Installing and Removing a PCI Express* x16 Card

Intel Desktop Board D945GPM Product Guide

Installing and Removing a PCI Express* x16 Card

CAUTION

When installing any PCI Express x16 card on the desktop board, ensure that it is fully seated in the PCI Express x16 connector before you power on the system. If the card is not fully seated in the PCI Express connector, an electrical short may result across the PCI Express connector pins. Depending on the over-current protection of the power supply, certain board components and/or traces may be damaged.

Installing a PCI Express x16 Card

1.Observe the precautions in "Before You Begin" on page 23.

2.Place the card in the PCI Express x16 connector and press down on the card until it is completely seated in the connector and the card retention notch snaps into place around the RM pin (Figure 17, 1).

3.Secure the card’s metal bracket to the chassis back panel with a screw (Figure 17, 2).

4.Place the VGA cover over the back panel VGA port (Figure 17, 3).

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Figure 17. Inserting a PCI Express x16 Card and Covering the Back Panel VGA Port

Removing the PCI Express x16 Card

Follow these instructions to remove the PCI Express x16 card from the RM:

1.Observe the precautions in "Before You Begin" on page 23.

2.Remove the screw that secures the card’s metal bracket to the chassis back panel.

3.Push back on the RM lever until the retention pin completely clears the notch in the card.

4.Pull the card straight up.

5.Remove the VGA cover from the back panel VGA port.

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.