Intel DG965WH Motherboard

Supported Processor Package type or Pin Configuration:

-LGA 775-
In short, this motherboard supports Intel's "Core2 Duo" line of processors.

Through a home network, one can enjoy watching movies of High Definition quality in their living room with this motherboard.

Some of the Intel Motherboard DG965WH features include:

An embedded Intel Graphics Controller Chip that supports Window's Vista Aero experience. Namely, it is Intel's embedded Graphics Media Accelerator X3000 graphics controller.

RAM approved and used for this motherboard:
Kingston DDR2 Memory Kit(s) #KVR800D2N5K2/1G. Memory runs at the stated speed of 800Mhz. Currently, this memory is very inexpensive.

Details: Since this motherboard and its supported list of processor(s) are 64-bit capable, you can run Windows XP or Windows Vista 64-bit software.

This motherboard's configuration is geared for Intel's ViiV (pronounced V i V e) technology. A technology that allows one to download movies, sports events, and TV shows. The titles, of such, that are of your choice, and, are viewed at a time of your choosing. With a home networking wired router such as the D-link 4100, you can then view these downloaded events to your Home Theater System, or television, in your living room, complete with High Definition signal and Dolby 7.1 surround sound.

One can subscribe to the $9.95 per month, Starz Network, movie downloading service called Vongo.

The devices needed take advantage of this motherboard's ViiV technology, (the technology to network the PC and view movies are:

1) An AHCI, SATA interface Hard Disk Drive that supports, "Native Command Queing."
Example: Western Digital Raptor X 150 Hard Drive
Cost: As low as $199.99 as of August, 2007.

2) A wired, Ethernet Router for transmitting PC files to the living room.
Example: D-Link 4100 Ethernet GamerLounge Router
Cost: Lowest price around $99.99, as of August, 2007.

Note that a Wireless Network may work, but the signal quality may not be as high do to unmovable objects in the way such as microwave ovens, etc, and this type of connection is not recommended by Microsoft, especially for the reception bandwidth needed for High Definition movies.

3) A Windows Media Extender such as the XBOX 360

Example: Buffalotech's, PC-P3LWG/DVD Media Center Extender with Remote Control (Cost: $220.00) ...but.. better yet for your family...

Microsoft's XBOX 360 Media Center Extender ...(also lets you & your kids play the latest games and view downloaded movies in High Definition 1080i resolution!!!) (Cost $398.00) with hard drive as of August, 2007.

Note that the Universal Remote for the XBox 360 can be purchased at Best Buy stores for around $20.00.

This motherboard's embedded Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound is backward compatible Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound. A Dolby Surround Sound emblem is supplied with the board.

4) The last item you will need is a source or service to download your movies from.

Example: Vongo Movie Service from Starz Network Cost: $9.95 a month as of August, 2007. (A substantial savings from escalating, traditional Cable/Satellite service hikes.)


In short, the Windows Media Center, or an Intel ViiV enabled system will cost you at least another $500.00 with a monthly added movie/program download subscription service of $9.95 per month. As of August 2007, Vongo is the best movie download service. The service, MovieLink, is also available. Also, the SATA, Native Command Cueing, hard drive, $199.99, isn't necessary for viewing movies, though it is faster & recommended.

My review on the "D-link 4100 router" will provide more concise home networking instructions, if interested.

Also, please note:

Microsoft has this Intel ViiV Technology nicely wrapped up in its movie networkable operating systems such as:

Windows XP Media Center Edition &
Windows Vista Home Premium and Ultimate versions.

These computer operating system(s), one of which when paired with Microsoft's XBOX 360, the "multimedia extender" device that connects to your ethernet-wired network and connects to your TV's auxiliary video and audio inputs, allow you to view movies and play games!

