3 Updating the BIOS

This chapter tells you how to update the BIOS by either using the Intel Express BIOS Update utility or the Intel® Flash Memory Update Utility, and how to recover the BIOS if an update fails.

Updating the BIOS with the Intel® Express BIOS Update

Utility

With the Intel Express BIOS Update utility you can update the system BIOS while in the Windowsenvironment. The BIOS file is included in an automated update utility that combines the functionality of the Intel Flash Memory Update Utility and the ease-of use of Windows-based installation wizards.

To update the BIOS with the Intel Express BIOS Update utility:

1.Go to the Intel customer support World Wide Web site: http://support.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/

2.Navigate to the D845EPT2 or D845EBG2 page and click the Express BIOS Update utility file for the Desktop Board D845EPT2 or D845EBG2 BIOS.

3.Download the file to your hard drive. (You can also save this file to a diskette. This is useful if you are updating the BIOS for multiple identical systems.)

4.Close all other applications. This step is required. Your system will be rebooted at the last Express BIOS Update window.

5.Double-click the executable file from the location on your hard drive where it was saved. This runs the update program.

6.Follow the instructions provided in the dialog boxes to complete the BIOS update.

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Intel D845EBG2, D845EPT2 manual Updating the Bios with the Intel Express Bios Update Utility

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.