1.6.3.2 Serial ATA Interfaces
The ICH7’s Serial ATA controller offers two independent Serial ATA ports with a theoretical maximum transfer rate of 3 Gbits/sec per port. One device can be installed on each port for a maximum of two Serial ATA devices. A point-to-point interface is used for host to device connections, unlike Parallel ATA IDE which supports a master/slave configuration and two devices per channel.
For compatibility, the underlying Serial ATA functionality is transparent to the operating system. The Serial ATA controller can operate in both legacy and native modes. In legacy mode, standard IDE I/O and IRQ resources are assigned (IRQ 14 and 15). In Native mode, standard PCI Conventional bus resource steering is used. Native mode is the preferred mode for configurations using the Windows* XP and Windows Vista* operating systems.
19
The location of the Parallel ATA IDE connector
Figure 9, page 42
For information about
Refer to
NOTE
ATA-66 and ATA-100 are faster timings and require a specialized cable to reduce reflections, noise, and inductive coupling.
The Parallel ATA IDE interface also supports ATAPI devices (such as CD-ROM drives) and ATA devices using the transfer modes.
The BIOS supports Logical Block Addressing (LBA) and Extended Cylinder Head Sector (ECHS) translation modes. The drive reports the transfer rate and translation mode to the BIOS.
•
•
•
8237-style DMA: DMA offloads the processor, supporting transfer rates of up to 16 MB/sec.
Ultra DMA: DMA protocol on IDE bus supporting host and target throttling and transfer rates of up to 33 MB/sec.
ATA-66: DMA protocol on IDE bus supporting host and target throttling and transfer rates of up to 66 MB/sec. ATA-66 protocol is similar to Ultra DMA and is device driver compatible.
ATA-100: DMA protocol on IDE bus allows host and target throttling. The ICH7’s ATA-100 logic can achieve read transfer rates up to 100 MB/sec and write transfer rates up to 88 MB/sec.
• Programmed I/O (PIO): processor controls data transfer.
•
Product Description
1.6.3 IDE Support
The board provides three IDE interface connectors:
• One parallel ATA IDE connector that supports two devices
• Two serial ATA connectors that support one device per connector
1.6.3.1 Parallel ATE IDE Interface
The ICH7’s Parallel ATA IDE controller has one bus-mastering Parallel ATA IDE interface. The Parallel ATA IDE interface supports the following modes:
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Intel D945GCLF2 specifications
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D945GCLF2 specifications

The Intel D945GCLF2 is a compact and efficient motherboard designed for the Intel Atom processor family, particularly suited for low-power, cost-sensitive systems. This mini-ITX form factor board was released as a part of Intel's D945 series, targeting small form factor PCs, embedded systems, and home theater PC (HTPC) builds.

One of the standout features of the D945GCLF2 is its support for the Intel Atom N270 processor, a dual-core CPU that operates at a low thermal design power (TDP) of just 4 watts. This makes the board ideal for users looking to build energy-efficient systems without compromising on performance. The motherboard supports up to 2GB of DDR2 RAM, utilizing a single-channel memory architecture, which, while modest by today’s standards, suffices for basic computing tasks such as browsing, document editing, and media playback.

In terms of connectivity, the D945GCLF2 integrates a variety of I/O ports that enhance usability. It features four USB 2.0 ports, one PCI slot, and an IDE connector, catering to older peripherals while also allowing for the installation of additional components like graphics cards and network adapters. The onboard Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 provides adequate graphics performance for everyday activities and even supports HD video playback, making it a solid choice for multimedia applications.

Incorporating Intel's Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) technology, the D945GCLF2 allows for efficient power management, giving users the flexibility to optimize their system's energy consumption. The board also includes essential connectivity options such as Ethernet through a 10/100 LAN port, facilitating wired networking capabilities.

Furthermore, the D945GCLF2 is equipped with multiple storage options; it provides support for Serial ATA (SATA) devices, allowing for faster data transfer rates compared to traditional PATA drives. The BIOS is user-friendly and offers a range of settings for users looking to tweak their system's performance.

Overall, the Intel D945GCLF2 motherboard is a robust solution for anyone looking to build a low-cost, low-power computing system. Its combination of small form factor, energy efficiency, and decent performance makes it suitable for a variety of applications, from basic user tasks to serving as the core of a compact home theater setup. Despite its age, the D945GCLF2 remains relevant for specific, budget-friendly builds, showcasing Intel's legacy in innovative motherboard design.
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