Warning: Processors not specifically listed by type and rated speed may have requirements that are not supported by the motherboard's design. Use of unsupported processors may result in improper operation, damage to the motherboard or processor, or reduced product life.

• System Memory Combinations
• SIMM Vendors

System Memory Combinations
The Intel® VS440FX Motherboard provides four 72-pin SIMM sockets that make it possible to install up to 256 MB of RAM. The sockets support 1M x 32/36 (4 MB), 2M x 32/36 (8 MB), 4M x 32/36 (16 MB), 8M x 32/36 (32 MB), and 16M x 32/36 (64 MB) single or double-sided, parity (x36), non-parity (x32), or ECC modules. Minimum memory size is 8 MB and maximum memory size, using four 16M x 32/36 SIMM modules, is 256 MB. Memory timing requires 60 ns fast page devices or, for optimum performance, 60 ns EDO DRAM.

The four sockets are arranged in two banks of two sockets each. The sockets are designated Bank 0 and Bank 1. Each bank provides a 64/72-bit wide data path. Both SIMMs in a bank must be of the same memory size and type, although the types of memory may differ between banks. The following tables show the possible memory combinations and an example of memory installation.

The Intel® VS440FX Motherboard supports only tin-lead SIMMs.

• SIMM Memory Combinations

  Bank 0 (SIMM 1, 2) Bank 1 (SIMM 3, 4) Total System Memory Populated Empty Varies with SIMM size Empty Populated Varies with SIMM size Populated Populated Varies with SIMM size

• SIMM Memory Example

  Bank 0 (SIMM 1, 2) Bank 1 (SIMM 3, 4) Total System Memory 1M x 32 Empty 8 MB Empty 4M x 36 32 MB 2M x 32 8M x 32 80 MB

It is even possible to have 60 ns Fast Page DRAM in one bank and 60 ns EDO DRAM in the other. In that case, each bank is independently optimized for maximum performance. Bank 0 only, Bank 1 only, or both of the banks may be populated. There are no jumper settings required for the memory size or type, that is automatically detected by the system BIOS.

SIMM Vendors - Fast Page SIMMs
The following tables list SIMMs that have been tested. SIMMs that are not listed should also function properly as long as their specifications are compatible with the devices listed below. In general, SIMM devices that are faster than those specified for a given platform will work, although no extra performance will be realized.

All Sizes: Tin-lead contacts

SIMM Vendors - EDO SIMMs
The following tables list SIMMs that have been tested. SIMMs that are not listed should also function properly as long as their specifications are compatible with the devices listed below. In general, SIMM devices that are faster than those specified for a given platform will work, although no extra performance will be realized.

Note: 60ns EDO SIMMs are required when the external CPU clock is set to 66 MHz. Either 60ns or 70ns SIMMs can be used for external clock frequencies of 50 MHz and 60 MHz, but no additional performance will be seen with the 60ns SIMMs.

All Sizes: Tin-lead contacts

SIMM Vendors - EDO ECC SIMMs
The following tables list SIMMs that have been tested. SIMMs that are not listed should also function properly as long as their specifications are compatible with the devices listed below. In general, SIMM devices that are faster than those specified for a given platform will work, although no extra performance will be realized.

Note: 60ns EDO SIMMs are required when the external CPU clock is set to 66 MHz. Either 60ns or 70ns SIMMs can be used for external clock frequencies of 50 MHz and 60 MHz, but no additional performance will be seen with the 60ns SIMMs.

All Sizes: Tin-lead contacts

• What Pentium® Pro processors are supported on the Intel® VS440FX Motherboard?
• What upgrade components can be installed on the Intel VS440FX Motherboard?
• How should the switches and jumpers be set on my motherboard?
• Why does my external speaker not work?
• Why does my Intel VS440FX Motherboard not power-up?
• Why doesn't my CD-ROM or second IDE hard drive work with Windows* 95?
• What is the difference between ECC and parity memory on the Intel VS440FX Motherboard?
• How can the onboard audio, USB or hardware monitor be disabled?
• Where can I get the Motherboard Specification Update?

Frequently Asked Questions: Intel® VS440FX Motherboard

• What Pentium® Pro processors are supported on the Intel® VS440FX Motherboard?
  The Intel VS440FX Motherboard supports Pentium Pro processors with VID at 150, 166, 180 and 200 MHz. Changing the processor requires changes in several jumper settings. The Intel VS440FX Motherboard also supports the Pentium® II OverDrive® processor.
  

• What upgrade components can be installed on the Intel® VS440FX Motherboard?
  The Intel VS440FX Motherboard will accept processor upgrades, various combinations of system memory and the battery/real time clock can be replaced.
  

• How should the switches and jumpers be set on my motherboard?
  On-board switches and jumpers control the configuration options and other features of the motherboard. Check the jumpers document for the Intel VS440FX Motherboard.
  

• Why does my external speaker not work?
  The speaker connector does not support the common four-pin speaker connection. Please refer to the Intel VS440FX ATX Motherboard Technical Product Specification and order the Intel VS440FX Motherboard Specification Update from the Intel Literature department.
  

• Why does my Intel® VS440FX Motherboard not power-up?
  The Intel VS440FX 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 for the power on/off switch and the sleep/resume switch.
  Please refer to the Intel VS440FX ATX Motherboard Technical Product Specification and order the Intel VS440FX Motherboard Specification Update from Intel Literature for more details.
  

• 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 82371SB PIIX3 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.
  
  

• What is the difference between ECC and parity memory on the Intel® VS440FX Motherboard?
  The Intel VS440FX Motherboard can use either 36-bit ECC or parity SIMMs. Older 40-bit ECC memory cannot be used due to different pin connections. Since the memory is organized in 64-bit wide path, the eight bits normally used for parity lines can be used for single bit correction, double bit detection ECC or parity error detection. When using parity SIMMs, the BIOS setup utility offers the error detection options of Disabled (no error detection), parity or ECC.
  The Intel VS440FX Motherboard user installable upgrades document lists 36-bit EDO ECC and parity FPM SIMMs that have been tested.

• How can the onboard audio, USB or hardware monitor be disabled?
  The onboard audio, USB or hardware monitor 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, USB or hardware monitor features, if they are present on the motherboard. Other Setup options may be found in the Intel VS440FX Motherboard