Intel® Desktop Board D945GCNL

Product Guide

Order Number: D98010-001

Revision History

Revision Revision History Date

-001 First release of the Intel® Desktop Board D945GCNL Product Guide May 2007

If an FCC declaration of conformity marking is present on the board, the following statement applies:

FCC Declaration of Conformity

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference

received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

For questions related to the EMC performance of this product, contact:

Intel Corporation, 5200 N.E. Elam Young Parkway, Hillsboro, OR 97124

1-800-628-8686

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to

Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful

interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency

energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to

radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular

installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be

determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by

one or more of the following measures:

  • Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
  • Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
  • Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit other than the one to which the receiver is connected.
  • Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Any changes or modifications to the equipment not expressly approved by Intel Corporation could void the

user's authority to operate the equipment.

Tested to comply with FCC standards for home or office use.

Canadian Department of Communications Compliance Statement

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set

out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.

Le présent appareil numerique német pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites applicables aux

appareils numériques de la classe B prescrites dans le Réglement sur le broullage radioélectrique édicté par

le ministére des Communications du Canada.

Disclaimer

INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH INTEL® PRODUCTS. NO LICENSE,

EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, BY ESTOPPEL OR OTHERWISE, TO ANY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS IS

GRANTED BY THIS DOCUMENT. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN INTEL'S TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE FOR

SUCH PRODUCTS, INTEL ASSUMES NO LIABILITY WHATSOEVER, AND INTEL DISCLAIMS ANY EXPRESS OR

IMPLIED WARRANTY, RELATING TO SALE AND/OR USE OF INTEL PRODUCTS INCLUDING LIABILITY OR

WARRANTIES RELATING TO FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, MERCHANTABILITY, OR INFRINGEMENT

OF ANY PATENT, COPYRIGHT OR OTHER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHT. Intel products are not intended

for use in medical, life saving, or life sustaining applications. Intel may make changes to specifications and

product descriptions at any time, without notice.

Desktop Board D945GCNL may contain design defects or errors known as errata which may cause the

product to deviate from published specifications. Current characterized errata are available on request.

Contact your local Intel sales office or your distributor to obtain the latest specifications and before placing

your product order.

Copies of documents which have an ordering number and are referenced in this document, or other Intel

literature, may be obtained from Intel Corporation by going to the World Wide Web site at:

http://www.intel.com/ or by calling 1-800-548-4725.

Intel, Intel logo, and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United

States and other countries.

* Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

Copyright © 2007, Intel Corporation. All rights reserved.

iii

Preface

This Product Guide gives information about board layout, component installation, BIOS

update, and regulatory requirements for Intel® Desktop Board D945GCNL.

Intended Audience

The Product Guide is intended for technically qualified personnel. It is not intended for

general audiences.

Use Only for Intended Applications

All Intel desktop boards are evaluated as Information Technology Equipment (I.T.E.)

for use in personal computers (PC) for installation in homes, offices, schools, computer

rooms, and similar locations. The suitability of this product for other PC or embedded

non-PC applications or other environments, such as medical, industrial, alarm systems,

test equipment, etc., may not be supported without further evaluation by Intel.

Document Organization

The chapters in this Product Guide are arranged as follows:

1 Desktop Board Features: a summary of product features

2 Installing and Replacing Desktop Board Components: instructions on how to install

the desktop board and other hardware components

3 Updating the BIOS: instructions on how to update the BIOS

A Error Messages and Indicators: information about BIOS error messages and beep

codes

B Regulatory Compliance: safety and EMC regulations and product certifications

Conventions

The following conventions are used in this manual:

CAUTION

Cautions warn the user about how to prevent damage to hardware or loss of data.

NOTE

Notes call attention to important information.

Intel Desktop Board D945GCNL Product Guide

iv

Terminology

The table below gives descriptions of some common terms used in the product guide.

