Intel AP440FX specifications IDE Support, Secure Flash Support, USB Support

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AP440FX Motherboard Technical Product Specification

1.7.4IDE Support

The motherboard provides two independent high performance bus-mastering PCI IDE interfaces capable of supporting PIO Mode 3 and Mode 4 devices. The BIOS supports Logical Block Addressing (LBA) and Extended Cylinder Sector Head (ECHS) translation modes as well as ATAPI (e.g., CD-ROM) devices on both IDE interfaces. Detection of IDE device transfer rate and translation mode capability is automatically determined by the BIOS.

Normally, programmed I/O operations require a substantial amount of microprocessor bandwidth. In true multi-tasking operating systems like Windows95, the microprocessor bandwidth freed up by using PCI bus mastering IDE can be used to complete other tasks while disk transfers are occurring. When used in conjunction with the appropriate driver for the Windows 95 environment, the IDE interface can operate as a PCI bus master capable of supporting PIO Mode 4 devices with transfer rates of up to 16 MB/sec.

Detailed information on the PCIset is available in the Intel 82440FX PCISet data sheet.

1.7.5Secure Flash Support

The AP440FX motherboard uses both onboard hardware and BIOS code support to protect the onboard flash memory device from accidentally or intentionally being corrupted. A general purpose I/O (GPIO) port of the I/O controller is used to control the write enable line of the flash device. By putting the microprocessor in System Management Mode (SMM) whenever the flash write is enabled, the BIOS can ensure that the SMM code is not corrupted and that flash can only be written from within SMM.

1.7.6USB Support

The AP440FX motherboard has two USB ports. This permits connection of two USB peripheral devices directly to the computer without an external hub. If more devices are required, an external hub can be connected to either of the built-in ports. The motherboard completely supports the standard universal host controller interface (UHCI) and takes advantage of the standard software drivers written to be compatible with UHCI. Features of the USB include:

Self-identifying peripherals

Automatic mapping of function to driver and configuration

Support for isochronous and asynchronous transfer types over the same set of wires

Support for up to 127 physical devices

Guaranteed bandwidth and low latencies appropriate for telephony, audio, and other applications

