A Linux Box with Intel D945GCF ITX Motherboard

1, Introduction

It has been quite a long time for me not touching any PC DIY after purchased the ASUS EEEPC netbook back in last summer.  Since my XYL is doing her final year project at the moment and she always complains about her old 650 MHz PIII computer running very slow, I decided to build a low budget personal computer (new toy) for her in order to complete the project.

(Most likely I am doing this final year project rather than her because she always sends me the draft and asks me to correct her English and re-write the context.) 

Hahaha   .................


2, The Intel D945GCF Motherboard

I chose the Intel D945GCF because of its simplicity, value, small footprint and the power saving characteristic.  Furthermore, it is 100% capable to fulfill XYL's requirements like documentation works, web surfing and even some simple multimedia applications and games.  Another reason is that the support of Mpeg 2 Motion Compensation and Direct X 9 graphic acceleration in Windows environment.


The Intel D945GCF Motherboard

Basically this is a single core 1.6GHz ATOM CPU embedded ITX form factor motherboard equipped with 945 north-bridge, ICH7 south-bridge and solid capacitors for power supply module.  It also features with onboard Display, 4.1 Channels Sound, 10/100 Lan, SATA II X 2, IDE X 1, PCI X 1,USB 2.0 X 4 + internal header X 1 and DDRII DIMM X 1 as per Intel's specification.


3, The Memory Modules

The Western Digital hard disk is my favorite whatsoever.  One of mine has been using for more than 5 years and still in good shape.  It is fast, reliable, quiet and cool...!!!.


The W.D. SATA II 160GB 7,200 rpm /w 8MB Buffer

The Kingston DDRII 667MHz 2 GB RAM (CL5) is adopted due its high C/P value.  The distributor also provides 5 years warranty under normal condition and use.  It is worth to have the 2 GB instead of 1 GB RAM as the price different is not to big.


The Kingston DDR II 2GB 667MHz RAM (double side)

Although there is not heat sink on the memory modules, this RAM stay cool all the time as I do not over-clock it by using the aggressive memory setting in BIOS.  I was a bit worry about the compatibility before but the outcome has proven that it works flawlessly with this mobo.


4, Installation

There was no difficulty at all to install the required components onto the motherboard like other form factors ATX or Mini-ATX as the connectors and ports are identically the same.  I used a slim Mini-ATX housing for the accommodation which provides plenty of room for heat dissipation and air ventilation.


5, The Operation System - Linux Ubuntu

Please keep away from me Mr. Gate, I will be sick with you.    .................

Yes, Ubuntu is the best Linux distribution I have been using so far.  It is very stable, reliable, green, easy to use, free of charge and zero cost of total ownership if you are knowledgeable to maintain the system.  A Taiwanese automated patch called "Lazybuntu" which will install all the essential packages like Chinese Language Support, Multimedia Codec and System Enhancements by one click.  For the Chinese native users like my XYL, it is a must to download and install it after the system update.


The Ubuntu 8.04 (hardy) with HT Enabled

The only drawback of this Intel D945GCF motherboard is the incompatibility issue of the onboard Realtek LAN chip when running Ubuntu.  The 8.04 (hardy) has prompted an error during the installation stage, and also the 8.10 (intrepid) will disable the LAN connection after system update.  However, this problem can be RESOLVED by disabling the onboard LAN in BIOS then installing an additional LAN card into the PCI slot instead.


6, Performance

Thanks to the Intel Hyper-Threading Technology built-in, 2 CPUs have been recognized by the System Monitor and run simultaneously.  I did not conduct any performance test on this mobo because it is not the purpose of my review.  However, my personal feeling and experience told me that it is a bit faster and better than my laptop PC running the same system with an old P4 2GHz Pentium.

There is a comprehensive review about the Atom 230D performance reported by  tom's hard ware on the internet.  They claimed that it is not suitable as an office PC when compare with the modern CPU but if a right operating system is installed like Windows XP or Linux, it is possible to surf quite happily.


No Swap Memory is used

I am really amazed by the Ubuntu system how it manages the memory usage.  The physical memory consumption has never been over 25% while none of the swap memory is being used.  My investment of the 2 GB RAM stick seems to be more than enough with Linux but it does reserve me with the capability to switch to Windows system in future.


7, Conclusion

My XYL and me are neither the scientist, mathematician, militant nor hardcore gamer.  We do not need a super computer to deliver trillions of theoretical operations per second (1,000 Mtops) and the fancy graphical rendering effects.  After the financial tsunami, business firms are much more focusing on cost saving and budget control, and same as us.  This low budget PC fits for purpose and the bill very well.

I have to declare that it is not my intention to promote the Intel Atom motherboard right here, I just want to share my experience and provide some reference to those who want to build a PC with limited budget.

Pros:
good value
small footprint
low power consumption

Cons:
comparatively slower than the modern CPUs
no PCI-E slot for expansion
incompatibility issue of the onboard LAN with Ubuntu
basic graphic acceleration


8, Further Thoughts

Since the total power consumption of this system is around 50 watts, 20 watts for 945 chipset + 4 watts for CPU and few watts for hard disk and DVD writer, it is very suitable to use as a 7 x 24 NAS (freeNAS) and multimedia streaming set-top box (geexbox) when used with an ITX case.  Should you have any comment after reading this article, please feel free to reply me here and you are almost welcome.


===============================================================

73 de VR2UIX