3.3.3.-3.3.4.txt

Components in a computer need to be able to communicate with each other. Data needs to be retrieved from the hard-drive, structures need to be read from the CPU, and graphic information needs to be sent to the video card. The component that allows all this to happen is the motherboard. In this lesso...

Components in a computer need to be able to communicate with each other. Data needs to be retrieved from the hard-drive, structures need to be read from the CPU, and graphic information needs to be sent to the video card. The component that allows all this to happen is the motherboard. In this lesson, we’re going to take a closer look at the different parts of a motherboard. Here’s a typical ATX motherboard. The first thing we want to look at are all these connection areas. Because every component connects to the motherboard, there’s a lot of different connectors. CPU Socket 0:34-0:49 The first one you might notice is the CPU socket here. This is where the CPU is installed. Depending on the type of CPU the motherboard is made for, this socket might look a little different, but for the most part, it’s very easy to identify the CPU socket. Memory Slots 0:50-1:00 Next to the CPU socket are the memory slots. This is where the computer’s memory modules are installed. Four memory slots is standard for most motherboards but some might have more or less. ATX and CPU Power 1:01-1:11 Right here is the ATX power connector for the power supply and over here is the CPU power connector. This supplies the CPU with additional power. Case and CPU Fans 1:12-1:36 Also on the motherboard are connectors for case fans, which are these pin connectors. Most motherboards have around three case fan connectors. In addition, there’s a CPU fan connector up near the CPU socket. Even though this uses the same connector as the case fans, it’s a bit different. It actually gathers information about the CPU fan such as its RPMs. Expansion Slots 1:37-1:44 Over here are the motherboard’s expansion slots. This is where expansion boards, which expand the functionality of the computer, are installed. Front Panel and Case Connectors 1:45-2:00 Down by the expansion slots is where you’ll find the motherboard’s front panel connectors. If your case has front panel audio or USB, you connect the cables for them down here. There’s also connection areas for the case’s buttons and lights. SATA 2:01-2:13 Right here are the SATA connectors. Most new motherboards will have several of these. Their configuration will be different between motherboards. Sometimes the connections are upright and sometimes they are parallel with the board. Firmware and CMOS Battery 2:14-2:59 In addition to all these connectors, motherboards also have integrated flash memory that stores the motherboard’s firmware. Motherboards use one of two different types of firmware. The first is the Basic Input/Output System, or BIOS. The second is the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface, or U-E-F-I. Over here is the CMOS battery. Older motherboards store BIOS configuration settings in the CMOS chip, which uses volatile memory. The CMOS battery supplies power to this memory so that the settings aren’t erased when the computer is turned off. However, modern motherboards store the BIOS configuration settings in what’s called non-volatile BIOS memory. The CMOS battery on these motherboards is used to retain accurate day and clock times when the computer is unplugged. Chipset 3:00-3:10 Another integrated component is the motherboard’s chipset. The chipset is responsible for managing communications among the CPU, memory, and various connector components. I/O Connectors 3:11-3:43 Motherboards also have integrated peripheral connectors called I/O connectors. The type of connectors here depend on the motherboard. Some motherboards have onboard components such as a network card, video card, or a sound card. If this is the case, then those connectors would be here. For example, we know this motherboard has an integrated network card and sound card because of its Ethernet and audio ports. There’s one more, often overlooked, motherboard component you should know about. Let’s flip the motherboard over. Traces 3:44-4:00 Notice the lines that run all over the back here? These are called traces. Remember, motherboards allow all the connected devices to communicate with each other. Those communications are transmitted along these traces which connect to every chip and connector on the motherboard. Summary 4:01-4:11 As you can see, the motherboard plays a huge role in a computer system. It’s where all the computer components connect, including the CPU, memory, hard-drives, and expansion boards. It handles the communications between each of those devices. Previous Resource 3.3.4 Motherboard Facts Next Resource A motherboard (also called system board, logic board, or mainboard) is a circuit board that either houses, or connects to, all components operating in the computer. This lesson covers the following topics: Motherboard specs Typical components Diagram Motherboard Specs When selecting a motherboard, consider the following motherboard specifications. Central Processing Unit (CPU) socket type Memory module compatibility Number of memory slots Maximum supported memory Expansion slot count and type Onboard devices (video, audio, or network) Typical Components A typical motherboard includes the following components. Component Function / Characteristic CPU socket The CPU socket houses the CPU. There are a variety of CPU socket types. Each have unique shapes, pin arrangements, or mounting configurations. Different types of motherboard sockets exist to fit different generations of CPUs. It’s important that the socket is compatible with the new CPU’s mounting holes and pin array. You may be able to determine the type of socket on a motherboard by looking at the computer’s model number and then using the manufacture’s web site to locate the CPU socket type. Some motherboards are manufactured with multisocket processing capability and may support dual or quad-socket processing in the CPU. Server motherboards used for cloud computing are multisocket processors with gigantic memory capacity. They: Can act as the hub for running many computers. Can handle massive amounts of data simultaneously. Are robust enough to support a storage area network (SAN) environment. Memory slots Most motherboards have multiple slots to add memory cards. Memory slots are compatible with a specific type of memory module. Always refer to the motherboard documentation. Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) PCI slots are often called expansion slots or expansion buses. They allow you to add cards to expand the capabilities of a computer by installing expansion cards. There are from one to six PCI slots available on a motherboard. There are a number of expansion slot types, including: PCI PCI-X (PCI Extended) PCIe (PCI Express) Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) Integrated components Many motherboards include integrated (onboard) components such as network cards, audio cards, and video cards. They can also include USB and FireWire connections. Selecting a motherboard with integrated devices is typically cheaper than buying separate expansion cards for each feature. However, the quality of these onboard devices might not be as high as dedicated expansion cards. I/O connectors I/O connectors for onboard components are located on the back of the motherboard. These connectors typically include: PS/2 mouse and keyboard ports USB ports Serial ports (COM 1, 2, 3, and 4) Parallel port Audio jacks Ethernet port An I/O shield fits over the connectors to secure them and protect the inside of the computer from dust and debris. Internal connectors The motherboard has internal connectors so that components (such as case fans, LED lights, CPU power, etc.) can be plugged in. A motherboard can have a header (a rectangular-shaped connector with male pins) for any component that allows an external connection (e.g., audio header, network header, serial port header, USB header, etc.). The motherboard connects to the front panel ports (e.g., USB, FireWire, or audio ports) of the computer case via the front panel header connectors. The main power connector usually attaches to the motherboard using a 20- or 24-pin connector to generate power to all its components. Newer models have additional 4 and 8-pin connectors to supply more power. External connectors to the motherboard are not available except by adding expansion cards. external SATA (eSATA) uses an expansion card to provide an external variant of the SATA known as Serial Advanced Technology Attachment solid-state drive (SSD). M.2, formerly known as Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF), can integrate multiple functions (including SSD) as a faster option than SATA. Always verify a motherboard’s compatibility by referring to the documentation to make sure the M.2 module works with the socket. Firmware The firmware on a motherboard is stored on integrated flash memory. Motherboards use one of two firmware implementations: BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) Older motherboards stored the BIOS on removable, read-only memory (ROM) chips. CMOS battery The CMOS battery keeps the accurate date and time, even when the motherboard has no power. In older motherboards, the CMOS battery also retained BIOS configuration settings, which were stored in volatile memory called the CMOS chip. Chipset The chipset is a group of chips that facilitates communication between the processor, memory, and peripheral devices. With chipsets: The memory controller and graphics controller are on the CPU. The remaining functionality is combined into a single controller chip. Intel processors use the Platform Controller Hub (PCH). AMD processors use the Fusion Controller Hub (FCH). A Direct Media Interface (DMI) replaces the front-side bus. Motherboard documentation & support manual A motherboard’s support manual is an excellent source of information. Support manuals contain technical specifications as well as diagrams that identify the motherboard’s components. To ensure compatibility, always check the motherboard documentation whenever you are upgrading, customizing, or replacing components. If you don’t have the motherboard support manual, check the manufacturer’s website. Selecting a motherboard with the same form factor as the case and power supply is an easy way to assure compatibility. Diagram A typical motherboard includes the common connectors shown in the following diagram. Diagram of a typical motherboard This diagram illustrates many of the common motherboard port and connector types. Not all boards feature all types. Components such as fan headers, M.2 connectors, and the BIOS battery will be located in different areas on different boards.