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2.3
Chipset
The GL815E motherboard is based around an Intel 815E chipset comprising two parts -
•
Graphics and memory controller hub (GMCH). This includes the processor interface, a high-
performance 3D graphics controller and the system memory controller.
•
I/O controller hub (ICH2). This provides all the PCAT-compatible devices and the PCI bus
interface. In addition, it integrates Ethernet, USB and SMBus controllers, a dual UltraATA/100
disk controller, an AC97 digital audio controller and power management functions.
In addition, a National Semiconductor NS87200 ISA bridge is used to support ISA devices and a
firmware hub flash ROM contains the system BIOS, setup utility and video BIOS.
2.4
Video
The video controller is integrated within the 815E chipset GMCH and provides the features listed
below.
•
2D graphics with full 2D acceleration
•
3D graphics with extensive rendering capabilities
•
Hardware motion compensation for software MPEG2 decode
•
System memory is used as frame buffer storage
•
15-way D-type for analog RGB output with VESA DDC2B capability
•
Optional on-board Silicon Image SII164 PanelLink flat panel video controller
•
Optional Vesa DFP or DDWG DVI connector on rear panel
The motherboard has two output connectors – a standard analog VGA connector and a header for
the optional digital flat panel controller. A Vesa DFP or a DDWG DVI connector on the rear panel is
available as an option. Whilst it is possible to connect a monitor to both the VGA and flat panel
connectors at the same time, the displays will be identical since there is only one video controller.
The BIOS supports multiple independent displays via PCI (or ISA) video cards.
2.4.1 System Memory Allocation
The video controller does not have dedicated frame buffer memory but instead makes use of
system memory for all its needs. This must be taken into account when the amount of system
memory is chosen. When the on-board video controller is not used, it should be disabled completely
via BIOS Setup to prevent system memory being allocated to the controller.
The motherboard BIOS allocates 1MB of system memory to the video controller to support legacy
VGA graphics. The amount of system memory reported by the BIOS will reflect this reduction when
the on-board video controller is enabled. Once the operating system loads, the video drivers
allocate further system memory dependant on availability as described in the table below for Intel
PV 4.x video drivers. Systems using Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000 or those that require 16M
colors at a resolution greater than 1024 x 768 must have at least 64MB of system memory.
Total Allocation of System Memory for On-board Video (including 1MB legacy support)
Operating System
Windows 98
Windows NT 4.0
Windows 2000
GL815E Endura Motherboard Product Manual
Total System Memory Size
32MB
7MB
Not valid
Not valid
Page 15 of 51
64MB
128MB or greater
11MB
10MB
10MB
11MB
10MB
11MB
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