Motherboard Description

Integrated DRAM controller

64/72-bit Non-Interleaved path to memory w/ ECC support

Support for EDO and Fast Page DRAM

8 MB to 256 MB main memory

Fully synchronous PCI bus interface

PCI Rev. 2.1 - 5 V interface compliant

25/30/33 MHz

PCI to DRAM > 100 MBps

Data Buffering

Host-to-DRAM and PCI-to-DRAM write data buffering

Write combining support for host-to-PCI burst writes

1.7.282442FX Data Bus Accelerator (DBX)

The DBX connects to the 64 bit Pentium Pro processor data bus, the 64/72 bit memory data bus and the 16 bit PMC private data bus. The DBX works in parallel with the PMC to provide a high performance memory subsystem for Pentium Pro processor based computers. The DBX comes in a 208 pin PQF package.

1.7.382371SB PCI/ISA IDE Xccelerator (PIIX3)

The 82371SB provides the interface between the PCI and ISA buses and integrates a dual channel fast IDE interface capable of supporting up to four devices. The 82371SB integrates four 8-bit and three 16-bit DMA channels, three 8-bit timer/counters, two eight-channel interrupt controllers, PCI-to-ATinterrupt mapping circuitry, NMI logic, ISA refresh address generation, and PCI/ISA bus arbitration circuitry together into the same device. The PIIX3 comes in a 208-pin QFP package and provides the following features:

Interface between the PCI bus and ISA bus

Universal Serial Bus (USB)

Host/Hub Controller

Support for 2 USB ports

Integrated fast IDE interface

Support for up to 4 devices with separate Master/Slave mode support

PIO Mode 4 transfers up to 16 MB/sec

Integrated 8 x 32-bit buffer for Bus Master IDE PCI burst transfers

Enhanced DMA controller with Fast Type-F DMA

Counters/Timers

Power Management

Programmable system management interrupt (SMI)

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Intel AP440FX specifications 2 82442FX Data Bus Accelerator DBX, 3 82371SB PCI/ISA IDE Xccelerator PIIX3

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.