Term Description

GB Gigabyte (1,073,741,824 bytes)

GHz Gigahertz (one billion hertz)

KB Kilobyte (1024 bytes)

MB Megabyte (1,048,576 bytes)

Mbit Megabit (1,048,576 bits)

MHz Megahertz (one million hertz)

Box Contents

  • Intel Desktop Board D945GCNL
  • I/O shield
  • One diskette drive cable
  • One ATA-66/100 cable
  • Two locking Serial ATA cables
  • Intel® Express Installer CD-ROM
  • Quick Reference Guide
  • Configuration and battery caution statement labels

v

Contents

1 Desktop Board Features

Supported Operating Systems..............................................................................10

Desktop Board Components.................................................................................11

Processor..........................................................................................................13

Main Memory.....................................................................................................13

Intel® 945GC Express Chipset..............................................................................14

Onboard Audio Subsystem ..................................................................................14

Input/Output (I/O) Controller ..............................................................................15

LAN Subsystem .................................................................................................15

LAN Subsystem Software.............................................................................15

RJ-45 LAN Connector LEDs...........................................................................16

Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Support ..................................................................................16

Enhanced IDE Interface ......................................................................................17

Serial ATA.........................................................................................................17

Expandability.....................................................................................................17

BIOS................................................................................................................17

Serial ATA and IDE Auto Configuration...........................................................17

PCI* and PCI Express* Auto Configuration .....................................................18

Security Passwords.....................................................................................18

Hardware Management Features ..........................................................................18

Hardware Monitoring and Fan Speed Control ..................................................18

Chassis Intrusion Detection..........................................................................19

Power Management Features ...............................................................................19

ACPI.........................................................................................................19

Hardware Support ......................................................................................19

Power Connectors ...............................................................................19

Fan Headers .......................................................................................20

LAN Wake Capabilities..........................................................................20

Instantly Available PC Technology..........................................................20

+5 V Standby Power Indicator LED ........................................................21

Wake from USB ..................................................................................22

Wake from PS/2* Keyboard/Mouse ........................................................22

PME# Signal Wake-up Support..............................................................22

WAKE# Signal Wake-up Support ...........................................................22

ENERGY STAR* Capable ..............................................................................22

Speaker............................................................................................................22

Battery.............................................................................................................22

Real-Time Clock.................................................................................................22

2 Installing and Replacing Desktop Board Components

Before You Begin ...............................................................................................23

Installation Precautions.......................................................................................24

Prevent Power Supply Overload ....................................................................24

Observe Safety and Regulatory Requirements.................................................24

Installing the I/O Shield ......................................................................................25

Installing and Removing the Desktop Board ...........................................................26

Installing and Removing a Processor.....................................................................27

Installing a Processor ..................................................................................27

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vi

Installing the Processor Fan Heat Sink ...........................................................30

Connecting the Processor Fan Heat Sink Cable................................................31

Removing the Processor ..............................................................................31

Installing and Removing Memory..........................................................................32

Installing DIMMs ........................................................................................34

Removing DIMMs........................................................................................35

Installing and Removing a PCI Express x16 Card ....................................................36

Installing a PCI Express x16 Card .................................................................36

Removing the PCI Express x16 Card..............................................................37

Connecting the IDE Cable....................................................................................38

Connecting the Serial ATA (SATA) Cable................................................................39

Connecting to Internal Headers............................................................................40

Installing a Front Panel Audio Solution for Intel® High Definition Audio ...............41

Connecting to the USB 2.0 Headers...............................................................42

Connecting to the Front Panel Header............................................................42

Connecting to the Alternate Front Panel Power LED Header...............................43

Connecting to the Flexible Audio System ...............................................................43

Connecting Chassis Fan and Power Cables .............................................................44

Connecting Chassis Fan Cables .....................................................................44

Connecting Power Cables.............................................................................45

Other Connectors and Headers.............................................................................46

Setting the BIOS Configuration Jumper .................................................................47

Clearing Passwords ............................................................................................49

3 Updating the BIOS

Updating the BIOS with the Intel® Express BIOS Update Utility.................................55

Updating the BIOS with the Iflash Memory Update Utility .........................................55

Obtaining the BIOS Update File ....................................................................56

Updating the BIOS......................................................................................56

Recovering the BIOS...................................................................................56

A Error Messages and Indicators

BIOS Beep Codes...............................................................................................57

BIOS Error Messages..........................................................................................57

B Regulatory Compliance

Safety Standards ...............................................................................................59

Place Battery Marking .................................................................................59

European Union Declaration of Conformity Statement..............................................60

Product Ecology Statements ................................................................................61

Recycling Considerations .............................................................................61

Lead-Free Desktop Board.............................................................................63

EMC Regulations ................................................................................................65

Ensure Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Compliance..................................66

Product Certifications..........................................................................................67

Board-Level Certification Markings ................................................................67

Chassis and Component Certifications............................................................68

