Motherboards and Connectors: Installation and Types

Chapter 1: Installing Motherboards and Connectors: Objectives

• Explain different cable types and connectors
• Explain how to install and configure motherboards
• Discuss legacy cable types

Explain Cable Types and Connectors

• Personal computer components are divided into devices handled by the user (peripherals) and those that, if exposed, risk damage or danger.
• Peripheral devices provide input (keyboard, mouse), output (monitor, speakers), and external storage functions.
• The system case (chassis) houses internal components such as the motherboard, CPU, memory, adapter cards, fixed disks, and power supply.
• Most cases use a tower form factor, designed for vertical orientation on a desk or floor.
• PC maintenance requires understanding how to open the computer case.
• Tower cases have a side cover that can be removed by sliding it off.
• Cases may be secured by screws or retaining clips and may have anti-tamper mechanisms.
• Refer to system documentation and follow recommended steps when opening a PC case.
• The front panel provides access to removable media drives, the power switch, and LEDs indicating drive operation.
• The front cover may require side panel removal to access securing screws or clips.
• The rear panel provides access to the power supply unit (PSU) socket.
• The PSU has an integral fan exhaust that should not be obstructed to ensure proper cooling.
• An additional case fan may also be present.
• A cutout aligned with the motherboard's I/O ports allows connecting peripheral devices.
• Cutout slots on the rear panel align with adapter card slots, allowing cable connections to I/O ports on the cards.
• Uncovered slots can disrupt airflow, causing overheating and increased dust inside the system, and they should be covered by an adapter card or a blanking plate.
• I/O ports, which connect devices via peripheral cables, can be designed for specific devices or support various types.
• External ports are positioned at the rear or front of the PC case via cutouts and can be provided on the motherboard or via an expansion card.

Interfaces, Ports, and Connectors

• A hardware port serves as the external connection point for a bus interface.
• A bus facilitates data transfer to and from devices.
• The connector is the part of a peripheral cable that is inserted into a port and has a compatible shape or form factor.
• Each bus interface type may have multiple connector form factors.
• Most ports and connectors use edge contacts and asymmetric keying to prevent incorrect insertion or are reversible.

Binary Data Storage and Transfer Units

• Appropriate units are important when comparing bus interfaces, as computers process binary data.
• A bit (b), a binary digit, has a value of one or zero.
• A byte (B) consists of multiples of eight bits, used to measure storage.
• Lowercase "b" refers to bits, while uppercase "B" refers to bytes.
• Transfer rates are expressed in units per second of the following multiples of bits and bytes:
  • 1000 bits/bytes = Kilobits (Kb/s or Kbps) / Kilobytes (KB/s or KBps)
  • 1000x1000 bits/bytes = Megabits (Mb/s) / Megabytes (MB/s)
  • 1000x1000x1000 bits/bytes = Gigabits (Gb/s) / Gigabytes (GB/s)

Universal Serial Bus (USB) Cables

• USB is the standard for connecting most peripherals to a computer.
• USB device functions are divided into classes, including human interface (keyboards, mice), mass storage (disk drives), printer, and audio devices.
• A USB is managed through a USB host controller.
• Each host controller supports multiple ports connected to the same bus, with theoretical support for up to 127 devices per controller.
• Most PC motherboards provide multiple USB controllers each with three or four ports, to overcome sharing bandwidth limitations.

USB Standards

• Multiple iterations of the USB standard exist.
• Each version introduces better data rates.
• Version updates may define new connector form factors and other improvements.
  • USB 3.2 Gen 1 SuperSpeed USB supports speeds of 5 Gbps, using USB-A, USB-C, and USB Micro connectors, and has a legacy designation of USB 3.0.
  • USB 3.2 Gen 2x1 SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps supports speeds of 10 Gbps, using USB-A, USB-C, and USB Micro connectors, and has a legacy designation of USB 3.1 SuperSpeed+.
  • USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 SuperSpeed USB 20 Gbps supports speeds of 2 x 10 Gbps, using USB-C connectors.

