Intel(R) Corporation
Intel® Desktop Board SR440BX

The products you are looking for are no longer manufactured by Intel. Additionally, Intel no longer provides interactive support for these products via telephone or e-mail, nor will Intel provide any future content updates or software updates to support new operating systems or improve compatibility with third party devices and software products.

THESE PRODUCT SUPPORT DOCUMENTS ARE PROVIDED FOR HISTORICAL REFERENCE ONLY AND ARE SUBJECT TO THE TERMS SET FORTH IN THE "TERMS OF USE" INFORMATION.

Information on currently available Intel products is available at www.intel.com and/or developer.intel.com

Any links to internet Web sites will require an internet connection


Software and drivers
Bios and drivers

Product Documentation
icon Technical Product Specification
icon Specification Update

Compatibility
Supported processors

The Intel® SR440BX Motherboard supports a single Pentium® III processor, Pentium® II processor, or Intel® Celeron® processor. The processor's VID pins automatically program the voltage regulator on the desktop board to the required processor voltage. The host bus speed of 66 MHz or 100 MHz is automatically selected. The processor connects to the desktop board through the 242-contact slot connector.

Warning: Processors not specifically listed by type and rated speed may have requirements that are not supported by the desktop board's design. Use of unsupported processors may result in improper operation, damage to the desktop board or processor, or reduced product life.

Processor Family Processor Speed System Bus Frequency Cache Size BIOS Version
Pentium® III processor 600 MHz 100 MHz 512 KB P06 or greater
550 MHz 100 MHz 512 KB P04 or greater
500 MHz 100 MHz 512 KB P02 or greater
450 MHz 100 MHz 512 KB P02 or greater
Pentium® II processor 450 MHz 100 MHz 512 KB P01 or greater
400 MHz 100 MHz 512 KB P01 or greater
350 MHz 100 MHz 512 KB P01 or greater
333 MHz 66 MHz 512 KB P01 or greater
300 MHz 66 MHz 512 KB P01 or greater
266 MHz 66 MHz 512 KB P01 or greater
233 MHz 66 MHz 512 KB P01 or greater
Intel® Celeron® processor 433 MHz 66 MHz 128 KB P01 or greater
400 MHz 66 MHz 128 KB P01 or greater
366 MHz 66 MHz 128 KB P01 or greater
333 MHz 66 MHz 128 KB P01 or greater
300A MHz 66 MHz 128 KB P01 or greater
300 MHz 66 MHz 0 KB P01 or greater
266 MHz 66 MHz 0 KB P01 or greater

Use of unsupported processors may result in improper operation, damage to the desktop board or processor, or reduced product life. 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 THE 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.



System memory

Contents

System Memory Combinations

The motherboard has two, dual inline memory module (DIMM) sockets. Minimum memory size is 16 MB; maximum memory size is 512 MB. The largest DIMM supported at this time is 256 MB unbuffered. The BIOS automatically detects memory type, size, and speed.

The motherboard supports the following memory features:

  • 168-pin DIMMs with gold-plated contacts
  • 66 or 100 MHz SDRAM
  • Non-ECC (64-bit) and ECC (72-bit) memory
  • 3.3 V memory only
  • Unbuffered Single- or double-sided DIMMs in the following sizes:

DIMM Size Non-ECC Configuration ECC Configuration
16 MB 2M x 64 2M x 72
32 MB 4M x 64 4M x 72
64 MB 8M x 64 8M x 72
128 MB 16M x 64 16M x 72
256 MB 32M x 64 32M x 72

Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) can be installed in one or two sockets. EDO DIMMs are not supported. Memory size and speed can vary between sockets.

Note: Processors with 100 MHz front-side bus should be paired only with 100 MHz SDRAM. Processors with 66 MHz front-side bus can be paired with either 66 MHz or 100 MHz SDRAM.

All memory components and DIMMs used with the Intel® SR440BX Motherboard should comply with the PC SDRAM specifications. These include: the PC SDRAM Specification (memory component specific), the PC Unbuffered DIMM Specification, and the PC Serial Presence Detect Specification.

Note: It is recommended that SPD memory DIMMs be used with the Intel SR440BX Motherboard. However, the BIOS will allow the use of non-SPD DIMM memory. DIMM Vendors - Web Sites

The list below contains vendors that have tested their memory for AL440LX motherboards, and that have their products listed on their own website. Please visit their sites to obtain information on their products.

