Fan Connectors

Desktop Board Features

ACPI

ACPI gives the operating system direct control over the power management and Plug and Play functions of a computer. The use of ACPI with the desktop board requires an operating system that provides full ACPI support.

Desktop Board D975XBX has three chassis fan connectors (two 3-pin and one 4-pin) and one processor fan connector (4-pin).

Fan Speed Control (Intel® Precision Cooling Technology)

Intel Precision Cooling Technology automatically adjusts the processor fan speed based on the processor temperature and adjusts the chassis fan speeds depending on the system temperature. System fan noise may be reduced by operating controlled chassis and processor fans at the minimum necessary speeds.

The processor and chassis fan speed control features can be disabled independently through the desktop board BIOS. Disabling the processor fan speed control will result in the fan operating at full speed if it is not a self controlled fan. It is recommended that processor fan speed control remain enabled (default BIOS setting) when using the processor fan heat-sink included with Intel® boxed processors. Disabling the chassis fan speed control results in chassis fans always operating at full speed. The chassis fan speed control feature should be disabled if a self-controlled chassis fan is attached to any controlled chassis fan header.

The overall system noise reduction will vary based on system configuration and environment.

Suspend to RAM (Instantly Available PC Technology)

CAUTION

For Instantly Available PC technology, the 5 V standby line for the power supply must be capable of delivering adequate +5 V standby current. Failure to provide adequate standby current when using this feature can damage the power supply and/or affect ACPI S3 sleep state functionality.

CAUTION

Power supplies used with this desktop board must be able to provide enough standby current to support the standard Instantly Available (ACPI S3 sleep state) configuration. If the standby current necessary to support multiple wake events from the PCI and/or USB buses exceeds power supply capacity, the desktop board may lose register settings stored in memory.

Instantly Available PC technology enables the board to enter the ACPI S3 (Suspend-to-RAM) sleep state. While in the S3 sleep state, the computer will appear to be off. When signaled by a wake-up device or event, the system quickly returns to its last known awake state.

The desktop board’s standby power indicator, shown in Figure 3, is lit when there is standby power to the system. This includes the memory modules and PCI bus connectors, even when the computer appears to be off.

If the system has a dual-colored power LED on the front panel, the sleep state is indicated by the LED turning amber.

D975XBX specifications

The Intel D975XBX motherboard, also known as the "Bad Axe," is a high-performance platform designed for enthusiasts and gamers who demand exceptional computing power and advanced features. Launched in the mid-2000s, this motherboard is built around the Intel 975X chipset, which supports Intel's Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Extreme processors. The D975XBX was particularly noted for its capabilities in overclocking, making it a popular choice among PC builders and gamers looking to maximize performance.

One of the standout features of the Intel D975XBX is its support for dual-channel DDR2 memory. The motherboard has four DIMM slots, allowing users to install up to 8GB of RAM, with speeds up to 800 MHz. This high memory bandwidth significantly enhances system performance, especially in memory-intensive applications and gaming scenarios. Additionally, the board supports Advanced Memory Protection technologies like ECC (Error-Correcting Code) when used with compatible memory modules.

Storage connectivity is another strong point of the D975XBX. It features six SATA II ports, providing ample room for multiple hard drives or solid-state drives. This is complemented by support for Intel Matrix Storage Technology, which allows for RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 configurations, ensuring data integrity and improved performance through redundancy. For those who prefer legacy support, the motherboard also includes an IDE port for connecting older drives.

In terms of graphics capabilities, the D975XBX has two PCI Express x16 slots, enabling users to install multiple graphics cards for enhanced performance in gaming or graphic design applications. The board also supports CrossFire technology, allowing for dual graphics card configurations from AMD.

The Intel D975XBX is equipped with an array of onboard features, including seven USB 2.0 ports, a dual Gigabit Ethernet controller for high-speed networking, and 7.1 surround sound audio support, making it versatile for various multimedia applications. The board's BIOS includes a user-friendly interface and comprehensive overclocking options, allowing users to fine-tune system settings for optimal performance.

Overall, the Intel D975XBX remains a noteworthy option for those interested in building a powerful PC. Its solid feature set, support for legacy technologies, and overclocking potential continue to attract enthusiasts looking for a reliable and high-performance motherboard. Whether for gaming, multimedia tasks, or everyday computing, the D975XBX delivers a well-rounded experience that has stood the test of time.