Fortec Star iBase IB956 User manual

The information contained in this document has been carefully researched and is, to the best of our
knowledge, accurate. However, we assume no liability for any product failures or damages, immediate or
consequential, resulting from the use of the information provided herein. Our products are not intended for
use in systems in which failures of product could result in personal injury. All trademarks mentioned herein
are property of their respective owners. All specifications are subject to change without notice.
Manual
iBase
IB956
11th Gen Intel® Core™ / Celeron® 3.5" Single Board Computer

IB956
11th Generation Intel
®
Core™ i7/i5/i3/ Celeron
®
3.5" Disk-Size SBC
User’s Manual
Version 1.0
(November 2021)

ii IB956 User’s Manual
Copyright
© 2021 IBASE Technology, Inc. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied, stored in a retrieval
system, translated into any language or transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise, without the prior
written consent of IBASE Technology, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as
“IBASE”).
Disclaimer
IBASE reserves the right to make changes and improvements to the
products described in this document without prior notice. Every effort has
been made to ensure the information in the document is correct; however,
IBASE does not guarantee this document is error-free.
IBASE assumes no liability for incidental or consequential damages arising
from misapplication or inability to use the product or the information
contained herein, nor for any infringements of rights of third parties, which
may result from its use.
Trademarks
All the trademarks, registrations and brands mentioned herein are used for
identification purposes only and may be trademarks and/or registered
trademarks of their respective owners.

IB956 User’s Manual
iii
Compliance
This product has passed CE Class B tests for environmental specifications
and limits. This product is in accordance with the directives of the European
Union (EU). In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio
interference in which case users may be required to take adequate
measures.
This product has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
B device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
WEEE
This product must not be disposed of as normal household
waste, in accordance with the EU directive of for waste
electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE - 2012/19/EU).
Instead, it should be disposed of by returning it to a
municipal recycling collection point. Check local
regulations for disposal of electronic products.
Green IBASE
This product is compliant with the current RoHS
restrictions and prohibits use of the following substances
in concentrations exceeding 0.1% by weight (1000 ppm)
except for cadmium, limited to 0.01% by weight (100 ppm).
• Lead (Pb)
• Mercury (Hg)
• Cadmium (Cd)
• Hexavalent chromium (Cr6+)
• Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB)
• Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE)

iv IB956 User’s Manual
Important Safety Information
Environmental conditions:
•Use this product in environments with ambient temperatures between
0˚C and 60˚C.
•Do not leave this product in an environment where the storage
temperature may be below -20° C or above 80° C. To prevent from
damages, the product must be used in a controlled environment.
Care for your IBASE products:
•Before cleaning the PCB, unplug all cables and remove the battery.
•Clean the PCB with a circuit board cleaner or degreaser, or use cotton
swabs and alcohol.
•Vacuum the dust with a computer vacuum cleaner to prevent the fan
from being clogged.
WARNING
Attention during use:
•Do not use this product near water.
•Do not spill water or any other liquids on this product.
•Do not place heavy objects on the top of this product.
Anti-static precautions
•Wear an anti-static wrist strap to avoid electrostatic discharge.
•Place the PCB on an anti-static kit or mat.
•Hold the edges of PCB when handling.
•Touch the edges of non-metallic components of the product instead of
the surface of the PCB.
•Ground yourself by touching a grounded conductor or a grounded bit of
metal frequently to discharge any static.
CAUTION
There is danger of explosion if the internal lithium-ion battery is replaced by
an incorrect type. Replace only with the same or equivalent type
recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used batteries according to
the manufacturer’s instructions or recycle them at a local recycling facility or
battery collection point.

IB956 User’s Manual
v
Warranty Policy
•IBASE standard products:
24-month (2-year) warranty from the date of shipment. If the date of
shipment cannot be ascertained, the product serial numbers can be
used to determine the approximate shipping date.
•3
rd
-party parts:
12-month (1-year) warranty from delivery for the 3rd-party parts that are
not manufactured by IBASE, such as CPU, CPU cooler, memory,
storage devices, power adapter, panel and touchscreen.
＊ PRODUCTS, HOWEVER, THAT FAIL DUE TO MISUSE, ACCIDENT,
IMPROPER INSTALLATION OR UNAUTHORIZED REPAIR SHALL BE
TREATED AS OUT OF WARRANTY AND CUSTOMERS SHALL BE
BILLED FOR REPAIR AND SHIPPING CHARGES.
Technical Support & Services
1. Visit the IBASE website at www.ibase.com.tw to find the latest
information about the product.
2. If you need any further assistance from your distributor or sales
representative, prepare the following information of your product and
elaborate upon the problem.
•Product model name
•Product serial number
•Detailed description of the problem
•The error messages in text or in screenshots if there is any
•The arrangement of the peripherals
•Software in use (such as OS and application software, including the
version numbers)
3. If repair service is required, you can download the RMA form at
http://www.ibase.com.tw/english/Supports/RMAService/. Fill out the
form and contact your distributor or sales representative.

