Lesson 2 - The Motherboard.pdf

Lesson 3 The Motherboard The primary component of a computer is the motherboard The motherboard is the hub which is used to connect all of the computer's essential components. It is the main (PCB) printed circuit board in the system It contains chips, integrated circuits, and transistors Al...

Lesson 3 The Motherboard The primary component of a computer is the motherboard The motherboard is the hub which is used to connect all of the computer's essential components. It is the main (PCB) printed circuit board in the system It contains chips, integrated circuits, and transistors Also called system board or main board ► As its name suggests, the motherboard acts as a "parent" board, which takes the form of a large printed circuit with connectors for expansion cards, memory modules, the processor, etc. Expansion Slots and Expansion Cards What is an expansion slot? An opening, or socket, where a circuit board is inserted into the motherboard Expansion cards insert into expansion slot expansion card expansion slot  Expansion Slots and Expansion Cards How are expansion cards used? Expansion Slots and Expansion Cards What is Plug and Play? Computer automatically can configure cards and other devices as you install them Expansion Slots and Expansion Cards What is a PC card? Credit card-sized device used to add capabilities to laptop computers PCMCIA - Personal Computer Memory Card International Association Uses include modem, additional memory, and storage PC card Expansion Slots and Expansion Cards What is a flash memory card? Adds memory to handheld computers, digital music players, cellular telephones, and similar devices The Chipset ► The chipset is an electronic circuit whose job is to coordinate data transfers between the various components of the computer (including the processor and memory). ► The combination of the North and Southbridge in a computer is called the chipset ► As the chipset is integrated into the motherboard, it is important to choose a motherboard which includes a recent chipset, in order to maximize the computer's upgradeability. Types of Motherboards based on devices they support ► Integrated ► Non-Integrated Integrated Motherboard ► An integrated motherboard has multiple components integrated into the board itself. They may include the CPU, video card, sound card and various controller cards Non-Integrated Motherboard ► Non-Integrated motherboard uses installable components and expansion cards. For example, a non-integrated system board may allow you to upgrade the video card by removing the old one and installing a new one. Non-integrated motherboards typically have several PCI expansion slots as well ► These motherboards are pretty much obsolete now Types of Motherboards based on form factor ► AT ► ATX ► Micro-ATX AT Motherboard ► An AT motherboard is a motherboard which has dimensions of the order of some hundred millimeters ► Big enough to be unable to fit in mini desktop (12” wide) ► Succeeded by the Baby AT (8.5”) ATX Motherboard ► Advanced technology extended, also known as ATX is the motherboard which was produced by INTEL in the mid 90s as an improvement from the previously working motherboard such as AT ► This motherboard had a more integrated form factor Micro-ATX ► Provided the same benefits as the ATX but improved the overall system design cots through reduction in the physical size ► This was done by reducing the number of I/O slots supported on the board and more I/O space at the back Manufacturers of Motherboard ► Motherboards are available in various sizes and configurations. Motherboards support 32 bit (obsolete) and 64 bit processors as well as operating systems. ► Some motherboard manufacturers include: ► ASUS ► Intel ► MSI  Ports mouse What is a port? keyboard USB USB Connects external serial port printer (parallel port) devices to system unit speaker monitor microphone game port network telephone telephone line line out in svideo out FM reception cable TV  Ports What are different types of connectors?  Ports What is a universal serial bus port (USB) ? Connector that supports newer peripherals and plug and play 1394 port USB port  Buses What is a data bus? Channel that allows devices processor inside computer to communicate with each other Front Side Bus or System Bus system bus connects processor and RAM Bus width determines number of bits transmitted at one time Word size determines number of bits processor can interpret and execute at a given time RAM  Buses What is an expansion bus? Allows processor to communicate with peripherals fastest memory next fastest next fastest slowest processor PCI bus expansion slots ISA bus expansion slots Selecting a Motherboard ► 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?