Datasheet
107
Balanced Technology Extended (BTX) Boxed Processor Specifications
NOTES:
1. 1. Set point variance is approximately ±1°C from Thermal Module Assembly to Thermal Module Assembly.
If the boxed processor TMA 4-pin connector is connected to a 4-pin motherboard header and the
motherboard is designed with a fan speed controller with PWM output (see CONTROL in
Table 8-1) and remote thermal diode measurement capability, the boxed processor will operate as
described in the following paragraphs.
As processor power has increased, the required thermal solutions have generated increasingly more
noise. Intel has added an option to the boxed processor that allows system integrators to have a
quieter system in the most common usage.
The 4-wire PWM controlled fan in the TMA solution provides better control over chassis
acoustics. It allows better granularity of fan speed and lowers overall fan speed than a voltage-
controlled fan. Fan RPM is modulated through the use of an ASIC located on the motherboard that
sends out a PWM control signal to the 4th pin of the connector labeled as CONTROL. The fan
speed is based on a combination of actual processor temperature and thermistor temperature.
If the 4-wire PWM controlled fan in the TMA solution is connected to a 3-pin baseboard processor
fan header it will default back to a thermistor controlled mode, allowing compatibility with existing
3-pin baseboard designs. Under thermistor controlled mode, the fan RPM is automatically varied
based on the Tinlet temperature measured by a thermistor located at the fan inlet.
For more details on specific motherboard requirements for 4-wire based fan speed control see the
Intel Pentium D Processor, Intel Pentium Processor Extreme Edition, and Intel Pentium 4
Processor Thermal and Mechanical Design Guidelines.
§
Table 8-2. TMA Set Points for 3-wire operation of BTX Type I and Type II Boxed Processors
Boxed Processor
TMA Set Point (C)
Boxed Processor Fan Speed
Notes
X
≤ 23
When the internal chassis temperature is below or equal to this set point,
the fan operates at its lowest speed. Recommended maximum internal
chassis temperature for nominal operating environment.
1
Y = 29
When the internal chassis temperature is at this point, the fan operates
between its lowest and highest speeds. Recommended maximum
internal chassis temperature for worst-case operating environment.
Z
≥ 35.5
When the internal chassis temperature is above or equal to this set point,
the fan operates at its highest speed.
1