Recovering the Bios

Updating the BIOS

It is unlikely that anything will interrupt the BIOS update; however, if an interruption occurs, the BIOS could be damaged. The following steps explain how to recover the BIOS if an update fails. The following procedure uses recovery mode for the Setup program. See page 45 for more information on Setup modes.

NOTE

Because of the small amount of code available in the boot block area, there is no video support. You will not see anything on the screen during this procedure. Monitor the procedure by listening to the speaker and looking at the diskette drive LED.

1.Turn off the computer, disconnect the computer’s power cord, and disconnect all external peripherals.

2.Remove the computer cover and locate the configuration jumper block (see Figure 24).

3.Remove the jumper from all pins as shown below to set recovery mode for Setup.

4.Insert the bootable BIOS update diskette into diskette drive A.

5.Replace the computer cover, connect the power cord, turn on the computer, and allow it to boot. The recovery process will take a few minutes.

6.Listen to the speaker:

•Upon applying power, drive A will begin to show activity. In about a minute, two beeps are heard and drive A activity ceases (temporarily) indicating the successful recovery of the BIOS core. Drive A activity will begin again followed by two more beeps indicating the successful recovery of the boot block. This sequence of events indicates a successful BIOS recovery.

•A series of continuous beeps indicates a failed BIOS recovery.

7.If recovery fails, return to step 1 and repeat the recovery process.

8.If recovery is successful, turn off the computer, and disconnect its power cord.

9.Remove the computer cover and continue with the following steps.

10.On the jumper block, reinstall the jumper back on pins 1-2 as shown below to set normal mode for Setup.

11.Leave the update diskette in drive A, replace the computer cover, and connect the computer’s power cord.

12.Turn on the computer and continue with the BIOS update.

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.