DIMM Vendors - SDRAM Non-ECC DIMMs

The table below lists parts which passed FULL testing conducted by Intel for the Intel® SR440BX Motherboard. For a complete explanation of FULL testing see the Desktop Board Component Functional Testing Levels page.

Vendor Test Vendor Part Number Comments
1M x 64 (8 MB), Unbuffered SDRAM, Non-ECC - 100 MHz
None at this time.
1M x 64 (8 MB), Unbuffered SDRAM, Non-ECC - 66 MHz
None at this time.
2M x 64 (16 MB), Unbuffered SDRAM, Non-ECC - 100 MHz
Etron* FULL EM636165TS-6  
2M x 64 (16 MB), Unbuffered SDRAM, Non-ECC - 66 MHz
None at this time.
4M x 64 (32 MB), Unbuffered SDRAM, Non-ECC - 100 MHz
Micron* FULL MT5LSDT472AG-10EC5  
4M x 64 (32 MB), Unbuffered SDRAM, Non-ECC - 66 MHz
None at this time.
8M x 64 (64 MB), Unbuffered SDRAM, Non-ECC - 100 MHz
Samsung* FULL KMM366S823DTS-GL  
8M x 64 (64 MB), Unbuffered SDRAM, Non-ECC - 66 MHz
None at this time.
16M x 64 (128 MB), Unbuffered SDRAM, Non-ECC - 100 MHz
Micron FULL MT16LSDT1664AG-10EC7  
Micron FULL MT18LSDT1672AG-10EC7  
16M x 64 (128 MB), Unbuffered SDRAM, Non-ECC - 66 MHz
Samsung FULL KMM366S1723BTS-GL  
32M x 64 (256 MB), Unbuffered SDRAM, Non-ECC - 100 MHz
None at this time.
32M x 64 (256 MB), Unbuffered SDRAM, Non-ECC - 66 MHz
None at this time.

DIMM Vendors - SDRAM ECC DIMMs
Error checking and correcting (ECC) memory detects multiple-bit errors and corrects single-bit errors. When ECC memory is installed, the BIOS supports both ECC and non-ECC mode. ECC mode is enabled in the Setup program. The BIOS automatically detects if ECC memory is installed and provides the Setup option for selecting ECC mode. If any non-ECC memory is installed, the Setup option for ECC configuration does not appear and ECC operation is not available.

The following table describes the effect of using Setup to put each memory type in each supported mode. Whenever ECC mode is selected in Setup, some performance loss occurs.

Memory Error Detection Mode Established in Setup Program
  EC Disabled ECC Enabled
Non-ECC DIMM No error detection N/A
ECC DIMM No error detection Single-bit error correction,
multiple-bit error detection

The following tables list DIMMs that have been tested. DIMMs that are not listed should also function properly as long as their specifications are compatible with the devices listed below. In general, DIMM devices that are faster than those specified for a given platform will work, although no extra performance will be realized.

Vendor Test Vendor Part Number
2M x 64 (8 MB), Unbuffered SDRAM, Non-ECC - 100 MHz
None at this time.
2M x 72 (16 MB), Unbuffered SDRAM, ECC - 66 MHz
None at this time.
4M x 72 (32 MB), Unbuffered SDRAM, ECC - 100 MHz
None at this time.
4M x 72 (32 MB), Unbuffered SDRAM, ECC - 66 MHz
None at this time.
8M x 72 (64 MB), Unbuffered SDRAM, ECC - 100 MHz
None at this time.
8M x 72 (64 MB), Unbuffered SDRAM, ECC - 66 MHz
None at this time.
16M x 72 (128 MB), Unbuffered SDRAM, ECC - 100 MHz
Micron FULL MT9LST1672AG-10EB1
16M x 72 (128 MB), Unbuffered SDRAM, ECC - 66 MHz
None at this time.


Installation and use
Last known issues

Latest BIOS and drivers
The BIOS identifier for this motherboard is 4S4RB0XA.86A. The current BIOS version and current drivers for the Intel® SR440BX Motherboard are found on developer.intel.com.

Processors supported
The motherboard supports a single Pentium® III processor, Pentium II processor, or Intel® Celeron® processor. The host bus speed (66 MHz or 100 MHz) is automatically selected. The processor connects to the motherboard through the 242-contact slot connector. Please see the additional information on supported processors .

