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Chapter 1: Introduction
1-9
1-2 Chipset and Processor Features Overview
Built upon the functionality and the capability of the Intel 5100 chipset, the X7DCL-
3/X7DCL-i motherboard provides the performance and feature set required for
dual processor-based high-end servers with conguration options optimized for
intensive computing, high energy-efciency and complex business applications.
The 5100 chipset supports single or dual Intel Xeon 64-bit Quad Core/Dual Core
5400/5300/5200/5100 Series processors with front side bus speeds of up to 1.333
GHz. The chipset consists of the 5100 Memory Controller Hub (MCH), Intel I/O
Controller Hub (ICH9R) and the I/O subsystem.
The 5100 Memory Controller Hub (MCH)
The Intel 5100 MCH chip is designed for symmetric multiprocessing across two
independent front side bus interfaces. Each front side bus uses a 64-bit wide,
1066/1333 MTS data bus capable of transferring data at 8.5/10.6 GB/s for a total
bandwidth of 17/21.3 GB/s. The MCH supports a 36-bit wide address bus and up
to six DDR2 667 MHz/533 MHz DIMM modules, providing a total memory capac-
ity of up to 32 GB.
The 5100 MCH also provides six x4 PCI-Express interfaces and one x4 DMI
Interface to the ICH9R. Each PCI Express port on the MCH provides 4 GB/s bi-
directional bandwidth if congured as a x8 port, or 2 GB/s bi-directional bandwidth
if congured as a x4 port.
The Ninth Generation I/O Controller Hub (ICH9)
The I/O Controller ICH9R provides the data buffering and interface arbitration
required for the system to operate efciently. It also provides the bandwidth needed
for the system to maintain its peak performance. The Direct Media Interface (DMI)
provides the connection between the MCH and the ICH9R. The ICH9R supports
up to six PCI-Express x1 slots, six Serial ATA ports and twelve USB 2.0 ports.
In addition, the ICH9R offers the Intel Matrix Storage Technology which provides
various RAID options for data protection and rapid data access. It also supports the
next generation of client management through the use of PROActive technology in
conjunction with Intel's next generation Gigabit Ethernet controllers.