Desktop Board Features

Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Support

NOTE

Computer systems that have an unshielded cable attached to a USB port might not meet FCC Class B requirements, even if no device or a low-speed USB device is attached to the cable. Use a shielded cable that meets the requirements for a full-speed USB device.

These Intel desktop boards support up to six USB 2.0 ports via ICH4; four ports routed to the back panel and two routed to a USB front panel header. USB 2.0 ports are backward compatible with USB 1.1 devices. USB 1.1 devices will function normally at USB 1.1 speeds.

USB 2.0 support requires both an operating system and drivers that fully support USB 2.0 transfer rates. Disabling Hi-Speed USB in BIOS reverts all USB 2.0 ports to USB 1.1 operation. This may be required to accommodate operating systems that do not support USB 2.0.

NOTE

USB devices are limited to USB 1.1 transfer rates prior to operating system and driver initialization.

Enhanced IDE Interface

The ICH4’s IDE interface handles the exchange of information between the processor and peripheral devices like hard disks, CD-ROM drives, and Iomega Zipdrives inside the computer. The interface supports:

Up to four IDE devices (such as hard drives)

ATAPI devices (such as CD-ROM drives)

Older PIO Mode devices

Ultra DMA-33 and ATA-66/100 protocols

Laser servo (LS-120) drives

15

Page 15
Image 15
Intel D845EBG2, D845EPT2 manual Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Support, Enhanced IDE Interface

D845EBG2, D845EPT2 specifications

The Intel D845EBG2 and D845EPT2 are part of Intel's 845 chipset family, designed primarily for desktop platforms in the early 2000s. Both motherboards catered to a performance-focused market segment, prominently supporting Intel’s Pentium 4 processors through the Socket 478 interface. The D845EBG2 and D845EPT2 are especially noted for their balance of features, affordability, and reliability, making them appealing options for both gaming enthusiasts and regular desktop users during their time.

The D845EBG2 motherboard is distinguished by its support for Intel’s Quad Data Rate (QDR) memory technology, which enabled faster data throughput by allowing more data to be transferred in a given time frame. This motherboard supported dual-channel DDR SDRAM with a maximum capacity of 2GB, providing users with improved memory performance vital for multitasking and memory-intensive applications.

On the other hand, the D845EPT2 also offered similar capabilities but placed a particular emphasis on integrating additional connectivity options. With AGP 4X support, it allowed users to install high-performance graphics cards, which was essential for gaming and graphics processing tasks. Both boards featured multiple PCI slots, ensuring compatibility with a variety of expansion cards for enhanced functionality.

In terms of storage capabilities, both motherboards supported Ultra ATA/100 hard drives, which improved data transfer speeds compared to previous standards. They also included integrated audio, providing 6-channel sound capabilities, which delivered an immersive multimedia experience without requiring additional sound cards.

The technologies implemented in both motherboards included Intel’s Advanced Digital Media Boost for enhanced processing capabilities in multimedia applications, as well as Enhanced Intel SpeedStep technology, which allowed for dynamic adjustment of the processor’s voltage and frequency, optimizing power consumption and thermal output.

Overall, the Intel D845EBG2 and D845EPT2 motherboards were notable for their robust performance, diverse connectivity options, and support for evolving technologies of the time. They left a significant imprint in the landscape of early 2000s computing, providing essential features that catered to both casual users and more demanding computing environments. With their reliability and solid feature set, these motherboards contributed to a range of applications and use cases that defined desktop computing during that era.