Processor considerations
Several processor considerations must be observed to ensure the processor is properly cooled and secured to the motherboard.

Motherboard won't boot - power supply
If the power supply does not provide sufficient current , some system configurations with the motherboard may not power up.

Motherboard won't boot - repeating beep error code
A continuously repeating beep code during POST may indicate that there was a problem during DRAM memory device detection. Check to ensure that system memory is properly installed. Also be sure that the DIMMs you are using are on the Intel SR440BX Motherboard tested memory list.

"SERIAL PRESENCE DETECT (SPD) device data missing or inconclusive"
This SPD error message appears when non-SPD memory is detected during POST, or the BIOS cannot determine SPD requirements.

Windows* 95 with CD-ROM or second hard drives
There are two known issues involving CD-ROM or secondary hard drives: The retail version of Microsoft Windows 95 may not recognize the Intel® 82371EB PIIX4e IDE controller used on Intel motherboards, causing the BIOS to disable the secondary IDE channel. This can result in IDE devices (such as CD-ROM drives) not being detected or disappearing after the system is rebooted.

Windows 95 also may fail to recognize a CD-ROM drive that does not comply with the ATAPI specification.

IDE device not displayed during power-up
All IDE devices must be ATA4 compliant and the cable length is limited to 18 inches.

Conflict with PCI bridge and AGP video controller
A conflict with a "PCI standard PCI-to-PCI Bridge" and the AGP video controller in the Windows 95 Device Manager does not affect the functionality of AGP with Windows 95. The "PCI standard PCI-to-PCI bridge" is actually the Intel 82443LX Pentium II processor to AGP controller, which Windows 95 cannot properly identify.

IRQ9 not available
IRQ9 is not available to assign to ISA add-in cards because it is dedicated to the power management function of the PIIX4E controller on the motherboard. This is true for other motherboards which use the 82371AB PIIX4E component.

Will my ATA-66 hard drive work on the Intel SR440BX motherboard?
The IDE controller integrated into the Intel SR440BX Motherboard supports Ultra DMA modes 0,1, and 2. Ultra DMA mode 2, also known as ATA-33 or Ultra DAM 33, is the highest speed transfer mode supported by the Intel SR440BX Motherboard. The motherboard hardware cannot support the maximum transfer rate of the ATA-66 drives. A drive that complies with the ATA-66 specification will run timings up to Ultra ATA-33 on the Intel SR440BX motherboard. Please refer to the Technical Product Specification and the Motherboard Specification Update for more complete details on the various transfer modes.

Frequently asked questions

For technical support, contact your place of purchase -- which will have the most current information about your specific product or configuration. You also can check the Intel FAQ for that product.

Processor: Memory: ATX Chassis: Power Supply: Connectors / Jumpers: Video: Audio: Input/ Output: Installation / Configuration:

Frequently Asked Questions: Intel SR440BX Motherboard

Processor:
  • What processors are supported on the Intel SR440BX Motherboard?
    See the Processor Support Table for details.

  • How do I install and secure a Pentium III processor on the Intel SR440BX Motherboard?
    The processor connects to the motherboard through the 242-contact slot connector. The Intel SR440BX Motherboard uses the S.E.P.P. Retention Mechanism (RM) for securing the Pentium III processor into the 242-contact slot connector.

  • How do I install and secure a Pentium II processor on the Intel SR440BX Motherboard?
    The processor connects to the motherboard through the 242-contact slot connector. The Intel SR440BX Motherboard uses a single Retention Mechanism (RM) for securing the Pentium II processor into the 242-contact slot connector.

    Note:For more information about the single Retention Mechanism (RM), refer to Pentium II processor Support Components on Intel's web site.

  • How do I install and secure a Intel Celeron processor on the Intel SR440BX Motherboard?
    The processor connects to the motherboard through the 242-contact slot connector. The Intel SR440BX Motherboard uses a S.E.P.P. Retention Mechanism (RM) for securing the Intel Celeron processor into the 242-contact slot connector. This is the same retention mechanism utilized for the Pentium III processor.

    Note:For more information about the S.E.P.P. Retention Mechanism (RM), refer to Intel Celeron processor Support Components on Intel's web site.

