Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
and a P67 chipset.
By building the external video interface directly into the processor, Intel is also able to produce
processors with integrated graphics processing. Most of the 6x series chipsets support the FDI
(Flexible Display Interface), which requires a Core i Series processor with integrated graphics.
Using FDI, video signals are sent from the GPU in the processor to the PCH, which then implements
the physical interface to the display (that is, DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI, or VGA).
Table 4.27
shows
the 6x series chipsets for socket LGA1155 2
nd
generation Core i Series processors.
Table 4.27. Intel 6x Chipsets for Socket LGA1155 2
nd
Generation Core i Series Processors
Just a few weeks after the 6x chipsets were released, there was a minor problem found with the
3Gbps SATA ports in the B2 and earlier steppings. Due to a voltage and internal current leakage
problem, the ports could degrade over time, eventually causing read errors. This problem did not
affect the 6Gbps SATA ports, so one workaround was to only connect drives to those ports. Intel
quickly issued a recall, as did all motherboard and system manufacturers that had sold motherboards
with the affected B2 step chips. Intel began shipping fixed B3 stepping chipsets to motherboard
manufacturers in February 2011, and new motherboards with the fixed chipsets were on the market by
April 2011. Any motherboards or systems sold after that date should be unaffected by this problem.
Intel 7x Series Chipsets
The Intel 7x series of chipsets is designed to support the 3
rd
generation Core i Series processors
(code-named Ivy Bridge). These chipsets are similar to the 6x series, with the main difference being
integrated USB 3.0 ports. Most of these chipsets also support Sandy Bridge processors, but a BIOS
upgrade might be necessary on some motherboards.
processor on a motherboard with a Z77 chipset.
