PRE-FINAL EXAM

CHIPSET

Chipset - A number of integrated circuits designed to perform one or more related functions. For example, one chipset may provide the basic functions of a modem while another provides the CPU functions for a computer. Newer chipsets generally include functions provided by two or more older chipsets. In some cases, older chipsets that required two or more physical chips can be replaced with a chipset on one chip.

Kinds of Intel Chipset

Desktop Chipsets - Get enhanced capabilities for audio, digital video and communications with Intel® chipset technologies for desktop PCs.
Performance Desktop ChipsetsIntel® 975X Express Chipset - Platforms based on the Intel® 975X Express Chipset and Intel® Pentium® processor Extreme Edition deliver incredible high performance for gaming, multimedia entertainment and demanding business applications of today and tomorrow.

The Intel 975X Express Chipset-enables Intel's highest desktop performance platforms, with support for the latest Intel dual-core processors, adding intelligence to help manage and prioritize multiple (quad) threads received from the processor.In addition to multiple thread support, the Intel 975X Express Chipset enables key performance-optimized capabilities such as support for multiple 2x8 graphics cards, Intel® Memory Pipeline Technology (Intel® MPT), 8GB memory addressability to enable 64-bit computing, and ECC memory support.

Intel® 955X Express Chipset - Platforms based on the Intel® 955X Express Chipset and Intel® Pentium® processor Extreme Edition deliver incredible digital entertainment experiences and meet the most demanding business applications of today and tomorrow. The Intel 955X Express Chipset enables Intel's highest performance platforms, with support for the new Intel dual-core processor supporting Hyper-Threading Technology†, adding intelligence to help manage and prioritize four software threads simultaneously for the first time on desktop PCs. Additionally, this chipset supports key performance-optimized capabilities such as Intel® Memory Pipeline Technology (Intel® MPT), up to 8 GB memory addressability to help enable 64-bit computing, and ECC memory support.

Intel® 925XE Express Chipset - The Intel® 925XE Express chipset and the Intel® Pentium® 4 processor Extreme Edition supporting Hyper-Threading Technology† create a platform optimized to deliver exceptional system performance, providing advanced technology and new levels of efficiency to help meet the demands of advanced computer users.The features of the Intel 925XE Express chipset deliver a compelling solution for the most demanding high-end multimedia creator, media user or gamer.

Intel® 925X Express Chipset - Intel® 925X Express chipset-based platforms are optimized to deliver exceptional system performance, providing advanced technology and new levels of efficiency to help meet the demands of advanced computer users.The Intel 925X Express chipset was designed to support the Intel® Pentium® 4 processor Extreme Edition supporting Hyper-Threading Technology† and the Intel® Pentium® 4 processor supporting Hyper-Threading Technology†. Additionally, the Intel 925X Express chipset is specifically designed to support Intel® Extended Memory 64 TechnologyΦ (Intel® EM64T) enabling 64-bit memory addressability.

Mainstream Desktop Chipsets

Intel® G35 Express Chipset - The Intel G35 Express Chipset continues the Intel chipset legacy and extends it to new levels with purpose-built capabilities designed specifically to address the key needs of the home user. With advancements in graphics, video, and system responsiveness, the Intel G35 Express Chipset allows your PC to be the center of home computing, communication, and entertainment.Desktop PC platforms based on the Intel G35 Express Chipset, combined with either the Intel Core 2 Duo or Intel Core 2 Quad processor, and with support for next-generation 45nm Intel® Core™2 processor family, deliver innovative capabilities and usages for digital home consumers and new levels of 3D and media performance while enabling lower power and quieter systems.

Intel® Q35 and Q33 Express Chipsets - The Intel Q35 and Q33 Express Chipsets will deliver support for Intel's upcoming 45nm processors. Intel is also bringing higher performance in combination with greater energy efficiency and supplying critical building blocks for continued Energy Star* support. The Intel Q35 and Q33 Express Chipsets are continuously advancing capabilities of the Intel® vPro™ processor technology by providing leading security and manageability.Desktop PC platforms based on the Intel Q35 and Q33 Express Chipsets, combined with either the Intel Core 2 Duo or Intel Core 2 Quad processor, and with support for next-generation 45nm Intel® Core™2 processor family, deliver innovative capabilities and usages for digital home consumers and new levels of 3D and media performance while enabling lower power and quieter systems.

