Intel DX79TO Product Manual
Intel® Desktop Board DX79TO
Product Guide
Order Number: G44000-001
Revision History
Revision Revision History Date
-001 First release of the Intel® Desktop Board DX79TO Product Guide October 2011
Disclaimer
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IMPLIED WARRANTY, RELATING TO SALE AND/OR USE OF INTEL PRODUCTS INCLUDING LIABILITY OR
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OF ANY PATENT, COPYRIGHT OR OTHER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHT. Intel products are not intended
for use in medical, life saving, or life sustaining applications. Intel may make changes to specifications and
product descriptions at any time, without notice.
Intel Desktop Board DX79TO may contain design defects or errors known as errata which may cause the
product 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 and before placing
your product order.
Copies of documents which have an ordering number and are referenced in this document, or other Intel
literature, may be obtained from Intel Corporation by going to the World Wide Web site at:
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Intel, Intel Core, and Xeon are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
* Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.
Copyright © 2011, Intel Corporation. All rights reserved.
OTHERWISE, TO ANY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS IS
Preface
This Product Guide gives information about board layout, component installation, BIOS
update, and regulatory requirements for Intel
®
Desktop Board DX79TO.
Intended Audience
The Product Guide is intended for technically qualified personnel. It is not intended for
general audiences.
Use Only for Intended Applications
All Intel Desktop Boards are evaluated as Information Technology Equipment (I.T.E.)
for use in personal computers (PC) for installation in homes, offices, schools, computer
rooms, and similar locations. The suitability of this product for other PC or embedded
non-PC applications or other environments, such as medical, industrial, alarm systems,
test equipment, etc. may not be supported without further evaluation by Intel.
Document Organization
The chapters in this Product Guide are arranged as follows:
1 Desktop Board Features: a summary of product features
2 Installing and Replacing Desktop Board Components: instructions on how to install
the Desktop Board and other hardware components
3 Updating the BIOS: instructions on how to update the BIOS
4 Configuring for RAID: information about configuring your system for RAID
A Error Messages and Indicators: information about BIOS error messages and beep
codes
B Regulatory Compliance: describes the board’s adherence to safety standards and
EMC regulations and its product certifications
Conventions
The following conventions are used in this manual:
CAUTION
Cautions warn the user about how to prevent damage to hardware or loss of data.
NOTE
Notes call attention to important information.
iii
Intel Desktop Board DX79TO Product Guide
Terminology
The table below gives descriptions of some common terms used in the product guide.
Term Description
GB Gigabyte (1,073,741,824 bytes)
GHz Gigahertz (one billion hertz)
KB Kilobyte (1024 bytes)
MB Megabyte (1,048,576 bytes)
Mb Megabit (1,048,576 bits)
MHz Megahertz (one million hertz)
iv
Contents
1 Desktop Board Features
Supported Operating Systems..............................................................................11
Desktop Board Components.................................................................................12
Processor..........................................................................................................14
System Memory.................................................................................................15
Memory Configurations................................................................................16
®
Intel
X79 Express Chipset..................................................................................17
USB Support .....................................................................................................17
USB 3.0 ....................................................................................................17
USB 2.0 ....................................................................................................17
Serial ATA.........................................................................................................17
Audio Subsystem ...............................................................................................18
LAN Subsystem .................................................................................................18
Legacy I/O........................................................................................................19
Expandability.....................................................................................................19
BIOS................................................................................................................20
Serial ATA and IDE Auto Configuration...........................................................20
PCI and PCI Express* Auto Configuration.......................................................20
Security Passwords.....................................................................................20
Back to BIOS Button ...................................................................................21
Hardware Management .......................................................................................21
Hardware Monitoring and Fan Speed Control ..................................................21
Chassis Intrusion........................................................................................22
Power Management............................................................................................22
Software Support .......................................................................................22
ACPI..................................................................................................22
Hardware Support ......................................................................................22
Power Connectors ...............................................................................22
Fan Headers .......................................................................................23
LAN Wake Capabilities..........................................................................23
Instantly Available PC Technology..........................................................23