  • What processor heat sink solution do I need for the Intel SR440BX Motherboard?
    It is recommended that an active (fan) heatsink be used with the processor for proper cooling.

    Note: For more information about heat sinks and other accessories, refer to Pentium II processor Support Components on Intel's web site.

    Caution: System cooling requirements vary depending on the particular system configuration, and it is the responsibility of the system designer/integrator to ensure that the processor's maximum case temperature (at thermal plate) is not exceeded. For more details on the thermal considerations, refer to the Intel SR440BX Motherboard TPS (Technical Product Specification).

  • Why can't I find speed settings in my BIOS configuration mode?
    The processor speed option previously available in configuration mode is not displayed with newer Intel® processors, and will not affect the processor speed. Newer Intel processors boot with the ratio preset and tested during manufacturing.

    NOTE: For more information about s-spec parameters (die stepping) and L2 cache support, refer to the Pentium II processor Quick Reference Guide on Intel's Developer web site.
Memory:
  • What types of memory modules can I install on the Intel SR440BX Motherboard?
    The Intel SR440BX Motherboard supports dynamic memory detection for one or two 3.3V, 168-pin (64 bit, 72 bit), 4 clock, 66Mhz or 100Mhz, unbuffered SDRAM DIMMs.

    Note: The Intel SR440BX Motherboard BIOS will support SPD and non-SPD, 66Mhz and 100Mhz SDRAM DIMMs. To achieve optimum performance, SDRAM DIMMs must meet SPD information requirements. SDRAM SPD information must be programmed by the memory manufacturer in accordance with the JEDEC MO-161 specification.

  • What memory configurations are supported on the Intel SR440BX Motherboard?
    The Intel SR440BX Motherboard has two dual in-line memory module (DIMM) sockets that support SDRAM DIMMs. Memory can be installed in one or two of the DIMM sockets. Intel SR440BX Motherboard can support memory sizes of 16MB, or 32MB using 16Mbit technology, 32MB, 64MB, or 128MB using 64Mbit technology and 256MB using 128 Mbit technology. Memory size and speed can vary between sockets. This means 100-MHz DIMMs and 66-MHz DIMMs can be installed on the same motherboard.

    Note: Processors with 66-MHz Front Side Bus (FSB) may be paired with either 66-MHz or 100-MHz SDRAM DIMMs. Processors with 100-MHz FSB should only be paired with 100-MHz SDRAM DIMMS.

  • I get the message: "SERIAL PRESENCE DETECT (SPD) device data missing or inconclusive." when the system is booting. What does this mean?
    The processor front side bus speed is automatically selected to support the internal processor speed of the processor installed in your system. If the processor installed supports a front side bus speed of 100MHz and if during POST, non-SPD memory is detected or the BIOS can not determine that the memory installed meets SPD 100MHz requirements, the motherboard BIOS will display this message.

    "SERIAL PRESENCE DETECT (SPD) device data missing or inconclusive."
    "Properly programmed SPD device data is required for reliable operation."

    "Do you wish to attempt to boot at 100MHz bus speed?"
    "Y/N [Y] Type [N] to shut down"

    Thereafter, while non-SPD memory remains present, the boot screen will display the following message:

    "SERIAL PRESENCE DETECT (SPD) device data missing or inconclusive."
    "100MHz memory assumed."

    Because SPD 100MHz memory may not be readily available in some geographies and because some operators may not have critical data integrity requirements, if SPD100MHz memory can not be confirmed during POST, the BIOS will provide this information to the user and offer the option to run the system with memory which may not meet full 100MHz operating requirements.

    If the system will be used in a mission critical application (i.e. data integrity is critical), the system should be shut down and SPD 100MHz memory installed prior to operation.

    Note: Processors with 66-MHz Front Side Bus (FSB) can be paired with either 66-MHz or 100-MHz SDRAM DIMMs. Processors with 100-MHz FSB should only be paired with 100-MHz SDRAM DIMMS.See the Intel SR440BX Motherboard tested memory list, for a list of tested memory for your motherboard.

  • What kind of problems might occur in an SDRAM-based system that uses non-compliant DIMMs?
    The most extreme example of memory failure causes the system to hang while booting the operating system. This will happen because the system is not able to communicate properly with the memory. In less extreme cases, the memory may generate intermittent errors or fail during stress.

