Motherboards and Connectors

Installing Motherboards and Connectors: Objectives

• The objectives are being able to explain cable types and connectors, installing and configuring motherboards, explaining legacy cable types

Explain Cable Type and Connectors

• Components of a PC are divided into peripheral devices that are designed to be handled by the user, and those that would be damaged or dangerous in the case of exposure.
• Peripheral devices typically perform input (keyboard, mouse, microphone, camera), output (monitor and speakers), or external storage.
• The system case or chassis houses internal components like the motherboard, CPU, memory modules, adapter cards, fixed disks, and power supply unit.
• Most cases use a tower form factor designed to be oriented vertically and placed on a desk or floor.
• Understanding how to open a desktop computer case is important for PC maintenance.
• Tower cases have a side cover that can be removed by sliding it.
• Cases might be secured by screws or retaining clips and might have anti-tamper security mechanisms.
• Always refer to the system documentation and follow the recommended steps.
• The front panel provides access to removable media drives, a power on/off switch, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
• The front cover is removable but may require the side panel to be removed beforehand.
• Rear panels provide access to PSU sockets, requires care, be unobstructed to avoid affecting cooling.
• There may be an additional case fan.
• Beneath the PSU, there is a cutout aligned with the motherboards I/O ports, to connect peripheral devices.
• At the bottom of the rear panel there are cutout slots aligned with adapter card slots to allow cables to connect to any I/O ports on the cards.
• Uncovered slots disrupt airflow and can cause overheating, and dust accumulation.
• Adapter cards or metal strips known as blanking plates should cover the slots.

Peripheral Devices

• An I/O port allows device connections to PCs via peripheral cables.
• Some ports are designated for specific devices, like a graphics port for a monitor.
• Ports include HDMI, DVI, SATA, USB, RJ-45 Network and Audio Ports
• External ports can be positioned at the rear or front of the PC through cutouts in the case
• Can be provided on the motherboard or as an expansion card.

Interfaces, Ports, and Connectors

• A hardware port is the external connection point for a particular type of bus interface.
• A bus allows the transfer of data to and from devices.
• Connectors are part of peripheral cables that are inserted into ports with the same shape or form factor.
• Each bus interface type might use multiple connector form factors.
• Most connectors and ports use edge contacts and asymmetric designs called keying to prevent incorrect insertion or being reversible.

Binary Data Storage and Transfer Units

• Use appropriate units when comparing bus interfaces; computers process binary data.
• Each binary digit or bit (b) can have the value one or zero.
• Storage is measured in multiples of eight bits, referred to as a byte (B).
• Lowercase "b" refers to a bit, while uppercase means a byte.
• Transfer rates are expressed in units per second in multiples of bits and bytes.
  • 1000 kilobits (Kb/s or Kbps) and kilobytes (KB/s or KBps).
  • 1000x1000 = Megabits (Mb/s) or megabytes (MB/s).
  • 1000x1000x1000 = Gigabits (Gb/s) and gigabytes (GB/s).

Universal Serial Bus Cables

• USB is a standard means of connecting most types of peripheral devices to a computer.
• USB peripheral device functions divide into classes like human interface (keyboards and mice), mass storage (disk drives), printer, & audio devices.
• A USB is managed by a host controller that supports multiple ports on the same bus.
• Up to 127 devices could be connected per controller, PC provision multiple USB controllers (3-4 ports each) to avoid sharing bandwidth.

USB Standards

• The USB standard has had several iterations.
• Versions introduce better data rates.
• Version updates may define new connector form factors and other improvements. | Standard | Speed | Connectors | Legacy Designation | |-------------------------|-------------|-------------------------|--------------------| | USB 3.2 Gen 1 | 5 Gbps | USB-A, USB-C, USB Micro | USB 3.0 | | USB 3.2 Gen 2x1 | 10 Gbps | USB-A, USB-C, USB Micro | USB 3.1 SuperSpeed+ | | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 | 2 x 10 Gbps | USB-C | N/A |

USB Connector Types

• USB 2 connector form factors:
  • Type A: Connects to the host & some peripheral devices. The connector & port are flat rectangles. The connector should be inserted with the USB symbol facing up.
    • Type B: Connects to larger devices, like printers. The connector and port are square, with a beveled top.
      • Type B Mini: Smaller peripheral device connector seen on early digital cameras, no longer widely used.
      • Type B Micro: An updated connector for smaller devices like smartphones/tablets. Flatter than the mini type.

