Product Description

Marketing Description Welcome to the extreme performance platform brought to you by Intel Desktop Board DP45SG, supporting the Intel Core 2 Extreme processor with up to 1333 FSB. Built in the full size ATX, this board comes with dual PCIe 2.0 x16 graphics connectors, DDR-3 1333 support and overclocking capabilities. Intel Desktop Board DP45SG will take your gaming experience to a higher level.Intel Desktop Board DP45SG supports Dolby Home Theatre and is Microsoft Windows Vista Premium WHQL certified. Detail Specifications Form factor - ATX (11.60 inches by 9.60 inches 294.64 millimeters by 243.84 millimeters) Processor - Support for an Intel Core2 Extreme processor in an LGA775 socket - Support for an Intel Core2 Quad processor in an LGA775 socket - Support for an Intel Core2 Duo processor in an LGA775 socket - Support for an Intel Pentium Dual-Core processor in an LGA775 socket - Support for an Intel Celeron Dual-Core processor in an LGA775 socket - Support for an Intel Celeron processor 400 sequence in an LGA775 socket Memory - Four 240-pin DDR3 SDRAM Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMM) sockets - Support for DDR3 1333/1066/800 MHz DIMMs - Support for up to 16 GB of system memory Chipset - Intel P45 Express Chipset Audio - 8-channel (7.1) audio subsystem with five analog audio outputs and one optical S/PDIF digital audio output using the IDT 92HD73E audio codec Video - ATI CrossFire technology enables two ATI graphics cards to work together for ultimate 3D gaming performance and visual quality - Full support of Next Generation ATI Crossfire LAN Support - Gigabit (10/100/1000 Mbits/sec) LAN subsystem using the Intel 82567LF Gigabit Ethernet Controller Expansion Capabilities - Two PCI Express x1 bus add-in card connectors - Three PCI Express x1 bus add-in card connectors

Product Details

• Brand: Intel
• Model: BOXDP45SG
• Platform: Windows
• Format: CD
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 3.15" h x 11.02" w x 13.39" l, 3.79 pounds
• CPU: Intel Core 2 Extreme 1 GHz
• Memory: 0MB

Features

• Form Factor ATX
• Memory Slot 4
• Max Bus Speed 1333 MHz
• Supported RAM Technology DDR3
• Will only support 8GB of Ram, not 16GB

Amazon.com Product Description
With resource intensive games and multimedia tools constantly evolving to the next technological level, you need equally advanced hardware to ensure the best possible computing experience. Hardcore gamers and multimedia enthusiasts can take solace in the fact that next-generation Intel® Extreme Series Desktop Boards combine with the latest Intel processors to run the most demanding software applications with ease.

Amazon.com Product Description
With resource intensive games and multimedia tools constantly evolving to the next technological level, you need equally advanced hardware to ensure the best possible computing experience. Hardcore gamers and multimedia enthusiasts can take solace in the fact that next-generation Intel® Extreme Series Desktop Boards combine with the latest Intel processors to run the most demanding software applications with ease.

Intel® Extreme Series Motherboards Product Highlight
Built to deliver extreme performance for workstation needs, hardcore gaming, media editing, and still offer significant headroom for future upgrades, Intel Extreme Series Desktop Boards are the motherboard of choice for truly hardcore users who refuse to compromise.CrossFire Ready
Whether it's a single graphics card or ATI CrossFire, a system outfitted with the latest graphics cards can deliver unparalleled visual realism when playing 3D games. With compatible applications, multiple cards can share the graphics processing burden and allow for streamlined data processing that ensures high frames per second.

Quad-Core Compatible
Maximize the performance of your Intel Extreme Series Desktop Board by capitalizing on its support for Intel's latest quad-core processors. Support for up to two physical quad-core processors enables Intel Extreme Series Desktop Boards to support up to eight processing cores. With more computing "brains", new multi-core processing systems can run more resource intensive games and multimedia applications simultaneously with ease.

