Parts of a Motherboard

If you were to open up your computer and take out the motherboard, you would probably
get pretty confused about all the different parts. Depending on the make and model of your
computer, it might look something like this.
To understand how computers work, you don't need to know every single part of the
motherboard. However, it is good to know some of the more important parts and how the
motherboard connects the various parts of a computer system together. Here are some of
the typical parts:
• A CPU socket - the actual CPU is directly soldered onto the socket. Since high speed
CPUs generate a lot of heat, there are heat sinks and mounting points for fans right next to
the CPU socket.
• A power connector to distribute power to the CPU and other components.
• Slots for the system's main memory, typically in the form of DRAM chips.
• A chip forms an interface between the CPU, the main memory and other
components. On many types of motherboards, this is referred to as the Northbridge. This
chip also contains a large heat sink.
• A second chip controls the input and output (I/O) functions. It is not connected
directly to the CPU but to the Northbridge. This I/O controller is referred to as the
Southbridge. The Northbridge and Southbridge combined are referred to as the chipset.
• Several connectors, which provide the physical interface between input and output
devices and the motherboard. The Southbridge handles these connections.
• Slots for one or more hard drives to store files. The most common types of
connections are Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) and Serial Advanced Technology
Attachment (SATA).
• A read-only memory (ROM) chip, which contains the firmware, or startup instructions
for the computer system. This is also called the BIOS.
• A slot for a video or graphics card. There are a number of different types of slots,
including the Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) and Peripheral Component Interconnect
Express (PCIe).
• Additional slots to connect hardware in the form of Peripheral Component
Interconnect (PCI) slots.
Processor

A processor, or "microprocessor," is a small chip that resides in computers and other electronic
devices. Its basic job is to receive input and provide the appropriate output. While this may
seem like a simple task, modern processors can handle trillions of calculations per second.
The central processor of a computer is also known as the CPU, or "central processing unit."
This processor handles all the basic system instructions, such as
processing mouse and keyboard input and running applications. Most desktop
computers contain a CPU developed by either Intel or AMD, both of which use
the x86 processor architecture. Mobile devices, such as laptops and tablets may use Intel and
AMD CPUs, but can also use specific mobile processors developed by companies like ARM or
Apple.
Modern CPUs often include multiple processing cores, which work together to process
instructions. While these "cores" are contained in one physical unit, they are actually individual
processors. Processors that include two cores are called dual-core processors, while those with
four cores are called quad-core processors. Some high-end workstations contain multiple CPUs
with multiple cores, allowing a single machine to have eight, twelve, or even more processing
cores.
Besides the central processing unit, most desktop and laptop computers also include a GPU.
This processor is specifically designed for rendering graphics that are output on a monitor.
Desktop computers often have a video card that contains the GPU, while mobile devices
usually contain a graphics chip that is integrated into the motherboard. By using separate
processors for system and graphics processing, computers are able to handle graphic-intensive
applications more efficiently.
Types
There are two primary manufacturers of computer microprocessors. Intel and Advanced
Micro Devices (AMD) lead the market in terms of speed and quality. Intel's desktop CPUs
include Celeron, Pentium and Core. AMD's desktop processors include Sempron, Athlon and
Phenom. Intel makes Celeron M, Pentium M and Core mobile processors for notebooks. AMD
makes mobile versions of its Sempron and Athlon, as well as the Turion mobile processor
which comes in Ultra and Dual-Core versions. Both companies make both single-core and
multi-core processors. Getting a processor with a dual, triple or quad core can make a
significant difference in the processing power of your computer. It's like having two, three or
four separate processors installed on your computer at one time. These processors work
together to make your computer multitask faster and with greater efficiency. Getting a CPU
with a larger front side bus can enhance the processor's ability to communicate with RAM,
which will increase your computer's overall speed.
Random Access Memory

A computer's Random Access Memory stores data for short-term use. RAM works in
conjunction with the hard drive, which takes care of long-term storage, to provide quick
access to files that the computer is actively reading or writing. Unlike hard drive memory,
however, program data stored in RAM is erased when you reboot the computer or when
another program needs the space for its own use.
Basic Purposes:
Reading Files
Hard drives can store vast numbers of files, but compared to other computer components,
drives run very slowly. Accessing hard drive files -- especially when those files are scattered
across the drive due to -- requires the drive to move its mechanical read/write head back and
forth and to wait for the spinning platters to spin into the correct position. Even though
drives spin at thousands of rotations per minute, this process causes a noticeable delay when
reading files.
To lessen the slowdown, computers store files in RAM after the files are first read from the
drive. RAM has no moving parts (and runs at a higher speed than even a ) so the files can load
very quickly during subsequent uses.
Temporary Storage
In addition to storing files read from the hard drive, RAM also stores data that programs are
actively using but that doesn't need to be saved permanently. By keeping this data in RAM,
programs can work with it quickly, improving speed and responsiveness.
Everyday Examples
RAM plays a role in almost everything you do on your computer. Even though you don't
interact with your system's RAM directly, it's working behind the scenes to speed up file
access and provide temporary storage.
Read-Only Memory (ROM)

Read-only memory (ROM) is a type of storage medium that permanently stores data on
personal computers (PCs) and other electronic devices. It contains the programming needed
to start a PC, which is essential for boot-up; it performs major input/output tasks and holds
programs or software instructions.