+5 V Standby Power Indicator...............................................................24
Wake from USB ..................................................................................25
PME# Signal Wake-up Support..............................................................25
WAKE# Signal Wake-up Support ...........................................................25
Wake from Consumer IR ......................................................................25
Onboard System Control Switches........................................................................25
Power Switch .............................................................................................26
Reset Switch..............................................................................................26
System Initialization/Board Status LEDs................................................................27
System Initialization LEDs............................................................................28
Status LEDs...............................................................................................29
Trusted Platform Module (TPM) ............................................................................29
Speaker............................................................................................................29
Battery.............................................................................................................30
Real-Time Clock.................................................................................................30
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Intel Desktop Board DX79TO Product Guide
2 Installing and Replacing Desktop Board Components
Before You Begin ...............................................................................................31
Installation Precautions.......................................................................................32
Prevent Power Supply Overload ....................................................................32
Observe Safety and Regulatory Requirements.................................................32
Installing the I/O Shield ......................................................................................33
Installing the Desktop Board................................................................................34
Installing a Processor .........................................................................................35
Installing a Processor Fan Heat Sink..............................................................39
Installing and Removing Memory..........................................................................40
Installing DIMMs ........................................................................................40
Removing DIMMs........................................................................................42
Installing and Removing PCI Express x16 Add-in Cards ...........................................42
Installing PCI Express x16 Graphics Cards......................................................42
Removing a PCI Express x16 Add-in Card.......................................................43
Installing Linked PCI Express x16 Graphics Cards............................................44
Connecting SATA Cables .....................................................................................46
Connecting to the Internal Headers and Connectors ................................................47
Front Panel Audio Header ............................................................................48
Chassis Intrusion Header.............................................................................48
IEEE 1394a Header.....................................................................................48
Consumer IR (CIR) Headers.........................................................................49
USB 2.0 Headers ........................................................................................50
Front Panel Header .....................................................................................50
Alternate Front Panel Power LED Header........................................................51
Connecting to the Audio System...........................................................................51
Connecting Chassis Fan and Power Supply Cables...................................................52
Connecting Chassis Fan Cables.....................................................................52
Connecting Power Supply Cables ..................................................................53
Setting the BIOS Configuration Jumper .................................................................54
Clearing Passwords ............................................................................................55
Replacing the Battery .........................................................................................56
3 Updating the BIOS
Updating the BIOS with the Intel
Updating the BIOS Using the F7 Function Key ........................................................64
Updating the BIOS with the Intel
Recovering the BIOS ..........................................................................................65
®
Express BIOS Update Utility.................................63
®
Flash Memory Update Utility ................................64
4 Configuring for RAID Using Intel® Rapid Storage Technology
Configuring the BIOS ..................................................................................67
Creating Your RAID Set ...............................................................................67
Loading the Intel RST RAID Drivers and Software (Required for
Microsoft Windows XP Installation) ..........................................................68
Setting Up a “RAID Ready” System ...............................................................68
A Error Messages and Indicators
BIOS Error Codes...............................................................................................69
BIOS Error Messages..........................................................................................70
Port 80h POST Codes..........................................................................................71
vi
Contents
B Regulatory Compliance
Safety Standards ...............................................................................................75
Battery Caution..........................................................................................75