USB Connector Types

• USB 2 specifies the connector form factors:
  • Type A is for connection to the host and some peripheral devices, shaped like flat rectangles, and should be inserted with the USB symbol facing up.
  • Type B is for connection to large devices such as printers and is square with a beveled top.
  • Type B Mini is for smaller peripheral devices and has been commonly found on older digital cameras but is no longer widely used.
  • Type B Micro is an updated connector for smaller devices like smartphones and tablets and is distinctively flatter than the older mini type.
• Cable Length:
  • Maximum cable length for low speed devices is 3m.
  • Maximum for full and high speed is 5m.
  • Although SuperSpeed ​​cables do not have an official max length of about 3 m is recommended.
• Power:
  • The bus supplies power to the connected device.
  • Most USB Type A and C ports can charge a battery in a connected device.

HDMI and DisplayPort Video Cables

• USB interface supports many types of devices but is not traditionally used for video.
• Video interfaces demand high bandwidth and are typically provisioned over a dedicated interface.
• Video cable bandwidth is determined by the resolution of the image and the speed the image is redrawn.
• Resolution is measured in horizontal pixels by vertical pixels (1920x1200 – High Definition (HD), 3840x2160 - 4K).
• Speed is measured in hertz (Hz) or FPS.
• High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is the most widely used video interface and supports both video and audio, plus remote control and digital content protection (HDCP).
• HDMI is common on consumer electronics such as TVs, consoles, Blu-ray players, and PC monitors as well.
• Updates to HDMI support higher resolutions like 4K/8K and has gaming features.
• HDMI connector types include full-size (Type A), mini (Type C), and micro (Type D), with beveled edges to ensure correct orientation.
• DisplayPort, a royalty-free standard, was developed by VESA.
• DisplayPort is used by PC graphics adapter and display technology companies.
• DisplayPort supports similar features to HDMI, such as 4K, audio, and content protection.
• Connector types include full-size DP++ and MiniDP/mDP, keyed against incorrect orientation.
• Thunderbolt is mostly used with Apple computers and Lightning interfaces and is increasingly found on Windows and Linux.
• Thunderbolt is a display interface like DisplayPort or HDMI and a general peripheral interface like USB.
• Thunderbolt versions 1 and 2 are designed the same as MiniDP and compatible with DisplayPort so that a monitor with a DisplayPort can connect to a computer using thunderbolt and an adapter.
• Thunderbolt ports are distinguished by a light bolt/flash icon. Version 2 supports link of up to 20 Gbps.
• Like DisplayPort multiple monitors can be connected to a single port via Daisy chaining.
• Apple iPhones and iPads use a proprietary Lightning port and connector.
• The Lightning connector is reversible.
• The Lightning port is only found on Apple devices.
• Connect such devices to a pc, you need an adapter cable.

SATA Hard Drive Cables

• Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) is the standard means of connecting internal storage drives inside a PC; using cables of up to 1 m terminated with 7-pin connectors and each adapter port supports a single device.
• 7-pin data connectors do not supply power and requires a separate 15-pin SATA power connector to the PC's power supply.
• The SATA standard initially supported speeds of up to 150 MBps, which later increased up to 300 MBps in revision 2 and 600 MBps in revision 3.

Molex Power Connectors

• Internal storage device data cables are unpowered. SATA connectors are ideal for newer devices, older components connect to The PSU via Molex connector.
• Molex connectors are plastic, clear, or white, and have 4 pins.
• Red wire insulation for 5VDC, yellow wire for 12VDC, and Black wire (ground).

External SATA

• External SATA (eSATA) is a standard used to attach peripheral drives with a 2 m (78 in.) cable.
• An eSATA cable should be used to connect to an external eSATA port.
• eSATAp is a nonstandard port used by vendors that is compatible with both USB and SATA.
• The USB interface commands the external drive market.