vi IB956 User’s Manual
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 General Information ................................................ 1
1.1 Introduction ......................................................................................... 2
1.2 Features..............................................................................................2
1.3 Packing List.........................................................................................3
1.4 Optional Accessories........................................................................... 3
1.5 Specifications ...................................................................................... 4
1.6 Block Diagram.....................................................................................6
1.7 Board Pictures.....................................................................................7
1.8 Dimensions .........................................................................................8
Chapter 2 Hardware Configuration.......................................... 9
2.1 Essential Installations........................................................................ 10
2.2 Setting the Jumpers .......................................................................... 11
2.3 Jumper & Connector Locations ......................................................... 12
2.4 Jumpers Quick Reference ................................................................. 13
2.4.1 Clear RTC Data (JP2) .......................................................... 13
2.4.2 Clear CMOS Data (JP3) ....................................................... 14
2.4.3 LVDS Panel Power / Brightness Selections (JP4 / JP5) ...... 15
2.4.4 AT / ATX Selection (JP6) ..................................................... 16
2.5 Connectors Quick Reference ............................................... 17
2.5.1 SATA Connectors (CN1, CN2) ............................................. 18
2.5.2 DP Connectors (CN9, CN10) ............................................... 19
2.5.3 SATA Power Connector (J1) ................................................ 20
2.5.4 Audio Connector (J3) ........................................................... 21
2.5.5 DC-In Connector (J4) ........................................................... 22
2.5.6 USB2 #7 #8 (J8)................................................................... 23
2.5.7 Digital I/O Connector (J9) ..................................................... 24
2.5.8 LVDS Connector (J12 - 2nd, J18 - 1st)................................. 25
2.5.9 M.2 M-Key 2280 (J14).......................................................... 25
2.5.10 COM2 RS-232 Port (J15) ..................................................... 27
2.5.11 COM1 RS-232/422/485 Port (J16) ...................................... 28
2.5.12 Front Panel Setting Connector (J22) .................................... 29
2.5.13 LVDS Backlight Connector (J23).......................................... 30
2.5.14 CPU Fan Power Connector (CPU_FAN1) ............................ 31
2.5.15 Smart Battery (J20) .............................................................. 32

IB956 User’s Manual
vii
Chapter 3 Drivers Installation ............................................. 33
3.1 Introduction........................................................................................34
3.2 Intel
®
Chipset Software Installation Utility ..........................................34
3.3 VGA Driver Installation.......................................................................36
3.4 HD Audio Driver Installation ...............................................................37
3.5 LAN Driver Installation .......................................................................38
3.6 Intel® Management Engine Components Drivers Installation ............40
Chapter 4 BIOS Setup.......................................................... 43
4.1 Introduction........................................................................................44
4.2 BIOS Setup........................................................................................44
4.3 Main Settings.....................................................................................45
4.4 Advanced Settings.............................................................................46
4.5 Chipset Settings ................................................................................60
4.6 Security Settings................................................................................64
4.7 Boot Settings .....................................................................................67
4.8 Save & Exit Settings ..........................................................................68
Appendix ........................................................................................ 69
A. I/O Port Address Map ........................................................................70
B. Interrupt Request Lines (IRQ)............................................................71
C. Watchdog Timer Configuration ..........................................................72
D. Onboard Connector Reference Types................................................76

viii IB956 User’s Manual
This page is intentionally left blank.

1
Chapter 1
General Information
The information provided in this chapter includes:
•Features
•Packing List
•Optional Accessories
•Specifications
•Block Diagram
•Board Pictures
•Board Dimensions

2 IB956
User’s Manual
1.1 Introduction
IB956 is a 3.5” disk-size single board computer based on the platform of 11th
Gen Intel® Core™ i7/i5/i3/ Celeron® processor and Intel®
QM580E/HM570E chipsets. It features one DDR4 SO-DIMM socket with
32GB capacity and display interfaces including DisplayPort, and 24-bit
dual-channel LVDS. With two RJ45 for Gigabit Ethernet, the I/O on board
also include 6x USB3.1, 2x USB2.0, 2x SATA III, 2x COM, and 2x M.2
sockets.
Photo of IB956
1.2 Features
•Onboard 11th Gen Intel® CoreTM i7/i5/i3 processor
•1x DDR4 SO-DIMM, Max.32GB
•DisplayPort and 24-bit dual-channel LVDS interface
•2x Intel® 2.5 Gigabit LAN
•6x USB3.1, 2x USB2.0, 2x SATA III, 2x COM, 2x M.2
•Watchdog timer, Digital I/O, iAMT (15)*, TPM (2.0)
*iAMT (15) for IB956AF only

