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Computer - Motherboard
WhatChapters
is a Computer Motherboard? Categories
A motherboard is a circuit board which is fixed inside the Central Processing Unit (CPU)
of a computer. It can be considered as a computing system which integrates most of the
essential components of a computer.
A motherboard serves as a single platform to connect all of the parts of a computer. It
connects the CPU, memory, hard drives, optical drives, video cards, sound cards, and
other ports and expansion cards directly or via cables. It can be considered as the
backbone of a computer. Generally, it is made up of fibreglass and copper.
The motherboard is mounted inside the case and is securely attached via small screws
through pre-drilled holes. The motherboard contains ports to connect all of the internal
components. It provides a single socket for the CPU, whereas for memory, normally one
or more slots are available. Motherboards provide ports to attach the floppy drive, hard
drive, and optical drives via ribbon cables. The motherboard carries fans and a special
port designed for power supply.
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There is a peripheral card slot in front of the motherboard using which video cards,
sound cards, and other expansion cards can be connected to the motherboard.
On the left side, motherboards carry several ports to connect the monitor, printer,
mouse, keyboard, speaker, and network cables. Motherboards also provide USB ports,
which allow compatible devices to be connected in a plug-in/plug-out fashionfor
example, pen drives, digital cameras, etc.
Components of a Motherboard
A motherboard is made up of different components; some of the primary elements are
as follows −
CPU Socket − Its a major component which determines the processor connected
to the system.
Memory Slots − These slots allow connecting memory devices into it.
Storage Connectors − These slots include Serial ATA ports to connect hard
drives like hard drives and SSDs.
ROM Slots − These slots allow ROM BIOS to connect.
Chipset − It connects CPU, memory, storage and peripheral devices.
Cooling fans − Cooling fans that maintain a suitable internal operating
temperature.
Peripheral connector − these include USB ports to connect peripheral devices.
Audio Connectors − These allow audio input and output devices to work with
analogue and digital audio signals.
Network Connectors − These ports are used for wired network connections, or
Wi-Fi to access the internet.
Power connector − power connectors are used to connect external power
sources. There are two basic types: the 24-pin ATX power connector and the 4 or
8-pin CPU power connector.
BIOS/UEFI − The Basic Input / Output System (BIOS), also known as the
Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI), is a type of firmware that initializes
and tests hardware during the boot process; it also provides runtime services to
operating systems and programs.
Features of Computer Motherboard
A motherboard comes with the following features −
Motherboard varies greatly in supporting various types of components.
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The motherboard supports a single type of CPU and a few types of memory.
Video cards, hard disks, and sound cards have to be compatible with the
motherboard to function properly.
Motherboards, cases, and power supplies must be compatible to work properly
together.
Types of Motherboards
Different types of Motherboards are as follows −
Advanced Technology (AT) motherboard
This motherboard was designed by IBM in 1984 with the IBM PC/AT. It was most widely
used in industry and influenced the design of many subsequent motherboards. This
motherboard has larger physical dimensions but is not suitable for smaller desktop
computers.
The original AT motherboards were available in 12 inches 13.8 inches (305 mm x 351
mm) in size, making them relatively large by modern standards. The configuration of AT
motherboards was not standardized, resulting in major differences between
manufacturers. This frequently resulted in inadequate airflow and complex cable
management.
The Advanced Technology (AT) motherboard was a key form factor in the history of
personal computing, establishing standards that impacted subsequent designs. However,
due to its large size, convoluted layout, and restricted integration, it was eventually
replaced by the more efficient and user-friendly ATX specification.
Standard ATX motherboard
ATX stands for advanced technology extended; it is an extended version of the AT
motherboard that was created by Intel in the 1990s. It has become one of the most
prevalent motherboard sizes used in desktop computers because of its compatibility and
interchanged component features. A standard ATX motherboard is a popular desktop
computer form factor that offers a good combination of size, capabilities, and expansion.
Standard ATX motherboards are typically 305 mm x 244 mm (12 in x 9.6 in) in size. This
size provides enough space for components and expansion slots.
ATX motherboard uses a common layout to enhance ventilation and component
placement. The CPU socket is normally located toward the top or middle of the board,
with expansion slots aligned for effective cooling and simplicity of installation.
Micro ATX motherboard
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