Overclocker Friendly¹
Built to be tweaked and pushed to the limits, Intel Extreme Series Desktop Boards include features and software that make it easier than ever to overclock while keeping an eye firmly fixed on system specs. And because these boards are built to Intel's exacting standards of quality, reliability and performance, you can push them to the limits with confidence. For performance enthusiasts looking to squeeze every last ounce of performance out of their hardware, Intel Extreme Series Desktop Boards provide a stable foundation for a benchmark-shattering system.

1 Warning: altering clock frequency and/or voltage may (i) reduce system stability and useful life of the system and processor; (ii) cause the processor and other system components to fail; (iii) cause reductions in system performance; (iv) cause additional damage; and (v) affect system data integrity. Intel has not tested, and does not warranty, the operation of the processor beyond its specifications

Onboard Audio
Utilizing the Intel® High Definition audio chipset, the Intel® Extreme series can deliver 360° Dolby Home Theater audio through 10-channel, 7.1 surround sound. Know exactly where your opponent is coming from by the sound of their footsteps as you dominate an online battle. Sit in the middle of a catastrophic explosion as you enjoy a five-star action movie in high definition. Whatever you do, enjoy every decibel coming at you in all directions.

Advanced Technical Specifications

• Supported CPU
  • CPU Socket Type: LGA775
  • CPU Type: Intel® Core™2 Extreme / Intel® Core™2 Quad / Intel® Core™2 Duo
• Chipsets
  • North Bridge: Intel® P45 Chipset
• Memory
  • Memory Slots: 4x240-pin
  • Memory Standard: DDR3 800/1066/1333MHz
  • Maximum Supported Memory: 16 GB
• Expansion Slots
  • PCI Express 2.0 x16 connections: 2
  • PCI Express x1 connections: 2
  • PCI bus connectors: 3
• Storage Devices
  • SATA 3Gb/s: 4
  • eSATA: 1
• Onboard Audio
  • Audio Chipset: Intel® High Definition Audio
  • Audio Channels: 10-channel (7.1) Dolby Home Theater
  • S/PDIF Out: 2 digital audio outputs
  • Audio Ports: 5 analog audio outputs
• Onboard LAN
  • Max LAN Speed: 10/100/1000 Mbits/sec
• Onboard USB
  • Onboard USB: 12 USB 2.0 ports (6 external ports, 6 via 2 internal headers)
• Onboard IEEE 1394
  • Onboard IEEE 1394: 2 IEEE1394a ports (1 back panel connector, 1 via internal header)
• Physical Spec
  • Form Factor: ATX
  • Dimensions: 9.6 inches x 11.6 inches (243.84 mm x 294.64 mm)

From the Manufacturer
The Intel Desktop Board DP45SG combines versatility with extreme performance. It is compatible with a wide array of LGA775-socket Intel processors, ranging from Intel Core 2 series to Celeron processors. Based on the P45 chipset, the DP45SG fully supports ATI CrossFire technology. It conforms to standard ATX measurements and is packed with enough PCI connectors, DDR3 memory sockets, and peripheral ports to satisfy demanding users.

Desktop Board DP45SG Form Factor: ATX Compatible Processors: Following Intel processors in an LGA775 socket: Core 2 Extreme, Core 2 Quad, Core 2 Duo, Core 2 Extreme, Pentium, Celeron, Celeron 400 sequence Memory: Four 240-pin DDR3 SDRAM DIMM sockets (support for DDR3 1333/1066/800 MHz DIMMs)

The ATX board packs plenty of ports and supports ATI CrossFire technology. View detailed schematic.

The DP45SG provides outstanding versatility by supporting many LGA775-socket Intel processors. View larger.

Compatible with Dozens of Processors
The DP45SG makes use of the LGA775 socket, making it compatible with a broad range of processors. Whether you have a high-performance Intel Core 2 Extreme processor or a budget-friendly Celeron processor, the DP45SG will suit your needs. The board also features specialized over-clocking hardware, which allows the processor to perform to its maximum potential.