  • I am getting a repeating beep error code and my motherboard does not boot or show any video. What does this mean?
    This beep code may indicate that there was a problem during DRAM memory device detection. Check to ensure system memory is properly installed, and ensure the DIMMs you are using are on the Intel SR440BX Motherboard tested memory list.

  • Does Intel qualify memory for use on Intel motherboards?
    No. OEMs and system integrators are solely responsible for qualifying the memory that they include in their systems. Intel will perform only limited testing of a few memory modules to verify functionality of the motherboard's design. Intel does offer a program for 3rd parties to self-test their own memory and to report passing results to Intel for inclusion on our Internet based tested memory list.

  • What is SDRAM memory?
    Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) improves memory performance through memory access that is synchronous with the memory clock. This simplifies the timing design and increases memory speed because all timing is dependent on the number of memory clock cycles.
ATX Chassis:
  • What is the difference between the ATX and the microATX (uATX) chassis?
    The microATX specification was released in January 1998 and is a derivative of the ATX2.01 specification. The purpose behind drafting this specification was to provide a lower cost platform solution that was backward compatible to standard ATX2.01. The microATX motherboard may be integrated into either a full size ATX or a microATX chassis that meets the ATX2.01 specification. The Intel SR440BX Motherboard comes with an assembly standoff to allow for backwards compatibility to ATX chassis. More detailed information on both the ATX and microATX chassis is available on their dedicated web sites at: http://www.formfactors.org.

    Note: A thorough evaluation needs to be performed by the system manufacturer on the ATX or microATX (uATX) chassis chosen. The system manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that there is adequate airflow and cooling for the processor.

  • Do I need a special chassis for microATX motherboards?
    The microATX motherboards can be integrated into a micro tower chassis and powered by lower wattage power supplies. The microATX motherboards can also be integrated into the full ATX 2.01 (or later) compliant chassis.

  • Are there any special thermal requirements for Intel SR440BX Motherboards?
    Intel recommends that integrators utilize adequate ventilation and cooling when integrating the Intel SR440BX Motherboard with a microATX chassis.
Power Supply:
  • What special power supply requirements does the Intel SR440BX Motherboard have?
    The Intel SR440BX Motherboard is designed to operate with at least a 145 Watt power supply for typical system configurations. A higher-wattage supply may be required for heavily-loaded configurations. The power supply must provide +5VSB (voltage stand by) with 720mA of current (see the ATX2.01 or later specification). If the power supply does not supply sufficient current, some system configurations with the Intel SR440BX Motherboard may not power up. Additionally, if the power supply can not supply sufficient current, and does not have overload protection, the power supply may be damaged.

  • What power supply requirements does the Intel SR440BX Motherboard have if a WOL (Wake on LAN*) capable Network Interface Card (NIC) is installed?
    A power supply that provides at least 720mA on 5VSB must be used when building a WOL capable system.

    If your power supply is not capable of meeting the 720 mA current requirement, your system may not power up. Also you could experience damage to your power supply if it does not have any over-current protection. Please contact your system integrator to see if your power supply meets the 720 mA current requirement.

    If you are using a WOL capable NIC but are not using the WOL capability you can remove the cable from the NIC to the WOL header on the motherboard. This will prevent the NIC from drawing additional current from the 5VSB.
Connectors/Jumpers:
  • How should the jumpers be set on my Intel SR440BX Motherboard?
    There is a single configuration jumper on the motherboard which is used to access configuration mode. All configuration options are then available through the BIOS configuration screen, including selection of CPU speed.

  • Why is interrupt IRQ9 not available to assign to my ISA add-in card?
    IRQ9 is not available to ISA devices because it is dedicated to the power management function on the PIIX4e controller on the Intel SR440BX Motherboard. This is also true for other motherboards which utilize the PIIX4e controller.
Video:
  • What are the key features of the nVidia Riva TNT AGP graphics solution used on Intel SR440BX Motherboard?
    The nVidia Riva TNT AGP 2X graphics solution is integrated on the motherboard. The nVidia Riva TNT solution has 16MB of SDRAM on the motherboard to provide AGP 2X graphic performance. The Riva TNT Enhanced 128-bit 3D processor features:
    • 2x AGP graphics support
    • 64-bit graphics pipeline to video memory
    • High-performance 128-bit 2D/GUI/DirectDraw acceleration
    • Interactive Direct3D* acceleration
    • Video acceleration for DirectDraw*/DirectVideo, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, and Indeo® video technology
    • ACPI power management

  • What is the Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP)?
    AGP is a dedicated graphics bus with higher bandwidth and which allows texturing from main memory which was not possible with the PCI Bus. By providing high-bandwidth access to memory, AGP enables a new level of sophisticated graphics allowing software developers to create richer, more inviting 3D environments with higher resolutions than ever before.