European Union Declaration of Conformity Statement..............................................76
Product Ecology Statements ................................................................................77
Recycling Considerations .............................................................................77
China RoHS ...............................................................................................80
EMC Regulations ................................................................................................81
FCC Declaration of Conformity......................................................................81
Canadian Department of Communications Compliance Statement......................82
Japan VCCI Statement ................................................................................82
Korea Class B Statement .............................................................................83
Ensure Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Compliance..................................83
Product Certifications..........................................................................................84
Board-Level Certifications ............................................................................84
Chassis- and Component-Level Certifications..................................................85
ENERGY STAR*, e-Standby, and ErP Compliance ....................................................85
Figures
1. Intel Desktop Board DX79TO Components........................................................12
2. Memory Channel and DIMM Configuration ........................................................16
3. LAN Connector LEDs .....................................................................................19
4. Location of the Back to BIOS Button................................................................21
5. Location of the Standby Power Indicator ..........................................................24
6. Onboard System Control Switches ..................................................................26
7. Location of the Diagnostic/Status LEDs............................................................27
8. Installing the I/O Shield ................................................................................33
9. Intel Desktop Board DX79TO Mounting Screw Hole Locations..............................34
10. Unlatch the Socket Levers .............................................................................35
11. Open the Load Plate......................................................................................36
12. Install the Processor .....................................................................................37
13. Close the Load Plate .....................................................................................38
14. Installing a Fan Heat Sink and Connecting the Cable to the
Processor Fan Header....................................................................................39
15. Installing a DIMM .........................................................................................41
16. Installing a PCI Express x16 Card ...................................................................43
17. Removing a PCI Express x16 Card ..................................................................44
18. Installing Linked PCI Express Graphics Cards....................................................45
19. Connecting the Serial ATA Cables....................................................................46
20. Internal Headers ..........................................................................................47
21. Back Panel Audio Connectors .........................................................................51
22. Location of the Chassis Fan Headers................................................................52
23. Connecting Power Supply Cables ....................................................................53
24. Location of the BIOS Configuration Jumper Block ..............................................54
25. Removing the Battery ...................................................................................61
26. POST Code LED Display .................................................................................71
27. Intel Desktop Board DX79TO China RoHS Material Self Declaration Table..............80
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Intel Desktop Board DX79TO Product Guide
Tables
1. Feature Summary.......................................................................................... 9
2. Intel Desktop Board DX79TO Components........................................................13
3. LAN Connector LEDs .....................................................................................19
4. System Initialization LEDs..............................................................................28
5. Status LEDs.................................................................................................29
6. Front Panel Audio Header Signal Names...........................................................48
7. Chassis Intrusion Header Signal Names ...........................................................48
8. IEEE 1394a Header Signal Names ...................................................................48
9. Front Panel CIR Receiver (Input) Header Signal Names......................................49
10. Back Panel CIR Header Emitter (Output) Header Signal Names ...........................49
11. USB 2.0 Header Signal Names........................................................................50
12. Front Panel Header Signal Names ...................................................................50
13. Alternate Front Panel Power LED Header Signal Names ......................................51
14. Jumper Settings for the BIOS Setup Program Modes..........................................55
15. BIOS Beep Codes .........................................................................................69
16. Front-panel Power LED Blink Codes.................................................................69
17. BIOS Error Messages ....................................................................................70
18. Port 80h POST Codes ....................................................................................72
19. Safety Standards..........................................................................................75
20. EMC Regulations...........................................................................................81
