3 Updating the BIOS

The BIOS Setup program can be used to view and change the BIOS settings for the computer. You can access the BIOS Setup program by pressing the <F2> key after the Power-On Self-Test (POST) memory test begins and before the operating system boot begins.

This chapter tells you how to update the BIOS by either using the Intel Express BIOS Update utility or the Iflash Memory Update utility, and how to recover the BIOS if an update fails.

Updating the BIOS with the Intel® Express

BIOS Update Utility

With the Intel Express BIOS Update utility you can update the system BIOS while in the Windows environment. The BIOS file is included in an automated update utility that combines the functionality of the Intel® Flash Memory Update Utility and the ease of use of Windows-based installation wizards.

To update the BIOS with the Intel Express BIOS Update utility:

1.Go to the Intel World Wide Web site: http://support.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/

2.Navigate to the DG35EC page, click “[view] Latest BIOS updates,” and select the Express BIOS Update utility file.

3.Download the file to your hard drive. (You can also save this file to a removable USB device. This is useful if you are updating the BIOS for multiple identical systems.)

4.Close all other applications. This step is required. Your system will be rebooted at the last Express BIOS Update window.

5.Double-click the executable file from the location on your hard drive where it was saved. This runs the update program.

6.Follow the instructions provided in the dialog boxes to complete the BIOS update.

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Intel DG35EC, Intel Desktop Board manual Updating the Bios with the Intel Express Bios Update Utility

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.