  • What is AGP 2X?
    The PCI bus is a 32bit bus which runs at 33Mhz. Theoretically, the PCI bus can transfer 4 bytes per clock edge at 33MHz or 132MB/sec ideally. Due to bus efficiency overhead, the actual PCI bus transfer rate is somewhat less than the ideal maximum. The AGP bus is a 32bit bus which runs at 66MHz. The AGP bus can transfer 4 bytes per clock edge at 66MHz or 264MB/sec ideally. It easy to see why the APG bus is more than twice as fast as the PCI bus. Because the AGP bus is dedicated to the graphics controller, it is more efficient than the PCI bus, thus making the actual AGP transfer rate closer to the ideal maximum.

    AGP 2X is an advancement in the graphics controller design which takes advantage of a 440BX chipset feature which allows AGP data to be clocked on both the rising and the falling edge of the 66MHz AGP bus clock. Thus AGP 2X is double clocking data effectively doubling the AGP data rate, hence AGP 2X or 528MB/sec ideally.

  • What benefits can I expect from the integrated nVidia Riva TNT AGP graphics solution on my Intel SR440BX Motherboard?
    Some key benefits are:
    • The integrated nVidia Riva TNT AGP graphics solution on the Intel SR440BX Motherboard is a higher performance 2x (66MHz) AGP verses 1x (66MHz) AGP or 1x(33MHz) PCI bus.
    • AGP graphics results in substantial benefits when compared to alternative PCI solutions. A 2x AGP controller enables an effective transfer rate between the host controller and the graphic chip of up to 528 MB/s where PCI's maximum is 132 MB/s.
    • AGP Pipelining enables multiple data requests at a time. \
    • For the home user, AGP provides improved texture rendering in 3D software, including games, entertainment, educational and digital imaging applications.
    • Business users will see smooth performance in 3D applications from CAD programs to sophisticated data visualization and web authoring tools.


  • Where can I get video drivers for my SCO or Unix operating systems?
    Video driver support for the nVidia Riva TNT AGP 2X graphics solution integrated on the Intel SR440BX Motherboard is provided with the VBE (Vesa Bus Extensions) video drivers. These drivers are included with the SCO OpenServer 5.0.4 and SCO UnixWare 7.0 operating systems. There is no driver support for SunSoft Solaris 2.6 at this time.

  • I can't get the graphics drivers to install on my Windows NT* 4.0 operating system. What could be wrong with the installation process on my Intel SR440BX Motherboard configuration running Windows NT 4.0?
    The nVidia Riva TNT AGP 2X graphics drivers will install without issue on the above stated configuration running Windows NT 4.0. The standard operating system installation procedures are used, however Windows NT 4.0 must have Service Pack 3 (or later) installed before the video drivers can be installed.
Audio:
  • How can the onboard audio be disabled?
    The onboard audio can be disabled using the BIOS Setup Utility. Select the Advanced menu, then the Peripheral Configuration screen. The menu will offer options to enable or disable the audio if it is present on the motherboard. Refer to your user's guide on the CD-ROM that ships with the boxed product or the Intel SR440BX Motherboard TPS (Technical Product Specification).

  • If audio is disabled, does the Intel SR440BX Motherboard consume fewer interrupts?
    The Creative Sound Blaster* Audio PCI 64 audio solution uses two sharable interrupts. Enabling or disabling the audio does not affect resource availability.

  • Is the Creative Sound Blaster* Audio PCI 64 audio solution PC98 Logo compliant?
    Yes. The Creative Sound Blaster Audio PCI 64 audio solution on the Standard Intel SR440BX Motherboard platform is compliant to Microsoft PC97, PC98, the AC97 interface and Multimedia PC Level II and III specifications.

