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 Windows† 95, 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

14

Page 13 Page 15
Page 14
Image 14
Intel AP440FX specifications IDE Support, Secure Flash Support, USB Support
Page 13 Page 15

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.
Top Page Image Contents