage the board, the processor, and the power supply.
INTEGRATOR’S NOTE
#
Use only ATX12V-compliant power supplies.
For information about Refer to
Power supply connectors Section 2.7.2.2, page 52
15
Intel Desktop Board D946GZAB Technical Product Specification
1.4 System Memory
The board has two DIMM sockets and support the following memory features:
• 1.8 V (only) DDR2 SDRAM DIMMs with gold-plated contacts
• Unbuffered, single-sided or double-sided DIMMs with the following restriction:
Double-sided DIMMS with x16 organization are not supported.
• 4 GB maximum total system memory. Refer to Section
2.1.1 on page 39 for
information on the total amount of addressable memory.
• Minimum total system memory: 128 MB
• Non-ECC DIMMs
• Serial Presence Detect
• DDR2 667 or DDR2 533 MHz SDRAM DIMMs
NOTE
To be fully compliant with all applicable DDR SDRAM memory specifications, the board
should be populated with DIMMs that support the Serial Presence Detect (SPD) data
structure. This allows the BIOS to read the SPD data and program the chipset to
accurately configure memory settings for optimum performance. If non-SPD memory
is installed, the BIOS will attempt to correctly configure the memory settings, but
performance and reliability may be impacted or the DIMMs may not function under the
determined frequency.
Table 3 lists the supported DIMM configurations.
Table 3. Supported Memory Configurations
DIMM
Type
DDR2 533 256 Mbit 128 MB 512 MB 1 GB
DDR2 533 512 Mbit 256 MB 1 GB 2 GB
DDR2 533 1 Gbit 512 MB 2 GB 4 GB
DDR2 667 256 Mbit 128 MB 512 MB 1 GB
DDR2 667 512 Mbit 256 MB 1 GB 2 GB
DDR2 667 1 Gbit 512 MB 2 GB 4 GB
DRAM
Technology
Smallest usable
DIMM (one x16
Single-sided
DIMM)
Largest usable
DIMM (one x8
Double-sided
DIMM)
Maximum capacity
with two identical
x8 Double-sided
DIMMs
16
Product Description
NOTE
Regardless of the DIMM type used, the memory frequency will either be equal to or
less than the processor system bus frequency. For example, if DDR2 667 memory is
used with a 533 MHz system bus frequency processor, the memory will operate at
533 MHz.
combination of DIMMs and processors.
Table 4. Memory Operating Frequencies
DIMM Type Processor system bus frequency Resulting memory frequency
DDR2 533 533 MHz 533 MHz
DDR2 533 800 MHz 533 MHz
DDR2 533 1066 MHz 533 MHz
DDR2 667 533 MHz 533 MHz
DDR2 667 800 MHz 667 MHz
DDR2 667 1066 MHz 667 MHz
Table 4 lists the resulting operating memory frequencies based on the
17
Intel Desktop Board D946GZAB Technical Product Specification
1.4.1 Memory Configurations
The Intel 82946GZ GMCH supports two types of memory organization:
• Dual channel (Interleaved) mode. This mode offers the highest throughput for
real world applications. Dual channel mode is enabled when the installed memory
capacities of both DIMM channels are equal. Technology and device width can vary
from one channel to the other but the installed memory capacity for each channel
must be equal. If different speed DIMMs are used between channels, the slowest
memory timing will be used.
• Single channel (Asymmetric) mode. This mode is equivalent to single channel
bandwidth operation for real world applications. This mode is used when only a
single DIMM is installed or the memory capacities are unequal. Technology and
device width can vary from one channel to the other. If different speed DIMMs are
used between channels, the slowest memory timing will be used.
Figure 3 illustrates the memory channel and DIMM configuration.
Channel A, DIMM 0
Channel B, DIMM 0
Figure 3. Memory Channel and DIMM Configuration
OM18378
18
Product Description
1.4.1.1 Dual Channel (Interleaved) Mode Configuration
Figure 4 shows a dual channel configuration using two DIMMs. In this example, the
DIMM sockets are populated with identical DIMMs.
1 GB
1 GB
Channel A, DIMM 0
Channel B, DIMM 0
OM18379
Figure 4. Dual Channel (Interleaved) Mode Configuration with Two DIMMs
19
Intel Desktop Board D946GZAB Technical Product Specification
1.4.1.2 Single Channel (Asymmetric) Mode Configurations
NOTE
Dual channel (Interleaved) mode configurations provide the highest memory
throughput.