General Information
IB956 User’s Manual 3
1
1.3 Packing List
Your IB956 package should include the items listed below. If any of the items
below is missing, contact the distributor or dealer from whom you purchased
the product.
•IB956 SBC x 1
•Disk x 1
(including chipset drivers and flash memory utility)
•This User’s Manual x 1
1.4 Optional Accessories
IBASE provides the following optional accessories:
•Cable Kit (IB92)
Including:
DC-In power cable (PW595) x 1
COM ports cable (PK1H) x 1
SATA & HDD power cable (SATA-53A) x 1
•Audio cable (Audio-18)
•USB 2.0 cable (USB29)
•Heat spreader (HSIB956-1)
•Heat sink (HSIB956-A)

4 IB956
User’s Manual
1.5 Specifications
Model IB956AF-i7 IB956AF-i5 IB956EF-i3
CPU Intel Core
i7-11850HE
Intel Core
i5-11500HE
Intel Core
i3-11100HE
CPU Speed 2.6GHz~4.7GHz
2.6GHz~4.5GHz 2.4GHz~4.4GHz
Smart Cache
24MB 12MB 8MB
Chipset Intel® QM580E
Intel® QM580E Intel® HM570E
Form Factor
3.5” disk-size SBC
Operating
System
Windows 10
Linux Ubuntu / Fedora
Memory 1 x DDR4-3200 SO-DIMM, Max. 32GB
Storage NVMe
Graphics Processor Integrated Graphics
Network
1st LAN
IB956AF: Intel® I225-LM 2.5G
IB956EF: Intel® I225-V 2.5G
2nd LAN
IB956AF: Intel® I225-V 2.5G
IB956EF: Intel® I225-V 2.5G
Super I/O Fintek F81804U-I
Audio Codec
& Controller
Built-in HD with Realtek AL888S-VD2-GR
Power
Requirement
+12V (- 10 % tolerance) ~ +24V (+10 % tolerance) DC-in
TPM 2.0
Watchdog
Timer Yes (256 segments, 0, 1, 2…255 sec / min)
BIOS AMI BIOS
H/W Monitor
Yes
Dimensions 102.22 x 147.01 mm (4.02” x 5.8”)
RoHS 2 Yes
Certification
CE, FCC Class B

General Information
IB956 User’s Manual
5
1
I/O Ports
Display •3x DisplayPort (2x DP connector & Type-C)
•24-bit dual-channel LVDS
LAN 2 x RJ45 for 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet
USB
•2x USB2.0 (Pin-header)
•QM580E: 6x USB3.1 (GEN2)
•HM570E: 4x USB3.1 (GEN2), 2x USB3.1(GEN1)
Serial •1x RS232/422/485
•1x RS232 (COM2)
SATA 2 x SATA III
Audio Built-in HD audio with Realtek ALC888S
Digital IO 4-In & 4-Out
Expansion
Slots
•1x M.2 (M-Key, Type:2280, Supports NVMe with
PCIe(4x) signal only)
•1x M.2 (E-Key, Type:2230, Supports CNVi)
Environment
Temperature
•Operation: 0 ~ 60 °C (32 ~ 140 °F)
•Storage: -20 ~ 80 °C (-4 ~ 176 °F)
Relative
Humidity 0 ~ 90 %, non-condensing at 60 °C
All specifications are subject to change without prior notice.

6 IB956
User’s Manual
1.6 Block Diagram

General Information
IB956 User’s Manual
7
1
1.7 Board Pictures
Top View
Bottom View
＊The photos above are for reference only. Some minor components may
differ.

8 IB956
User’s Manual
I/O View
Connector Function
CN3, CN4 2.5 GbE Ports
CN6, CN7, CN8, CN5 USB 3.1 Ports
CN9, CN10 DisplayPort
1.8 Dimensions

9
Chapter 2
Hardware Configuration
This section provides information on jumper settings and
connectors on the IB956 in order to set up a workable
system. On top of that, you will also need to install crucial
pieces such as the CPU and the memory before using
the product. The topics covered are:
•Essential installations
•Jumpers and connectors

10 IB956
User’s Manual
2.1 Essential Installations
2.1.1 Installing the Memory
The IB956 supports one DDR4 memory socket. To install the
modules, locate the memory slot on the board and perform the
following steps:
1. Align the key of the memory module with that on the memory slot
and insert the module slantwise.
2. Gently push the module in an upright position until the clips of the
slot close to hold the module in place when the module touches
the bottom of the slot.
To remove the module, press the clips outwards with both hands, and
the module will pop-up.