Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 4.22. The 915G chipset (left) was the first Intel chipset to support both PCI Express x16
and integrated graphics. The 945G chipset (right) offers similar features but supports faster
integrated graphics, faster SATA hard disks, and more PCI Express x1 slots than the 915G.
Intel 955X and 975X Family
The Intel Glenwood chipset family was released in 2005 and includes two members: the 955X and
975X. These chipsets, along with the 945 family, were the first to support Intel's new dual-core
Pentium D processors, but they also supported the high-performance single-core Pentium Extreme
Edition processors and existing Pentium 4 HT Technology processors using Socket 775. Intel
categorized these chipsets as entry-level workstation and performance PC chipsets.
Although these chipsets were numbered in different series, most of their features are identical. Both
supported FSB speeds of 800MHz and 1,066MHz and supported up to four DDR2 667/533MHz
memory modules (two pairs of dual-channel modules) for a maximum 8GB of system memory. Both
supported ECC memory—a must for workstation operation—and both used the ICH7 family of I/O
controller hub chips listed in Table 4.20 .
The 955X and 975X differed from each other in their video support. The 955X supported a single
PCI Express x16 video card, whereas the 975X supported two PCI Express video cards in CrossFire
dual-slot operation.
Intel 96x Series
The 96x series (code-named Broadwater) was introduced in June 2006 and was designed to support
the Core 2 processors, including dual- and quad-core versions. There were several models in the
series, each with slightly different features. The Q963 and Q965 were the most basic versions. Both
featured integrated GMA 3000 video; however, the Q965 included support for a PCIe x16 slot
(allowing for a video card upgrade). It also supported faster 800MHz DDR2 memory. The P965
deleted the integrated video for those only wanting to use PCIe x16 cards. Finally, the G965 included
all the features of the other chipsets while adding even better integrated GMA X3000 video, along
with support for a PCIe x16 upgrade slot. Table 4.21 shows the major features of these chipsets.
Table 4.21. Intel 96x Chipsets for Core 2
 
 
 
 
 
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