Figure 5 shows a single channel configuration using one DIMM. In this example, only
Channel A is populated. Channel B is not populated.
2 GB
Channel A, DIMM 0
Channel B, DIMM 0
OM18380
Figure 5. Single Channel (Asymmetric) Mode Configuration with One DIMM
Figure 6 shows a single channel configuration using two DIMMs. In this example, the
capacity of the DIMM in Channel A does not equal the capacity of the DIMM in
Channel B.
2 GB
Channel A, DIMM 0
Figure 6. Single Channel (Asymmetric) Mode Configuration with Two DIMMs
20
1 GB
Channel B, DIMM 0
OM18381
Product Description
1.5 Intel® 946GZ Express Chipset
The Intel 946GZ Express chipset consists of the following devices:
• Intel 82946GZ Graphics and Memory Controller Hub (GMCH) with Direct Media
Interface (DMI) interconnect
• Intel 82801GB I/O Controller Hub (ICH7) with DMI interconnect
The GMCH component provides interfaces to the CPU, memory, PCI Express, and the
DMI interconnect. The component also provides integrated graphics capabilities
supporting 3D, 2D and display capabilities. The ICH7 is a centralized controller for the
board’s I/O paths.
For information about Refer to
The Intel 946GZ Express chipset http://developer.intel.com/
Resources used by the chipset Chapter 2
1.5.1 Intel 946GZ Graphics Subsystem
The Intel 946GZ Express chipset contains two separate, mutually exclusive graphics
options. Either the GMA 3000 graphics controller (contained within the 82946GZ
GMCH) is used, or a PCI Express x16 add-in card can be used. When a PCI
Express x16 add-in card is installed, the GMA 3000 graphics controller is disabled.
1.5.1.1 Intel® GMA 3000 Graphics Controller
The Intel GMA 3000 graphics controller features the following:
• 667 MHz core frequency
• High performance 3-D setup and render engine
• High quality texture engine
⎯ DX9*/DX10 Compliant Hardware Shader Model 3.0
⎯ 32-bit full precision floating point operations
⎯ 128-bit floating point texture formats
⎯ Alpha and luminance maps
⎯ Texture color-keying/chroma-keying
⎯ Cubic environment reflection mapping
⎯ Enhanced texture blending functions
• 3D Graphics rendering enhancements
⎯ 1.3 dual texture GigaPixel/sec fill rate
⎯ 16 and 32 bit color
⎯ Maximum 3D supported resolution of 1600 x 1200 x 32 at 60 Hz
⎯ Vertex cache
⎯ Anti-aliased lines
⎯ OpenGL* version 1.5 support with vertex buffer and EXT_Shadow extensions
21
Intel Desktop Board D946GZAB Technical Product Specification
• 2D Graphics enhancements
⎯ 8, 16, and 32 bit color
⎯ Optimized 256-bit BLT engine
⎯ Color space conversion
⎯ Anti-aliased lines
• Video
⎯ Hardware motion compensation and iDCT for MPEG2
⎯ Software DVD at 30 fps full screen
• Display
⎯ Integrated 24-bit 400 MHz RAMDAC
⎯ Up to 2048 x 1536 at 75 Hz refresh (QXGA)
⎯ DDC2B compliant interface with Advanced Digital Display 2 or 2+ card
(ADD2/ADD2+), support for TV-out/TV-in and DVI digital display connections
⎯ Supports flat panels up to 2048 x 1536 at 75 Hz (when in dual-channel mode)
or digital CRT/HDTV at 1920 x 1080 at 85 Hz (with ADD2/MEC)
⎯ Two multiplexed SDVO port interfaces with 270 MHz pixel clocks using an
ADD2/MEC card
• Dynamic Video Memory Technology (DVMT) support up to 256 MB
®
• Intel
Zoom Utility
1.5.1.2 Dynamic Video Memory Technology (DVMT)
DVMT enables enhanced graphics and memory performance through highly efficient
memory utilization. DVMT ensures the most efficient use of available system memory
for maximum 2-D/3-D graphics performance. Up to 256 MB of system memory can be
allocated to DVMT on systems that have 512 MB or more of total system memory
installed. Up to 128 MB can be allocated to DVMT on systems that have 256 MB but
less than 512 MB of total installed system memory. Up to 64 MB can be allocated to
DVMT when less than 256 MB of system memory is installed. DVMT returns system
memory back to the operating system when the additional system memory is no
longer required by the graphics subsystem.
