Motherboard Layout and Routing Guidelines

2.3.7Design Methodology

Intel recommends using the following design methodology when designing systems based on one or two Intel® Pentium® II processors and one Intel® 440GX AGPset. The methodology evolved from Intel’s experience developing and validating high speed GTL+ bus designs for the Intel ® Pentium® Pro and Intel® Pentium® II processors.

The methodology provides a step-by-step process which is summarized in Figure 2-12. The process begins with an initial timing analysis and topology definition. Timing and topology recommendations are included in this section. The heart of the methodology is structured around extensive simulations and analysis prior to board layout. This represents a significant departure from traditional design methods. The pre-layout simulations provide a detailed picture of the working “solution space” for the design. By basing the board layout guidelines on the solution space, the need to iterate between layout and post-layout simulation is minimized. The methodology includes specific recommendations for analytical techniques and simulation conditions. Following layout, simulation with the extracted design database is used to verify that the design meets flight time and signal quality requirements prior to building hardware. Finally, validation verifies that the system meets 100 MHz timing and signal quality requirements with actual hardware.

Intel®440GX AGPset Design Guide

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Intel 440GX manual Design Methodology
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440GX specifications

The Intel 440GX chipset was launched in 1997 as part of Intel's series of chipsets known as the 440 family, and it served as a critical component for various Pentium II and Pentium III-based motherboard architectures. Specifically designed for the second generation of Intel’s processors, the 440GX delivered enhanced performance and supported a range of important technologies that defined PC architectures of its time.

One of the main features of the Intel 440GX was its support for a 100 MHz front-side bus (FSB), which significantly improved data transfer rates between the CPU and the memory subsystem. This advancement allowed the 440GX to accommodate both the original Pentium II processors as well as the later Pentium III chips, providing compatibility and flexibility for system builders and consumers alike.

The 440GX chipset included an integrated AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) controller, which supported AGP 2x speeds. This enabled high-performance graphics cards to be utilized effectively, delivering many enhanced graphics capabilities for gaming and multimedia applications. The AGP interface was crucial at the time as it offered a dedicated pathway for graphics data, increasing bandwidth compared to traditional PCI slots.

In terms of memory support, the 440GX could address up to 512 MB of SDRAM, allowing systems built with this chipset to run comfortably with sufficient memory for the era’s demanding applications. The memory controller was capable of supporting both single and double-sided DIMMs, which provided versatility in memory configuration for system builders.

Another notable feature of the Intel 440GX was its support for multi-processor configurations through its Dual Processors support feature. This allowed enterprise and workstation computers to leverage the performance advantages of multiple CPUs, making the chipset suitable for business and professional environments where multitasking and high-performance computing were essential.

On the connectivity front, the chipset supported up to six PCI slots, enhancing peripheral device integration and expansion capabilities. It also included integrated IDE controllers, facilitating connections for hard drives and CD-ROM devices.

Overall, the Intel 440GX chipset represented a balanced combination of performance, flexibility, and technology advancements for its time. Its introduction helped establish a foundation for subsequent advancements in PC technology and set the stage for more powerful computing systems in the years to come.
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