  • Is the Creative Sound Blaster Audio PCI 64 audio solution "full duplex"?
    The Creative Sound Blaster Audio PCI 64 audio solution is capable of playing and recording at different sample rates simultaneously. The solution also meets PC97 & PC98 requirements to support videophone operation.

  • Is the Creative Sound Blaster Audio PCI 64 audio solution Sound Blaster and Sound Blaster Pro compatible?
    Yes. Functionally, the Creative Sound Blaster Audio PCI 64 traps accesses to the Sound Blaster registers and issues appropriate IRQ or SERR commands on the PCI bus. The DMA functionality is handled in a similar fashion.

  • What is AC97 and why is it needed?
    The AC97 (Audio Codec 1997) specification defines a high quality audio architecture that should advance the migration to digital audio while maintaining support for analog interconnects for backward compatibility.

  • Does the Intel SR440BX Motherboard support digital audio?
    Yes. The Intel SR440BX Motherboard supports digital wave files and midi files.

  • Does this audio solution have a hardware wave table? Wave table add-on? Software wave table driver available in standard driver package?
    The Creative Sound Blaster Audio PCI 64 audio solution provides a 64 voice polyphony software wave table audio solution (included in the driver package). Therefore, a hardware wave table add-on is not required. The software wave table is compatible with the Aureal API for 3D Positional Audio. Over 4000 sounds are stored in main memory.

  • What is the advantage of having the audio on the PCI bus over the ISA bus on the Intel SR440BX Motherboard?
    ISA DMA memory cycles are replaced with more efficient PCI burst cycles. This allows high bandwidth 3D positional audio with better frame-rates while other PCI bus operations such as LAN, modem or PIIX4E also operate at higher rates. Additionally, the PCI bus requires less system resources and no dedicated resources as does the ISA bus.


  • How many channels or MIDI voices does this solution have?
    The Creative Sound Blaster Audio PCI 64 audio solution provides a 64 voice polyphony wave table audio solution.

  • Are there drivers available for DOS, Windows* 3.11, Windows NT* 3.51, Windows NT 4.0, Windows 95 and now Windows 98?
    Drivers are available on the Intel SR440BX Motherboard Web site for the Creative Sound Blaster Audio PCI 64 audio solution to support Windows NT 4.0, Windows 95, and Windows 98. The DOS drivers will be installed as part of the Windows 9x drivers. At this time, Intel does not plan to make audio drivers available for other operating systems.

  • Are there drivers available for OS/2?
    Intel is not aware of available audio drivers for the Creative Sound Blaster Audio PCI 64 audio solution running with OS/2.

  • Does this audio solution have a hardware wave table, wave table add-on, or software wave table driver available in standard driver package?
    The Creative Sound Blaster Audio PCI 64 audio solution provides a 64 voice polyphony software wave table audio solution with the standard driver, therefore a wave table add-on is not required. It is compatible with the Aureal API for 3D Positional Audio. Over 4000 sounds are stored in main memory.
Input/Output:
  • Does the Intel SR440BX Motherboard support UltraDMA drives under Windows 95?
    Yes. The Intel SR440BX Motherboard supports DMA and Ultra DMA under Windows 95 OSR2. Consumers can obtain support with Windows 98. More information about Ultra DMA Protocol can be found at the PCIsets FAQ site.

  • Does the Intel SR440BX Motherboard have USB legacy support?
    Yes. USB Legacy support is needed for the installation of USB aware operating systems when USB keyboards and mice are used. USB legacy support enables USB keyboards and mice to be used before the USB aware operating system drivers are in place (i.e. at boot time to access BIOS Setup). By default, the USB legacy support setup option is disabled. The USB Legacy support setup option may remain enabled after the installation of a USB aware operating system, however this is not required. USB Legacy support does not provide support for USB keyboards and mice with operating systems which do not provide USB support.
Installation/Configuration:
  • What type of battery is used in the Intel SR440BX Motherboard?
    Standard (3 volt, CR3032) coin cell is used to supply power to the RTC when no power is available from the power supply.

  • How do I disable the onboard features?
    The onboard features can be disabled through the motherboard BIOS Setup utility. For details, refer to the Intel SR440BX Motherboard TPS (Technical Product Specification).

  • Why doesn't my Intel SR440BX Motherboard power-up?
    The Intel SR440BX Motherboard requires 3.3 volts from the power supply. Additionally, there are some specific requirements for the power sequencing and limits. A momentary switch should be used for the power on/off switch and the sleep/resume switch. The power supply chosen must meet the ATX 2.01 (or later) specification.