DVMT will always use a minimal fixed portion of system physical memory (as set in the
BIOS Setup program) for compatibility with legacy applications. An example of this
would be when using VGA graphics under DOS. Once loaded, the operating system
and graphics drivers allocate additional system memory to the graphics buffer as
needed for performing graphics functions.
NOTE
The use of DVMT requires operating system driver support.
22
Product Description
1.5.1.3 Configuration Modes
A list of supported modes for the Intel GMA 3000 graphics controller is available as a
downloadable document.
For information about Refer to
Supported video modes for the board Section 1.2, page 15
1.5.1.4 Advanced Digital Display (ADD2/ADD2+) Card Support
The GMCH routes two multiplexed SDVO ports that are each capable of driving up to a
200 MHz pixel clock to the PCI Express x16 connector. The SDVO ports can be paired
for a dual channel configuration to support up to a 400 MHz pixel clock. When an
ADD2/ADD2+ card is detected, the Intel GMA 3000 graphics controller is enabled and
the PCI Express x16 connector is configured for SDVO mode. SDVO mode enables the
SDVO ports to be accessed by the ADD2/ADD2+ card. An ADD2/ADD2+ card can
either be configured to support simultaneous display with the primary VGA display or
can be configured to support dual independent display as an extended desktop
configuration with different color depths and resolutions. ADD2/ADD2+ cards can be
designed to support the following configurations:
• TV-Out (composite video)
• Transition Minimized Differential Signaling (TMDS) for DVI 1.0
• Low Voltage Differential Signaling (LVDS)
• Single device operating in dual channel mode
• VGA output
• HDTV output
• HDMI/UDI support (when used with the HD Audio Link)
1.5.2 USB
The board supports up to eight USB 2.0 ports, supports UHCI and EHCI, and uses
UHCI- and EHCI-compatible drivers.
The ICH7 provides the USB controller for all ports. The port arrangement is as
follows:
• Four ports are implemented with stacked back panel connectors.
• Four ports are routed to two separate front panel USB headers.
NOTE
Computer systems that have an unshielded cable attached to a USB port may not
meet FCC Class B requirements, even if no device is attached to the cable. Use
shielded cable that meets the requirements for full-speed devices.
For information about Refer to
The location of the USB connectors on the back panel Figure 13, page 47
The location of the front panel USB headers Figure 14, page 48
23
Intel Desktop Board D946GZAB Technical Product Specification
1.5.3 Serial ATA Interfaces
The board provides four Serial ATA (SATA) connectors, which support one device per
connector.
1.5.3.1 Serial ATA Support
The ICH7’s Serial ATA controller offers four independent Serial ATA ports with a
theoretical maximum transfer rate of 3 Gbits/sec per port. One device can be installed
on each port for a maximum of four Serial ATA devices. A point-to-point interface is
used for host to device connections, unlike Parallel ATA IDE which supports a
master/slave configuration and two devices per channel.
For compatibility, the underlying Serial ATA functionality is transparent to the
operating system. The Serial ATA controller can operate in both legacy and native
modes. In legacy mode, standard IDE I/O and IRQ resources are assigned (IRQ 14
and 15). In Native mode, standard PCI Conventional bus resource steering is used.
Native mode is the preferred mode for configurations using the Windows* XP and
Windows 2000 operating systems.
NOTE
Many Serial ATA drives use new low-voltage power connectors and require adaptors or
power supplies equipped with low-voltage power connectors.
For more information, see:
For information about Refer to
The location of the Serial ATA connectors Figure 14, page 48
http://www.serialata.org/
24
Product Description
1.5.4 Parallel IDE Interface
The Parallel ATA IDE controller has one bus-mastering Parallel ATA IDE interface. The
Parallel ATA IDE interface supports the following modes:
• Programmed I/O (PIO): processor controls data transfer.
• 8237-style DMA: DMA offloads the processor, supporting transfer rates of up to
16 MB/sec.
• Ultra DMA: DMA protocol on IDE bus supporting host and target throttling and
transfer rates of up to 33 MB/sec.
• ATA-66: DMA protocol on IDE bus supporting host and target throttling and
transfer rates of up to 66 MB/sec. ATA-66 protocol is similar to Ultra DMA and is
device driver compatible.