Motherboard Functions

• Computer software and data are processed using binary code.
• Software is run by using CPU, this is a compute or pressing function of a PC.
• Instructions and data also require storage, as the CPU can store a limited storage of instructions internally at a time.
• RAM storage provides additional store, RAM Technology is nonpersistent.
• RAM loses data when a PC is turned off, so mass storage devices preserve data.
• Bus interfaces on the motherboard connect storage and processing components.
• The transistors and capacitors store instructions and data and transmit it between components using electrical signals over a bus.
• A system clock synchronizes the PC and provides the basic timing signal for the CPU Clock Speed Measurement:
  • MHz
  • GHz
  • Clock multipliers take the timing signal made by the generator and apply it to produce different timing systems for different buses.
• System speed and the range of adapter cards depends on the motherboard.
• The CPU range also depends on the motherboard.
• PC CPU's are made by intel and AMD.

Electrical Safety and ESD

• Follow proper operational procedures to ensure safety and minimize risks of damaging components when upgrading or troubleshooting.
• Ensure safety by disconnecting the PC from the power supply when working with a PC and draining internal components by holding the power button for a few seconds.
• Do not disassemble components that are not field repairable such as a power supply.
• Use procedures to minimize damage to sensitive electrical components inside a PC.
• Ex: CPU, adapter cards, the motherboard itself.
• Static discharge (ESD) occurs when a static charge stored in clothes or body its suddenly released.
• Handle components only by edges or plastic parts, and use an anti-ESD wrist strap or other protective equipment.

Motherboard CPU and System Memory Connectors

• Motherboards have different connector and socket types for PCU, memory and disk drives.
• New motherboards releases are generally intended to support the latest CPU models.
• Most PC CPU's are produced by Intel and AMD, and vendors use different socket designs.
• Therefore, a given motherboard will only support a limited range.
• The CPU socket is square. The CPU is covered by a heatsink fan when is has been installed in the socket.
• The Motherboard's chipset supports the CPU's function.
• The chipset can't be upgraded because it's soldered to the motherboard.
• Chipsets for the motherboard affect processor choices, RAM amount types and also support audio features and networking.
• Interfaces that are not supported by the chipset can be installed or updated on an adapter card.

System Memory Slots

• Random access memory is used for system memory (RAM)
• Program code is installed into RAM can executed by the processor.
• RAM holds data while it is being modified.
• System RAM loses content when power is removed.
• System RAM usually comes as a DIMM to be placed on a connector.
• A DIMM slot is located near the CPU socket.
• RAM has several generations of technology such as DDR3, DDR4, & DDR5.
• DIMM is specific to a DDR version.
• Next to the slots there is usually a label to give you the type of DIMM supported
• Memory controller and physical slots determine how much memory will fit

Motherboard Storage Connectors

• Fixed disk in the pc provide storage for data files.
• Fixed disks use SSD & HDD Tech
• The motherboard has several Serial Advanced Technology that allows a SATA to connect.
• SATA is used to connect removeable drives.
• SATA are installed by bay cables and power cables.

M.2 Interface

• SSD can be added to the PC via an adapter.
• These adapter use an M.2 Interface.
• M.2 ports are positioned Horizontally.
• M.2s need to be secured with screws.
• Size range for M.2 adapters are 42mm-110mm.
• So you'll need to check you adapters against the MOBA.
• Labels support sizes.
• Over the bus there is no need for a separate power cable.

Motherboard Adapter Connectors

• Adapter cards extend more range to computers
• Two types of expansion slot interfaces:
  • Peripheral Component Interconnect Express Interface
  • This is the PCle, and it is for adapter cards. It uses point-to-point
  • Serial communications. Each link can make use of one or more lines:
    • Raw transfer rates are determined by PCle values.
    • Transfer rates are measured in GT/Sec.
• Old Tech
  • Computers can support more that one expansion bus to support olds tech.
  • Peripheral Component Interconnect PCI is a legacy tech.
  • PCle is software and compatible with PCI, this PCI is to support legacy adapters, however PCI adapters cannot be fitted onto the PCle slots.

Motherboard Form Factors

• It can be described in layouts in cases.
• Motherboard Description
  • Advanced technology extended ATX is for desktops and most MOBA.
    • 12x9.6 in
    • Up to 7 expansion slots
  • Micro ATX is 9.6x9.6 square
    • Max 4 Expansion slots
    • Information Technology Extended Form Factor Small form factor PC are mini servers and are used as mini serves.
• Mini ITX which is from VIA.
  • Square of 6/7 in, expansion of a single sot
  • Most Mini INX's can be mounted on ATX cases There are smaller nano and mobile ITs and are common on embedded computers and portables.

