Motherboards CST8208 PDF

Motherboards CST8208 1 Motherboard  What is it? The main circuit board in a PC Almost every component and peripheral in a computer connects to the motherboard It allows devices and components within a computer system to communicate and int...

Motherboards CST8208 1 Motherboard  What is it? The main circuit board in a PC Almost every component and peripheral in a computer connects to the motherboard It allows devices and components within a computer system to communicate and interact with one another Also called system board or main board 2 Motherboard Design  Motherboards come in many different designs to accommodate different needs  The selected CPU and type of case often determines the motherboard’s physical architecture  As new processors are marketed new motherboards are needed to accommodate the processor 3 Motherboard Layout  The motherboard’s form factor defines the motherboards size, shape, how it’s mounted, power requirements, location of external connectors  The most popular form factor for modern motherboards is ATX  Prior to ATX was AT and XT, both of which are now obsolete 4 Motherboard Form Factors  ATX The ATX form factor is a more recent design that includes many improvements over earlier form factors:  The power supply is often used as an exhaust for the system enabling better air movement  Uses soft power, i.e. software can turn on the computer  Rear panel that can have a wide variety of connectors  Relocated CPU and memory for easier access 5 ATX (Asus P7P55D EVO) 6 Motherboard Form Factors  Micro-ATX Designed for smaller, lower cost systems Used in Mini Towers Main differences include  Reduced width  Fewer expansion bus slots  Smaller power supply - optional Fully backwards compatible with regular ATX 7 Micro ATX (Asus P7H55-M LX) 8 Mini-ITX  Designed for use in SFF (Small Form Factor) PCs and HTPC (Home Theater PC) systems  Often passively cooled (no fans)  Screw holes used match those of ATX so can be used in common larger cases as well as Mini-ITX specific cases  Usually has space for only one expansion slot 9 Mini-ITX (Asus PH877-I) 10 BTX/Micro-BTX  Was to originally intended to replace ATX, but is no longer manufactured  Was most popular with proprietary computer manufacturers  Two of the major improvements were Improved airflow Flexible power supply designs and low profile options 11 Intel Micro-BTX D945GCZ 12 Motherboard Installation  Install standoffs in correct positions in chassis  Install the motherboard I/O shield  Install and secure motherboard to chassis  Connectors: Front panel connectors (correct polarity) Header connectors (USB, audio, etc.) Power connectors 13 Chipset Block Diagrams (Just some examples illustrating the evolution of motherboard chipsets)