CPU Memory RAM ROM

CPU (Main Processor)

• The main component of the motherboard is
the main processor chip which controls all the
inner functions of the system.

• The central processing system functions as the

brain of every PC.
• CPU is inserted to the socket provided for it on
the motherboard, and is not soldered on to
the motherboard

• - hence replacement very easy.

• - One can choose CPU according to ones

requirement and budget.
 Memory
• Place where computer stores program

• TWO TYPES

• RAM
• ROM
 RAM Memory
• Random Access Memory is a read/write
type of memory used by the processor to
keep program , data and intermediate
result during the program executions.

• It is a volatile type of memory, it loose its

content when power supply to it is
switched off.
• Note :
• Any information in the volatile
memory or RAM is
transferred to some
permanent storage device
such as Floppy disk or hard
disk before switching off the
computer.
• Physical installation of RAM memory on
motherboard can take place in various ways.

• DIP (Dual In –line Pin) memory chip were used

in initial motherboard

• Later SIMM ( Single Inline Memory Modules)

became common

• Currently DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Module)

are most common
• RAM is used inside the computer to store
program , data and results.

• Organization of memory
• Any part of the memory can be accessed
without going through the previous parts

• Two of the common RAM are

• DRAM (Dynamic RAM)
• SRAM(Static RAM)
 Dynamic RAM
• Used as the main memory as it is cheaper
than static RAM

• DRAM utilizes capacitors to store information .

Problem- Once some data is stored into it ;it
cant retain data for long time unless the data
is refreshed after some time.
• Refreshing the DRAM is done by rewriting the
content of the memory every few millisecond.
Else it looses it contents.
Bit line
Word line

T
C

A single-transistor dynamic memory cell

b b

T1 T2
X Y

Word line

Bit lines

A static RAM cell.

 Static Memories
• The circuits are capable of retaining their state as long
as power is applied (hence state is static).
• 2 inverters are cross connected to forma latch
• The latch is connected to 2 bit lines by transistors T1
and T2.
• Transistors act as switches that can be opened or closed
under control of word lines.
• When the word line is of ground level, the transistors is
turned off and retains its state.
b b

T1 T2
X Y

Word line

Bit lines

A static RAM cell.

Read operation
• To read the state of SRAM cell, the word line is
activated to close switches T1 and T2.
• If the cell is in state 1, the signal on bit line b is
high and the signal on bit b’ is low. Opposite is
true if the state is 0.(b & b’ are compliments of
each other)
• Sense /write circuits at the end of the bit lines
monitor the state of b &b’ and the set the
output accordingly.
Write operation
• The state of cell is set by placing the appropriate
value on bit line b and its compliment on b’ and
then activate the word line.
• This forces the cell into the corresponding state.
• The required signals on the bit lines are
generated by the sense/write circuit.
 SRAM VS DRAM
SRAM DRAM
• Very fast • Slower than SRAM
• Very Expensive • Cheaper than SRAM
• Used in Cache memory • Used in most computer
and CPU register as main memory
• Need to be refreshed
periodically
 ROM Memory
• It is a Read Only type memory.
• Data is written into it by the
manufacturer.
• It is non volatile type of memory
• Motherboard normally contains one
or more of these ROM chips.
• Memory capacity of ROM varies from one
system to another.

• 64 KiloBytes was normally sufficient for XT

system, whereas a P4 based motherboard
require 2MegaByte or more ROM.

• ROM is used inside the computer to keep

permanent information such as the “boot
program” which is required each time the
machine is switched on.