Table of Contents

1 Motherboard Description

1.1

Overview

7

1.2

Motherboard Manufacturing Options

9

1.3

Form Factor

9

1.4

I/O Shield

10

1.5

Microprocessor

11

 

1.5.1

Microprocessor Upgrade

11

 

1.5.2

Microprocessor Heatsink and Clips

11

1.6

Main System Memory

12

 

1.6.1

DRAM

12

 

1.6.2

Parity and ECC DRAM

12

1.7

Chipset

......................................................................................................................

12

 

1.7.1

82441FX PCI Bridge and Memory Controller (PMC)

12

 

1.7.2

82442FX Data Bus Accelerator (DBX)

13

 

1.7.3

82371SB PCI/ISA IDE Xccelerator (PIIX3)

13

 

1.7.4

IDE Support

14

 

1.7.5

Secure Flash Support

14

 

1.7.6

USB Support

14

1.8

PC87307 Super I/O Controller

15

 

1.8.1

Floppy Controller

15

 

1.8.2

Keyboard and Mouse Interface

15

 

1.8.3

Real-Time Clock, CMOS RAM and Battery

16

 

1.8.4

Infrared Support

16

 

1.8.5

Parallel Port

16

1.9

Graphics Subsystem

16

 

1.9.1

S3 ViRGE Graphics Subsystem

17

 

1.9.2

S3 ViRGE/DX Graphics Subsystem

18

 

1.9.3

LBP VESA Feature Connector

18

 

1.9.4

Graphics Drivers and Utilities

18

1.10 Audio Subsystem

19

1.11 Management Extension Hardware

19

1.12 Motherboard Connectors

20

 

1.12.1

Front Panel Connectors

22

 

1.12.2

Memory/Expansion Connectors

25

 

1.12.3

VESA Feature Connector

27

 

1.12.4

Serial Header

27

 

1.12.5

Audio Connectors

28

 

1.12.6

Power Supply Connectors

29

 

1.12.7

Floppy/IDE Connectors

30

 

1.12.8

Back Panel Connectors

32

1.13 Jumper Settings

35

 

1.13.1

Microprocessor Configuration (J4L2)

36

 

1.13.2

Motherboard Configuration (J4L2, J1J1)

36

1.14

Reliability

37

iii

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Intel AP440FX specifications Table of Contents

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.