Contents

vii

Figures

1. Desktop Board D945GCNL Components ...........................................................11

2. LAN Connector LEDs .....................................................................................16

3. Location of Standby Power Indicator................................................................21

4. Installing the I/O Shield ................................................................................25

5. Desktop Board D945GCNL Mounting Screw Hole Locations..................................26

6. Lift Socket Lever ..........................................................................................27

7. Lift the Load Plate.........................................................................................28

8. Remove the Protective Socket Cover ...............................................................28

9. Remove the Processor from the Protective Processor Cover ................................29

10. Install the Processor .....................................................................................29

11. Close the Load Plate .....................................................................................30

12. Connecting the Processor Fan Heat Sink Cable to the Processor Fan Header..........31

13. Dual Channel Memory Configuration Example ...................................................32

14. Use DDR2 DIMMs .........................................................................................33

15. Installing a DIMM .........................................................................................34

16. Installing a PCI Express x16 Card ...................................................................36

17. Removing a PCI Express x16 Card ..................................................................37

18. Connecting the IDE Cable ..............................................................................38

19. Connecting the Serial ATA Cable .....................................................................39

20. Internal Headers ..........................................................................................40

21. Back Panel Audio Connectors .........................................................................43

22. Location of Chassis Fan Headers .....................................................................44

23. Connecting Power Supply Cables ....................................................................45

24. Location of the Other Connectors and Headers..................................................46

25. Location of the BIOS Configuration Jumper Block ..............................................47

26. Removing the Battery ...................................................................................54

Tables

1. Feature Summary.......................................................................................... 9

2. Desktop Board D945GCNL Components ...........................................................12

3. LAN Connector LED States .............................................................................16

4. Front Panel Audio Header Signal Names for Intel High Definition Audio.................41

5. AC '97 Audio Header Signal Names .................................................................41

6. USB 2.0 Header Signal Names........................................................................42

7. Front Panel Header .......................................................................................42

8. Alternate Front Panel Power LED Header ..........................................................43

9. Jumper Settings for the BIOS Setup Program Modes..........................................48

10. Beep Codes .................................................................................................57

11. BIOS Error Messages ....................................................................................57

12. Safety Standards..........................................................................................59

13. Lead-Free Board Markings .............................................................................64

14. EMC Regulations...........................................................................................65

15. Product Certification Markings ........................................................................67

Intel Desktop Board D945GCNL Product Guide

viii

9

1 Desktop Board Features

This chapter briefly describes the main features of Intel® Desktop Board D945GCNL.

Table 1 summarizes the major features of the desktop board.

Table 1. Feature Summary

Form Factor

microATX (243.84 millimeters [9.60 inches] x 243.84 millimeters

[9.60 inches])

 

Processor

Support for an Intel® processor in the LGA775 package

Main Memory

• Two 240-pin, DDR2 1.8 V (only) SDRAM Dual Inline Memory Module

(DIMM) sockets

  • 667/533/400 MHz single or dual channel DDR2 SDRAM interface
  • Support for up to 2 GB of system memory

Chipset

Intel® 945GC Express Chipset consisting of:

  • Intel® 82945GC Express Chipset Graphics and Memory Controller Hub

(GMCH)

  • Intel® 82801GB I/O Controller Hub (ICH7)

Graphics

• Intel® 945GC Express Chipset with Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950

(Intel® GMA 950)

  • PCI Express* graphics card support via a PCI Express x16 connector

Audio

• 6-channel (5.1) onboard subsystem, featuring:

- Intel® High Definition Audio interface

- Realtek* ALC888 audio codec

Expansion

Capabilities

  • One PCI Express x1 connector
  • One PCI Express x16 connector
  • Two PCI* connectors

Peripheral

Interfaces

  • Up to eight USB 2.0 ports

- Four ports routed to the back panel

- Four ports routed to two USB headers

  • Four Serial ATA (SATA) channels (3.0 Gb/s), via the ICH7, one device per

channel

  • One IDE interface with ATA-66/100 support (two devices)
  • One diskette drive interface
  • One VGA port
  • One parallel port
  • One serial port
  • PS/2* keyboard and mouse ports

continued

Intel Desktop Board D945GCNL Product Guide

10

 

Table 1. Feature Summary

(continued)

LAN Support

10/100/1000 Mb/s LAN subsystem using a Realtek RTL8111B-GR

Gigabit Ethernet Controller

BIOS

• Intel® BIOS (resident in the SPI Flash device)

