Motherboard BIOS and Setup Utility

PCI specification 2.1 for add-in card auto-configuration is also a part of the Plug and Play BIOS. Peer-to-peer hierarchical PCI Bridge 1.0 is supported, and by using an OEM supplied option ROM or TSR, a PCI-to-PCMCIA bridge capability is possible as well.

3.6 ISA Plug and Play

The BIOS incorporates ISA Plug and Play capabilities as delivered by Plug and Play Release 1.0A (Plug and Play BIOS V.. 1.0A, ESCD V.. 1.03). When used in conjunction with the ISA Configuration Utility (ICU) for DOS or Windows 3.x, the computer allows auto-configuration of Plug and Play ISA cards, PCI cards, and resource management for legacy ISA cards. Because the BIOS supports configuring devices across PCI bridges, release 1.41 or greater of the ICU must be used with the motherboard to properly view and change settings. Configuration information is stored in ESCD format. The ESCD data may be cleared (i.e., “write protection” is removed) by setting the CMOS clear jumper to the DOWN (CLR) position.

The BIOS also has a setup option to support the Windows 95 run time Plug and Play utilities. When this option is selected, only devices critical to booting are assigned resources by the BIOS. Device Node information is available for all devices to ensure compatibility with Windows 95.

Copies of the Intel Architecture Laboratory (IAL) Plug and Play specification may be obtained from the Intel World Wide Web site at http://www.intel.com/IAL/plugplay/.

3.7 Desktop Management Interface (DMI)

DMI is a method of managing computers in an enterprise. The main component of DMI is the Management Information Format Database (MIF), which contains information about the computer and its components. Using DMI, a system administrator can obtain the types, capabilities, operational status, installation date and other information about the computer’s components. The DMI specification requires that certain information about the motherboard be made available to an applications program. This user-defined information is located in a series of data structures which are accessed in various ways by means of the DMI service layer. Component instrumentation allows the service layer to gain access to the information stored in the GPNV. The included MIF database defines the data and provides the method for accessing the information.

The AP440FX BIOS provides the first stage of DMI v. 2.0 support, including static system configuration information, including motherboard and peripheral data. Future AP440FX product releases will provide event detection and error logging, achieving the maximum benefit of DMI with applications such as LANDesk Client Manager from Intel.

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Intel AP440FX specifications ISA Plug and Play, Desktop Management Interface DMI, Motherboard Bios and Setup Utility

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.