What is motherboard?
The motherboard is the most important part of the computer. Motherboard consists of many important components of computer such as CPU, memory or input and output devices, connectors etc. The motherboard also has socket and slots to connect many other hardware devices.
Various parts of motherboard -
1. The CPU socket is connected to the motherboard itself. It generates too much heat. Therefore it has a fan attached to it.
2. Power connectors are used to provide power to CPU's and other components.
3. Typically DRAM for the system's main memory.
4. A chip serves as a medium between CPU main memory and other components.
5. Another chip whose function is to control input and output function is engaged.
6. There are many other connectors that act as a medium for connecting the input output device and the motherboard.
7. There are one or more slots to connect a hard drive. The most commonly used of this kind is the integrated drive electronics (IDE) and serial advanced technology attachment (SATA).
8. There is a read only memory chip which has firmware or instructions to start the computer system. It is also called BIOS.
9. One slot is for a video or graphics card. There are several types of slots in which accelerated graphic port (AGP) and peripheral component interconnect express (PCIE).
10. Peripheral component interconnect (PCI) to connect any other hardware.
Types of motherboards -
1. XT MOTHERBOARD - XT is extended technology. It is the oldest model of motherboard. This motherboard contains the old type of model processor socket LIF (Low Inseration force), RAM slot dims and ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) slot, 12 pin power connector. Apart from this there is no additional port.
Example - pentium - 1, pentium - MMX, pentium - 2 and pentium - 2 processor.
2. AT MOTHERBOARD - AT stands for advanced technology. advanced technology motherboard consists of PGA (Pin Greed Array) sockets, SD RAM slots, 20 pin power connector PCI slots and ISA slots. All the components mentioned will be found on AT motherboard.
Example - pentium - 3 processor.
3. BABY AT MOTHERBOARD - The baby AT motherboard consists of XT and AT circuits. In this motherboard, both type of slot type processor socket, PGA processor sockets, SD RAM slot, DDR RAM slots, PCI slot, ISA slot, 12 pin power connector, 20 pin power connector and ports.
Example - pentium - 3 and pentium - 4.
4. ATX MOTHERBOARD - Most modern motherboard are ATX made by the PCI form factor. This motherboard consists of the MPGA, processor socket, DDR RAM slots, PCI slots, AGP slots, primary and secondary IDE interface, SATA connector, 20 pin and 24 pin ATX power connector and ports.
Example - pentium - 4, dual core, core 2 duo, i3, i5 and i7 processor.
Function of motherboard -
1. BASIC INPUT / OUTPUT SOFTWARE (BIOS) - The motherboard holds the basic input / output code or BIOS in the ROM chip. BIOS is a firmware code. Firmware does not loss when the power goes. It cannot be changed by any simple operating system or application software.
2. CPU - The CPU or microprocessor is mounted on the motherboard by a socket. When users upgrade the computer by putting Better microprocessor in the socket, the structure of the motherboard will determine how far that upgrade can go.
3. BUSES - In motherboard, the bus contains a communication part that links to the main component. Motherboard consists of address bus, data bus and instruction bus etc. The 64 bit data bus is received in a 64-bit motherboard.
4. RAM AND STORAGE DEVICE - The RAM is fixed in the socket of the motherboard and provide memory space for the operating system and application software in the computer. If the motherboard has an Empty socket, you can upgrade to add more RAM until all the sockets are filled.
5. PORTS - The ports connect the hardware to the motherboard. Keyboard, mouse, monitor, speaker, USB devices etc are connected to the external port, allowing the user to access the computer without removing the cabinet.