USB Connector Types (Cable Length)

• Max cable length for Low Speed devices is 3m.
• Max cable length for Full Speed and High Speed is 5m.
• Vendors may provide longer cables.
• SuperSpeed cable length is recommended up to 3m.

USB Connector Types (Power)

• USB buses provide power to connected devices including charging of the battery in a connected device.
• Most USB Type A and Type C ports can be used to charge the battery in a connected device.

HDMI and DisplayPort Video Cables

• The USB interface supports many types of devices, but it has not traditionally been used for video, instead it's provisioned over a dedicated interface.
• Video cable bandwidth is determined by the resolution of the image, measured in horizontal pixels by vertical pixels and the speed at which the image is redrawn, measured in hertz (Hz) or frames per second (fps).
  • Example: 1920x1200 is the typical format of high-definition (HD) video and 3840x2160 is typical of 4K video.

HDMI and DisplayPort Video Cables (High-Definition Multimedia Interface)

• HDMI is the most widely used video interface and is ubiquitous in consumer electronics such as TVs, consoles, Blu-ray players, and monitors designed for use with PCs.
• HDMI supports both video and audio, plus remote control and digital content protection (HDCP).
• Updates to the original HDMI specification have introduced support for high resolutions, such as 4K and 8K, and gaming features.
• Varying monitor refresh rate to match the frame rate of the video source is now supported.
• There are full-size (Type A), mini (Type C), and micro (Type D) connectors, all of which are beveled.

DisplayPort Interface

• HDMI requires royalty to use, because it was developed by consumer electronics companies.
• DisplayPort was developed as a royalty-free standard by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA).
• VESA represents PC graphics adapter and display technology companies.
• DisplayPort supports similar features to HDMI, such as 4K, audio, and content protection.
• Full-size DP++ and MiniDP/mDP port and connector types are keyed against incorrect orientation.

Thunderbolt and Lightning Cables

• Thunderbolt and Lightning interfaces are associated with Apple computers and mobile devices.
• Thunderbolt is increasingly implemented on Windows and Linux PCs

Thunderbolt Interface

• Thunderbolt can be used as a general peripheral interface like USB or a display interface like DisplayPort and HDMI
• Thunderbolt versions 1 and 2 use the same physical interface as MiniDP and are compatible with DisplayPort.
• Connecting a displayport monitor to a computer via a thunderbolt port via a adapter is possible.
• Thunderbolt ports are distinguished from MiniDP by a lightning bolt/flash icon.
• Version 2 of the standard supports links of up to 20 Gbps.
• Like DisplayPort, multiple monitors can be daisy-chained to a single port.

Lightning Interface

• Apple's mobile devices (iPhone, iPad) use a proprietary Lightning port and connector.
• The Lightning connector is reversible.
• The Lightning port is found only on Apple's mobile devices.
• Needs a suitable adapter cable (Lightning-to-USB A or Lightning-to-USB C) to connect such a device to a PC.

SATA Hard Drive Cables

• Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) is standard means of connecting internal storage drives within a desktop PC.
• SATA uses cables up to 1 m (39 in.) terminated with compact 7-pin connectors; each SATA host adapter port supports a single device.
• The 7-pin data connector doesn't supply power.
• A separate 15-pin SATA power connector is used to connect the device to the PC's power supply.
• Initial SATA standard supported speeds up to 150 MBps, revisions 2 and 3 increased speeds to 300 MBps and 600MBps.

Molex Power Connectors

• Internal storage device data cables are unpowered.
• Older devices connect to the PSU via a Molex connector rather than SATA power connectors.
• A Molex connector is white or clear plastic and has 4 pins.
• Wire insulation represents the DC voltage: red (5 VDC), yellow (12 VDC), and black (ground).

External SATA

• An external SATA (eSATA) standard exists for the attachment of peripheral drives, with a 2 m (78 in.) cable; eSATA cables must connect to ESATA ports.
• ESATAp is a nonstandard powered port; compatible with eSATAp & USB, but USB dominates the external drive market.

