1 Desktop Board Features

This chapter briefly describes the main features of Intel® Desktop Board D975XBX. Table 1 summarizes the major features of the desktop board.

Table 1.

Feature Summary

 

 

Form Factor

ATX (304.80 millimeters [12.00 inches] x 243.84 millimeters [9.60 inches])

 

 

 

Processor

 

Support for an Intel® processor in the LGA775 package with 1066/800 MHz

 

 

front side bus

 

 

Main Memory

Four 240-pin SDRAM Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMM) sockets

 

 

667/533 MHz dual channel DDR2 SDRAM interface

 

 

Support for ECC and non-ECC memory

 

 

Designed to support up to 8 GB of system memory

 

 

 

Chipset

 

Intel® 975X Express Chipset consisting of:

 

 

Intel® 82975X Memory Controller Hub (MCH) with Direct Media Interface

 

 

Intel® 82801GH I/O Controller Hub (ICH7DH) supporting Intel® Matrix Storage

 

 

Technology

 

 

 

Audio

 

Intel 975X Express Chipset

 

 

Intel® High Definition Audio codec

 

 

Up to 8-channel audio with jack sensing

 

 

 

Graphics

 

Support for Multiple PCI Express* Graphics cards

 

 

 

Expansion

 

Two PCI bus add-in card connectors

Capabilities

One PCI Express x16 connector (electrical x16 or x8)

 

 

 

 

One PCI Express x16 connector (electrical x8)

 

 

One PCI Express x16 connector (electrical x4)

 

 

LAN Subsystem

Intel® 82573V or 82573L Gigabit Ethernet LAN controller with RJ-45 connector

BIOS

 

Intel® Platform Innovation Framework for Extensible Firmware Interface

 

 

8 Mbit Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) device

 

 

Support for SMBIOS

 

 

Intel® Rapid BIOS Boot

 

 

Intel® Express BIOS Update

RAID

 

Intel® Matrix Storage Technology for Serial ATA

 

 

Silicon Image SATALink* for Serial ATA

 

 

 

 

 

continued

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Intel D975XBX manual Desktop Board Features, Feature Summary

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.