• ATA-100: DMA protocol on IDE bus allows host and target throttling. The ATA-100
logic can achieve read transfer rates up to 100 MB/sec and write transfer rates up
to 88 MB/sec.
NOTE
ATA-66 and ATA-100 are faster timings and require a specialized cable to reduce
reflections, noise, and inductive coupling.
The Parallel ATA IDE interface also supports ATAPI devices (such as CD-ROM drives)
and ATA devices. The BIOS supports Logical Block Addressing (LBA) and Extended
Cylinder Head Sector (ECHS) translation modes. The drive reports the transfer rate
and translation mode to the BIOS.
For information about Refer to
The location of the Parallel ATA IDE connector Figure 14, page 48
1.5.5 Real-Time Clock, CMOS SRAM, and Battery
A coin-cell battery (CR2032) powers the real-time clock and CMOS memory. When
the computer is not plugged into a wall socket, the battery has an estimated life of
three years. When the computer is plugged in, the standby current from the power
supply extends the life of the battery. The clock is accurate to ± 13 minutes/year at
25 ºC with 3.3 VSB applied.
NOTE
If the battery and AC power fail, custom defaults, if previously saved, will be loaded
into CMOS RAM at power-on.
When the voltage drops below a certain level, the BIOS Setup program settings stored
in CMOS RAM (for example, the date and time) might not be accurate. Replace the
battery with an equivalent one.
Figure 1 on page 12 shows the location of the battery.
25
Intel Desktop Board D946GZAB Technical Product Specification
1.6 Legacy I/O Controller
The I/O controller provides the following features:
• One serial port
• One parallel port with Extended Capabilities Port (ECP) and Enhanced Parallel Port
(EPP) support
• Serial IRQ interface compatible with serialized IRQ support for PCI systems
• PS/2-style mouse and keyboard interfaces
• Interface for one 1.44 MB or 2.88 MB diskette drive
• Intelligent power management, including a programmable wake-up event interface
• PCI power management support
The BIOS Setup program provides configuration options for the I/O controller.
1.6.1 Serial Port
The board has one serial port connector located on the back panel. The serial port
supports data transfers at speeds up to 115.2 kbits/sec with BIOS support.
For information about Refer to
The location of the serial port connector Figure 13, page 47
1.6.2 Parallel Port
The 25-pin D-Sub parallel port connector is located on the back panel. Use the BIOS
Setup program to set the parallel port mode.
For information about Refer to
The location of the parallel port connector Figure 13, page 47
1.6.3 Diskette Drive Controller
The I/O controller supports one diskette drive. Use the BIOS Setup program to
configure the diskette drive interface.
For information about Refer to
The location of the diskette drive connector Figure 14, page 48
1.6.4 Keyboard and Mouse Interface
The PS/2 keyboard and mouse connectors are located on the back panel.
NOTE
The keyboard is supported in the bottom PS/2 connector and the mouse is supported
in the top PS/2 connector. Power to the computer should be turned off before a
keyboard or mouse is connected or disconnected.
For information about Refer to
The location of the keyboard and mouse connectors Figure 13, page 47
26
Product Description
1.7 Audio Subsystem
The onboard audio subsystem consists of the following:
• Intel 82801GB ICH7
• Sigmatel STAC9227 (or Analog Devices ADI1988A) audio codec
• Back panel audio connectors
• Component-side audio headers
The audio subsystem supports the following features:
• Advanced jack sense for the back panel audio jacks that enables the audio codec to
recognize the device that is connected to an audio port. Within hardware
constraints, the back panel audio jacks are capable of retasking according to the
user’s definition, or can be automatically switched depending on the recognized
device type.
• Stereo input and output for all back panel jacks
• Line out and Mic in functions for front panel audio jacks
• A signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio of 95 dB
• SLIC Voice over IP (VoIP) support using the High Definition Audio link header
Figure 7 is a block diagram of the audio subsystem.
82801GB
I/O
Controller
Hub
(ICH7)
Intel
High Definition
Audio Link
Audio
Codec
Line In/Retasking Jack
Line Out/Retasking Jack
Figure 7. 6-Channel (5.1) Audio Subsystem Block Diagram
Line Out
Mic In
Mic In/Retasking Jack
Front
Panel
Back
Panel
High Definition
Audio Link
Connector
OM18389
27
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