Intel(R) Corporation
Intel® Desktop Board SE440BX2

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Software and drivers
Bios and drivers

Product Documentation
icon Technical Product Specification
icon Specification Update
icon Bios Revision Notes

Compatibility
Supported processors
Different versions of the Intel® SE440BX-2 Motherboards provide different processor support. The processor's VID pins automatically program the voltage regulator on the desktop board to the required processor voltage. The system 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 Notes
Pentium® III processor 850 MHz 100 MHz 256 KB P14 or greater The following board revisions (AA numbers) support these processors:

754552-200 or later
754558-200 or later
A01450-200 or later.

See the board revision note, below, for an explanation.

800 MHz 100 MHz 256 KB P14 or greater
750 MHz 100 MHz 256 KB P14 or greater
700 MHz 100 MHz 256 KB P14 or greater
650 MHz 100 MHz 256 KB P14 or greater
600E MHz 100 MHz 256 KB P14 or greater
550E MHz 100 MHz 256 KB P14 or greater
600 MHz 100 MHz 512 KB P12 or greater All board revisions support these processors
550 MHz 100 MHz 512 KB P07 or greater
500 MHz 100 MHz 512 KB P07 or greater
450 MHz 100 MHz 512 KB P07 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 IMPLIEDWARRANTY, RELATING TO SALE AND/OR USE OF THE INTEL PRODUCTS INCLUDING LIABILITY OR WARRANTIESRELATING TO FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, MERCHANTABILITY, OR INFRINGEMENT OF ANY PATENTCOPYRIGHT OR OTHER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHT.

Board Revision note: A small bar-coded label, similar to the diagram shown below, can be found on the component side of the desktop board. The numbers following the letters "AA" can help identify the type and version of your desktop board. The AA contains a 6digit main number, and a 3 digit dash number (the 3 numbers following the "-".

The statement "...or later" refers to the dash number of the AA (the three numbers following the"-"). If this number is greater than the number listed in the table, the board supports the associated processor(s).

If your 6 digit main number is not listed in the table, contact your system manufacturer for processor support information.



System memory
Contents

System Memory Combinations
The motherboard has three, dual in-line memory module (DIMM) sockets. Minimum memory size is 16 MB; maximum memory size is 768 MB. The largest DIMM supported at this time is 256 MB using unbuffered 128 Mbit technology parts. 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
256MB 32M x 64 32M x 72


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

Note: Intel® Pentium® II 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® SE440BX-2 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 SE440BX-2 motherboard. However, the BIOS will allow the use of non-SPD DIMM memory.

DIMM Vendors - Web Sites


DIMM Vendors - SDRAM Non-ECC DIMMs
The following limited number of parts have been tested by Intel only to verify functionality of the SE440BX-2 desktop board design. The parts listed here may not be available through standard distribution channels and are only provided as a means of record. Parts which have been tested by DIMM vendors on the SE440BX-2 desktop board are found on the web sites listed above. The parts listed have been tested to the FULL level of testing.

Vendor Part Number Comments (Test Level)
2M x 64 (16 MB) Unbuffered SDRAM Non-ECC - 100 MHz
Micron* MT8LSDT264A FULL
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
None at this time    
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
Micron MT8LSDT864AG-10CB4 FULL
Micron MT8LSDT846AG-10EC7 FULL
Micron MT9LSDT872AG-10EC7 FULL
Samsung* KMM366S924T-GL1 FULL
Samsung KMM366S823CTS-GL1 FULL
Samsung KMM366S823DTS-GL1 FULL
Samsung M366S0924MT0-C1L00 FULL
Samsung M366S0823DTS-C1L00 FULL
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 MT16LSDT1664AG-10EC7 FULL
Samsung KMM366S1723T-GL1 FULL
Samsung M366S1723MT0-C1L00 FULL
16M x 64 (128 MB) Unbuffered SDRAM Non-ECC - 66 MHz
None at this time.    
32M x 64 (256 MB) Unbuffered SDRAM Non-ECC - 100 MHz
Samsung KMM366S3323T-GL1 FULL
Samsung M366S3323MT0-C1L00 FULL
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