Because ROM is read-only, it cannot be changed; it is permanent and non-volatile, meaning it

also holds its memory even when power is removed. By contrast, random access memory
(RAM) is volatile; it is lost when power is removed.

There are numerous ROM chips located on the motherboard and a few on expansion boards.
The chips are essential for the basic input/output system (BIOS), boot up, reading and writing
to peripheral devices, basic data management and the software for basic processes for
certain utilities.
Because ROM cannot be changed and is read-only, it is mainly used for firmware. Firmware is
software programs or sets of instructions that are embedded into a hardware device. It
supplies the needed instructions on how a device communicates with various hardware
components. Firmware is referred to as semi-permanent because it does not change unless it
is updated. Firmware includes BIOS, erasable programmable ROM (EPROM) and the ROM
configurations for software.
PCI Slot

A Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) slot is a connecting apparatus for a 32-bit

computer bus. These tools are built into the motherboards of computers and devices in order
to allow for the addition of PCI devices like modems, network hardware or sound and video
cards.
In older personal computers, users often took advantage of PCI slots to integrate relatively
primitive modems as well as video and graphics capacity into the hardware setup, or to
"expand computing." Some referred to these slots in the motherboard as connectors for
internal devices, as opposed to external additions. Generally, these kinds of connections are
not plug-and-play, but require the use of specific drivers for the central computing systems to
recognize whatever is connected to the PCI slot.

As computing technology has evolved, in many cases the more sophisticated PCI express (PCI-
E) slots have replaced the older PCI slots. However, many devices still have the ability to
connect to peripherals through these kinds of ports and connections.

Samples of PCI devices:

Hard Drive Slots (IDE and SATA Port)

Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE)

Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) is a standard interface for connecting a motherboard to

storage devices such as hard drives and CD-ROM/DVD drives. The original IDE had a 16-bit
interface that connected two devices to a single-ribbon cable. This cost-effective IDE device
carried its own circuitry and included an integrated disk drive controller. Prior to IDE,
controllers were separate external devices.

IDE’s development increased data transfer rate (DTR) speed and reduced storage device and
controller issues.

IDE is also known as Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA) or intelligent drive electronics
(IDE).

SATA Port

SATA or short for Serial ATA is an IDE standard first released in 2001 for connecting devices like
optical drives and hard drives to the motherboard.

The term SATA generally refers to the types of cables and connections that follow this
standard.

Serial ATA replaces Parallel ATA as the IDE standard of choice for connecting storage devices
inside of a computer.
SATA storage devices can transmit data to and from the rest of the computer much, much
faster than an otherwise similar PATA device.

Note: PATA is sometimes just called IDE. If you see SATA being used sort of as an opposite
term with IDE, it just means that Serial and Parallel ATA cables or connections are being
discussed.

CMOS Battery

PC motherboards have a small "CMOS chip" on them that is powered by a battery even when
the PC is off, in fact, even if it's unplugged.

Sometimes the "CMOS battery" is a watch battery on the motherboard, sometimes a camera
or other battery stuck to the case and wired to the board.
"CMOS" in this context is kind of an antiquated misnomer in that it refers to the chip
technology used for the "chip" - Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor. Basically, it's a
very low power chip technology - so the battery lasts a long time - which is good, because
some motherboard vendors seem to consider their boards disposable in that the batteries are
not replaceable!

What does the "CMOS chip" do?

It keeps track of the motherboard configuration data. Have you ever booted up to the
configuration screen where it describes the amount of memory and disk controller etc? That
information is kept in the chip.

It also contains an RTC (Real Time Clock) - a wrist watch so that your computer knows what
time it is when it boots up.

Input / Output Ports

A connection point that acts as interface between the computer and external devices like
mouse, printer, modem, etc. is called port. Ports are of two types −

 Internal port − It connects the motherboard to internal devices like hard disk drive, CD drive,
internal modem, etc.

 External port − It connects the motherboard to external devices like modem, mouse, printer, flash
drives, etc.