MOTHERBOARD COMPONENTS

Motherboard Components

Overview

• A motherboard is the main printed circuit board in a computer.

• Functions:

  • Connects all the internal components.

  • Provides power to each component and allows them to communicate with each other.

Central Processing Unit (CPU) Socket

• Contains mechanical and electrical connections between microprocessor and PCB.

• Types of CPU:

  • LGA (Land Grid Array)

  • PGA (Pin Grid Array)

  • BGA (Ball Grid Array)

Memory Slots

• Physical connectors for inserting memory modules.

• Types:

  • DDR3

  • DDR4

  • DDR5

Chipset

• Set of electronic components for managing data flow between processor, memory, and peripherals.

• Components:

  • Northbridge:

    • Manages high-speed communication between CPU, RAM, and GPU.

  • Southbridge:

    • Manages lower-speed peripheral interfaces like USB, SATA, Ethernet.

BIOS/UEFI Chip

• Small chip containing the basic input/output system or unified extensible firmware interface.

• Functions:

  • Initializes and tests hardware during startup.

  • Provides runtime services for the operating system.

Expansion Slots

• Types:

  • PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express):

    • For high-speed components like graphics cards and SSDs.

  • PCI:

    • For older or less speed-critical expansion cards.

• Function:

  • Allows for additional components to be added to the system.

Storage Connectors

• Types:

  • SATA:

    • Connects storage devices like HDDs and SSDs.

  • M.2:

    • Smaller high-speed interface for SSDs.

• Function:

  • Provides data connections between motherboard and storage devices.

Power Connectors

• Types:

  • ATX Power Connectors:

    • Main power supply for the motherboard.

  • CPU Power Connectors:

    • Additional power specifically for the CPU.

• Function:

  • Supplies power to the motherboard and its components.

I/O Ports

• Types:

  • USB Ports:

    • For peripherals like keyboards, mice, and storage devices.

  • Ethernet Port:

    • For network connections.

  • Audio Jacks:

    • For sound input and output.

• Function:

  • Facilitates external device connections.

Cooling Solutions

• Components:

  • Heatsinks:

    • Dissipate heat from CPU and other components.

  • Fan Headers:

    • Connectors for cooling fans to manage airflow and temperature.

• Function:

  • Maintain optimal operating temperatures for components.