21. Regulatory Compliance Marks.........................................................................84
viii
1 Desktop Board Features
This chapter briefly describes the features of Intel® Desktop Board DX79TO. Table 1
summarizes the major features of the Desktop Board.
Table 1. Feature Summary
Form Factor
Processor Support for Intel® Core™ i7 and Intel® Xeon® processors in the
Main Memory
Chipset Intel® X79 Express Chipset consisting of the Intel® X79 Platform
Graphics Support for multiple PCI Express* graphics cards including linked cards
Audio
Expansion
Capabilities
Legacy I/O Support Nuvoton* Legacy I/O Controller that provides Consumer Infrared (CIR)
ATX (304.80 millimeters [12.00 inches] x 243.84 millimeters
[9.60 inches])
LGA2011 package with:
• Two PCI Express* 3.0 x16 graphics interfaces (x16 electrical)
• Quad-channel memory interface
Eight 240-pin DDR3 SDRAM Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMM)
sockets arranged in four channels with support for the following:
• DDR3 2400 MHz, DDR3 2133 MHz, DDR3 1866 MHz, DDR3
1600 MHz, DDR3 1333 MHz, and DDR3 1066 MHz DIMMs
• ECC and non-ECC memory
• 1 Gb, 2 Gb, and 4 Gb memory technology
• XMP memory
• 1.35 V low voltage memory (JEDEC standard)
• Up to 64 GB of system memory using 4 Gb memory technology
• Manual memory overclocking (voltage, clock, and ratio)
Controller Hub (PCH)
using Nvidia* SLI* technology and AMD* CrossFire X* technology
• Independent multi-streaming 6-channel (5.1) audio and 2-channel
audio subsystem, featuring:
― Intel
― RealTek* ALC892 codec
• HD Audio front panel header
• Two PCI Express 3.0 x16 connectors
• Three PCI Express 2.0 x1 connectors
• One PCI* bus connector
support
®
High Definition Audio interface
continued
9
Intel Desktop Board DX79TO Product Guide
Table 1. Feature Summary (continued)
Peripheral
Interfaces
LAN Support Gigabit (10/100/1000 Mb/s) LAN subsystem using an Intel® 82579LM
BIOS
Power Management
Hardware
Management
• Two USB 3.0 ports routed to the back panel
• Fourteen USB 2.0 ports:
― Six ports routed to the back panel
― Eight ports routed to four onboard USB headers
• Two IEEE 1394a ports:
― One port routed to the back panel
― One port routed to an IEEE 1394a header
• Six Serial ATA (SATA) channels through the Intel X79 PCH:
― Two onboard 6.0 Gb/s SATA channels (blue connectors)
― Four onboard 3.0 Gb/s SATA channels (black connectors)
Gigabit Ethernet Controller
• Intel
®
BIOS resident in an SPI Flash device
• Support for Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI), Plug
and Play, and SMBIOS
• Fast Boot
• Support for advanced overclocking
• Support for the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI)
specification
• Suspend to RAM (STR)
• Wake on USB, PCI, PCI Express, LAN, CIR, and front panel
• ENERGY STAR* capable
• Hardware monitoring and fan control through the Nuvoton I/O
controller
• Voltage sense to detect out of range power supply voltages
• Thermal sense to detect out of range thermal values
• Four fan headers using PWM control
• Four fan sense inputs used to monitor fan activity
• Fan speed control using voltage control (4-pin fan headers for
processor, front, rear, and auxiliary fans) with selectable support in
the BIOS for 3-wire fans
• Support for the Platform Environmental Control Interface (PECI)
10
Desktop Board Features
Supported Operating Systems
The Desktop Board provides full support for the following operating systems:
• Microsoft Windows* 7 Ultimate (64-bit and 32-bit editions)
• Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (64-bit and 32-bit editions)
• Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit and 32-bit editions)
• Microsoft Windows 7 Starter (64-bit and 32-bit editions)
• Microsoft Windows Vista* Ultimate (64-bit and 32-bit editions)
• Microsoft Windows Vista Business (64-bit and 32-bit editions)
• Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit and 32-bit editions)
• Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic (64-bit and 32-bit editions)
The Desktop Board provides minimal BIOS and driver support for the following
operating systems:
• Microsoft Windows* XP Home
• Microsoft Windows XP Professional
• Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition
• Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
11
Intel Desktop Board DX79TO Product Guide
Desktop Board Components
Figure 1 shows the approximate location of the major components on Intel Desktop
Board DX79TO.
Figure 1. Intel Desktop Board DX79TO Components
12
Table 2. Intel Desktop Board DX79TO Components
Label Description
A Front panel audio header
B PCI Express x1 connector
C PCI Express x1 connector
D Speaker
E PCI bus connector
F PCI Express 3.0 x16 connector
G PCI Express x1 connector
H PCI Express 3.0 x16 connector
I Rear chassis fan header
J Battery
K Back panel connectors
L Processor fan header
M DIMM 1 socket
N DIMM 5 socket
O DIMM 2 socket
P DIMM 6 socket
Q Processor socket
R 12 V processor core voltage connector (2 x 4 pin)
S DIMM 8 socket
T DIMM 4 socket
U DIMM 7 socket
V DIMM 3 socket
W Main power connector (2 x 12 pin)
X Front chassis fan header
Y Serial ATA connectors (6 Gb/s)
Z Serial ATA connectors (3 Gb/s)
AA Intel X79 Express Chipset
BB USB 2.0 front panel headers
CC Back panel CIR transmitter (output) header
DD BIOS configuration jumper block
EE Power fault LED
FF Alternate front panel power LED header
GG Front panel CIR receiver (input) header
HH Voltage measurement test points
II Front panel header
JJ POST code LED display
KK IEEE 1394a header
LL Reset button
MM Power button
NN Chassis intrusion header
OO Auxiliary chassis fan header
PP System initialization/status LEDs
Desktop Board Features
13
Intel Desktop Board DX79TO Product Guide
Online Support
For more information on Intel Desktop Board DX79TO consult the following online
resources:
• Intel Desktop Board DX79TO http://www.intel.com/products/motherboard/index.htm
• Desktop Board Support http://www.intel.com/p/en_US/support?iid=hdr+support
• Available configurations for
Intel Desktop Board DX79TO
• Supported processors http://processormatch.intel.com
• Chipset information http://www.intel.com/products/desktop/chipsets/index.htm
• BIOS and driver updates http://downloadcenter.intel.com/
• Integration information http://www.intel.com/support/go/buildit
http://ark.intel.com
Processor
CAUTION
Failure to use an appropriate power supply and/or not connecting the 12 V (2 x 4 pin)
power connector to the Desktop Board may result in damage to the board, or the
system may not function properly.