Install and Configure Motherboards

• Motherboard Functions:
  • Programs and data are processed using the ones and zeroes of binary code in the Central Processing Unit (CPU), also referred to as compute or processing
  • Both instructions/data and CPU storage are required.
  • RAM (random access memory) technology is nonpersistent, it provides temporary storage for running programs, which can only hold data when the PC is powered on.
  • Mass storage devices are used to preserve data when the computer is turned off.
• Processing and storage components connected by bus are built into the motherboard.
• Instructions and data are stored using transistors and capacitors and transmitted between components over the bus using electrical signals.
• The motherboard's system clock synchronizes operation of all parts of the PC and provides the basic timing signal for the CPU.
• Clock speeds measured in MHz or GHz, clock multipliers take the timing signal and apply a multiplication factor to produce different timing signals for different types of buses.

Motherboard Functions

• The type of motherboard impacts system speeds as well range of system devices, and adapter cards can be installed/upgraded.
• Major Motherboard manufacturers are AOpen (Acer), ASRock, ASUSTek, Biostar, EVGA Corporation, Gigabyte, Intel, and MSI.
• Each motherboard supports a particular range of CPU.
• PC CPUs are manufactured by Intel and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD).

Electrical Safety and ESD

• Follow operational procedures for safety and minimizing risk when opening a PC case to perform upgrades or troubleshooting.
• Ensures that the PC is disconnected from the power supply before opening the case to ensure your own safety.
• Hold down the power button for a few seconds after disconnecting the power cord to drain all internal components of charge.
• Avoid disassembling components that are not field-repairable, such as the power supply.

Electrostatic Discharge

• Minimize sensitive damage to electronic components used inside the PC by using tools and procedures.
• Components such as the CPU, system RAM, adapter cards, and the motherboard itself, are vulnerable to electrostatic discharge (ESD).
• Electrostatic discharge is when a static charge stored on your clothes or body is suddenly released into a circuit by touching it.
• Handle components by edges or plastic parts, and using an anti-ESD wrist strap and other protective equipment and procedures.

Motherboard CPU and System Memory Connectors

• All motherboards have connector and socket types for system devices: CPU, memory, fixed disk drives, and adapter cards.

CPU Sockets

• New motherboards support the latest CPU models.
• Most PC CPUs are manufactured by Intel & AMD and these vendors use different socket designs.
• CPU technology changes rapidly, so a given motherboard will only support a limited number of processor models.
• CPU sockets have a distinctive square shape and are covered by a heatsink and fan after CPU installation.
• The CPU function is supported by the motherboard's chipset, the chipset consists of controllers that handle data transfer between CPU and various devices; its soldered onto the motherboard and can't be upgraded.
• The chipset determines the choice of processor, RAM, and support integrated ports, and those not supported by the chipset can be installed or upgraded as an adapter card.

System Memory Slots

• System memory uses a type of memory technology called random-access memory (RAM).
• Program code is loaded into RAM so the CPU can access/execute it, and also holds data, such as a spreadsheet or document while being edited.
• System RAM is volatile and loses content when power is removed.
• System RAM is usually packaged as a dual inline memory module (DIMM) fitted to a motherboard slot.
• A DIMM slot has catches at either end, is located close to the CPU socket, and is numbered and often color-coded.
• RAM technologies: such as DDR3, DDR4, and DDR5.
• DIMM form factors are specific to a particular DDR version.
• Type of DIMMs supported is usually marked next to the slots.
• Memory controller capabilities number of physical slots determine the memory capacity.

Motherboard Storage Connectors

• Internal fixed disks in the case provide persistent storage of operating system, software, and data files, which come in SSD or HDD technology.
• The motherboard uses Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) ports to connect one or more fixed drives and to connect removable drives (Such as tape drives or DVD/Blu-ray).
• SATA devices are installed in a drive bay in the chassis then to a data port via a cable and to the power supply via a SATA power or Molex connector.

M.2 Interface

• An SSD can be built in an adapter card form factor with M.2 interfaces, where the port is oriented horizontally.
• M.2 adapter card is inserted at an angle, pushed into place, and secured.
• M.2 adapters come in different lengths (42 mm, 60 mm, 80 mm, or 110 mm).
• Adapter sizes are supported on labels. M.2 supplies power over the bus, so a separate power cable is unneeded.

