SUPER MICRO Computer C2SEA, C2SEE Chipset Overview, Graphics and Memory Controller Hub Gmch

Chapter 1: Introduction

1-2 Chipset Overview

The Intel G45/G43 Express Chipset is specially designed for use with Intel Core 2™ Extreme/Core Quad/Core Duo LGA 775 processors. It consists of two primary components: the Graphics and Memory Controller Hub (GMCH), and the I/O Con- troller Hub (ICH10). The GMCH manages the data flow between the CPU interface, the System Memory interface, the External Graphics interface (or PCI-Express Interface), and the I/O Controller through the Direct Media Interface (DMI). The ICH10 provides a multitude of I/O related functions.

Graphics and Memory Controller Hub (GMCH)

Utilizing a single LGA 775 socket processor, the G45/G43 GMCH supports an FSB frequency of 1333/1066/800 MHz. Host-initiated I/O cycles are decoded to the PCI-Express, the DMI, or the GMCH configuration space. Host-initiated memory cycles are decoded to PCI-Express, DMI or system memory. Memory accesses initiated from PCI-Express will be snooped on the host bus between DMI to sys- tem SDRAM. The GMCH supports one or two channels of DDR3 controller with a maximum of two DIMMs per channel.

Direct Media Interface (DMI)

Providing the high-speed, chip-to-chip connection between the GMCH and ICH10 is the Direct Media Interface (DMI). The DMI integrates advanced priority-based servicing, allowing for concurrent traffic, true isochronous transfer capabilities and permitting current as well as legacy software to work normally.

Intel ICH10 System Features

The Intel I/O Controller Hub (ICH10) supports a variety of I/O related functions and PCI devices, including the following:

•DMI-to PCI Bridge

•LPC Controller

•SATA Controllers #1 and #2

•Thermal Subsystem

•SMBus Controller

•USB FS/LS UHCI Controllers #1, #2 and #3

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