Intel® P35 Express Chipset - The Intel P35 Express Chipset supports new technologies such as 1333 MHz System Bus speed, next-generation 45nm dual- and quad-core processors, and DDR3 memory to deliver increased system bandwidth and improved performance. With built-in design headroom, Intel® Fast Memory Access (Intel® FMA) and Intel® Turbo Memory, platforms based on the Intel P35 Express Chipset enable best-of-class performance and offer the best value for performance desktop computing.Desktop PC platforms based on the Intel P35 Express Chipset, combined with either the Intel® Core™2 Duo or Intel® Core™2 Quad processor, deliver new technologies and innovative capabilities for enthusiasts and digital home consumers.

Intel® P31 Express Chipset - The Intel® P31 Express Chipset supports Intel's upcoming 45nm processors, enabling a scalable discrete platform for value conscious consumers. With a 1066MHz system bus and DDR2 memory technology, the Intel® P31 Express chipset enables a scalable discrete platform for value conscious consumer.

Intel® Q965 Express Chipset and Intel® Q963 Express Chipset - The Intel Q965 and Q963 Express Chipsets continue the Intel chipset legacy and extend it to new levels with purpose-built capabilities designed specifically to address the key needs of the office computing environment. With advancements in manageability, graphics, stability, data protection and, optimizations to support the most advanced business operating systems, the Intel Q965 and Q963 Express Chipsets are designed to help businesses better manage costs, provide a safer computing environment and deploy more responsive PCs.

The Intel® Q965 Express Chipset- supports Intel® vPro™ technology¹.Intel® G965 Express Chipset - The Intel® G965 Express Chipset continues the Intel chipset legacy and extends it to new levels with purpose-built capabilities designed specifically to address the key needs of the home user. With advancements in graphics, video, responsiveness and data protection, the Intel G965 Express Chipset allows your PC to be the center of home computing, communication, and entertainment.

Intel® 945P Express Chipset - The Intel 945P Express Chipset delivers outstanding system performance through high-bandwidth interfaces such as dual-channel DDR2 memory, 1066/800 MHz system bus, PCI Express* x16 graphics port and PCI Express x1 I/O ports, next generation Serial ATA and Hi-Speed USB 2.0 connectivity. In addition, the Intel 945P Express Chipset includes support for Intel® Active Management Technology, the next generation of remote client network management for business.

Intel® 945GT Express Chipset - The Intel® 945GT Express Chipset, combined with the Intel® Core™ Duo processor, delivers innovative features and new benefits for both home and business at low power consumption. These features provide enhanced manageability, security and responsiveness to meet evolving business needs.The Intel 945GT Express Chipset offers outstanding system performance through high-bandwidth interfaces such as PCI Express*, Serial ATA*, and Hi-Speed USB* 2.0, and the enhanced Gen 3.5 integrated graphics controller.

Intel® 875P Chipset - The Intel® 875P chipset, optimized for the Intel® Pentium® 4 processor supporting Hyper-Threading (HT) Technology†, adds intelligence to help manage and prioritize multiple threads received from the microprocessor. The 875P chipset features support for an 800 MHz Front Side Bus (FSB) and implements Intel® Performance Acceleration Technology (Intel® PAT) with dual-channel DDR 400 memory configurations to get incredible performance from the memory interface.

Intel® 865G Chipset - The Intel® 865G chipset, designed for the Intel® Pentium® D processor (compatible with the lead free version of Intel® 865G Chipsets supporting socket LGA775) and the Intel® Pentium® 4 processor supporting Hyper-Threading Technology†, is a highly flexible and scalable solution that meets a broad range of demanding computing needs. The 865G chipset offers solid performance through a variety of exciting features, including dual-channel DDR 400 main memory, an 800 MHz system bus, and an integrated graphics controller with Intel® Extreme Graphics 2 technology.

Intel® 865GV Chipset - The Intel® 865GV chipset, designed for the Intel® Pentium® D processor (compatible with the lead free version of Intel® 865G Chipsets supporting socket LGA775) and the Intel® Pentium® 4 processor supporting Hyper-Threading (HT) Technology†, is a highly scalable solution that meets a range of demanding computing needs. The 865GV chipset offers solid performance through a variety of exciting features, including dual-channel DDR 400 main memory, 800 MHz system bus, and integrated graphics controller with Intel® Extreme Graphics 2 technology.

