Chapter 1: Introduction

1-2 Chipset Overview

The Intel® 82945GC chipset, designed for use with a single Intel® Core™ 2 Duo/ Pentium® dual-core/Pentium D/Pentium 4/Celeron® dual-core/Celeron/Celeron D Processor with a system bus speed of up to 800 MHz in an LGA 775 socket, contains two components: GMCH (North Bridge) and ICH7R (South Bridge). The GMCH is used for the host bridge, and the ICH7R, for the I/O subsystems.

Graphics Memory Controller Hub (GMCH)

The GMCH manages the data fl ow between its four interfaces: the processor interface (FSB), the system memory interface (DRAM controller), the integrated graphics interface, the External Graphics interface, and the I/O Controller through DMI interface. It provides bus arbitration between the four interfaces when each initiates transactions. The GMCH supports a 32-byte Cache Line, decoding up to 4 GB (2GB for the 945GC) of the CPU's usable memory address space. The GMCH also supports one or two channels of SDRAM and the PCI Express-based graphics attached devices.

The Intel® 945GC platform supports the seventh generation I/O Controller Hub (In- tel® ICH7R) to provide a multitude of I/O related features. The Direct Media Interface (DMI) provides the chip-to-chip connection between the GMCH and the ICH7R.

Intel® I/O Controller Hub 7R (ICH7R)

The I/O Controller (ICH7R) provides the data buffering and interface arbitration required for the system to operate effi ciently. It also provides the bandwidth needed for the system to maintain its peak performance. The ICH7R supports PCI slots, Se- rial ATA ports, USB 2.0 ports and dual channel IDE devices. In addition, the ICH7R offers the Intel Matrix Storage Technology which provides various RAID options for data protection and rapid data access. It also supports the next generation of client management through the use of PROActive technology in conjunction with Intel's next generation Gigabit Ethernet controllers.

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SUPER MICRO Computer x7slm-l Chipset Overview, Graphics Memory Controller Hub Gmch, Intel I/O Controller Hub 7R ICH7R

x7slm-l specifications

Super Micro Computer Inc., commonly known as Supermicro, has been a prominent player in the server and high-performance computing markets. Among its extensive product range, the X7SLM-L motherboard stands out as an ideal solution for both server and workstation applications. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the X7SLM-L caters to a variety of user demands, including scalability, reliability, and compatibility.

The Supermicro X7SLM-L motherboard is built on an Intel Socket 775 platform, offering support for multi-core Intel processors, including the Xeon series. This enables users to harness the processing power necessary for demanding applications like virtualization, database management, and scientific computations. The board can accommodate up to 8 GB of DDR2 memory, which is essential for memory-intensive tasks, ensuring smooth and efficient performance.

One of the standout features of the X7SLM-L is its support for PCI Express 2.0, allowing for enhanced graphics and expansion capabilities. Users can easily integrate high-performance add-on cards, which are crucial for fields such as video editing, gaming, and CAD applications. Furthermore, the motherboard comes with multiple SATA ports, offering exceptional flexibility for storage configurations. With support for RAID levels 0, 1, 5, and 10, users can ensure data protection and improve performance.

Another important characteristic of the X7SLM-L is its embedded network controller, which provides high-speed connectivity options to meet the needs of data center environments. With integrated dual Gigabit Ethernet, users can take advantage of redundancy and load balancing, crucial for maintaining uptime in critical applications.

Supermicro's commitment to energy efficiency is also evident in the X7SLM-L design. The motherboard supports Intel’s SpeedStep technology, providing dynamic adjustment of CPU voltage and frequency according to workload requirements, thus reducing power consumption and heat generation.

In summary, the Supermicro X7SLM-L motherboard is a versatile and feature-rich platform designed for users who require high performance and reliability. With support for advanced Intel processors, substantial memory capacity, flexible storage options, and energy-efficient technologies, the X7SLM-L stands as an excellent choice for a wide range of computing applications. Whether for server deployments or demanding workstation tasks, this motherboard provides a solid foundation for next-generation computing needs.