Chapter 5 Motherboards PDF

Chapter 5 Motherboards Introduction ⚫ Some topics covered: ⚫ The role of buses and expansion slots ⚫ How to configure components, such as buses ⚫ The motherboard is a field replaceable unit ⚫ Practical skills to acquire: ⚫ Troubleshooting the motherboard ⚫ Installing and replacing a...

Chapter 5 Motherboards Introduction ⚫ Some topics covered: ⚫ The role of buses and expansion slots ⚫ How to configure components, such as buses ⚫ The motherboard is a field replaceable unit ⚫ Practical skills to acquire: ⚫ Troubleshooting the motherboard ⚫ Installing and replacing a motherboard  Selecting a Motherboard ⚫ Motherboard form factor ⚫ Determines the size of the board ⚫ Drives selection of power supply, case, CPU, cards ⚫ ATX: most popular motherboard form factor ⚫ BTX: the latest motherboard form factor ⚫ Three types of motherboards you can select: ⚫ A board providing the most room for expansion ⚫ A board suiting the computer’s current configuration ⚫ A board falling in between current and future needs Figure 5-1 An ATX motherboard with PCI Express and Socket 775  Selecting a Motherboard (continued) ⚫ Some questions to ask when picking a motherboard ⚫ What form factor does the motherboard use? ⚫ Does the motherboard provide proper CPU support? ⚫ What type of BIOS does the motherboard use? ⚫ Does the board fit the case you plan to use? ⚫ What is the warranty on the board? ⚫ Embedded (on-board) component ⚫ Component located on the board ⚫ Avoid board with too many embedded components ⚫ Such boards do not easily accept add-on devices Configuring and Supporting a Motherboard ⚫ Components that require configuration and support: ⚫ Expansion slots ⚫ Internal and external connectors ⚫ Expansion slots are supported by buses ⚫ Before configuring slots, learn about buses  Buses and Expansion Slots ⚫ Buses are like highway transportation systems ⚫ Four types of cargo carried by a bus: ⚫ Power, control signals, memory addresses, data ⚫ Bus evolution ⚫ Buses have evolved around data path and speed ⚫ Synchronous components work with clock cycle ⚫ Asynchronous components are out of step with CPU ⚫ Wait state: command to CPU to wait for slower device ⚫ Bus types: expansion, local, local I/O, local video ⚫ Expansion buses are asynchronous components Table 5-3 Buses listed by throughput Figure 5-6 Four outdated bus connections on expansion cards  Buses and Expansion Slots (continued) ⚫ The PCI buses ⚫ Intended to replace the 16-bit ISA bus ⚫ Types: Conventional PCI, PCI-X, PCI Express ⚫ On-board ports (integrated components) ⚫ Examples: keyboard, mouse port, parallel printer, USB ⚫ Internal connectors ⚫ EIDE, floppy drive connector, serial ATA, SCSI, 1394 ⚫ Riser slots ⚫ Audio/modem riser (AMR) ⚫ Communication and networking riser (CNR) Figure 5-10 How PCI Express connects to the chipset and processor Figure 5-12 An audio/modem riser slot can accommodate an inexpensive modem riser card  Hardware Configuration ⚫ Three ways to configure the motherboard: ⚫ DIP switches, jumpers, CMOS RAM ⚫ Dual inline package (DIP) switch ⚫ Has ON (binary 1) and OFF (binary 0) positions ⚫ Reset DIP switch when adding or removing device ⚫ Use pointed instrument other than graphite pencil ⚫ Jumpers ⚫ Retain setup or installation information ⚫ Are opened and closed using jumper covers ⚫ Typical setting: enabling/disabling keyboard power-up Figure 5-14 DIP switches are sometimes used to store setup data on motherboards Figure 5-15 Setup information about the motherboard can be stored by setting a jumper on (closed) or off (open). A jumper is closed if the cover is in place, connecting the two pins that make up the jumper; a jumper is open if the cover is not in place.  Hardware Configuration (continued) CMOS RAM – Also called clock/nonvolatile RAM (RTC/NVRAM) – Stores most configuration for the motherboard – Can be accessed without opening the case CMOS setup program – Stored on a floppy disk or ROM BIOS chip – Access built-in program by pressing key during POST – Menus: Main, Advanced, Power, Boot, and Exit – Brand name PCs, such as IBM, have custom screens Table 5-4 How to access CMOS setup Figure 5-18 CMOS Setup Main menu  Hardware Configuration (continued) Battery power to CMOS RAM – Enables CMOS to hold data after the PC is turned off – Setup information is lost if battery fails or disconnects Startup passwords in CMOS – Stored in CMOS RAM and changed in setup screen – Should be distinguished from OS passwords CMOS settings are specified in motherboard manuals Documentation of configuration settings – Enables you to recapture lost or altered settings – Should be labeled and stored in a safe place Figure 5-24 The coin cell is the most common type of CMOS battery Flashing ROM BIOS ⚫ Programs stored in the ROM BIOS chip: ⚫ CMOS setup program ⚫ Startup BIOS that manages the startup process ⚫ System BIOS that manages basic I/O functions ⚫ Programs on ROM BIOS may need upgrades ⚫ Flashing: upgrading or refreshing ROM BIOS chip ⚫ Sources for ROM BIOS upgrades ⚫ Manufacturer’s Web site ⚫ http://www.esupport.com Figure 5-26 Intel displays a list of motherboard model numbers that have a Flash BIOS upgrade available Motherboard Drivers ⚫ Located on CD bundled with motherboard ⚫ Motherboard CD may also contain useful utilities ⚫ Drivers are periodically updated by manufacturer ⚫ Dealing with an unstable motherboard ⚫ Check for updated drivers, especially chipset drivers ⚫ Install updated drivers for non-functioning devices  Replacing a Motherboard ⚫ Overview of the replacement process ⚫ 1. Verify that you have selected the right motherboard ⚫ 2. Determine the power configuration settings ⚫ 3. Remove components to reach the old motherboard ⚫ 4. Set any jumpers or switches on the motherboard ⚫ 5. Install the processor and processor cooler ⚫ 6. Install RAM into appropriate slots on motherboard ⚫ 7. Install the motherboard ⚫ 8. Attach cabling (case switches, power supply, drives) ⚫ 9. Install the video card on the motherboard  Replacing a Motherboard (continued) ⚫ Overview of the replacement process (continued) ⚫ 10. Plug in PC and then attach monitor and keyboard ⚫ 11. Boot the system and enter CMOS setup ⚫ 12. Make sure the settings are set to default ⚫ 13. Observe POST and verify that no error occurs ⚫ 14. Check for conflicts with system resources ⚫ 15. Install the motherboard drives ⚫ 16. Install any other expansion cards and drives ⚫ 17. Verify the system is up and running Preparing the Motherboard to Go Into the Case ⚫ Read the manual before preparing the motherboard ⚫ Setting the jumpers ⚫ First step in preparing the motherboard ⚫ The manual explains jumper and DIP switch settings ⚫ Information differs from one motherboard to the next ⚫ Tasks performed after setting the jumpers ⚫ Install the processor and cooler (Chapter 4) ⚫ Install the memory modules (Chapter 6) Figure 5-27 BIOS configuration jumper settings  Installing the Motherboard in the Case ⚫ Overview of the eight general steps: ⚫ 1. Install the faceplate (I/O shield) ⚫ 2. Install the standoffs (spacers) ⚫ 3. Secure the motherboard in the case ⚫ 4. Connect the power cord to the PI power connection ⚫ 5. Connect 4-pin auxiliary power cord to motherboard ⚫ 6. Connect the wire leads from front panel of case ⚫ 7. Refer to manual to verify wire to pin connection ⚫ 8. Connect USB connection (if present) to USB ports  Completing the Installation ⚫ Following the connection of cables and cords ⚫ Install the video card ⚫ Plug in the keyboard and monitor ⚫ Turn the system on ⚫ Look out for errors during POST ⚫ Install drivers from CD bundled with motherboard ⚫ Verify operations ⚫ Make OS and CMOS adjustments as needed Troubleshooting the Motherboard and Processor ⚫ Field replaceable units (FRUs) on old motherboards ⚫ CPU, RAM, RAM cache, ROM BIOS, CMOS battery ⚫ FRU components on newer motherboards: ⚫ CPU, RAM, CMOS battery, and motherboard itself ⚫ POST reporting aids diagnosis ⚫ Chapter 2 or manufacturer Web site describe codes ⚫ A good tactic: replace a bad device with a new one ⚫ Caveat: check voltage from power supply first ⚫ If voltage is excessive, new part may be damaged Figure 5-40 The ROM BIOS manufacturer’s Web site is a good source of information about beep codes Problems with Installations ⚫ If CPU was added to working motherboard, check: ⚫ Thermal paste between CPU and heat sink ⚫ Fastening between cooler and motherboard frame ⚫ Pins or lands on the socket and processor ⚫ Things to check if new motherboard is not working: ⚫ Whether the front cover of the case is installed ⚫ Whether the power switch on back of the case is on ⚫ Incorrect connections ⚫ Installation of CPU, thermal compound, and cooler ⚫ Installation of all motherboard drivers on the CD  Problems with the Motherboard and Processor ⚫ Some symptoms of impending failure ⚫ The system begins to boot but then powers down ⚫ Intermittent Windows or hard drive errors occur ⚫ First troubleshooting task to perform ⚫ Update drivers of components not working ⚫ Use support CD bundled with motherboard ⚫ A few other tasks to perform if update does not work ⚫ Change power saving features, such as sleep mode ⚫ Check jumpers, DIP switches, CMOS settings ⚫ Exchange the processor - END -