  • Support for ACPI, Plug and Play, and SMBIOS

Power

Management

  • Support for Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI)
  • Suspend to RAM (STR)
  • Wake on USB, PCI Express, PS/2, LAN, and front panel
  • ENERGY STAR* capable

Hardware

Management

  • Three fan headers
  • Three fan sensing inputs used to monitor fan activity
  • Remote diode temperature sensing
  • Voltage sensing to detect out of range values
  • Intel® Precision Cooling Technology

Related Links:

For more information about Desktop Board D945GCNL, including the Technical Product

Specification (TPS), BIOS updates, and device drivers, go to:

http://support.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/

Supported Operating Systems

The desktop board supports the following operating systems:

  • Microsoft Windows Vista* Home Premium
  • Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit edition
  • Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic
  • Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit edition
  • Microsoft Windows* XP Media Center Edition 2005
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

Desktop Board Features

11

Desktop Board Components

Figure 1 shows the approximate location of the major components on Desktop Board

D945GCNL.

Figure 1. Desktop Board D945GCNL Components

Intel Desktop Board D945GCNL Product Guide

12

Table 2. Desktop Board D945GCNL Components

Label Description

A Front panel audio header

B PCI bus connector 2

C PCI bus connector 1

D PCI Express x1 connector

E PCI Express x16 connector

F Back panel connectors

G 12 V processor core voltage connector (2 x 2 pin )

H Processor fan header (4-pin)

I Rear chassis fan header (3-pin)

J Processor socket

K DIMM 0, Channel A socket

L DIMM 0, Channel B socket

M Chassis intrusion header

N Main power connector (2 x 12 pin)

O Diskette drive connector

P IDE connector

Q Front chassis fan header (3-pin)

R Serial ATA connectors

S Front panel header

T Speaker

U Hi-speed USB 2.0 headers

V Alternate front panel power LED header

W Battery

X BIOS configuration jumper block

Related Links:

Go to the following links for more information about:

  • Desktop Board D945GCNL http://www.intel.com/design/motherbd

http://support.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop

  • Supported processors http://www.intel.com/go/FindCPU
  • Audio software and utilities http://www.intel.com/design/motherbd
  • LAN software and drivers http://www.intel.com/design/motherbd

Desktop Board Features

13

Processor

CAUTION

Failure to use the appropriate power supply and/or not connecting the 12 V (2 x 2 pin)

power connector to the desktop board may result in damage to the board or the

system may not function properly.

Desktop Board D945GCNL supports an Intel processor in the LGA775 package.

Processors are not included with the desktop board and must be purchased separately.

The processor connects to the desktop board through the LGA775 socket.

The supported processors list for Desktop Board D945GCNL is located on the web at:

http://www.intel.com/go/FindCPU

Related Links:

Go to the following links or pages for more information about:

  • Instructions on installing or upgrading the processor, page 27 in Chapter 2

Main Memory

NOTE

To be fully compliant with all applicable Intel

®

SDRAM specifications, the board should

The desktop board supports the dual or single channel memory configurations defined

below.

  • Two 240-pin Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) SDRAM Dual Inline Memory Module

(DIMM) connectors with gold-plated contacts.

  • Support for:

- Unbuffered, non-registered single or double-sided DIMMs

- Non-ECC DDR2 memory

⎯ DDR2-667, DDR2-533, and DDR2-400 memory

⎯ 1.8 V (only) DDR2 SDRAM DIMMs

- Serial Presence Detect (SPD) memory only

- Up to 2.0 GB utilizing 512 Mb and 1 Gb technology

Intel recommends using memory from the tested memory lists, available at:

http://www.cmtlabs.com/mbsearch.asp

Intel Desktop Board D945GCNL Product Guide

14

NOTE

Regardless of the DIMM type used, the memory frequency will either be equal to or

less than the processor system bus frequency. For example, if DDR2 533 memory is

used with an 800 MHz system bus frequency processor, the memory will operate

at 533 MHz.

