Gator Mini-ITX – Installation Guide
Locate the CPU socket on your Gator Mini-ITX system board (µFC-PGA 478 Socket – Location U2 –
Figure 1-3
).
To install the processor, rotate the screw of the ZIF socket counter clock-wise until the open position and gently
insert the CPU. The CPU will fit only in the right alignment. Make sure the CPU is inserted all the way. Rotate the
screw clock-wise until the closed position. Install the CPU fan. Make sure it is locked and connected to J26 (see
pin-out in Appendix A).
The continued push of technology to increase performance levels (higher operating speeds) and packaging density
(more transistors) is aggravating the thermal management of the CPU. As operating frequencies increase and
packaging sizes decreases, the power density increases and the thermal cooling solution space and airflow become
more constrained. The result is an increased importance on system design to ensure that thermal design requirements
are met for the CPU.
The objective of thermal management is to ensure that the temperature of the processor is maintained within
functional limits. The functional temperature limit is the range within which the electrical circuits can be expected to
meet their specified performance requirements. Operation outside the functional limit can degrade system
performance, cause logic errors or cause component and/or system damage. Temperatures exceeding the maximum
operating limits may result in irreversible changes in the operating characteristics of the component.
If the Gator Mini-ITX industrial embedded motherboard is acquired without the CPU and the thermal solution,
extremely care must be taken to avoid improper thermal management. All Intel thermal solution specifications,
design guidelines and suggestions to the CPU being used must be followed. The Gator Mini-ITX warranty is void if
the thermal management does not comply with Intel requirements.
Designing for thermal performance
In designing for thermal performance, the goal is to keep the processor within the operational thermal specifications.
The inability to do so will shorten the life of the processor.
Fan Heatsink
An active fan heatsink can be employed as a mechanism for cooling the Intel processors. This is the acceptable
solution for most chassis. Adequate clearance must be provided around the fan heatsink to ensure unimpeded air
flow for proper cooling.
Airflow management
It is important to manage the velocity, quantity and direction of air that flows within the system (and how it flows)
to maximize the volume of air that flows over the processor.
Thermal interface management
To optimize the heatsink design for the Pentium M processor, it is important to understand the impact of factors
related to the interface between the processor and the heatsink base. Specifically, the bond line thickness, interface
material area, and interface material thermal conductivity should be managed to realize the most effective thermal
solution.
Once used, the thermal interface should be discarded and a new one installed. Never assemble the heatsink with a
previously used thermal interface.
This completes the installation of the CPU. Now is it a good time to double check both the CPU and DIMM
installation to make sure that these devices have been properly installed.
Installing Cables
Power and Control Panel Cables
The Gator Mini-ITX gets power from the ATX connector J30 (
Figure 1-3
) or the optional 12VDC brick connector
J29 (
Figure 1-2
).
6
Summary of Contents for Gator Mini-ITX
Page 1: ... Gator Mini ITX Motherboard Installation Guide ...
Page 2: ......
Page 16: ...Gator Mini ITX Installation Guide Figure 1 3 Location of Components and Connectors 8 ...
Page 21: ...Chapter 2 BIOS Configuration 13 ...
Page 52: ...Gator Mini ITX Installation Guide User s Notes 44 ...
Page 58: ...Gator Mini ITX Installation Guide User s Notes 50 ...
Page 64: ...Gator Mini ITX Installation Guide Watchdog Timer The Watchdog Timer WDT is optional 56 ...
Page 69: ...Appendix D On Board Video User s Notes 61 ...
Page 70: ......
Page 71: ...MN GMEIX 01 ...