Preface

This Product Guide gives information about board layout, component installation, BIOS updates, and regulatory requirements for Intel® Desktop Board D975XBX.

Intended Audience

The Product Guide is intended only for technically qualified personnel.

Intended Uses

All Intel desktop boards are evaluated as Information Technology Equipment (I.T.E.) for use in personal computers (PCs) for installation in homes, offices, schools, computer rooms, and similar locations. The suitability of this product for other PC or embedded non-PC applications or other environments, such as medical, industrial, alarm systems, test equipment, etc. may not be supported without further evaluation by Intel.

Information Layout

The chapters in this Product Guide are arranged as follows:

1 Desktop Board Features: a summary of product features.

2 Installing and Replacing Desktop Board Components: instructions on how to install the desktop board and other hardware components.

3 BIOS: information about how to update the BIOS.

4 Configuring for RAID (Intel® Matrix Storage Technology) Requires Microsoft

Windows* XP or 2000 and SATA Hard Drive(s): information about configuring your system for RAID.

5 Intel® Quick Resume Technology Driver (Intel® QRTD): information about installing and configuring Intel Quick Resume Technology.

A Error Messages and Indicators: information about BIOS error messages and beep codes.

B Regulatory Compliance: safety and EMC regulations, product certification.

Conventions

The following conventions are used in this manual:

CAUTION

Cautions warn the user about how to prevent damage to hardware or loss of data.

NOTE

Notes call attention to important information.

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Intel D975XBX manual Preface, Intended Audience, Intended Uses, Information Layout, Conventions

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.