Related Links:

Go to the following links or pages for more information about:

  • SDRAM specifications, http://www.intel.com/technology/memory/
  • Installing memory, page 32 in Chapter 2

Intel

®

945GC Express Chipset

The Intel 945GC Express Chipset consists of the following devices:

  • Intel 82945GC Express Chipset Graphics and Memory Controller Hub (GMCH)
  • Intel 82801GB I/O Controller Hub (ICH7)

The Intel 945GC Express Chipset contains two separate, mutually exclusive graphics

options. Either the integrated Intel GMA 950 graphics controller is used or a PCI

Express x16 add-in card can be used. When a PCI Express x16 add-in card is

installed, the Intel GMA 950 graphics controller is disabled.

Related Link:

Go to the following link for more information about the Intel 945GC Express Chipset:

http://www.intel.com/products/desktop/chipsets/index.htm?iid=chips_body+desk

Onboard Audio Subsystem

Desktop Board D945GCNL has a flexible 6-channel (5.1) onboard audio subsystem

that includes a Realtek ALC888 audio codec.

The audio subsystem features:

  • Intel High Definition Audio interface
  • Advanced jack sense, for the back panel connectors, that enables the audio codec

to recognize the device that is connected to an audio port and retask the connector

via the audio driver.

  • S/N (signal-to-noise) ratio: 95 dB
  • Microphone input supporting:

- Stereo microphone

- Microphone boost

The subsystem includes the following connectors:

  • Front panel audio connector, including functionality for:

- Line out

- Microphone in

Desktop Board Features

15

  • Back panel audio connectors that are configurable through the audio device

drivers:

- Line in/retasking jack

- Line out/retasking jack

- Mic in/retasking jack

Related Links:

Go to the following link or pages for more information about:

  • Audio drivers and utilities http://support.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/
  • Installing the front panel audio solution, page 41
  • The location of audio connectors, Figure 21 on page 43

Input/Output (I/O) Controller

The super I/O controller features the following:

  • One serial port
  • One parallel port with Extended Capabilities Port (ECP) and Enhanced Parallel Port

(EPP) support

  • Serial IRQ interface compatible with serialized IRQ support for PCI systems
  • PS/2-style mouse and keyboard interfaces
  • Interface for one 1.2 MB or 1.44 MB diskette drive
  • Intelligent power management, including a programmable wake up event interface
  • PCI power management support

LAN Subsystem

The LAN subsystem consists of the following:

  • Realtek RTL811B-GR Gigabit Ethernet Controller device for 10/100/1000 Mb/s

Ethernet LAN connectivity

  • RJ-45 connector with status indicator LEDs

LAN Subsystem Software

For LAN software and drivers, refer to the D945GCNL link on Intel's World Wide Web

site at:

http://support.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop

Intel Desktop Board D945GCNL Product Guide

16

RJ-45 LAN Connector LEDs

Two LEDs are built into the RJ-45 LAN connector located on the back panel (see

Figure 2). These LEDs indicate the status of the LAN.

Figure 2. LAN Connector LEDs

Table 3 describes the LED states when the board is powered up and the LAN

subsystem is operating.

Table 3. LAN Connector LED States

LED LED Color LED State Indicates

A Off LAN link is not established

Green

On LAN link is established

Blinking LAN activity is occurring

N/A Off 10 Mb/s data rate

Green On 100 Mb/s data rate

B

Yellow On 1000 Mb/s data rate

Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Support

NOTE

Computer systems that have an unshielded cable attached to a USB port might not

meet FCC Class B requirements, even if no device or a low-speed USB device is

attached to the cable. Use a shielded cable that meets the requirements for a

full-speed USB device.

The desktop board supports up to eight USB 2.0 ports via ICH7 (four ports routed to

the back panel and four ports routed to two internal USB 2.0 headers). USB 2.0 ports

are backward compatible with USB 1.1 devices. USB 1.1 devices will function normally

at USB 1.1 speeds.

USB 2.0 support requires both an operating system and drivers that fully support

USB 2.0 transfer rates. Disabling Hi-Speed USB in the BIOS reverts all USB 2.0 ports

to USB 1.1 operation. This may be required to accommodate operating systems that

do not support USB 2.0.

Desktop Board Features

17

Enhanced IDE Interface

The desktop board's IDE interface handles the exchange of information between the

processor and peripheral devices such as hard disk drives and CD-ROM drives. The

interface supports:

  • Up to two IDE devices (such as hard drives)
  • ATAPI-style devices (such as CD-ROM drives)
  • Older PIO Mode devices
  • Ultra DMA-33 and ATA-66/100 protocols

Serial ATA

The desktop board supports four Serial ATA channels (3.0 Gb/s) via ICH7, connecting

one device per channel.