Intel® 865PE Chipset - The Intel® 865PE chipset, designed for the Intel® Pentium® 4 processor supporting Hyper-Threading Technology†, is a flexible and highly scalable solution that meets a broad range of demanding computing needs. The 865PE chipset features high-bandwidth interfaces such as dual-channel DDR 400 main memory, AGP 8X graphics interface, and Intel® Communication Streaming Architecture featuring a Dedicated Network Bus (DNB) interface for wire-speed Gigabit Ethernet (GbE).

Value Desktop Chips

Intel® 910GL Express Chipset - The Intel® 910GL Express chipset brings compelling new capabilities to the desktop PC. Designed for the Intel® Pentium® 4 processor supporting Hyper-Threading Technology†, the 910GL chipset features a decade's worth of innovation:PCI Express* buses can deliver over 3.5 times more bandwidth for I/O1New Graphics capability with integrated Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 900Intel® High Definition Audio for smoother media recording.

Intel® 848P Chipset - The Intel® 848P chipset, designed for the Intel® Pentium® 4 processor supporting Hyper-Threading Technology†, is a flexible solution that meets a broad range of demanding computing needs. The 848P chipset features an 800 MHz system bus, AGP 8X graphics interface, Intel® Communication Streaming Architecture, dual independent serial ATA ports and high-speed USB 2.0 connectivity.

Intel® 845E Chipset - The Intel® 845E chipset is optimized for the Intel® Pentium® 4 processor supporting Hyper-Threading (HT) Technology† and Intel NetBurst® microarchitecture. Highlights include 533 MHz system bus and integrated high-speed USB 2.0.

Intel® 845E Chipset - The Intel® 845E chipset is optimized for the Intel® Pentium® 4 processor supporting Hyper-Threading (HT) Technology† and Intel NetBurst® microarchitecture. Highlights include 533 MHz system bus and integrated high-speed USB 2.0.

Intel® 845GE Chipset - The Intel® 845GE chipset is optimized for the Intel® Pentium® 4 processor supporting Hyper-Threading (HT) Technology†. Highlights include DDR333 memory and Intel® Extreme Graphics technology, running at 266 MHz core speed, which enables even better performance than previous generation chipsets.

Intel® 845GL Chipset - The Intel® 845GL chipset enables a higher level of computing at value system price points. The integrated Intel® Extreme Graphics technology delivers an extremely stable, reliable and innovative architecture. The 845GL chipset features an available main memory bandwidth of DDR266 while maintaining backward compatibility with PC133 SDRAM.

Intel® 845GV Chipset - The Intel® 845GV chipset is an innovative integrated graphics chipset developed with DDR266 memory and optimized to support the Intel® Pentium® 4 processor supporting Hyper-Threading (HT) Technology†. The Intel® 845GV chipset features Intel® Extreme Graphics technology, running at 266 MHz core speed.

Intel® 845PE Chipset - The Intel® 845PE chipset is a discrete graphics chipset developed with DDR333 and optimized to support the Intel® Pentium® 4 processor supporting Hyper-Threading Technology†.

latest video card

Radeon™ X1950 Graphics TechnologyWith the Radeon™ X1950, your graphics performance will never be compromised.Imagine games with hyper realistic light blooms, lifelike skin textures, and silky smooth hair. Now imagine the non-stop action packed gaming on a CrossFire™ platform – the only choice for hardcore gamers.
That’s what it’s like with the Radeon X1950, ATI’s fastest and most flexible 3D processor. All gaming, all the time. Radeon™ graphics. Never compromise.Radeon™ X1950 Graphics Technology - GPU Specifications

features

Features384 million transistors on 90nm fabrication processUp to 48 pixel shader processors8 vertex shader processorsUp to 256-bit 8-channel GDDR4 memory interfaceNative PCI Express x16 bus interface .

Ring Bus Memory Controller

Up to 512-bit internal ring bus for memory readsFully associative texture, color, and Z/stencil cache designsHierarchical Z-buffer with Early Z testLossless Z Compression (up to 48:1)Fast Z-Buffer ClearOptimized for performance at high display resolutions, including widescreen HDTV resolutions.