External SATA Interface

• There is an external SATA (eSATA) standard for attaching external drives, with a 2 m (78 in.) cable.
• ESATA cables must connect to ESATA ports.
• ESATAp is a nonstandard powered port, USB dominates the external drive market.

Motherboard Adapter Connectors

• Expansion slots accept plug-in adapter cards to extend computer functions: PCI and PCIe.
• Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) is the mainstream interface for modern adapter cards.
• PCIe uses point-to-point serial communications for dedicated links.
• Each point-to-point connection is referred to as a link and may use one or more lanes.
• Raw transfer rate of each lane depends on supported PCIe version measured in giga transfers per second (GT/s).
• Throughput in GB/s is the rate after accounting for loss from encoding.

Motherboard Adapter Connectors (PCle vs PCI)

• Computers support more than one expansion bus to support older technologies.
• Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) is a legacy bus superseded by PCI express.
• PCIe is software compatible with PCI.
• PCI ports can be included on a PCIe motherboard to support legacy expansion cards but PCI cards cannot be fitted on PCle slots.

Motherboard Form Factors

• Motherboard form factor describes the shape, layout, the type of case and power supply that can be used including the number of adapter cards that can be installed
• Advanced Technology Extended (ATX) specification is the standard form factor for most desktop PC motherboards and cases.
• Full size ATX boards are 12 inches wide by 9.6 inches deep (or 305 mm x 244 mm), containing up to seven expansion slots.
• The Micro-ATX (mATX) standard is a 9.6-inch (244 mm x 244 mm) square board, containing up to four expansion slots.

Motherboard Form Factors (cont.)

• Small Form Factor (SFF) PCs, such as mini servers and or home machines, often use Via's Mini-ITX (Information Technology Extended) form factor.
• Mini-ITX is 6.7 inches (170 mm x 170 mm) square w/ one expansion slot, designed for small cases, but most mini-ITX boards can be mounted on ATX cases.
• Additionally, a PC can consist of nano-, pico-, and mobile-ITX form factors but these are used for embedded systems, portables, rather than PCs.

Motherboard Installation

• Standoffs attach motherboards to cases, ensure no other part touches, and use holes that are in the same position for compatible form factors.
• Follow this procedure:
  1. Familiarize yourself with the procedure with the motherboard documentation. Check whether any jumper clips need to be adjusted (a jumper is placed over header pins),
     1. Orient the board to the oblong I/O cutout at the rear of the case Prepare the I/O blanking plate by removing caps so that ports for USB, audio, and video are uncovered.
     2. Snap the blanking Plate into the cutout
     3. Insert standoffs into the case to match the hole locations on the motherboard The standoffs are usually threaded, but old cases may use push-down pegs.
     4. Make sure that the corners, long edges, and board center will be supported and do not add standoffs where there is no corresponding motherboard hole.
     5. Install the CPU and memory modules.
     6. Recheck alignment and standoff location, verify that each standoff is secure.
     7. Place the motherboard on the standoffs, being sure that they are aligned.
     8. Secure each standoff using the appropriate screw type.
     9. Avoid over tightening screws to prevent the board cracking.
     10. install the power and disk devices, adapter cards, and connectors

Motherboard Headers and Power Connectors

• Motherboards include connectors such as case buttons, speakers, and fans in addition to slots and sockets for adapters and system memory.
• Headers: connectors on the front and rear panel of the case connect to headers on the motherboard, some include:
• Power buttons (soft power)-sends a signal, can be held down to force a shutdown
• Drive Activity Lights- Show when the internal hard disk is being accessed.
• Audio Ports-Allow speakers, headphones, and microphones connect to the computer.
• USB ports - Internal USB 2 connections are made via 9-pin headers (up to two 4-pin connections). USB 3 headers use a 2x10 format, can be cabled to two ports.

Motherboard Headers and Power Connectors (Power connectors)

• The motherboard contains connection points for power supply and fans.
• The main P1 motherboard power connector is a distinctive 2x12 block with square bin receptacles.
• Fan connectors are 3- or 4-pin Molex KK format.
• There is one connector for the CPU , as well for case fans components like memory and video adapters.
• 4-pin fan connectors use a blue wire for precise fan-speed control via a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal.
• 3-pin fans are controlled by varying the voltage.

