Introduction
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AthlonTM 64 Processor
The AMD AthlonTM 64 (ClawHammer processor family is designed to support
performance desktop. It provides a high performance HyperTransportTM link to I/O,
as well as a single 64-bit high-performance DDR memory controller. Main key
features such as:
AMD64 technology enables the industry to advance software development
on all fronts, with x86 compatibility, while providing the capability of deliver-
ing 64-bit technology benefits.
HyperTransport technology helps reduces the number of buses in a system,
which can reduces system bottlenecks and enable todays faster micropro-
cessors to use system memory more efficiently in high-end multiprocessor
systems.
The memory controller provides a programmable interface to a variety of
standard DDR SDRAM DIMM configuration.
For more information about all the new features AthlonTM 64 Processor deliver, check out
the AMD website at http://www amd com
Chipset Overview
The board is designed with VIA chipset, K8T800 as North Bridge and VT8237 as
South Bridge, providing a feature rich and scalable platform. The K8T800 North
Bridge is designed with an ultra fast HyperTransport link to the AthlonTM 64 and
comes equipped with AGP 8X features for VGA card expansion.
The K8T800 North Bridge connects to the VT8237 South Bridge through the fast
Ultra V-Link connection at 1.06GB/s. With support for two Serial ATA channels at
150MB/s bandwidth, integrated RAID (0, 1, 0+1 & JBOD capability as well as up to
eight USB 2.0 ports, the VT8237 offers the highest possible peripheral performance
for professional users. To extend flexibility to the system integrator, the VT8237
features dual channel Parallel ATA-133 allowing for configurations that leverage the
existing technology standard. Additional features include a VIA MAC for 10/
100Mbps Fast Ethernet, integrated PCI support.