Intel Desktop Board D945GPM Product Guide

Updating the Iflash BIOS Update Utility

With the Iflash BIOS update utility you can update the system BIOS from a floppy disk or other bootable media. The utility available from the Web provides a simple method for creating a bootable flash memory update floppy that will automatically update your BIOS.

Obtaining the BIOS Update File

You can update to a new version of the BIOS by using the BIOS update file. The BIOS update file is a compressed self-extracting archive that contains all the files you need to update the BIOS. The BIOS update file contains:

New BIOS files

BIOS recovery files

Intel Flash Memory Update Utility

You can obtain the BIOS update file through your computer supplier or by navigating to the Desktop Board D945GPM page on the Intel World Wide Web site at:

http://support.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop

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

NOTE

Review the instructions distributed with the update utility before attempting a BIOS update.

The Iflash BIOS Update utility allows you to:

Update the BIOS in flash memory

Update the language section of the BIOS

Updating the BIOS

CAUTION

The AUTOEXEC.BAT file provided with the update files updates the BIOS. Do not interrupt the process or the system may not function.

1.Boot the computer with the BIOS update diskette in drive A. During system boot, the AUTOEXEC.BAT file provided with the update files will automatically run the BIOS update process.

2.When the update process is complete, the monitor will display a message telling you to remove the diskette and to reboot the system.

3.As the computer boots, check the BIOS identifier (version number) to make sure the update was successful. If a logo appears, press <Esc> to view the POST messages.

54

Page 54
Image 54
Intel D945GPM manual Updating the Iflash Bios Update Utility, Obtaining the Bios Update File, Updating the Bios

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.