Intel Desktop Board DX79TO supports an Intel processor in the LGA2011 package.
Processors are not included with the Desktop Board and must be purchased
separately. The processor connects to the Desktop Board through the LGA1366
socket.
Go to the following page or link for more information about:
• Instructions on installing or upgrading the processor, page 35 in Chapter 2
• Supported
http://processormatch.intel.com
processors for Intel Desktop Board DX79TO,
14
Desktop Board Features
System Memory
NOTE
To be fully compliant with all applicable Intel ® SDRAM memory specifications, the
board should be populated with DIMMs that support the Serial Presence Detect (SPD)
data structure. If your memory modules do not support SPD, you will see a
notification to this effect on the screen at power up. The BIOS will attempt to
configure the memory controller for normal operation.
The Desktop Board supports the following memory and interface:
• Eight 240-pin Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) SDRAM Dual Inline Memory Module
(DIMM) connectors with gold-plated contacts arranged in four channels
• 2400/2133/1866/1600/1333/1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM DIMM
• XMP performance profile support for memory speeds above 1600 MHz
• Full support for memory overclocking (see
www.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop
on overclocking)
• Support for single-channel configurations and dual-, tri-, and quad-channel memory
interleaving
• Unbuffered, non-registered single or double-sided DIMMs with a voltage rating of
1.65 V or less including support for 1.35 V (JEDEC specification) memory
• ECC and non-ECC memory (requires a processor that supports ECC memory)
• Serial Presence Detect
• Minimum total system memory of 1 GB
• Up to 64 GB maximum total system memory
/sb/CS-031689.htm for information
NOTE
32-bit operating systems are limited to a maximum of 4 GB of memory. The
operating system may report less than 4 GB because of the memory used by
add-in PCI Express graphics cards.
CAUTION
1.5 V is the recommended and default setting for DDR3 memory voltage. The other
memory voltage settings in the BIOS Setup program are provided for performance
tuning purposes only. Altering the memory voltage may (i) reduce system stability
and the useful life of the system, memory, and processor; (ii) cause the processor and
other system components to fail; (iii) cause reductions in system performance; (iv)
cause additional heat or other damage; and (v) affect system data integrity. Intel has
not tested and does not warranty the operation of the processor beyond its
specifications. For information on the processor warranty, refer to
http://www.intel.com/support/processors/sb/CS-020033.htm?wapkw=(processor+warranty).
Intel assumes no responsibility that the memory installed on the desktop board, if
used with altered clock frequencies and/or voltages, will be fit for any particular
purpose. Check with the memory manufacturer for warranty terms and additional
details.
15
Intel Desktop Board DX79TO Product Guide
Memory Configurations
The Intel Core i7 and Intel Xeon processors support the following types of memory
organization:
• Quad-channel (Interleaved) mode. Quad-channel mode offers the highest
throughput for real world applications.
• Tri-channel (Interleaved) mode. Tri-channel mode is enabled when the installed
memory capacities of any three DIMM channels are equal.
• Dual-channel (Interleaved) mode. 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 channel 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 2 shows the board’s memory channel and DIMM configuration
Figure 2. Memory Channel and DIMM Configuration
For information on installing memory, refer to page 40 in Chapter 2.
16
Desktop Board Features
Intel® X79 Express Chipset
The Intel X79 Express Chipset consisting of the Intel X79 Platform Controller Hub
(PCH) provides interfaces to the processor and the USB, SATA, LAN, PCI, and PCI
Express interfaces. The PCH is the centralized controller for the board’s I/O paths.
