3 Updating the BIOS

The BIOS Setup program can be used to view and change the BIOS settings for the computer. The BIOS Setup program is accessed by pressing the <F2> key after the Power-On Self-Test (POST) memory test begins and before the operating system boot begins.

OM17050

Figure 26. F2 Key

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

Updating with the Intel® Express BIOS Update Utility

With the Intel Express BIOS Update utility you can update the system BIOS while in the Windows environment. 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 World Wide Web site: http://support.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/

2.Navigate to the D945GPM page, click “[view] Latest BIOS updates,” and select the Express BIOS Update utility file.

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 D945GPM manual Updating the Bios, Updating with the Intel Express Bios Update Utility
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D945GPM specifications

The Intel D945GPM is a motherboard that was designed primarily for desktop PCs and is part of Intel's 9-series chipset family. Launched in the mid-2000s, this motherboard has gained recognition for its robust performance and solid feature set for users seeking a stable and efficient computing platform.

One of the hallmark features of the D945GPM is its support for Intel's LGA 775 processor socket. This accommodates a variety of processors, including the Pentium 4, Pentium D, and the Core 2 Duo series. The motherboard supports dual-channel DDR2 memory, with a maximum capacity of 4GB, providing sufficient memory bandwidth for most basic computing tasks and multitasking needs.

The D945GPM is built on the Intel 945G chipset, which integrates the graphics controller, simplifying the motherboard's design and enhancing efficiency. The integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 allows users to perform casual gaming, video playback, and standard office applications without the need for a discrete graphics card. However, for those requiring higher 3D performance, the motherboard includes a PCI Express x16 slot, enabling the installation of dedicated graphics cards.

Additionally, the D945GPM features several connectivity options. It includes support for up to four SATA 3.0 Gb/s connections, which allows users to connect multiple hard drives or SSDs for improved data transfer rates and storage capabilities. There are also four USB 2.0 ports available, providing connectivity for peripheral devices like keyboards, mice, and external storage.

The motherboard integrates an Intel High Definition Audio subsystem, delivering clear and crisp audio quality for an enhanced multimedia experience. The Realtek ALC888 audio codec contributes to decent sound performance for gaming, movie watching, and music playback.

User-friendly features include a BIOS that supports a wide range of customization options, allowing enthusiasts to tweak and optimize performance settings. The motherboard is also equipped with multiple fan headers, enabling efficient cooling setups to maintain stable operation during intensive tasks.

Overall, the Intel D945GPM motherboard stands out for its balance of performance, features, and reliability, making it an excellent choice for basic computing, light gaming, and media consumption, reflecting the tech standards of its time.
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