Content Overview, Text Conventions | Intel Core 2 Duo, Q35 Express

Intel Core 2 Duo Processor and Intel Q35 Express Chipset—About This Manual

1.0About This Manual

This user’s manual describes the use of the Intel® Q35 Express Chipset Development Kit. This manual has been written for OEMs, system evaluators, and embedded system developers. All jumpers, headers, LED functions, and their locations on the board, along with subsystem features and POST codes, are defined in this document.

For the latest information about the Intel® Q35 Express Chipset Development Kit reference platform, visit:

http://developer.intel.com/design/intarch/devkits/ index.htm?iid=embed_body+devkits

For design documents related to this platform, such as schematics and layout, please contact your Intel Representative.

1.1Content Overview

Chapter 1.0, “About This Manual”

This chapter contains a description of conventions used in this manual. The last few sections explain how to obtain literature and contact customer support.

Chapter 2.0, “Development Kit Hardware Features”

This chapter provides information on the development kit features and the board capability. This includes the information on board component features, jumper settings, pin-out information for connectors and overall development kit board capability.

Chapter 3.0, “Setting Up and Configuring the Development Kit”

This chapter provides instructions on how to configure the evaluation board and processor assembly by setting BTX heatsink, jumpers, connecting peripherals, providing power, and configuring the BIOS.

1.2Text Conventions

The following notations may be used throughout this manual.

#	The pound symbol (#) appended to a signal name indicates that
	the signal is active low.
Variables	Variables are shown in italics. Variables must be replaced with
	correct values.
Instructions	Instruction mnemonics are shown in uppercase. When you are
	programming, instructions are not case-sensitive. You may use
	either upper-case or lower-case.
Numbers	Hexadecimal numbers are represented by a string of
	hexadecimal digits followed by the character H. A zero prefix is
	added to numbers that begin with A through F. (For example, FF
Intel® CoreTM 2 Duo Processor and Intel ® Q35 Express Chipset Development Kit
User’s Manual	October 2007
6	Order Number: 318476001US

Q35 Express, Core 2 Duo specifications

The Intel Core 2 Duo is a line of dual-core processors that was introduced by Intel in 2006. It represented a significant advancement in semiconductor design, offering improved performance and efficiency over its predecessors. The Core 2 Duo processors were built on Intel's 65nm manufacturing process and later transitioned to a 45nm process, allowing for higher clock speeds and lower power consumption.

One of the main features of the Core 2 Duo is its dual-core architecture. This allows the processor to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, enhancing multitasking capabilities. It is equipped with features such as Intel's Smart Cache, which optimizes the efficiency of memory usage by allowing both cores to access the cache. The processors also support Intel's Enhanced SpeedStep technology, which dynamically adjusts voltage and frequency according to workload, contributing to energy savings.

In terms of performance, the Core 2 Duo is capable of delivering high processing power for a wide range of applications, from everyday computing tasks to more demanding workloads like multimedia editing. The architecture supports 64-bit processing, enabling the use of more than 4GB of RAM, a significant improvement for performance-intensive applications.

The Q35 Express chipset complemented the Core 2 Duo processors, offering enhanced graphics capabilities through Intel's GMA X3100 integrated graphics. This chipset supports various technologies, including Intel vPro, which provides manageability features for enterprise users and enhances security. The Q35 Express also facilitates support for Intel’s Active Management Technology, allowing IT departments to remotely manage computers, even when powered off.

Furthermore, the Q35 Express chipset supports numerous connectivity and expansion options. It includes support for Intel High Definition Audio, providing a high-quality audio experience, and offers multiple PCI Express lanes for graphics and other expansion cards. The chipset supports up to 8 USB ports and SATA interface for connecting storage devices, making it well-suited for both consumer and business applications.

Overall, the Intel Core 2 Duo processors, along with the Q35 Express chipset, provide a robust and reliable platform suitable for a variety of uses. Their combination of dual-core performance, energy efficiency, and enhanced graphics support ensures that they continue to be relevant for many users well beyond their initial launch.