Intel Desktop Board D945GPM Product Guide

Loading the Intel Matrix Storage Technology RAID Drivers and Software

1.Begin Windows Setup by booting from the Windows installation CD.

2.At the beginning of Windows Setup, press <F6> to install a third-party SCSI or RAID driver. When prompted, insert the floppy disk labeled RAID Driver. Install the Intel 82801GR/GH SATA RAID Controller (Desktop ICH7R/DH).

3.Finish the Windows installation and install all necessary drivers.

4.Install the Intel Matrix Storage Console software via the Intel Express Installer CD included with your desktop board or after downloading it from the Internet at http://support.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/. The Intel Matrix Storage Console software can be used to manage the RAID configuration.

Setting Up a “RAID Ready” System

The Intel Matrix Storage Technology Console software offers the flexibility to upgrade from a single Serial ATA drive to RAID without reinstalling the operating system, when a second SATA hard drive is added to the system.

Follow the steps described in the headings from this section: "Configuring the BIOS for Intel Matrix Storage Technology" and "Loading the Intel Matrix Storage Technology RAID Drivers and Software".

Once you have added the additional SATA drives, open the Intel Matrix Storage Technology Console Software and follow the directions to update to a RAID setup.

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Intel D945GPM manual Setting Up a RAID Ready System

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.