Expandability

For system expansion, the desktop board provides the following:

  • One PCI Express x16 connector
  • One PCI Express x1 connector
  • Two PCI bus connectors

BIOS

The BIOS provides the Power-On Self-Test (POST), the BIOS Setup program, the

PCI/PCI Express and IDE auto-configuration utilities, and the video BIOS. The BIOS is

stored in a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) Flash device.

The BIOS can be updated by following the instructions on page 55 in Chapter 3.

Serial ATA and IDE Auto Configuration

If you install a Serial ATA or IDE device (such as a hard drive) in your computer, the

auto-configuration utility in the BIOS automatically detects and configures the device

for your computer. You do not need to run the BIOS Setup program after installing a

Serial ATA or IDE device. You can override the auto-configuration options by

specifying manual configuration in the BIOS Setup program.

Intel Desktop Board D945GCNL Product Guide

18

PCI

* and PCI Express*

Auto Configuration

If you install a PCI/PCI Express add-in card in your computer, the PCI/PCI Express

auto-configuration utility in the BIOS automatically detects and configures the

resources (IRQs, DMA channels, and I/O space) for that add-in card. You do not need

to run the BIOS Setup program after you install a PCI/PCI Express add-in card.

Security Passwords

The BIOS includes security features that restrict whether the BIOS Setup program can

be accessed and who can boot the computer. A supervisor password and a user

password can be set for the BIOS Setup and for booting the computer, with the

following restrictions:

  • The supervisor password gives unrestricted access to view and change all Setup

options. If only the supervisor password is set, pressing <Enter> at the password

prompt of Setup gives the user restricted access to Setup.

  • If both the supervisor and user passwords are set, you must enter either the

supervisor password or the user password to access Setup. Setup options are then

available for viewing and changing depending on whether the supervisor or user

password was entered.

  • Setting a user password restricts who can boot the computer. The password

prompt is displayed before the computer is booted. If only the supervisor

password is set, the computer boots without asking for a password. If both

passwords are set, you can enter either password to boot the computer.

Related Links:

For instructions on resetting the password, see Clearing Passwords on page 49.

Hardware Management Features

The hardware management features of Desktop Board D945GCNL enable the board to

be compatible with the Wired for Management (WfM) specification. The board has

several hardware management features including the following:

  • Fan speed monitoring and control
  • Thermal and voltage monitoring
  • Chassis intrusion detection

Hardware Monitoring and Fan Speed Control

The features of the hardware monitoring and fan speed control include:

  • Monitoring of power supply voltages to detect levels above and below acceptable

values

  • Intel Precision Cooling Technology
  • Thermal sensors in the processor, GMCH, and ICH7 plus an onboard remote sensor
  • Thermally monitored closed-loop fan control, for all onboard fans, that can adjust

fan speed or switch the fans off as needed

Desktop Board Features

19

Chassis Intrusion Detection

The board supports a chassis security feature that detects if the chassis cover has

been removed. The security feature uses a mechanical switch on the chassis that can

be connected to the chassis intrusion header on the desktop board. See Figure 24 on

page 46 for the location of the chassis intrusion header.

Power Management Features

Power management is implemented at several levels, including:

  • Software support through the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI)
  • Hardware support:

- Power connectors

- Fan headers

- LAN wake capabilities

- Instantly Available PC technology (Suspend to RAM)

- +5 V standby power indicator LED

- Wake from USB

- Wake from PS/2 keyboard/mouse

- Power Management Event signal (PME#) wakeup support

- WAKE# signal wake-up support

ACPI

ACPI gives the operating system direct control over the power management and Plug

and Play functions of a computer. The use of ACPI with the desktop board requires an

operating system that provides full ACPI support.

Hardware Support

Power Connectors

ATX12V-compliant power supplies can turn off the computer power through system

control. When an ACPI-enabled computer receives the correct command, the power

supply removes all non-standby voltages.

When resuming from an AC power failure, the computer returns to the power state it

was in before power was interrupted (either on or off). The computer's response can

be set by using the Last Power State feature in the BIOS Setup program's Boot menu.

The desktop board has two power connectors. See Figure 23 on page 45 for the

location of the power connectors.

Intel Desktop Board D945GCNL Product Guide

20

Fan Headers

The function/operation of the fans is as follows:

  • The fans are on when the computer is in the ACPI S0 or S1 state.
  • The fans are off when the computer is in the ACPI S3, S4, or S5 state.
  • Each fan header is wired to a tachometer input of the hardware monitoring and

control device.