Error handling and fault recovery mechanisms built into protocol

Low cost cables and connectors

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Contents AP440FX Motherboard Date RevisionRevision History Table of Contents Motherboard Bios and Setup Utility AP440FX Motherboard Technical Product SpecificationError Messages and Beep Codes ContentsAP440FX Motherboard Technical Product Specification Motherboard Description OverviewMotherboard Features Key to Motherboard Features Motherboard Description Motherboard Manufacturing OptionsForm Factor Back Panel I/O Shield Dimensions I/O ShieldMicroprocessor Heatsink and Clips Microprocessor UpgradeMicroprocessor Dram Main System MemoryChipset Parity and ECC Dram2 82442FX Data Bus Accelerator DBX 3 82371SB PCI/ISA IDE Xccelerator PIIX3USB Support IDE SupportSecure Flash Support Keyboard and Mouse Interface PC87307 Super I/O ControllerFloppy Controller Infrared Support Real-Time Clock, Cmos RAM and BatteryGraphics Subsystem Parallel Port1 S3 ViRGE Graphics Subsystem S3 ViRGE Supported ResolutionsResolution Refresh rate Hz2 S3 ViRGE/DX Graphics Subsystem LBP Vesa Feature ConnectorS3 ViRGE/DX Supported Resolutions Graphics Drivers and UtilitiesAudio Subsystem Management Extension HardwareMotherboard Connectors Motherboard Connector Locations Pin Signal Name Front Panel ConnectorsFront Panel I/O Connector J2A1 Swon Infrared ConnectorPower-ON LED Sleep/ResumeFan Connector J4A1 ResetKeylock Connector J3A1 Keylock Connector J3A1Signal Name Pin Memory/Expansion ConnectorsPCI/ISA Riser Connector J6J2 Signal PinSA9 SA8 SA7 SA6 SA5 SA4 SA3 SA2 SA1 SA0 SBHE# Serial Header Vesa Feature ConnectorLBP Vesa Feature Connector J1K1 Serial Port COM2H, J3N1 PinoutWavetable Upgrade Connector J9L1 Audio ConnectorsCD-ROM Connector J9N1 Telephony Connector J9K1External 3.3 V Power Supply Connector J9J1 Power Supply ConnectorsPrimary Power Supply Connector J9H1 NameFloppy Drive Connector J8L1 Floppy/IDE ConnectorsSoft-Off Power Supply Connector J9F1 Pin NameLists the pinout and signal names for the IDE connectors IDE Connectors J8H1, J9H2VGA Video Connector J1N1 Back Panel ConnectorsVGA Video Connector Keyboard and Mouse Ports USB Back Panel Connectors12.8.2 COM1 Serial Port Description Pin Parallel Port Connector PinoutParallel Port Jumper Settings Jumper LocationsMicroprocessor/System Speed Settings Microprocessor Configuration J4L2Motherboard Configuration J4L2, J1J1 J4L2-A J4L2-B J4L2-CReliability Configuration Jumper SettingsConfiguration JumperPower Usage Power ConsumptionMotherboard Environmental Specifications EnvironmentalRegulatory Compliance Power Supply ConsiderationsSafety 17.2 EMI Product Certification MarkingsAddress Range Decimal Memory MapMemory Map Address Range hexAddress hex Size Description I/O MapO Map Soft-Off Control PCI Configuration Space MapPCI Configuration Space Map DMA ChannelsInterrupts InterruptsIntroduction Bios Flash Memory OrganizationBios Upgrades Flash Memory OrganizationPCI IDE Support PCI Auto-ConfigurationRecommendations for Configuring an Atapi Device Primary CableDesktop Management Interface DMI Motherboard Bios and Setup UtilityISA Plug and Play Advanced Power Management APM Advanced Power Control APCOverview of the Setup Menu Screens Boot OptionsSetup Enable Jumper Language SupportSystem Time Main Bios Setup ScreenSystem Date Floppy OptionsFloppy Options Subscreen Floppy a Type IDE Device Configuration SubscreenIDE Device Configuration Floppy B TypeHeads IDE Translation ModeMultiple Sector Setting SectorsBoot Options Subscreen Num Lock Setup PromptHard Disk Pre-Delay Typematic Rate ProgrammingAdvanced Screen Event Logging Configuration Peripheral Configuration SubscreenSerial Port 1 Interface Serial Port 2 IR ModeSerial Port Configuration Options Serial Port 2 AddressParallel Port Interface ∙ Compatible defaultParallel Port Configuration Options Parallel Port TypeAudio Interface ECP Compatible Configuration OptionsUSB Interface Hardware Monitor InterfaceAdvanced Chipset Configuration Subscreen Video Palette Snoop Latency Timer PCI ClocksOnboard Video IRQ ISA VGA Write CombiningPower Management Configuration Subscreen Plug and Play Configuration Subscreen ISA Shared Memory Base Address ∙ C8000h defaultISA Shared Memory Size Event Count Granularity IRQ 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14Event Log Capacity Event Time Granularity MinutesClear Event Log ∙ Keep default∙ Do Not Mark default Mark Existing Events as ReadSecurity Screen Security Screen OptionsExit Screen Page Bios Beep Codes Bios Beep CodesPCI Configuration Error Messages PCI Configuration Error MessagesChained PCI Error Messages Error Messages and Beep Codes Bios Error MessagesBios Error Messages ISA NMI Message ISA NMI MessagesISA NMI Messages

AP440FX specifications

The Intel AP440FX is a pivotal motherboard that was released in the late 1990s, designed to support the Intel Pentium II and Pentium III processors. Known for its robust performance and versatile functionalities, the AP440FX became a popular choice among computer enthusiasts and system builders during its time.

One of the defining features of the Intel AP440FX is its support for the Intel 440FX chipset. This chipset provided improved system performance through its use of a 66 MHz front-side bus, which allowed for faster data transfer between the CPU and the memory. The motherboard was equipped with two DIMM slots capable of supporting a maximum of 512 MB of SDRAM, providing users with the flexibility to choose the amount of memory they required for their applications.

Another notable characteristic of the AP440FX motherboard is its integrated support for various peripheral interfaces. It comes equipped with multiple ISA and PCI slots, allowing users to expand their system capabilities through the addition of various cards. The presence of two USB ports, which were relatively new at the time of its release, gave users access to a wider range of peripherals and external devices.

The Intel AP440FX also features an integrated IDE controller, enabling connection for hard drives and optical drives without the need for additional controller cards. This integrated solution simplified storage management for users and contributed to the overall efficiency of the system. The motherboard also supported SCSI through optional daughter cards, catering to users who required high-speed data transfer and reliable disk storage solutions.

Moreover, the AP440FX was designed with future upgrades in mind. Its BIOS supported plug-and-play installations, allowing users to easily configure new hardware components without extensive troubleshooting. Additionally, the ATX form factor of the motherboard contributed to its compatibility with a wide range of cases and power supplies.

In terms of power management, the Intel AP440FX incorporated advanced features such as ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface), which allowed for better power efficiency and management of power states. This feature was particularly beneficial for users looking to reduce energy consumption and improve the overall longevity of their systems.

All in all, the Intel AP440FX represented a significant advancement in motherboard technology during its era. Its combination of robust performance, upgradeability, and support for new technologies made it a popular choice for users looking to build powerful and efficient computing systems.