Intel Desktop Board D975XBX Product Guide

Installation Precautions

When you install and test the Intel desktop board, observe all warnings and cautions in the installation instructions.

To avoid injury, be careful of:

Sharp pins on connectors

Sharp pins on printed circuit assemblies

Rough edges and sharp corners on the chassis

Hot components (like processors, voltage regulators, and heat sinks)

Damage to wires that could cause a short circuit

Observe all warnings and cautions that instruct you to refer computer servicing to qualified technical personnel.

Prevent Power Supply Overload

Do not overload the power supply output. To avoid overloading the power supply, make sure that the calculated total current loads of all the modules within the computer is less than the output current rating of each of the power supplies output circuits.

Observe Safety and Regulatory Requirements

Read and adhere the instructions in this section and the instructions supplied with the chassis and associated modules. If you do not follow these instructions and the instructions provided by the chassis and module suppliers, you increase safety risk and the possibility of noncompliance with regional laws and regulations. If the instructions for the chassis are inconsistent with these instructions or the instructions for associated modules, contact the supplier’s technical support to find out how you can ensure that your computer meets safety and regulatory requirements.

Related Links

For information about regulatory compliance, go to Appendix B on page 69.

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Intel D975XBX manual Installation Precautions, Prevent Power Supply Overload, Observe Safety and Regulatory Requirements

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.