  • All fan headers support closed-loop fan control that can adjust the fan speed or

switch the fan on or off as needed.

  • All fan headers have a +12 V dc connection.

The desktop board has a 4-pin processor fan header and two 3-pin chassis fan

headers.

LAN Wake Capabilities

CAUTION

For LAN wake capabilities, the 5 V standby line for the power supply must be capable

of delivering adequate +5 V standby current. Failure to provide adequate standby

current when using this feature can damage the power supply.

LAN wakeup capabilities enable remote wake-up of the computer through a network.

The LAN subsystem monitors network traffic and upon detecting a Magic Packet*

frame, it asserts a wake-up signal that powers up the computer.

Instantly Available PC Technology

CAUTIONS

For Instantly Available PC technology, the 5 V standby line for the power supply must

be capable of delivering adequate +5 V standby current. Failure to provide adequate

standby current when using this feature can damage the power supply and/or effect

ACPI S3 sleep state functionality.

Power supplies used with this desktop board must be able to provide enough standby

current to support the standard Instantly Available (ACPI S3 sleep state) configuration.

If the standby current necessary to support multiple wake events from the PCI and/or

USB buses exceeds power supply capacity, the desktop board may lose register

settings stored in memory.

Instantly Available PC technology enables the board to enter the ACPI S3 (Suspend-to-

RAM) sleep state. While in the S3 sleep state, the computer will appear to be off. If

the computer has a dual-colored power LED on the front panel, the sleep state is

indicated by the LED turning amber. When signaled by a wake-up device or event, the

computer quickly returns to its last known awake state.

The desktop board supports the PCI Bus Power Management Interface Specification.

Add-in cards that support this specification can participate in power management and

can be used to wake the computer.

Desktop Board Features

21

+5 V Standby Power Indicator LED

CAUTION

If the AC power has been switched off and the standby power indicator is still lit,

disconnect the power cord before installing or removing any devices connected to the

board. Failure to do so could damage the board and any attached devices.

The desktop board's standby power indicator, shown in Figure 3, is lit when there is

standby power still present on the board even when the computer appears to be off.

For example, when this LED is lit, standby power is still present at the memory module

sockets and the PCI bus connectors.

Figure 3. Location of Standby Power Indicator

Related Links:

For more information on standby current requirements for the desktop board, refer to

the Technical Product Specification by going to the following link, finding the product,

and selecting Product Documentation from the left-hand menu:

http://support.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/

Intel Desktop Board D945GCNL Product Guide

22

Wake from USB

NOTE

Wake from USB requires the use of a USB peripheral that supports Wake from USB.

USB bus activity wakes the computer from an ACPI S1 or S3 state.

Wake from PS/2

*

Keyboard/Mouse

PS/2 keyboard/mouse activity wakes the computer from an ACPI S1 or S3 state.

PME# Signal Wake-up Support

When the PME# signal on the PCI bus is asserted, the computer wakes from an ACPI

S1, S3, S4, or S5 state.

WAKE# Signal Wake-up Support

When the WAKE# signal on the PCI Express bus is asserted, the computer wakes from

an ACPI S1, S2, S3, S4, or S5 state.

ENERGY STAR

*

Capable

In 2007, the US Department of Energy and the US Environmental Protection Agency

revised the ENERGY STAR requirements. Intel worked directly with these two

governmental agencies to define the new requirements. Currently Intel Desktop

Boards are capable of meeting the new ENERGY STAR requirements depending on

system configuration.

For information and recommendations concerning the ENERGY STAR specifications,

see: http://www3.intel.com/cd/channel/reseller/asmo-na/eng/337748.htm

Speaker

A speaker is mounted on the desktop board. The speaker provides audible error code

(beep code) information during the Power-On Self-Test (POST).

Battery

A battery on the desktop board keeps the values in CMOS RAM and the clock current

when the computer is turned off. Go to page 50 for instructions on how to replace the

battery.

Real-Time Clock

The desktop board has a time-of-day clock and 100-year calendar. The battery on the

desktop board keeps the clock current when the computer is turned off.

