Using Slot-to-Socket Adapters (SSAs) on Intel Motherboards

Intel^®

Use of Boxed Intel^® Desktop Boards and Pentium ^® III Processors in the FC-PGA Package with Slot-to-Socket Adapters (SSAs)

Updated June 2000

Intel only recommends using desktop boards equipped with the 370-pin socket for the boxed Intel Pentium^® III processor in the FC-PGA package. The Intel CA810E and D810EMO desktop boards have been designed and validated specifically for the Pentium III processor in the FC-PGA package.

However, if systems are integrated using a “slot-to-socket adapter (SSA)” with an Intel motherboard, it is extremely important that only SSAs from the following list be used.

The listed SSAs in combination with the listed Intel desktop board support minimum functional and voltage requirements for the Pentium III processor in the FC-PGA package (specifically signal integrity of the AGTL+ lines, voltage levels of Vtt, Vcc, and VccCMOS, basic electrical, and limited software validation). SSA AND MOTHERBOARD COMBINATIONS WHICH CAUSE YOUR PROCESSOR TO OPERATE OUT OF SPECIFICATIONS WILL VOID THE INTEL PROCESSOR AND INTEL DESKTOP BOARD LIMITED WARRANTY AND MAY DAMAGE THE PROCESSOR AND/OR MOTHERBOARD. The SSA vendor remains solely responsible for the design, sale and functionality of its product, including any liability arising from product infringement or product warranty.

Manufacturers offering SSA and motherboard combinations should be contacted directly for compatibility information with Intel Pentium III processors.

This information is for reference use only by PC integrators and is provided solely as a convenience. Inclusion on the list should not be considered an endorsement by Intel. PC integrators should do their own testing including electro-magnetic compatibility (EMC), environmental operation, mechanical considerations (including shock and vibration during operation and shipping and handling), and compatibility with the intended applications. Intel has not performed testing in these areas.

Intel reserves the right to modify this document or its test specifications at any time without notice. Intel assumes no responsibility for any errors, which may appear in this document, nor does it make any commitment to update the information contained in it. Intel disclaims any liability or obligation for damages of any kind arising out of the application or use of the information contained in this document.

INTEL DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES AND GUARANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM OR CONCERNING THE CONTENTS OF THIS DOCUMENT, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND ANY WARRANTY OF NON-INFRINGEMENT OF ANY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHT OF ANY THIRD PARTY. INTEL MAKES NO CLAIMS OF COMPLIANCE WITH ANY GOVERNMENTAL REGULATORY AGENCY.

Intel does not convey any license, express or implied, by estoppel or otherwise, arising under its intellectual property rights, nor under the rights of others. Intel products are not intended for use in medical, life saving, or life sustaining applications.

Table 1. Intel® Desktop Board and Slot-to-Socket Adapter Combinations
Supporting the Pentium® III Processor in the FC-PGA Package

Brand	SSA name	242-contact slot connector desktop boards	Supported with BIOS Versions
ASUS*3	S370-101 (rev 1.01)	SE440BX-2 V 1	SE440BX-2 BIOS P16 (4S4EB2X0.86A.0023.P16)
Gigabyte*	GA-6R7+ (rev 1.1)	SE440BX-2V1	SE440BX-2 BIOS P16 (4S4EB2X0.86A.0023.P16)
Micro-Star* (MSI)	MS-6905 Master (rev 2.0)	SE440BX-2V1	SE440BX-2 BIOS P16 (4S4EB2X0.86A.0023.P16)

¹Evaluation performed with the Intel^® Pentium^® III Processor 700 MHz (FC-PGA).

IMPORTANT: SSA manufacturers may change their products at any time, with or without notice, thereby affecting compatibility with Intel processors and Intel desktop boards. Verify the SSA revision-level with the SSA manufacturer to ensure compatibility with the Intel Pentium III processor.

Intel desktop boards integrated with a SSA and a Pentium III processor (FC-PGA) are listed above based upon successful completion of a limited number of system tests performed in test vehicles. The final decision on whether to include a specific peripheral or software application should be made by the system integrator only after performing compatibility testing with the SSA in the intended system configuration.

SSA manufacturers may not ship their products with mounting support that works with Intel’s Retention Mechanism. Therefore, PC integrators should ensure the Retention Mechanism used in the system will properly hold the SSA and processor in place.

PC integrators should ensure they are using the most current microcode for their processor. Contact your motherboard manufacturer to obtain the latest BIOS to support your processor.

Summary:
Intel recommends using desktop boards equipped with the 370-pin socket for the boxed Intel Pentium^® III processor in the FC-PGA package. However, if systems are integrated using a “slot-to-socket adapter (SSA)”, it is extremely important that the following conditions are met:

• Use only the SSA and Intel Desktop Board combinations listed above.
• The retention mechanism used in the system must firmly hold the SSA and processor in place.
• The system BIOS must contain the latest microcode update for the processor.
• PC integrators should perform substantial testing in the following areas:

  EMC, environmental, mechanical, and compatibility with the intended applications.

This data courtesy of the Intel Corporation, all rights reserved.

Notice: Intel®, Pentium®, Celeron® are trademarks of the Intel Corporation. Windows® 95, Windows® 98, Windows® NT, Windows® 2000 and Microsoft® Office are registered trademarks or trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation.

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