  • Why are the drivers on Intel 's public web site down revisions of those available on some vendor public web sites?
    Intel performs internal testing on all drivers before they are posted on the Intel developer motherboard web site. In many cases, it is not practical to test all drivers on all motherboards. For this reason, application vendors may release drivers that have not been tested by Intel. These drivers may be available on the vendor public site but not on the Intel public site. This does not mean the drivers do not work but it does indicate the Intel has not validated the drivers.

  • Why doesn't my CD-ROM or second IDE hard drive work with Windows 95?
    There are two known issues involving CD-ROM or secondary hard drives:
    • The retail version of Microsoft Windows 95 may not recognize the Intel 82371EB PIIX4e IDE controller used on Intel motherboards, causing the BIOS to disable the secondary IDE channel. This can result in IDE devices (such as CD-ROM drives) not being detected or disappearing after the system is rebooted. A utility is available to update the MSHDC.INF file and resolve the issue.
    • Also, Windows 95 may fail to recognize a CD-ROM drive that does not comply with the ATAPI specification.

  • Why does the Windows 95 device manager report a conflict with a "PCI standard PCI-to-PCI Bridge" and the AGP video controller?
    The "PCI standard PCI-to-PCI bridge" is really the "Intel 82443BX AGP Controller", which Windows 95 cannot properly identify. This issue will not affect the functionality of Windows 95, with AGP.

  • Does the Intel SR440BX Motherboard support 2 serial ports?
    Yes. The second serial port is available via a header on the motherboard and requires an adapter cable to access. A cable can be obtained from FOXCONN, part #FJ09635-00. Additional vendors may also stock a compatible adapter cable.

  • Why isn't my IDE device being displayed during power-up POST?
    All IDE devices must be ATA4 compliant and cable length is limited to 18 inches. IDE devices that are not selected as auto detect in the BIOS setup are not displayed as part of the POST tests.

  • Can I use a second floppy on my Intel SR440BX Motherboard?
    No. The Intel SR440BX Motherboard uses a SMSC FDC37M807 SIO component to support the floppy disk controller. This component, and equivalent components, can support a single standard legacy type FDD, a 2.88MB Super I/O type FDD, or a three mode type FDD.

  • When the Intel SR440BX Motherboard is in Configuration Mode, setup shows the processor running at 200Mhz even when I set it to other speeds (i.e. 300Mhz, 333Mhz, etc.). Is something wrong with my motherboard or processor?
    No. Nothing is wrong with the motherboard or processor. When the motherboard is in Configuration Mode, the processor speed is locked at 200Mhz. This is true for all processors supported by the Intel SR440BX Motherboard unless the processor is locked at a specific speed (i.e.450Mhz) After setting the processor speed and exiting Configuration Mode, setup will show the correct processor speed and the processor will run at the correct speed setting.


Onboard video

The nVidia Riva TNT* AGP 2X graphics solution is integrated on the motherboard. The nVidia Riva TNT solution has 16MB of SDRAM on the motherboard to provide AGP 2X graphic performance.

The Riva TNT* Enhanced 128-bit 3D processor features:
- 2x AGP graphics support
- 64-bit graphics pipeline to video memory
- High-performance 128-bit 2D/GUI/DirectDraw acceleration
- Interactive Direct3D* acceleration
- Video acceleration for DirectDraw*/DirectVideo*, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, and Ligos Indeo* video technology
- ACPI power management

Some key benefits are:
- The integrated nVidia Riva TNT* AGP graphics solution on the SR440BX motherboard is a higher performance 2x (66MHz) AGP verses 1x (66MHz) AGP or 1x(33MHz) PCI bus.

- AGP graphics results in substantial benefits when compared to alternative PCI solutions. A 2x AGP controller enables an effective transfer rate between the host controller and the graphic chip of up to 528 MB/s where PCI's maximum is 132 MB/s.

- AGP Pipelining enables multiple data requests at a time.

- For the home user, AGP provides improved texture rendering in 3D software, including games, entertainment, educational and digital imaging applications.

- Business users will see smooth performance in 3D applications from CAD programs to sophisticated data visualization and web authoring tools.

Relevant Information:
nVidia TNT*



©Intel Corporation