    ECC 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 Part Number Comments (Test Level)
2M x 72 (16 MB) Unbuffered SDRAM 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
Micron MT16LSDT4464A FULL
4M x 72 (32 MB) Unbuffered SDRAM ECC - 66 MHz
None at this time.      
8M x 72 (64 MB) Unbuffered SDRAM ECC - 100 MHz
Micron MT9LSDT872AG-10CB4 FULL
Micron MTLSDT872AG-10BD2 FULL
Samsung KMM374S823BT-GL1 FULL
Samsung M374S0823BT0-C1L00 FULL
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 T18LSDT1672AG-10CB4 FULL
Samsung KMM374S1623DT-GL1  FULL
Samsung M374S1623DT0-C1L00 FULL
16M x 72 (128 MB)  Unbuffered SDRAM ECC - 66 MHz
None at this time.      
32M x 72 (256 MB) Unbuffered SDRAM ECC - 100 MHz
Samsung KMM374S3323T-GL1  FULL
Samsung M374S3323MT0-C1L00  FULL
32M x 72 (256 MB) Unbuffered SDRAM ECC - 66 MHz
None at this time      


1 These Samsung part numbers are obsolete.

Updated: Monday, March 12, 2001



Supported processors on the Intel® SE440BX-2 motherboard
Symptom

  • Error: "Warning: This motherboard is not compatible with this processor's voltage requirements. The system has been halted. Either upgrade the motherboard or install a non-E or non-EB designated Intel® Pentium® III processor 600MHz or slower."
  • System hangs during POST
  • Error during post
  • Error message during post
  • System fails during POST


Solution

The level of processor support for the Intel® SE440BX-2 desktop board is dependent on board version, board version revision and BIOS level.

The board version and version revision can be determined from the altered assembly (AA) number. The AA number can be found on a sticker (usually with a barcode) on the component side of your motherboard. The first six digits of the AA number designate the board version number. The last three digits determine the revision of the board version. The first six digits must match exactly with what is listed. If the first six digits match, then the last three digits must be equal or greater than that listed.

As an example, if your AA number needs to be 719944-214 or later and your board AA number is 720183-215, then it does not match because the board version number does not match. Even though the board version revision number is higher, it is not a match.
Another example would be if your AA number needs to be 754552-200 or later and your board AA number is 754552-221, then it matches. In this case, the board version number matches and the revision number is also higher.

Cause

Only certain board version and version revisions of the Intel® SE440BX-2 motherboard can accept processors manufactured on the 0.18 micron process. When an unsupported 0.18 micron processor is installed in an incompatible motherboard, the above error message results.

Installation and use
Last known issues
Latest BIOS and drivers
The BIOS identifier for the Intel® SE440BX-2 Motherboard is 4S4EB2X0.86A. The current BIOS version and current audio drivers for the Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard are available. Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard BIOS or audio drivers are not interchangeable with the Intel® SE440BX Motherboard (and vice versa).

Intel SE440BX Motherboard or Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard
You can identify your Intel motherboard by the Altered Assembly (AA) number or the BIOS version string.

See the Processors supported by the Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard section.
See the Memory configurations supported by the Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard above.

Secondary IDE change not working
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.

PCI audio and IRQ issues
The Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard uses one PCI IRQ for audio to function with a PnP operating system such as Windows* 9x. One additional ISA IRQ is dedicated for legacy audio support. Legacy audio support is used for DOS-based applications and games that are SoundBlaster* compatible. Most DOS-based applications and games only use SoundBlaster-compatible legacy audio requiring the use of an ISA IRQ. By disabling the ISA legacy audio support in the operating system the dedicated ISA IRQ is freed, thus using only one PCI IRQ. DOS applications and games that require SoundBlaster audio support will have no audio output if ISA legacy audio is disabled.

Note: PCI interrupts are shareable per PCI specification 2.0 and 2.1.

IRQ9 not available to ISA add-in cards
IRQ9 is designated for the power management feature of the PIIX4E controller.

IDE device not displayed during power-up
All IDE devices must be ATA4 compliant and the 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 Power On Self Test (POST).

Will my ATA-66 hard drive work on the Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard?
The IDE controller integrated into the Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard supports Ultra DMA modes 0,1, and 2. Ultra DMA mode 2, also known as ATA-33 or Ultra DMA 33, is the highest transfer mode supported by the Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard. The motherboard hardware cannot support the maximum transfer rate of the ATA-66 drives. ATA66 hard drives will only operate up to ATA-33 on the Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard.


Additional information
Contents
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.


Frequently Asked Questions: Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard
  • How can I tell the Intel SE440BX Motherboard from the Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard?
    You can determine the motherboard by the Altered Assembly (AA) number or the BIOS version string. The label with the AA number can be found near the edge on the top side of the motherboard. The BIOS version string displayed in the main BIOS setup screen.

