- -
Intel 945 Series User's Manual
Chapter 2 Hardware Setup
2.1 Choosing a Computer Chassis
• Choose a chassis big enough to install this mainboard.
• As some features for this mainboard are implemented by cabling connectors on the
mainboard to indicators and switches or buttons on the chassis, make sure your chassis
supports all the features required.
• If there is possibility of adopting some more hard drives, make sure your chassis has
sufficient power and space for them.
• Most chassis have alternatives for I/O shield located at the rear panel. Make sure the I/O
shield of the chassis matches the I/O port configuration of this mainboard. You can find
an I/O shield specifically designed for this mainboard in its package.
2.2 Installing Mainboard
Most computer chassis have a base with many mounting holes to allow the mainboard to
be securely attached, and at the same time, prevent the system from short circuits. There
are two ways to attach the mainboard to the
chassis base: (1) with studs, or (2) with spacers.
Basically, the best way to attach the board is with
studs. Only if you are unable to do this should you
attach the board with spacers. Line up the holes on
the board with the mounting holes on the chassis.
If the holes line up and there are screw holes, you
can attach the board with studs. If the holes line
up and there are only slots, you can only attach with
spacers. Take the tip of the spacers and insert them
into the slots. After doing this to all the slots, you can slide the board into position aligned
with slots. After the board has been positioned, make sure everything is OK before putting
the chassis back on.
To install this mainboard:
1. Locate all the screw holes on the mainboard and the chassis base.
2. Place all the studs or spacers needed on the chassis base and have them tightened.
3. Face the mainboard’s I/O ports toward the chassis’s rear panel.
4. Line up all the mainboard’s screw holes with those studs or spacers on the chassis.
5. Install the mainboard with screws and have them tightened.
The mainboard and its component layouts illustrated in this chapter were
based mainly on model “Intel 945GC(V1.0)”, unless speci
fi
cally stated.
Always power off the computer and unplug the AC power cord before adding or removing
any peripheral or component. Failing to do so may cause severe damage to your
mainboard and/or peripherals. Plug in the AC power cord only after you have carefully
checked everything.
To prevent shorting the PCB circuit, please REMOVE the metal studs or spacers if they are
already fastened on the chassis base and are without mounting-holes on the mainboard to
align with.