Multi-GPU Support for Ultimate Graphical Performance
The DP45SG fully supports ATI CrossFire technology, which allows users to utilize two graphics cards and increase the GPU output. This added graphical power eliminates frame-rate hiccups and slowdowns, delivering the smooth and uninterrupted gaming experience users have always wanted.

Loaded with Memory, PCI, and Peripheral Support
With dozens of ports and connectors, the DP45SG gives computer enthusiasts the flexibility they need to build their dream machine. It offers support for 1600 MHz, 1333 MHz, 1066 MHz, and 800 MHz variants of DDR3 memory. With four DDR3 SDRAM DIMM sockets, the DP45SG can accommodate up to 16 GB of system memory -- an invaluable resource for heavy multitaskers.

The DP45SG also features enough ports to interface with all of your computer accessories and gadgetry. It has 12 USB 2.0 ports (six back ports and six via headers), and six serial ATA 3.0 Gbit/s ports including two eSATA ports with RAID support. With two IEEE-1394a ports, the DP45SG is equipped to handle all of your audio/video transfer needs. A Consumer IR receiver and emitter are also included, and can be used with a variety of wireless devices.

For more advanced computer expansion, the DP45SG also features five PCI connectors, including two PCIe 2.0 x1 bus add-in card connectors, and three PCI conventional slots.

Integrated High-Definition Audio and High-Speed Ethernet
Whether playing MP3s or immersing yourself in game sound effects (SFX), you can expect crisp sound from the DP45SG. It features an 8-Channel Dolby 7.1 audio subsystem, which means you won't have to spend extra money on a dedicated sound card for top-quality audio playback. The motherboard also includes five analog audio outputs and one optical S/PDIF digital audio output using the IDT 92HD73 codec, so you can use your favorite speakers.

A Gigabit (10/100/1000 Mbps) Ethernet connection is also included for high-speed connections to the Internet.

Customer Reviews

Great Motherboard
So far no problems like the ones listed by previous reviewers. Everything works great. I love the drivers getting installed so easily with the included CD. Also when I tried to overclock the memory, after the reboot the motherboard didn't like the settings, so it rebooted itself again after that, and basically reset the memory settings to the old settings. Nice feature!

System specs:
- OCZ DDR3 PC3-10666 1333MHz Intel Extreme Edition XMP Ready Series 6GB Triple Channel Kit
- Razer Lachesis Mouse
- Samsung 22X SpeedPlus Serial ATA Internal DVD Writer
- EVGA 512-P3-N879-AR GeForce 9800 GTX +
- Western Digital 500GB Caviar

works as advertised, well,no it doesn't
I can't think of a single bad or wrong thing about it. Except for what I wrote in the update.

It had the slot configuration I wanted. Not many did.

There are no PS/2 (keyboard/mouse) or PATA (IDE/ATA)connections, just 12 USB ports (6 back panel, 6 more internal) and SATA (5 internal, 1 external), etc.

You can boot in legacy disk mode, which runs the SATA drives as if they were an old PATA (IRQ14/15), so I presume that you could install XP pre-SP3. Switch it back after install.

The driver disc is dated 19 June 2008; newer stuff at intel.com.

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Update: Audio out the analog jacks is messed up. I got a second/replacement board and it does the same thing. The audio goes in and out about once a second, sometimes it will play for 10 seconds straight, until you do something. Others have similar problems; somehow, some say audio is fine (never more than "fine").

The audio optical out is okay - no gaps or dropouts - but only for 2-channel stereo PCM. No AC3/Dolby Digital Live/Home Theatre - not that I can get to work EXCEPT from one (of two) test panels in the MS Vista mixer program, and that only tests the channels with tones. The other Vista MS mixer test panel fails to do anything w/r/t Dolby digital. This is with the IDT audio driver installed (current). Using the built-in MS Vista driver for the audio, the same drop out happens. Worse, the optical out does not work at all (no red light).