Motherboard Installation

• The motherboard is supported through standoffs.
• The standoffs firmly hold the motherboard and ensures no other part of it touches the case.
• The position of holes on standoff's depends on the case and MOBA.
• Use the MOBA documentation to get familiar with the procedure.
• Ensure that jumper clips need to be adjusted. Jumpers are placed on header pins by orientation.
• Orient the board into oblong //IO cutout. Prepare MOBA I/O blanking in the right orientation by removing cap so ports will be uncovered when fits.
• Fit the blanking by snapping it into cutout.
• Insert standoffs into the case to match the hole locations on the MOBA. (These are threaded) Make sure corners, long edges and center are supported.
• Do not add standoffs that don't line up on MOBA.
• Mount CPU and memory b4 install the board. Check alignment and standoff location.
• Add addon adapter, power and disk devices and install data and pwr.

Motherboard Headers and Power Connectors

• Motherboards also include components like cases and buttons.
• Headers are on rear panels that connect to component on the motherboard as well. + Pwr Button a shut down signal + Drive (HDD signal from HDD)
• The audio ports connect PC and speakers.
• USB ports are used on internal 2 connections.
• Motherboards also have points for pwr supplies.

• The P1 board 2x12 pin with receptacles.
• Fna connectors are 3-4 pin Molex
• Used for case fans and components
• 4 pin supports fan control via PWM signal through the blue wire 3 pins are on voltage

Video Cards and Capture Cards

• Expansion cards add ports that are not on MOBA.
• Expansion cards can be PCle.

Types of Expansion card

• Sound video and network cards. The video board will drive the projector or monitor. Graphics Processing Unit is a microprocessor for 3-D or 4 D and basic test for the GP is the frame rate of the GPU Video/Graphics memory: 3-D card needs for processing textures.
  • Dedicated carsd 12 GB GDDR RAM
  • Lower ram can use shared memories
• Video ports used number of connections through HMDI or DiplayPort.

Sound Cards

• Audio payback is achieved through headphones and speakers, connected through audio cards.
• 3.5mm Jacks are used with mono or stereo TRS.

Network Interface Cards

• Most computers have an ethernet cards already installed on the MOBA.
• Wi-FI adapter used for wiresless network used for wifi adapter.

Explain Legacy cable types

• HDMI & DisplayPort uses digital panal displays.
• Olfers interfaces are used with computer monitors are driven by analog signals.
• DVI (Digital Visual Interface) is a mixed output for digital & analy. Now only on older devices but not active.
• DVI has 5 types: single, dual link analogue digital.
• VGA with analog video for pcs. Most vga are being phases out. This used 1920x1080. The connector is a D-shell type.

Small Computer Systems Interface

• Bus Interfaces like thunderbolts use serial communication.
• Back when slower PC vends used parallel.
• Serial interface needs a signal bit time. +Parallel sends many bits at a time.

• Require more wires and parallel interfaces

• Small computer system interfaces is an example of a legacy parallel bus
• One SCSI host can attach internal ribbons and SCSI cables
• The Standard identifies devies through the buss
• SCSI where also use for internal and external, but it's now connection is only found on HDD's (rarely).

Integrated Drive Electronics Interface

• IDE was a principal mass storage interface.
• Interface is referred as PATA.
• EIDE uses 16-but parallel data transfers.
• A MOAB for IDE can connect with one or two host.
• Single IDE channel is typical now.
• Each IDE channel can only use 2 devices (0 and 2.

IDE cable

• Three code connecter type
• Blue port for MOBA.
• Black(end) and Grey(mid) connect device.
• Pin 4 must be oriented wiht pin 1

SC Cables

• Connection interface where data transmit over wire one by one.
• Start stop and parity bits
• Used on dial up for connection, however this is largely over USB.

Adapter Cables

• When cables cannot connect from part available can be used.
• Adapter has connector.
• The type of adapter can be.

• Convert signals.
  • USB hubs can adds more ports
  • USB adapter kind output.