Ultra-Threaded Shader Engine

Support for Microsoft® DirectX® 9.0 Shader Model 3.0 programmable vertex and pixel shaders in hardwareFull speed 128-bit floating point processing for all shader operationsUp to 512 simultaneous pixel threadsDedicated branch execution units for high performance dynamic branching and flow controlDedicated texture address units for improved efficiency3Dc+ texture compression o High quality 4:1 compression for normal maps and two-channel data formatsHigh quality 2:1 compression for luminance maps and single-channel data formatsComplete feature set also supported in OpenGL® 2.0

Advanced Image Quality

Features64-bit floating point HDR rendering supported throughout the pipelineIncludes support for blending and multi-sample anti-aliasing32-bit integer HDR (10:10:10:2) format supported throughout the pipelineIncludes support for blending and multi-sample anti-aliasing2x/4x/6x Anti-Aliasing modesMulti-sample algorithm with gamma correction, programmable sparse sample patterns, and centroid samplingNew Adaptive Anti-Aliasing feature with Performance and Quality modesTemporal Anti-Aliasing modeLossless Color Compression (up to 6:1) at all resolutions, including widescreen HDTV resolutions2x/4x/8x/16x Anisotropic Filtering modesUp to 128-tap texture filteringAdaptive algorithm with Performance and Quality optionsHigh resolution texture support (up to 4k x 4k)

Avivo™ Video and Display

PlatformHigh performance programmable video processorAccelerated MPEG-2, MPEG-4, DivX, WMV9, VC-1, and H.264 decoding and transcodingDXVA supportDe-blocking and noise reduction filteringMotion compensation, IDCT, DCT and color space conversionVector adaptive per-pixel de-interlacing3:2 pulldown (frame rate conversion)Seamless integration of pixel shaders with video in real timeHDR tone mapping accelerationMaps any input format to 10 bit per channel outputFlexible display supportDual integrated dual-link DVI transmittersDVI 1.0 compliant / HDMI interoperable and HDCP ready*Dual integrated 10 bit per channel 400 MHz DACs16 bit per channel floating point HDR and 10 bit per channel DVI outputProgrammable piecewise linear gamma correction, color correction, and color space conversion (10 bits per color)Complete, independent color controls and video overlays for each displayHigh quality pre- and post-scaling engines, with underscan support for all outputsContent-adaptive de-flicker filtering for interlaced displaysXilleon™ TV encoder for high quality analog outputYPrPb component output for direct drive of HDTV displaysSpatial/temporal dithering enables 10-bit color quality on 8-bit and 6-bit displaysFast, glitch-free mode switchingVGA mode support on all outputsDrive two displays simultaneously with independent resolutions and refresh ratesCompatible with ATI TV/Video encoder products, including Theater 550* Playing HDCP content requires additional HDCP ready components, including but not limited to an HDCP ready monitor, disc drive, multimedia application and computer operating system.

CrossFire™

Multi-GPU technologyFour modes of operation:Alternate Frame Rendering (maximum performance)Supertiling (optimal load-balancing)Scissor (compatibility)Super AA 8x/10x/12x/14x (maximum image quality)

RAM.. is made from integrated circuits. At one time the most common kind of memory in mainframes was magnetic core, so many older programmers will refer to main memory as core memory even when the RAM is made from more modern technology. Static RAM is called static because it will continue to hold and store information even when power is removed. Magnetic core and reed relays are examples of static memory. Dynamic RAM is called dynamic because it loses all data when power is removed. Transistors and integrated circuits are examples of dynamic memory. It is possible to have battery back up for devices that are normally dynamic to turn them into static memory.

ROM.. is Read Only Memory (it is also random access, but only for reads). ROM is typically used to store thigns that will never change for the life of the computer, such as low level portions of an operating system. Some processors (or variations within processor families) might have RAM and/or ROM built into the same chip as the processor (normally used for processors used in standalone devices, such as arcade video games, ATMs, microwave ovens, car ignition systems, etc.).

EEPROM.... also called an E2PROM) or Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory, is a non-volatile storage chip used in computers and other devices to store small amounts of volatile (configuration) data. When larger amounts of more static data are to be stored (such as in USB flash drives) other memory types like flash memory are more economical.

EPROM, or erasable programmable read-only memory, is a type of computer memory chip that retains its data when its power supply is switched off. In other words, it is non-volatile. It is an array of floating-gate transistors individually programmed by an electronic device that supplies higher voltages than those normally used in electronic circuits. Once programmed, an EPROM can be erased only by exposing it to strong ultraviolet light. That UV light usually has a wavelength of 235nm (for optimum erasure time) and belongs to the UVC range of UV light. EPROMs are easily recognizable by the transparent fused quartz window in the top of the package, through which the silicon chip can be seen, and which permits UV light during erase.