----End of the DG965WH Intel ViiV feature explanation----

DG965WH Motherboard's Basic Features/Connections:

-One standard Floppy Disk Connection

-1 PATA, IDE Connection - Will connect up to two standard IDE drives supporting the latest UDMA6 speed or 1 hard drive and one standard IDE, ATAPI CDROM, DVDROM, -Writer drive.

-6 Rear USB ports plus support that includes a connector for 4 additional front USB ports if your new computer case features this.

- Two 1394 Ports - One rear, and support for 1 on the front of your computer case.

-3 traditional (PCI) connectors

-3 "PCI Express x1" Connectors
-1 Graphics Card, PCI Express x16 connector.

-Integrated Lan Adapter for (High Speed Cable,or DSL) Internet connection, or a Network Router connection.

** More features include such things as:

1)"Quiet System technology" -motherboard automatically slows fan speed, reducing noice, when system temperatures are normal.

2)Fully supports Microsoft's new "Vista" Operating System and its new Aero User Interface experience.

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Time saving tips upon configuring the board....

-A standard 20 pin power supply connector will work on these boards. No 24-pin power supply adapter necessary.

The enclosed CD-Rom "Inf" installation utility will display a "File Missing" error message shortly after it has started installing the drivers for the motherboard.

Microsoft operating systems such as XP and Vista now include the needed drivers to configure this motherboard so DON'T use the installation CD-ROM. The only driver you will need to install from the Intel website is the Management Engine driver that is available here,
http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Product_Filter.aspx?ProductID=2375

For connecting devices to your motherboard:

Follow the clear, large, simple diagrams and directions that come with the motherboard. The connectors are well labeled and color coded on the quality instruction sheet provided. No jumpers need to be set when updating the BIOS. You will need to do this at least once. Intel offers 4 easy ways to do this. The updated BIOS on Intel's website,
http://support.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/dg965wh/

Current Issues: A place for a serial connection exists on board, however it is useless. This serial port does not function on our motherboard as of 8/13/2007, not even on the replacement motherboard Intel sent us. If you have an external modem, it will have to have a USB type of connector.

The Core 2 Duo, processor installs easily. (The Heatsink snaps in supposedly with a "double-click sound", though the double-click sound is not always audible. (When the four push-pins are down and tight against the motherboard, it's a done deal.) Don't push too hard and break your new board! You can turn the pushpins of the heatsink all the way (clockwise) to manually to lock the heatsink onto the processor. (A counterclockwise turn will release the heatsink from the processor.) For your comfort in discerning whether your heat sink is properly in place, my processor's temperature runs, at the most, for now, 138 degrees F. When the processor is nearly idle and relaxed. (IMPORTANT NOTE: If you remove the Heat Sink from the processor for ANY reason after the initial installation, you MUST REPLACE the THERMAL grease layer that lies between the processor and the Heat Sink. (If you remove the processor after the "Thermal Grease" hardens, you must wipe off the old and reapply the new thermal grease between the heatsink and the top of the processor.) If you don't, the processor temperature will rise 50 degrees or more. A dangerous situation. It is a good idea to buy a tube or bottle of thermal grease. Zalman's Thermal Grease is excellent and is available at CompUSA stores for around $20. This keeps the processor around 8 degrees cooler than the Intel supplied thermal grease, pre-installed on the processor.

Note: One RAM module is installed in Port A Channel O, (blue) and the other at Port B, Channel 0.(blue)

Summary

The Intel DG965WH is a very stable motherboard. It works from the very beginning, and when installing Windows XP or Vista, it practically configures itself. No need for Intel's Installation CD. This CD just contains a lot of problems, and all of its drivers are now outdated.

Also, there is one program on Intel's Installation CD that you should avoid at all costs. It is FarStone's, "Restore It" program. This program corrupts Window's boot sector with its own version, and it won't uninstall properly. This nasty program left me with a blank screen until I finally had to re-install Windows XP.

Enjoy watching movies with your new Intel DG965WH motherboard. One person can be working on the computer while the other person is in the living room watching a movie! This DG965WH motherboard is great!