Design Checklist

3.582443GX Host Bridge

3.5.182443GX Interface

Table 3-4. 82443GX Connectivity (Sheet 1 of 3)

SIGNAL

CONNECTION

 

 

AD#[31:0]

Connected to PCI bus.

 

 

ADS#

Connected to CPUs.

 

 

AGPREF

Connected to be 0.4 of VCC3.3. Can be performed by a voltage divider.

BNR#

Connected to CPUs.

 

 

BPRI#

Connected to CPUs.

 

 

BREQ0#

Connected to CPUs.

 

 

GXPWROK

Connected to PIIX4E PWROK pin.

 

 

C/BE[3:0]#

Connected to PCI bus.

 

 

FENA

4DIMM Design: Connected to FET-switches as an enable pin.

 

 

 

GCKE needs to be disabled for register DIMMS.

GCKE

GCKE is a NC unless connected to SN74ALVCH16374 16-bit D flip-flop. See

 

reference schematics for details.

 

 

CLKRUN#

If not connected to the PIIX4E, pull down through a 100 ohm resistor at both

82443GX and PIIX4E.

 

 

 

CPURST#

Connected to CPUs and ITP (240 ohm series resistor).

 

 

CRESET#

10K ohm pull-up to 3.3V. Controls the mux for the CPU strapping signals.

 

 

CSA[5:0]#

Connect to DIMMs; two to each

 

 

CSA[7:6]#

Connect CSA[7:6]# to DIMM 3.

 

 

CSB[5:0]#

Connect to DIMMs; two to each

 

 

CSB[7:6]#

Connect CSB[7:6]# to DIMM 3

 

 

DBSY#, DRDY#

Connected to CPUs.

 

 

DCLKO

Connected to CKBF. 22 ohm series resistor placed next to 443GX and 47 ohm series

resistor placed next to CKBF.

 

 

 

DCLKWR,

Driven by single clock from CKBF. See Clock section

Pin AB22 (NC)

 

 

 

DEFER#

Connected to CPUs.

 

 

DEVSEL#

2.7K ohm pull-up to 5V. Connected to PCI bus.

 

 

DQMA[7:0]

Connected to all DIMMs.

 

 

DQMB5, DQMB1

4 DIMM: Connected to DIMM2 and DIMM3.

 

 

FRAME#

2.7K ohm pull-up to 5V. Connected to PCI bus.

 

 

GAD[31:0], GC/

Connected to AGP connector.

BE[3:0]#

 

 

 

GCLKIN

Connected to GCLKOUT through 22 ohm resistor.

 

 

GCLKOUT

Connected to AGP connector through 22 ohm series resistor.

 

 

Intel®440GX AGPset Design Guide

3-10

Page 69 Page 71
Page 70
Image 70
Intel 440GX manual 82443GX Host Bridge, 1 82443GX Interface, GX Connectivity Sheet 1
Page 69 Page 71

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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