    SE440BX AA Numbers SE440BX-2 AA Numbers
    693072-xxx 719945-xxx
    695197-xxx 720930-xxx
    695201-xxx 720932-xxx
    696213-xxx 720938-xxx
    703642-xxx 720940-xxx
    703649-xxx  
    703652-xxx  

    SE440BX BIOS version SE440BX-2 BIOS version
    4S4EB0X1.86A.xxxx.xxx 4S4EB2X0.86A.xxxx.xxx


  • I get the message: "SERIAL PRESENCE DETECT (SPD) device data missing or inconclusive." every time my 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 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 geography's 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.

  • If I disable Wake On LAN (WOL) in the BIOS CMOS setup does my power supply still need to provide 720 mA on 5VSB?
    Yes, the BIOS option only programs the chipset to recognize a WOL interrupt or to ignore this interrupt. It cannot prevent a WOL capable Network Interface Card (NIC) from attempting to draw power from the 5VSB pin at system boot. 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 overcurrent 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.

  • What type of battery is used in the Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard?
    Standard CR2032 coin cell is used to supply power to the RTC circuit when no power is available from the power supply.

  • How do I install and secure a Celeron Pentium II or Pentium III processor on the Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard?
    The processor connects to the motherboard through the 242-contact slot connector, which is a 242-pin edge connector. The Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard uses a single Retention Mechanism (RM) for securing the Pentium II processor into the 242-contact slot connector.

  • How do I install and secure an Intel Celeron™ processor on the Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard?
    The processor connects to the motherboard through the Slot 1 processor connector, which is a 242-pin edge connector. The Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard uses a single Retention Mechanism (RM) for securing the Intel Celeron processor into the Slot 1 connector.

  • What processors are supported on the Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard?
    See the Processor Support Table for details.

  • How much main memory and what memory configurations are supported on the Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard?
    The SE440BX motherboard has three dual in-line memory module (DIMM) sockets that support SDRAM DIMMs. Memory can be installed in one, two, or all three of the DIMM sockets. The minimum memory size is 16MB and the maximum memory size is 768MB -- with 256MB DIMMs using 128Mbit technology parts. 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) can be paired with either 66-MHz or 100-MHz SDRAM DIMMs. Processors with 100-MHz FSB can only be paired with 100-MHz SDRAM DIMMS.

  • How should the jumpers be set on my Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard?
    Unlike some previous Intel motherboards, the Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard supports a single header (J8A1) which selects the configuration mode for the BIOS Setup program. This allows all motherboard configuration to be handled in software via the Setup program. There are three functions which can be selected by this jumper:

    Function
    		 Jumper J8A1 Configuration
    Normal 1-2 The BIOS uses current configuration information and passwords for booting.
    Configure 2-3 After the POST runs, Setup runs automatically. The maintenance menu is displayed (processor speed is set in this mode).
    Recovery none (jumper removed) The BIOS attempts to recover the BIOS from a floppy disk. A recovery diskette is required.

    Note: There are no special jumpers for configuring the processor speed or bus frequency. Set the processor speed in the Setup program using Configure mode.

    Caution: The jumper settings should never be changed while the system is powered on. Always turn off the computer before changing the jumper.

  • What processor heat sink solution do I need for the Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard?
    It is recommended that an active (fan) heatsink be used with the processor for proper cooling.

    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.

  • What special power supply requirements does the Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard have?
    The Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard was developed using a 160 Watt power supply. A higher-wattage supply may be required for heavily-loaded configurations. A +5V stand by current of 720ma is required for Wake on LAN* operation.

  • What drivers are available from Intel's Public web site?
    Various device drivers for different operating systems and BIOS updates for the Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard are posted on the public web site as they become available and are tested.

  • How do I remove the bottom passive heat sink support from the OEM version of the Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard without damaging it, or the motherboard?
    After removing the oval headed plastic pins the support is gently rocked back and forth until it comes off the board. A special tool (part number 58982-01) is available through Dexter Design in the United States (503) 648-7000 which will facilitate the safe removal. Email:dxtrdsgn@aol.com. However, we recommend system integrators purchase the boxed Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard, which is designed without the bottom passive heatsink support and integrates easily with the boxed Pentium II processes, which uses an active fan heatsink.

  • Why does my Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard hang when I try to use some S3 based video adapters?
    Some video adapters that use early revisions of some S3 graphics controllers (Trio64V+*/V2*/DX*/GX*, Virge* and Virge/DX*/GX*) conflict with the PIIX4 chipset and can cause the Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard to lockup. This is due to a conflict with the device that is used to configure the SMBus, which can connect to a hardware monitor.

    Resolution: Contact the video card manufacturer for more information or use a newer version graphics device.

  • Why doesn't my Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard power-up?
    The Intel SE440BX-2 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 specification.

