Onboard FDC Controller, Onboard Serial Port

BIOS SETUP

Onboard FDC Controller

Select Enabled if your system has a floppy disk controller (FDC) installed on the board and you wish to use it. If you install an add-in FDC or the system has no floppy drive, select Disabled in this field.

Onboard Serial Port

These fields allow you to select the onboard serial and parallel ports and their address. The default values for these ports are:

Serial Port 1	3F8/IRQ4
Serial Port 2	2F8/IRQ3
Serial Port 3	3E8h/IRQ11
Serial Port 4	2E8h/IRQ10

UART Mode Select

This field determines the UART 2 mode in your computer. The default value is Normal. Other options include IrDA and ASKIR.

Watch Dog Timer Select

The options available include 2 Min,10 Min,30 Min,1 Hour,2 Hour,

3 Hour,4 Hour and Disabled. By default, this field is set to Disabled.

IDE DMA Transfer Access

Allows IDE transfer to be done in DMA mode. By default, this field is set to Enabled.

IDE Prefetch Mode

The default setting is Disabled.

IDE Primary/Secondary Master/Slave PIO

These fields allow your system hard disk controller to work faster. Rather than have the BIOS issue a series of commands that transfer to or from the disk drive, PIO (Programmed Input/Output) allows the BIOS to communicate with the controller and CPU directly.

The system supports five modes, numbered from 0 (default) to 4, which primarily differ in timing. When Auto is selected, the BIOS will select the best available mode.

38	MB879 User’s Manual

MB879 specifications

The Intel MB879, a powerful microprocessor from Intel, is well-regarded within the realm of computing technology. As part of the Intel architecture family, it combines cutting-edge performance with advanced energy efficiency features, catering to a wide variety of applications from embedded systems to high-performance computing.

One of the standout features of the Intel MB879 is its multi-core design. This allows for enhanced multitasking capabilities and improved performance in parallel processing environments. By distributing workloads across multiple cores, the MB879 ensures that applications, particularly those requiring intensive computational power, run smoothly and efficiently.

The processor is built on a robust 14nm manufacturing process, which contributes to its impressive performance per watt ratio. This inherent energy efficiency not only reduces operational costs but also aligns with the growing demand for greener computing solutions. The lower thermal output allows for quieter cooling solutions, making it suited for environments where noise levels are a concern.

Another significant characteristic of the Intel MB879 is its support for advanced memory technologies. With DDR4 memory support, it can handle greater bandwidth and efficiency, significantly improving data access speeds. This is particularly beneficial for memory-intensive applications such as database management and large-scale simulations.

Intel's integrated graphics technology is another notable feature of the MB879. The integrated GPU facilitates smooth graphic rendering without the need for a dedicated graphics card, making the processor suitable for light gaming and media playback while preserving system space and reducing power consumption.

Security is also a priority with the Intel MB879, which integrates advanced security features to protect data and enhance system integrity. Technologies like Intel Secure Boot and Intel Trusted Execution Technology help safeguard against various cyber threats, ensuring that sensitive information remains secure.

In conclusion, the Intel MB879 stands as a versatile and powerful microprocessor offering a blend of performance, efficiency, and security. With its multi-core architecture, advanced memory support, integrated graphics, and robust security features, it meets the demands of modern computing, from everyday applications to enterprise-level tasks, making it an excellent choice for developers and businesses alike.