Overview of BIOS Features

3.8Boot Options

In the BIOS Setup program, the user can choose to boot from a diskette drive, hard drive, USB drive, USB flash drive, CD-ROM, or the network. The default setting is for the diskette drive to be the first boot device, the hard drive second, and the ATAPI CD-ROM third. If enabled, the last default boot device is the network.

3.8.1CD-ROM Boot

Booting from CD-ROM is supported in compliance to the El Torito bootable CD-ROM format specification. Under the Boot menu in the BIOS Setup program, ATAPI CD- ROM is listed as a boot device. Boot devices are defined in priority order. Accordingly, if there is not a bootable CD in the CD-ROM drive, the system will attempt to boot from the next defined drive.

3.8.2Network Boot

The network can be selected as a boot device. This selection allows booting from the onboard LAN or a network add-in card with a remote boot ROM installed.

Pressing the <F12> key during POST automatically forces booting from the LAN. To use this key during POST, the User Access Level in the BIOS Setup program's Security menu must be set to Full.

3.8.3Booting Without Attached Devices

For use in embedded applications, the BIOS has been designed so that after passing the POST, the operating system loader is invoked even if the following devices are not present:

Video adapter

Keyboard

Mouse

3.8.4Changing the Default Boot Device During POST

Pressing the <F10> key during POST causes a boot device menu to be displayed. This menu displays the list of available boot devices (as set in the BIOS setup program’s Boot Device Priority Submenu). Table 29 lists the boot device menu options.

Table 29. Boot Device Menu Options

Boot Device Menu Function Keys

Description

 

 

<> or <>

Selects a default boot device

 

 

<Enter>

Exits the menu, saves changes, and boots from the selected

 

device

 

 

<Esc>

Exits the menu without saving changes

 

 

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Intel D945GCLF2 specifications Boot Options, CD-ROM Boot, Network Boot, Booting Without Attached Devices

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.