Intel Desktop Board DG35EC Product Guide

Expandability

For system expansion, the Desktop Board provides the following expansion slots:

One PCI Express x16 connector

Two PCI Express x1 connectors

One PCI bus connector

BIOS

The BIOS provides the Power-On Self-Test (POST), the BIOS Setup program, the PCI/PCI Express and IDE auto-configuration utilities, and the video BIOS. The BIOS is stored in the Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) Flash device.

The BIOS can be updated by following the instructions on page 59 in Chapter 3.

Serial ATA and IDE Auto Configuration

If you install a Serial ATA or IDE device (such as a hard drive) in your computer, the auto-configuration utility in the BIOS automatically detects and configures the device for your computer. You do not need to run the BIOS Setup program after installing a Serial ATA or IDE device. You can override the auto-configuration options by specifying manual configuration in the BIOS Setup program.

PCI and PCI Express* Auto Configuration

If you install a PCI/PCI Express add-in card in your computer, the PCI/PCI Express auto-configuration utility in the BIOS automatically detects and configures the resources (IRQs, DMA channels, and I/O space) for that add-in card. You do not need to run the BIOS Setup program after you install a PCI/PCI Express add-in card.

Security Passwords

The BIOS includes security features that restrict whether the BIOS Setup program can be accessed and who can boot the computer. A supervisor password and a user password can be set for the BIOS Setup and for booting the computer, with the following restrictions:

The supervisor password gives unrestricted access to view and change all Setup options. If only the supervisor password is set, pressing <Enter> at the password prompt of Setup gives the user restricted access to Setup.

If both the supervisor and user passwords are set, you must enter either the supervisor password or the user password to access Setup. Setup options are then available for viewing and changing depending on whether the supervisor or user password was entered.

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Intel Intel Desktop Board Expandability, Serial ATA and IDE Auto Configuration, PCI and PCI Express* Auto Configuration

DG35EC, Intel Desktop Board specifications

The Intel Desktop Board DG35EC is a versatile and reliable motherboard designed for the Intel Core 2 Processor family. Launched in the mid-2000s, it became known for its solid performance and robust feature set aimed at both general computing and home entertainment needs.

One of the standout features of the DG35EC is its support for the Intel Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Quad processors. With LGA775 socket compatibility, it allows users to take advantage of the multi-core architecture for improved multitasking capabilities and overall performance. The board supports a maximum memory capacity of 8GB using DDR2 RAM, offering dual-channel architecture for enhanced memory bandwidth, which is crucial for tasks that require significant data processing.

The DG35EC is built with Intel's G35 Express chipset, which integrates several key technologies to enhance user experience. This chipset combines graphics and memory functionality, allowing for seamless multimedia playback and enabling support for DirectX 10. The integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3000 delivers decent graphics performance for day-to-day applications and light gaming, which was impressive at the time of its release.

This desktop board also boasts a suite of connectivity options. It features six SATA 3Gb/s ports for fast data transfer with compatible hard drives and SSDs, enhancing system responsiveness. Additionally, it includes a wide array of USB 2.0 ports, enabling users to connect multiple peripherals, such as external storage devices, printers, and keyboards without the need for expansion cards.

For audio capabilities, the DG35EC is equipped with Intel High Definition Audio, providing immersive sound quality for multimedia applications and improved audio fidelity for high-definition content. This feature was particularly appealing for users who enjoyed media consumption on their desktop systems.

The board is also designed with various expansion slots, including PCI Express x16 for graphics cards, and several PCI slots for legacy devices, thus ensuring compatibility with a wide range of hardware. The compact ATX form factor makes it suitable for a variety of cases while providing sufficient room for expansion.

Overall, Intel's DG35EC Desktop Board stands out for its reliable performance and feature set tailored for everyday computing and multimedia applications, making it a solid choice for users looking to build a functional and efficient desktop system.