Intel Desktop Board D975XBX Product Guide

RJ-45 LAN Connector LEDs

Two LEDs are built into the RJ-45 LAN connector located on the back panel (see Figure 2).

A B

OM18177

Figure 2. LAN Connector LEDs

Table 4 describes the LED states when the board is powered up and the 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN subsystem is operating.

Table 4. RJ-45 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN Connector LEDs

LED

LED Color

LED State

Indicates

 

 

 

 

A

Green

Off

LAN link is not established

 

 

 

 

 

 

On

LAN link is established

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blinking

LAN activity is occurring

 

 

 

 

B

N/A

Off

10 Mb/s data rate

 

 

 

 

 

Green

On

100 Mb/s data rate

 

 

 

 

 

Yellow

On

1000 Mb/s data rate

 

 

 

 

Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Support

NOTE

Computer systems that have an unshielded cable attached to a USB port might not meet FCC Class B requirements, even if no device or a low-speed USB device is attached to the cable. Use a shielded cable that meets the requirements for a full-speed USB device.

The desktop board supports up to eight USB 2.0 ports via ICH7; four ports routed to the back panel and four routed to two internal USB 2.0 headers. USB 2.0 ports are backward compatible with USB 1.1 devices. USB 1.1 devices will function normally at USB 1.1 speeds.

USB 2.0 support requires both an operating system and drivers that fully support USB 2.0 transfer rates. Disabling Hi-Speed USB in the BIOS reverts all USB 2.0 ports to USB 1.1 operation. This may be required to accommodate operating systems that do not support USB 2.0.

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Intel D975XBX Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Support, RJ-45 LAN Connector LEDs, RJ-45 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN Connector LEDs

D975XBX specifications

The Intel D975XBX motherboard, also known as the "Bad Axe," is a high-performance platform designed for enthusiasts and gamers who demand exceptional computing power and advanced features. Launched in the mid-2000s, this motherboard is built around the Intel 975X chipset, which supports Intel's Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Extreme processors. The D975XBX was particularly noted for its capabilities in overclocking, making it a popular choice among PC builders and gamers looking to maximize performance.

One of the standout features of the Intel D975XBX is its support for dual-channel DDR2 memory. The motherboard has four DIMM slots, allowing users to install up to 8GB of RAM, with speeds up to 800 MHz. This high memory bandwidth significantly enhances system performance, especially in memory-intensive applications and gaming scenarios. Additionally, the board supports Advanced Memory Protection technologies like ECC (Error-Correcting Code) when used with compatible memory modules.

Storage connectivity is another strong point of the D975XBX. It features six SATA II ports, providing ample room for multiple hard drives or solid-state drives. This is complemented by support for Intel Matrix Storage Technology, which allows for RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 configurations, ensuring data integrity and improved performance through redundancy. For those who prefer legacy support, the motherboard also includes an IDE port for connecting older drives.

In terms of graphics capabilities, the D975XBX has two PCI Express x16 slots, enabling users to install multiple graphics cards for enhanced performance in gaming or graphic design applications. The board also supports CrossFire technology, allowing for dual graphics card configurations from AMD.

The Intel D975XBX is equipped with an array of onboard features, including seven USB 2.0 ports, a dual Gigabit Ethernet controller for high-speed networking, and 7.1 surround sound audio support, making it versatile for various multimedia applications. The board's BIOS includes a user-friendly interface and comprehensive overclocking options, allowing users to fine-tune system settings for optimal performance.

Overall, the Intel D975XBX remains a noteworthy option for those interested in building a powerful PC. Its solid feature set, support for legacy technologies, and overclocking potential continue to attract enthusiasts looking for a reliable and high-performance motherboard. Whether for gaming, multimedia tasks, or everyday computing, the D975XBX delivers a well-rounded experience that has stood the test of time.