Go to the following link for more information about the Intel X79 Express Chipset:
http://developer.intel.com/products/chipsets/index.htm
USB Support
The Desktop Board supports USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 devices.
USB 3.0
USB 3.0 is supported with two USB 3.0 ports (blue) on the back panel. USB 3.0 ports
are backward compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 devices. The USB 3.0 ports are
SuperSpeed, high-speed, full-speed, and low-speed capable. USB 3.0 support requires
both an operating system and drivers that fully support USB 3.0 transfer rates.
USB 2.0
There are 14 USB 2.0 ports (six ports routed to back panel connectors (black) and
eight ports routed to three onboard headers (black)). The USB 2.0 ports are highspeed, full-speed, and low-speed capable. USB 2.0 support requires both an operating
system and drivers that fully support USB 2.0 transfer rates.
Serial ATA
The board provides two 6.0 Gb/s Serial ATA (SATA) channels (blue connectors) and
four 3.0 Gb/s SATA channels (black connectors).
The four 3.0 Gb/s SATA channels support the following RAID (Redundant Array of
Independent Drives) levels:
• RAID 0 - data striping
• RAID 1 - data mirroring
• RAID 0+1 (or RAID 10) - data striping and data mirroring
• RAID 5 - distributed parity
For information on configuring your system for RAID using Intel
Technology (Intel
®
RST) see Chapter 4.
®
Rapid Storage
17
Intel Desktop Board DX79TO Product Guide
Audio Subsystem
The onboard audio subsystem consists of the following components:
• Intel X79 Express Chipset
• RealTek ALC892 codec
The subsystem has the following headers and connectors:
• Three back panel analog audio connectors
• High Definition (HD) Audio front panel header that provides mic in and line out
signals for front panel audio connectors
The audio subsystem supports the following features:
• Advanced jack sense for the back panel analog audio jacks that enables the audio
codec to recognize the device that is connected to an audio port. 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.
• A signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio of 95 dB.
• Independent multi-streaming 6-channel (5.1) audio (using the back panel audio
connectors) and 2-channel audio (using the Intel High Definition Audio front panel
header).
Go to the following pages for more information about:
• The location of the onboard audio headers, Figure 20 on page 47
• The si
• The bac
gnal names for the Intel High Definition Audio front panel header, page 48
k panel audio connectors, Figure 21 on page 51
LAN Subsystem
The board’s Gigabit (10/100/1000 Mb/s) LAN subsystem includes:
• Intel X79 Express Chipset
• Intel 82579LM Gigabit Ethernet LAN Controller
• An RJ-45 LAN connector with integrated status LEDs
The subsystem features:
• CSMA/CD protocol engine
• LAN connect interface between the Intel PCH and the LAN controllers
• PCI bus power management
• ACPI technology support
• LAN wake capabilities
Go to the following link for information about LAN software and drivers:
http://www.intel.com/products/motherboard/index.htm
18
Desktop Board Features
Two LEDs are built into the RJ-45 LAN connector located on the back panel (see
Figure 3). These LEDs indicate th
Figure 3. LAN Connector LEDs
Table 3 describes the LED states when the board is powered up and the LAN
subsystem is operating.
e status of the LAN.
Table 3. LAN Connector LEDs
LED LED Color LED State Indicates
A Off LAN link is not established
Blinking LAN activity is occurring
B
Green
On LAN link is established
N/A Off 10 Mb/s data rate
Green On 100 Mb/s data rate
Yellow On 1000 Mb/s data rate
Legacy I/O
Intel Desktop Board DX79TO includes an I/O controller that provides the following
legacy I/O features:
• Consumer Infrared (CIR) support
• Low pin count (LPC) interface
• Intelligent power management, including a programmable wake up event interface
• PCI power management support
Expandability
Intel Desktop Board DX79TO provides the following expansion capability:
• Two PCI Express 3.0 x16 connectors. Operation at PCI Express 3.0 speeds requires
a processor that supports the PCI Express 3.0 Specification.
• Three PCI Express 2.0 x1 connectors
• One PCI bus connector
19
Intel Desktop Board DX79TO Product Guide
BIOS
The BIOS provides the Power-On Self-Test (POST), the BIOS Setup program, and the
PCI/PCI Express and IDE auto-configuration utilities. The BIOS is stored in the Serial
Peripheral Interface (SPI) Flash device.
