Installation Precautions, Installation Instructions

Intel Desktop Board D945GPM Product Guide

Follow these guidelines before you begin:

•Always follow the steps in each procedure in the correct order.

•Set up a log to record information about your computer, such as model, serial numbers, installed options, and configuration information.

•Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage components. Perform the procedures described in this chapter only at an ESD workstation using an antistatic wrist strap and a conductive foam pad. If such a station is not available, you can provide some ESD protection by wearing an antistatic wrist strap and attaching it to a metal part of the computer chassis.

Installation Precautions

When you install and test the Intel desktop board, observe all warnings and cautions in the installation instructions.

To avoid injury, be careful of:

•Sharp pins on connectors

•Sharp pins on printed circuit assemblies

•Rough edges and sharp corners on the chassis

•Hot components (like processors, voltage regulators, and heat sinks)

•Damage to wires that could cause a short circuit

Observe all warnings and cautions that instruct you to refer computer servicing to qualified technical personnel.

Installation Instructions

NOTE

Follow these guidelines to meet safety and regulatory requirements when installing this board.

Read and adhere to all of these instructions and the instructions supplied with the chassis and associated modules. If the instructions for the chassis are inconsistent with these instructions or the instructions for associated modules, contact the supplier’s technical support to find out how you can ensure that your computer meets safety and regulatory requirements. If you do not follow these instructions and the instructions provided by chassis and module suppliers, you increase safety risk and the possibility of noncompliance with regional laws and regulations.

Ensure Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Compliance

Before computer integration, make sure that the power supply and other modules or peripherals, as applicable, have passed Class B EMC testing and are marked accordingly.

Pay close attention to the following when reading the installation instructions for the host chassis, power supply, and other modules:

•Product certifications or lack of certifications

•External I/O cable shielding and filtering

•Mounting, grounding, and bonding requirements

•Keying connectors when mating the wrong connectors could be hazardous

D945GPM specifications

The Intel D945GPM is a motherboard that was designed primarily for desktop PCs and is part of Intel's 9-series chipset family. Launched in the mid-2000s, this motherboard has gained recognition for its robust performance and solid feature set for users seeking a stable and efficient computing platform.

One of the hallmark features of the D945GPM is its support for Intel's LGA 775 processor socket. This accommodates a variety of processors, including the Pentium 4, Pentium D, and the Core 2 Duo series. The motherboard supports dual-channel DDR2 memory, with a maximum capacity of 4GB, providing sufficient memory bandwidth for most basic computing tasks and multitasking needs.

The D945GPM is built on the Intel 945G chipset, which integrates the graphics controller, simplifying the motherboard's design and enhancing efficiency. The integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 allows users to perform casual gaming, video playback, and standard office applications without the need for a discrete graphics card. However, for those requiring higher 3D performance, the motherboard includes a PCI Express x16 slot, enabling the installation of dedicated graphics cards.

Additionally, the D945GPM features several connectivity options. It includes support for up to four SATA 3.0 Gb/s connections, which allows users to connect multiple hard drives or SSDs for improved data transfer rates and storage capabilities. There are also four USB 2.0 ports available, providing connectivity for peripheral devices like keyboards, mice, and external storage.

The motherboard integrates an Intel High Definition Audio subsystem, delivering clear and crisp audio quality for an enhanced multimedia experience. The Realtek ALC888 audio codec contributes to decent sound performance for gaming, movie watching, and music playback.

User-friendly features include a BIOS that supports a wide range of customization options, allowing enthusiasts to tweak and optimize performance settings. The motherboard is also equipped with multiple fan headers, enabling efficient cooling setups to maintain stable operation during intensive tasks.

Overall, the Intel D945GPM motherboard stands out for its balance of performance, features, and reliability, making it an excellent choice for basic computing, light gaming, and media consumption, reflecting the tech standards of its time.