Technical Reference

2.5.3Add-in Board Considerations

The board is designed to provide 2 A (average) of +5 V current for the one add-in board. The total +5 V current draw for the one add-in board must not exceed 2 A.

2.6Thermal Considerations

CAUTION

A chassis with a maximum internal ambient temperature of 38 oC at the processor fan inlet is a requirement.

CAUTION

Failure to ensure appropriate airflow may result in reduced performance of both the processor and/or voltage regulator or, in some instances, damage to the board. For a list of chassis that have been tested with Intel Desktop Boards please refer to the following website:

http://developer.intel.com/design/motherbd/cooling.htm

All responsibility for determining the adequacy of any thermal or system design remains solely with the reader. Intel makes no warranties or representations that merely following the instructions presented in this document will result in a system with adequate thermal performance.

CAUTION

Ensure that the ambient temperature does not exceed the board’s maximum operating temperature. Failure to do so could cause components to exceed their maximum case temperature and malfunction. For information about the maximum operating temperature, see the environmental specifications in Section 2.8.

CAUTION

Ensure that proper airflow is maintained in the processor voltage regulator circuit. Failure to do so may result in damage to the voltage regulator circuit. The processor voltage regulator area (shown in Figure 14) can reach a temperature of up to 85 oC in an open chassis.

53

Page 52 Page 54
Page 53
Image 53
Intel D945GCLF2 specifications Thermal Considerations, Add-in Board Considerations
Page 52 Page 54

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.
Top Page Image Contents