I've put the lastest BIOS (0109) in and no difference. The only card in this is an EVGA 9600GT video card. CPU is Q8200.

Important. The driver pack on the included CD will freeze XP since the USB portion (inf) is wrong. Result: No keyboard. No mouse. Not even safe mode gets around it so you'll have to reinstall XP. Go to intel.com and download the newer inf package for this board. I don't know if a vista install of this inf is the same way since I didn't use the CD there.


Besides that, this motherboard runs okay. Maybe intel can fix the problem. P.S. If you find references to use a Realtek "Vista_214.zip" driver, don't bother. It doesn't really install, and all you get is the built-in Vista driver for the mobo audio.

I have no internal audio connnections hooked up, only the back panel audio connections are being used.

--------------

UPDATE 2.0: Flashed to BIOS 0116 (5 May 2009) and the audio problem is no more. An updated audio driver package is available but that wasn't installed yet. The s/pdif (both 2.0 pcm and 2.1 digital) is still working fine. I can now say it's working fine (currently windows 7 rc).

Intel DP45SG
Had to adjust timing and voltage setting for system ram. Installed XP sp3
it was easy and quick. No problems, freeze or any other glitches.

The Catalyst drivers for the 4850 even installed and worked.
All drivers from driver cd installed and worked (not using RAID drivers).
Motherboard came with a DVD GHOST RECON advanced warfighter
installed and ran with PhysX drivers. Fun game.

Extra Value added software included:

* Acronis True Image* 11 Home
* CyberLink Live* Premium
* Diskeeper 9*
* DivX Pro for Microsoft Windows*
* Dolby Control Center*
* Intel® Desktop Control Center (Internet Download)
* Kaspersky Work Space Security*
* Kingsoft Antivirus 2007*
* Kingsoft Powerword 2007*
* Laplink PCmover* Express
* Norton 360*
* Skype*
* TypePad*



Intel DP45SG motherboard
Cooler Master Elite 334 ATX Mid Tower Case Black - Mid Tower Case
650 watt antec power supply
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 3.0 GHz 6M L2 Cache 1333MHz FSB LGA775 Dual-Core Processor
Masscool 8WA741 - Processor cooler - ( Socket 775 )
Corsair TWIN3X2048-1333C9DHX XMS3 DHX 2 GB 2 X 1 GB PC3-10600 1333Mhz 240-pin DDR3 Dual Channel Memory Kit
Sapphire Radeon HD4850 512MB DDR3 Dual DVI / TVO PCI-Express Graphics Card
Western Digital 500GB 3.5", SATA, 16MB Cache Bulk/OEM Hard Drive WD5000AAKS
Lite-On LH-20A1L 20x DVD±RW DL SATA Drive w/LightScribe (Black)
2 Antec TriCool case fan ( TRICOOL120MM BLUE LED )

Cross Fire will operate in x8 mode not x16.
from intel website:

1.6.1 PCI Express x16 Graphics
The MCH supports two add-in discrete graphics card via the PCI Express 2.0 graphics
connector:
* One Primary PCI Express 2.0 x16 (electrical x16 or x8) bus add-in card connector.
The x16 interface supports simultaneous (full duplex) transfers up to 16
GBytes/sec when operating in x16 mode with a compatible PCI Express 2.0 x16
discrete graphics card. Backwards compatible with PCI Express 1.1 x16, supporting
a maximum theoretical bandwidth of 8 GB/s. Interface will operate in x16 mode
only if the secondary PCI Express x16 connector is not populated.
* One Secondary PCI Express 2.0 x16 (electrical x8) bus add-in card connector: The
board provides a PCI Express add-in card connector in the form of a physical x16
connector with electrical routing of x8. This connector is an electrical equivalent of
a PCI Express x8 bus add-in card connector. This connector also supports x4 and
x1 PCI Express add-in cards. This interface supports PCI Express 2.0 bandwidth
when used with a compatible PCI Express 2.0 x16 discrete graphics card.