Chaintech 9BIF (i845G) Mainboard
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This is a traditional solution using a chipset with the integrated
graphics core (mATX board). We got a preproduction sample, that is why it doesn't
have many accessories with it.
Accessories:
- Package: a standard design;
- Documentation: a sheet of paper with description of functional connectors,
jumpers and switches;
- Cables: 1 ATA66/100/133 and 1 FDD;
- CD with software including:
- drivers;
- utilities for the smart card reader.
The layout is quite good for the microATX version, however
there are some typical drawbacks: audio-ins are between the AGP slot and the 12V
power connector, IDE, FDD and power connectors which are located too close to
each other make problems when connecting/deconnecting cables, and when a video
card is installed it's difficult to handle the memory modules. It can also be
difficult to reach jumpers when the board is already installed. Their functions
are shown on the textolite.
The 3-channel switching voltage regulator incorporates 9 capacitors
of 2200 uF and 3 of 1200 uF.
The following controllers are integrated: an audio one based
on the chipset's capabilities and AC'97 codec Avance Logic ALC201A with an output
for front audio connectors; a network one based on the Realtek RTL8100B chip.
The ITE IT8712F-A I/O controller allows working with the smart card readers.
The board doesn't have non-unsoldered connectors.
The system monitoring is supported by the ITE IT8712F-A chip.
Processor voltage (+/-3.3, +/-5 and +/-12 V), speed of 2 fans and temperatures
of the processor (a built-in sensor) and the board (a built-in sensor) can be
controlled. There are 2 connectors for adjustable connection of the fans.
Brief characteristics of the board: memory slots
- 2 DDR SDRAM; expansion slots - AGP/ 3 PCI/ CNR; I/O ports - 2 COM/ LPT/ 2 PS/2/
4 USB 2.0; dimensions - 245x230 mm.
Adjustment can be carried out with:
| jumpers and switches |
Jumper to clear up the CMOS |
 |
| Jumper to make possible to start up a computer with
a PS/2 keyboard |
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| Jumper to make possible to start up a computer with
USB devices |
 |
| Jumper to enable/disable a network controller |
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| Jumper to change a FSB frequency |
Auto, 100 and 133 MHz |
| BIOS based on v6.00PG from Award |
Setup of memory timings |
+ |
CAS Latency, Active to Precharge Delay, RAS to CAS Delay, RAS
Precharge |
| Setup of memory frequency |
+ |
Auto, DDR200, DDR266, DDR333 |
| Setup of AGP bus |
+ |
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| Setup of PCI bus |
- |
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| Changeable scaler of AGP and PCI buses |
- |
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| Manual assignment of interrupts |
+ |
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| Changeable FSB frequency |
+ |
100-165 MHz in 1 MHz steps |
| Changeable CPU multiplier |
- |
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| Changeable core voltage |
- |
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| Changeable memory voltage |
- |
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| Changeable chipset voltage |
- |
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| Changeable AGP bus voltage |
- |
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We used the latest available version of the BIOS of 21/03/2002.
Good functional capabilities, excellent speed and almost lacking
overclocker's tools is the impression this board leaves.
Test results:
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