23

2 Installing and Replacing Desktop

Board Components

This chapter tells you how to:

  • Install the I/O shield
  • Install and remove the desktop board
  • Install and remove a processor
  • Install and remove memory
  • Install and remove a PCI Express x16 card
  • Connect the IDE and Serial ATA cables
  • Connect to the internal headers
  • Connect the flexible audio system
  • Connect the chassis fan and power cables
  • Set the BIOS configuration jumper
  • Clear passwords
  • Replace the battery

Before You Begin

CAUTIONS

The procedures in this chapter assume familiarity with the general terminology

associated with personal computers and with the safety practices and regulatory

compliance required for using and modifying electronic equipment.

Disconnect the computer from its power source and from any telecommunications

links, networks, or modems before performing any of the procedures described in this

chapter. Failure to disconnect power, telecommunications links, networks, or modems

before you open the computer or perform any procedures can result in personal injury

or equipment damage. Some circuitry on the board can continue to operate even

though the front panel power button is off.

Follow these guidelines before you begin:

  • Always follow the steps in each procedure in the correct order.
  • Set up a log to record information about your computer, such as model, serial

numbers, installed options, and configuration information.

  • Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage components. Perform the procedures

described in this chapter only at an ESD workstation using an antistatic wrist strap

and a conductive foam pad. If such a station is not available, you can provide

some ESD protection by wearing an antistatic wrist strap and attaching it to a

metal part of the computer chassis.

Intel Desktop Board D945GCNL Product Guide

24

Installation Precautions

When you install and test the Intel desktop board, observe all warnings and cautions in

the installation instructions.

To avoid injury, be careful of:

  • Sharp pins on connectors
  • Sharp pins on printed circuit assemblies
  • Rough edges and sharp corners on the chassis
  • Hot components (such as processors, voltage regulators, and heat sinks)
  • Damage to wires that could cause a short circuit

Observe all warnings and cautions that instruct you to refer computer servicing to

qualified technical personnel.

Prevent Power Supply Overload

Do not overload the power supply output. To avoid overloading the power supply,

make sure that the calculated total current loads of all the modules within the

computer is less than the output current rating of each of the power supplies output

circuits.

Observe Safety and Regulatory Requirements

Read and adhere the instructions in this section and the instructions supplied with the

chassis and associated modules. If you do not follow these instructions and the

instructions provided by the chassis and module suppliers, you increase safety risk and

the possibility of noncompliance with regional laws and regulations. If the instructions

for the chassis are inconsistent with these instructions or the instructions for

associated modules, contact the supplier's technical support to find out how you can

ensure that your computer meets safety and regulatory requirements.

Related Links

For information about regulatory compliance, go to Appendix B on page 59.

Installing and Replacing Desktop Board Components

25

Installing the I/O Shield

The desktop board comes with an I/O shield. When installed in the chassis, the shield

blocks radio frequency transmissions, protects internal components from dust and

foreign objects, and promotes correct airflow within the chassis.

Install the I/O shield before installing the desktop board in the chassis. Place the

shield inside the chassis as shown in Figure 4. Press the shield into place so that it fits

tightly and securely. If the shield does not fit, obtain a properly sized shield from the

chassis supplier.

Figure 4. Installing the I/O Shield

Intel Desktop Board D945GCNL Product Guide

26

Installing and Removing the Desktop Board

CAUTION

Only qualified technical personnel should do this procedure. Disconnect the computer

from its power source before performing the procedures described here. Failure to

disconnect the power before you open the computer can result in personal injury or

equipment damage.

Do not lift or handle the desktop board by the chipset heat sink. Handling may damage

the thermal interface material that resides between the heat sink and the chipset

silicon.

Refer to your chassis manual for instructions on installing and removing the desktop

board.

Figure 5 shows the location of the mounting screw holes for Desktop Board

D945GCNL.

Figure 5. Desktop Board D945GCNL Mounting Screw Hole Locations

Installing and Replacing Desktop Board Components

27

Installing and Removing a Processor

Instructions on how to install the processor on the desktop board are given below.

Installing a Processor

CAUTION

Before installing or removing the processor, make sure the AC power has been

removed by unplugging the power cord from the computer; the standby power LED

should not be lit (see Figure 3 on page 21). Failure to do so could damage the

processor and the board.

To install a processor, follow these instructions:

1. Observe the precautions in "Before You Begin" on page 23.

2. Open the socket lever by pushing the lever down and away from the socket

(Figure 6, A and B).

Figure 6. Lift Socket Lever

Intel Desktop Board D9