  • 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. Windows 95 also may fail to recognize a CD-ROM drive that does not comply with the ATAPI specification. A technical advisory covers this issue for Intel motherboards using the 82371EB PIIX4e IDE controller.

  • 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 which ships with the boxed product or the Technical Product Specification for other setup options.

  • Does the Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard have USB legacy support?
    Yes. USB legacy support enables USB keyboards and mice to be used although no operating system drivers are in place. By default, USB legacy support is disabled. USB Legacy support is for use in accessing BIOS Setup and the installation of a USB aware operating system only.

  • 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 Pentium II Processor to AGP Controller", which Windows 95 cannot properly identify. This issue will not affect the functionality of Windows 95, with AGP.

  • 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.

  • I am getting beep code 1-3-3-1 and my motherboard does not boot or show any video during BIOS recovery. What does this mean?
    This beep code indicates that a failure was detected during POST memory testing. Non-SPD DIMMs are not supported during BIOS recovery operation due to the limited space in the BIOS recovery area. Non-SPD DIMMs may be used during normal operation, BIOS updates and BIOS configuration.

  • Why is my IDE device not 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.

  • Why does PCI Audio use two interrupts?
    The PCI audio uses one PCI interrupt for operation. Additional IRQ(s) are used for ISA legacy support, an additional to the PCI IRQ. In the case of Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard, one PCI IRQ is needed for the audio to function under a PnP operating systems such as Windows 9x. One additional ISA IRQ is dedicated for legacy audio support. Legacy audio support is used for DOS based applications and games that are SoundBlaster compatible. Most DOS based applications and games only use SoundBlaster compatible legacy audio requiring the use of a ISA IRQ. By disabling the ISA legacy audio support in the operating system the dedicated ISA IRQ is freed, thus using only one PCI IRQ. DOS Applications and games that require SoundBlaster Audio support will have no audio output if ISA legacy audio is disabled.

    Note: PCI interrupts are sharable per PCI specification 2.0 and 2.1

  • Can I use a second floppy on my Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard?
    No, The Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard uses a SMC 37B707 SIO component for the floppy support. The SMC component supports a single floppy device in the configuration on the motherboard.

  • 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 effect the processor speed. Newer Intel processors boot with the ratio preset and tested during manufacturing.

  • Why does shutting down the system from Windows* 95/98 take so long or hang?
    This has been corrected in most cases by not using the Intel bus master drivers and manually selecting ATAPI IDE devices in the BIOS setup.

  • What is the advantage of using PCI audio over ISA Audio on the Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard?
    ISA DMA memory cycles are replaced with more efficient PCI cycles. This allows other operations such as graphics to operate at a higher rate.

    When audio is moved along the concurrent PCI bus, system resources (such as processor and memory) are available to process simultaneous transactions. This enables the processor to service high-bandwidth functions such as graphics while audio information is present on the PCI bus.

    The AC'97 PCI audio solution on the Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard provides both sound and performance improvements over the older legacy ISA solutions. The sound improvements are the result of separating the analog and digital components, resulting in a larger signal to noise ratio (SNR) and lower total harmonic distortion (THD).

  • What is the difference between the boxed Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard and the boxed Intel SE440BX Motherboard?
    The boxed Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard is a follow-on product to the popular Intel SE440BX Motherboard. The Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard leverages the Intel SE440BX Motherboard design, with the following feature enhancements: support for both Pentium II and Intel Celeron processors, and a new AC'97 (PCI) audio solution. In addition, a hardware management ASIC are now standard features with the Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard.

  • Why is IDE device not displayed during power-up?
    All IDE devices must be ATA4 compliant and the 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 Power On Self Test (POST).

  • Can the Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard BIOS or audio drivers be used with the Intel SE440BX Motherboard or vice versa?
    While the Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard is based on the Intel SE440BX Motherboard design, the BIOS and audio drivers are not interchangeable.

  • 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.

  • Where can I find the latest BIOS and drivers?
    The BIOS identifier for this motherboard is 4S4EB2X0.86A. The current BIOS version and current drivers for the Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard can be found on developer.intel.com.

  • What type of AGP card is supported in the Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard?
    The Intel SE440BX-2 Motherboard supports 1x and 2x transfer mode, standard form factor AGP cards. 4x AGP cards should operate at 2x transfer speeds, however no 4x cards have been tested.

  • Can I use 256MB DIMMs that contain 64 Mbit parts?
    The use of 256MB DIMMs that contain 64Mbit parts is not recommended and is not supported. 256MB DIMMs that use 64Mbit parts place higher electrical loads on the memory control signals. This can cause the motherboard to produce invalid timing signals which can cause unpredictable system behavior.


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