The BIOS can be updated by following the instructions on page 63 in Chapter 3.
Serial ATA and IDE Auto Configuration
If you install a Serial ATA or IDE device (such as a hard drive) in your computer, the
auto-configuration utility in the BIOS automatically detects and configures the device
for your computer. You do not need to run the BIOS Setup program after installing a
Serial ATA or IDE device. You can override the auto-configuration options by
specifying manual configuration in the BIOS Setup program.
PCI and PCI Express* Auto Configuration
If you install a PCI/PCI Express add-in card in your computer, the PCI/PCI Express
auto-configuration utility in the BIOS automatically detects and configures the
resources (IRQs, DMA channels, and I/O space) for that add-in card. You do not need
to run the BIOS Setup program after you install a PCI/PCI Express add-in card.
Security Passwords
The BIOS includes security features that restrict whether the BIOS Setup program can
be accessed and who can boot the computer. A supervisor password and a user
password can be set for the BIOS Setup and for booting the computer, with the
following restrictions:
• The supervisor password gives unrestricted access to view and change all Setup
options. If only the supervisor password is set, pressing <Enter> at the password
prompt of Setup gives the user restricted access to Setup.
• If both the supervisor and user passwords are set, you must enter either the
supervisor password or the user password to access Setup. Setup options are then
available for viewing and changing depending on whether the supervisor or user
password was entered.
• Setting a user password restricts who can boot the computer. The password
prompt is displayed before the computer is booted. If only the supervisor
password is set, the computer boots without asking for a password. If both
passwords are set, you can enter either password to boot the computer.
For instructions on resetting the password, go to Clearing Passwords on page 55.
20
Desktop Board Features
Back to BIOS Button
The back panel Back to BIOS button (Figure 4, A) duplicates the functionality of the
BIOS configuration jumper with the following exceptions:
• It can only be used to force the board to power on to the BIOS Maintenance Menu
using default values but it will retain all previously saved changes.
• It cannot be used to override passwords set in the BIOS.
• It cannot be used to invoke BIOS recovery mode.
The button glows red when it is activated.
NOTE
Using the Back to BIOS button does not set the board to the factory BIOS
defaults. To restore settings to the factory defaults, use the <F9> key once
BIOS setup mode is active.
Figure 4. Location of the Back to BIOS Button
Hardware Management
The hardware management features of Intel Desktop Board DX79TO enable the board
to be compatible with the Wired for Management (WfM) specification. The board has
several hardware management features including the following:
• Fan speed monitoring and control
• Thermal and voltage monitoring
• Chassis intrusion detection
Hardware Monitoring and Fan Speed Control
Hardware monitoring and fan speed control are based on the Nuvoton* Legacy I/O
Controller, which provides the following:
• Processor and system ambient temperature monitoring
• Monitoring of power supply voltages to detect levels above and below acceptable
values
• Chassis fan speed monitoring
• SMBus interface
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Intel Desktop Board DX79TO Product Guide
Chassis Intrusion
The board supports a chassis security feature that detects if the chassis cover has
been removed. The security feature uses a mechanical switch on the chassis that can
be connected to the chassis intrusion header on the Desktop Board. See Figure 20 for
the l
ocation and pinout of the chassis intrusion header.
Power Management
Power management is implemented at several levels, including software support
through the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) and the following
hardware support:
• Power connectors
• Fan headers
• LAN wake capabilities
• Instantly Available PC technology (Suspend to RAM)
• +5 V standby power indicator LED
• Wake from USB
• Power Management Event signal (PME#) wakeup support
• WAKE# signal wake-up support
• Wake from Consumer IR
Software Support
ACPI
ACPI gives the operating system direct control over the power management and Plug
and Play functions of a computer. The use of ACPI with the Desktop Board requires an
operating system that provides full ACPI support.
Hardware Support
Power Connectors
ATX12V-compliant power supplies can turn off the computer power through system
control. When an ACPI-enabled computer receives the correct command, the power
supply removes all non-standby voltages.
When resuming from an AC power failure, the computer returns to the power state it
was in before power was interrupted (either on or off). The computer’s response can
be set by using the Last Power State feature in the BIOS Setup program’s Boot menu.