Serial Port... A serial port transmit data one bit at a time. Typically on older PCs, a modem, mouse, or keyboard would be connected via serial ports. Serial cables are cheaper to make than parallel cables and easier to shield from.

The parallel port. of older PCs could transmit 8 bits of data at a time, so it was faster than the old serial port (just as more traffic can move along a multi-lane highway than can move along a one-lane road). The parallel port was typically used to connect a printer to the computer.

USB port.. USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a newer type of serial connection that is much faster than the old serial ports. USB is also much smarter and more versatile since it allows the “daisy chaining” of up to 127 USB peripherals connected to one port.USB ports can support the connection of many kinds of devices (keyboard, mouse, printer, audio in/out, external floppy or Zip drives, scanner, flash drive, etc.). Newer PCs and Macs include several USB ports, some often located in handy spots on the front panel of the computer case or the side of the keyboard. USB connections are hot-swappable (they can be connected and disconnected while the devices are turned on; this is not always true for older connection methods).An updated version, called USB 2.0 has a speed of 480 Mbits/sec, which is 40 times faster than the older USB port’s high-speed mode (the connectors look the same.

bus A common pathway between resources and devices. In a computer, there are two major types: the system bus and peripheral bus. The system bus, also known as the "frontside bus" or "local bus," is the internal path from the CPU to memory and is split into address bus and data bus subsets. Addresses are sent over the address lines to signal a memory location, and data are transferred over the data lines to that location.

star topology

: A network topology in which peripheral nodes are connected to a central node, which rebroadcasts all transmissions received from any peripheral node to all peripheral nodes on the network, including the originating node. Note 1: All peripheral nodes may thus communicate with all others by transmitting to, and receiving from, the central node only. Note 2: The failure of a transmission line, i.e., channel, linking any peripheral node to the central node will result in the isolation of that peripheral node from all others. Note 3: If the star central node is passive, the originating node must be able to tolerate the reception of an echo of its own transmission, delayed by the two-way transmission time, i.e., to and from the central node, plus any delay generated in the central node. An active star network has an active central node that usually has the means to prevent echo-related problems:

hybrid topology

: A combination of any two or more network topologies. Note 1: Instances can occur where two basic network topologies, when connected together, can still retain the basic network character, and therefore not be a hybrid network. For example, a tree network connected to a tree network is still a tree network. Therefore, a hybrid network accrues only when two basic networks are connected and the resulting network topology fails to meet one of the basic topology definitions. For example, two star networks connected together exhibit hybrid network topologies. Note 2: A hybrid topology always accrues when two different basic network topologies are connected.

mesh topology

: A network topology in which there are at least two nodes with two or more paths between them.

star topology
: A network topology in which peripheral nodes are connected to a central node, which rebroadcasts all transmissions received from any peripheral node to all peripheral nodes on the network, including the originating node. Note 1: All peripheral nodes may thus communicate with all others by transmitting to, and receiving from, the central node only. Note 2: The failure of a transmission line, i.e., channel, linking any peripheral node to the central node will result in the isolation of that peripheral node from all others. Note 3: If the star central node is passive, the originating node must be able to tolerate the reception of an echo of its own transmission, delayed by the two-way transmission time, i.e., to and from the central node, plus any delay generated in the central node. An active star network has an active central node that usually has the means to prevent echo-related problems

A computer system is the combination of hardware and software. A typical computer system has memory and set of states that define the relationship between the system's inputs and outputs.Although in earlier times the personal computer or PC was an example of a computer system, in practice a person considered a Computer Systems Engineer these days deals with a range of different computer architectures.Even the simplest computer classifies as a computer system, because at least two components (hardware and software) have to work together. But the real meaning of "computer system" comes with interconnection. Many computer systems can interconnect, that is, join to become a bigger system. In industry these days the interconnection of variable-speed drives and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) to automate production lines and control motors is a common example of a computer system.Interconnecting different computer systems can prove difficult due to incompatibilities. Sometimes these difficulties occur due to incompatibilities between differing hardware and sometimes between differing software. Technically knowledgeable people can configure disparate computers to communicate using a set of rules and constraints known as protocols. Protocols attempt to precisely define the communication within and between computing endpoints. If two computer systems define the same protocols, they may be capable of interconnecting and become a part of a larger system.Computing systems are commonly given female names by their owners due to the impact they have on our lives. Networks connecting computers, in contrast, are given male names.Common computer system communications protocols include