Video Cards and Capture Cards

• An expansion card adds functions or ports that are not supported by integrated features where the expansion card can be fitted to an appropriate PCIe or PCI slot.
• Some main types are:
  • Sound
  • Video
    • Generates signal to drive a monitor/projector.
  • Capture
  • Network

Video Cards and Capture Cards (Video Cards)

• Video cards are distinguished by these features:
• Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)-designed and optimized to process instructions that render 2-D and 3-D images and effects on-screen. Measured by the frame rate it can produce for a particular game or application. Performance characteristics include support for levels of texture and lighting effects.
• Graphics memory- 3D cards need memory for processing and texture effects. May be fitted with up to 12 GB GDDR RAM; around 4–6 GB is normal. Low-end cards may mix dedicated and shared memory.
• Video ports-The type and number of connectors, such as HDMI, DisplayPort, and Thunderbolt.

Sounds Cards

• Audio playback is achieved via speakers/headphones to sound card for sound.
• Recording is also achieved via microphones to sound cards.
• Audio Jacks use 3.5mm (1/8 inch) mono or stereo jacks (also referred to as phone plugs or mini tip, ring, sleeve (TRS) connectors).

Network Interface Cards (NIC)

• Ethernet network adapters are installed as part of the motherboard chipset
• Added NIC to connect to wifi.
• Wi-fi adapters are based on different 802.11 standards.
• Cards available that connect to cellular data networks as well.

DVI and VGA Video Cables

• HDMI and DisplayPort only support connecting to flat panel displays.
• Older video interfaces were used when connecting to the cathode ray displays.
• Digital Visual Interface (DVI): designed to support both analog and digital outputs. Though popular for a while after it's 1999 release, DVI is no longer in active development. Encountered now on older display devices and video cards.
  • Types supporting configurations supporting varying bandwidths, analog/digital output signaling can determine the port type.

DVI and VGA Video Cables (VGA)

• 15 pin Video Graphics Array (VGA) port standard for pc devices for a long time.
• Until recently, most video cards and monitors included a VGA port, although is becoming phased out over time.
• VGA usually supports resolutions up to HD (1920x1080) depending on the cable quality
• D-shell connector type with screws to secure it to the port.

Small Computer System Interface (SCSI)

• Modern interfaces like USB and Thunderbolt use serial communications.
• Improvements to signalling permit newer serial links to achieve Mbps/Gbps.
• Slower interface meant PC vendors used parallel data for better transfer rates.
• Serial interfaces send single bit at a time.
• Parallel interfaces sent 8 bits (1 byte) or more.
• The trade off is more wire, and more pins and bulkier connectors

Small Computer System Interface (Legacy Bus)

• Small computer system interface (SCSI) is one example of a older parallel bus.
• A single SCSI Host Bus Adapter (HBA) can control multiple devices attached with ribbon cables
• A defined set of commands let the adapter decide what devices are attached to the bus and how they get accessed.
• SCSI can be used for internal and external devices like scanners, printers and connection of internal hard disk drives.

Integrated Drive Electronics Interface

• Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) interface was a main method for mass storage in desktops.
• Also called Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment (PATA).
• Extended IDE (EIDE) uses 16 bit parallel transfers.
• Motherboards may come with either one or two Ide host adapters, the IDE1 channel and IDE2 channel.
• Labels may also be labeled (Primary (PRI IDE) and Secondary (SEC IDE)).
• An IDE typically supports two devices.

Integrated Drive Electronics Interface (Cable)

• An cable has two color coded connectors
• Blue for the motherboard port
• Black(end) and gray (middle) for respective attach locations. Cable with pin to be oriented correctly Is identified with a stripe. With keyed connectors to prevent being accidentally plugged in.

Serial Cables

• A serial port is a legacy connection interface for data transmission over one wire, one bit at a time.
• Transfer uses start, stop, and parity bits to format and verify data transmission.
• Usually used to connect external modems for dial-up internet (replaced by usb now)

Adapter Cables

• Adapter cables are peripheral cables to provide for connection that the available port.
• Adapters convert circuitry to convert signal, while passive adapter do convert signal.
• Types include: converting signaling types (HDMI to VGA, or DVI), converting connector types(USB-C to USB-A), USB adapter with additional ports, and USB adapters to various kinds of output, including Lightning and HDMI.