Desktop Board Features

IDE Auto Configuration

If you install an IDE device (such as a hard drive) in your computer, the IDE auto-configuration utility in the BIOS automatically detects and configures the device for your computer. You do not need to run the BIOS Setup program after installing an IDE device. You can override the auto-configuration options by specifying manual configuration in the BIOS Setup program.

To use ATA-66/100 features, the following items are required:

An ATA-66/100 peripheral device

An ATA-66/100 compatible cable

ATA-66/100 operating system device drivers

Security Passwords

The BIOS includes security features that restrict whether the BIOS Setup program can be accessed and who can boot the computer. A supervisor password and a user password can be set for the Setup and for booting the computer, with the following restrictions:

The supervisor password gives unrestricted access to view and change all Setup options. If only the supervisor password is set, pressing <Enter> at the password prompt of Setup gives the user restricted access to Setup.

If both the supervisor and user passwords are set, you must enter either the supervisor password or the user password to access Setup. Setup options are then available for viewing and changing depending on whether the supervisor or user password was entered.

Setting a user password restricts who can boot the computer. The password prompt is displayed before the computer is booted. If only the supervisor password is set, the computer boots without asking for a password. If both passwords are set, you can enter either password to boot the computer.

Power Management Features

Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI)

Suspend to RAM (Instantly Available PC technology)

ACPI

ACPI gives the operating system direct control over the power management and Plug & Play functions of a computer. The use of ACPI with the Desktop Board D845EPT2 or D845EBG2 requires an operating system that provides full ACPI support.

Suspend to RAM (Instantly Available PC Technology)

CAUTION

For Instantly Available PC technology, the 5 V standby line for the power supply must be capable of delivering adequate +5 V standby current. Failure to provide adequate standby current when using this feature can damage the power supply and/or effect ACPI S3 sleep state functionality.

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Intel D845EBG2, D845EPT2 manual Power Management Features, IDE Auto Configuration, Security Passwords

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.