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Chapter 1: Introduction
1-9
1-2 Chipset Overview
The Intel G45/G43 Express Chipset is specially designed for use with Intel Core
2™ Extreme/Core Quad/Core Duo LGA 775 processors. It consists of two primary
components: the Graphics and Memory Controller Hub (GMCH), and the I/O Con-
troller Hub (ICH10). The GMCH manages the data fl ow between the CPU interface,
the System Memory interface, the External Graphics interface (or PCI-Express
Interface), and the I/O Controller through the Direct Media Interface (DMI). The
ICH10 provides a multitude of I/O related functions.
Graphics and Memory Controller Hub (GMCH)
Utilizing a single LGA 775 socket processor, the G45/G43 GMCH supports an FSB
frequency of 1333/1066/800 MHz. Host-initiated I/O cycles are decoded to the
PCI-Express, the DMI, or the GMCH confi guration space. Host-initiated memory
cycles are decoded to PCI-Express, DMI or system memory. Memory accesses
initiated from PCI-Express will be snooped on the host bus between DMI to sys-
tem SDRAM. The GMCH supports one or two channels of DDR3 controller with a
maximum of two DIMMs per channel.
Direct Media Interface (DMI)
Providing the high-speed, chip-to-chip connection between the GMCH and ICH10
is the Direct Media Interface (DMI). The DMI integrates advanced priority-based
servicing, allowing for concurrent traffi c, true isochronous transfer capabilities and
permitting current as well as legacy software to work normally.
Intel ICH10 System Features
The Intel I/O Controller Hub (ICH10) supports a variety of I/O related functions and
PCI devices, including the following:
DMI-to PCI Bridge•
LPC Controller•
SATA Controllers #1 and #2•
Thermal Subsystem•
SMBus Controller•
USB FS/LS UHCI Controllers #1, #2 and #3•