The Desktop Board has three power connectors. See Figure 23 on page 53 for the
location of the power co
nnectors.
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Desktop Board Features
Fan Headers
The function/operation of the fans is as follows:
• The fans are on when the computer is in the ACPI S0 state.
• The fans are off when the computer is in the ACPI S3, S4, or S5 state.
• Each fan header is wired to a tachometer input of the hardware monitoring and
control device.
• All fan headers support closed-loop fan control that can adjust the fan speed or
switch the fan on or off as needed.
• All fan headers have a +12 V DC connection.
The Desktop Board has a 4-pin processor fan header and three 4-pin chassis fan
headers.
LAN Wake Capabilities
CAUTION
For LAN wake capabilities, the 5 V standby line for the power supply must be capable
of delivering adequate +5 V standby current. Failure to provide adequate standby
current when using this feature can damage the power supply.
LAN wakeup capabilities enable remote wake-up of the computer through a network.
The LAN subsystem monitors network traffic and upon detecting a Magic Packet*
frame, it asserts a wake-up signal that powers up the computer.
Instantly Available PC Technology
CAUTIONS
For Instantly Available PC technology, the 5 V standby line for the power supply must
be capable of delivering adequate +5 V standby current. Failure to provide adequate
standby current when using this feature can damage the power supply and/or effect
ACPI S3 sleep state functionality.
Power supplies used with this Desktop Board must be able to provide enough standby
current to support the standard Instantly Available (ACPI S3 sleep state) configuration.
If the standby current necessary to support multiple wake events from the PCI and/or
USB buses exceeds power supply capacity, the Desktop Board may lose register
settings stored in memory.
Instantly Available PC technology enables the board to enter the ACPI S3 (Suspend-toRAM) sleep state. While in the S3 sleep state, the computer will appear to be off. If
the computer has a dual-colored power LED on the front panel, the sleep state is
indicated by the LED turning amber. When signaled by a wake-up device or event, the
computer quickly returns to its last known awake state.
The Desktop Board supports the PCI Bus Power Management Interface Specification.
Add-in cards that support this specification can participate in power management and
can be used to wake the computer.
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Intel Desktop Board DX79TO Product Guide
+5 V Standby Power Indicator
CAUTION
If the AC power has been switched off and the standby power indicator is still lit,
disconnect the power cord before installing or removing any devices connected to the
board. Failure to do so could damage the board and any attached devices.
The Desktop Board’s standby power indicator, shown in Figure 5, is lit when there is
standby power still present on the board even when the computer appears to be off.
For example, when this LED is lit, standby power is still present at the memory module
sockets and the PCI bus connectors.
Figure 5. Location of the Standby Power Indicator
For more information on standby current requirements for the Desktop Board, refer to
the Technical Product Specification at
1http://www.intel.com/products/motherboard/index.htm
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Desktop Board Features
Wake from USB
NOTE
Wake from USB requires the use of a USB peripheral that supports Wake from USB
and an operating system that supports Wake from USB.
USB bus activity wakes the computer from an ACPI S3 state.
PME# Signal Wake-up Support
When the PME# signal on the PCI bus is asserted, the computer wakes from an
ACPI S3, S4, or S5 state.
WAKE# Signal Wake-up Support
When the WAKE# signal on the PCI Express bus is asserted, the computer wakes from
an ACPI S3, S4, or S5 state.
Wake from Consumer IR
Consumer IR device activity wakes the computer from an ACPI S3, S4, or S5 state.
Onboard System Control Switches
The board contains the following lighted button switches that can be used to control
board operation:
• Power
• Reset
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Intel Desktop Board DX79TO Product Guide
Figure 6. Onboard System Control Switches
Power Switch
The power button switch (see Figure 6, A) can be used to turn the desktop board on or
off. This power button switch behaves the same as a chassis power switch connected
via the front panel header. The onboard power button switch does not remove
standby power. To turn off the computer using the onboard power button switch,
keep it pressed down for three seconds.
Reset Switch
The reset button switch (see Figure 6, B) can be used to reset the desktop board. This
power button switch behaves the same as a chassis reset switch connected via the
front panel header. When the reset button switch is pressed, the board resets and
runs the POST.
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