Motherboard for embedded processing applications

DFI has introduced an ATX form-factor motherboard for applications that require a stable revision-controlled platform with multiple expansion slots, such as medical, DVR, NVR and networking.

The next-generation embedded board utilises the latest two-chip platform with the Intel Q57 chipset, supporting LGA 1156 socket Intel Core i7-860, Intel Core i5-750, Intel Core i5-660, Intel Core i3-540 and Intel Pentium G6950 processors.

These new 64-bit multi-core processors use 32nm process technology and incorporate the memory controller and graphics core on a separate die in the same package, eliminating the need for both a Northbridge and Southbridge interface chip used in previous platforms.

This creates a tightly coupled system architecture, providing higher performance and lower power than previous three-chip platform solutions.

The new platform includes Intel Hyper-Threading and Intel Turbo Boost Technology, enabling each processor core to handle two instruction threads and increase performance by more than 50 per cent when all cores are not fully utilised.

An enhanced three-level cache subsystem utilises a first-level instruction cache (FLC) and mid-level cache (MLC) on a per-core basis, with a large last-level shared cache with controls to minimise snoop activity.

The combination of hyper-threading with the new three-level cache subsystem ensures higher performance at reduced power consumption across a range of embedded processing applications.

Support is provided for up to 16Gb of DDR3 1,066/1,333MHz dual-channel system memory, dual Gigabit Ethernet LAN controllers, the Integrated Trusted Platform Module (TPM 1.2) option and Intel Active Management Technology (Intel AMT 6.0) with KVM (keyboard-video-mouse) redirection, enabling remote system management.

Additional features include Intel Graphics Media Accelerator HD supporting high-definition 2D, 3D and video graphics using VGA and DVI interfaces providing dual-independent display capability for intensive multimedia applications, six Serial ATA ports with a speed of up to 3Gb/s, Raid 0, 1, 5 and 10 drive support, 12 USB 2.0/1.1 ports, four Serial COM ports and two-channel analogue audio support with a high-definition digital audio S/PDIF input/output interface.

This embedded ATX motherboard also provides expansion using one PCI Express x16 slot for high-performance graphics cards, one PCI Express x4 slot, two PCI Express x1 slots and three PCI slots to support legacy PCI card functions.

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