3.3.3 Motherboard Components

Learn the location and function of the different parts in a motherboard.

Remember, every component in a system connects to the motherboard, one way or another.

CPU Socket

where the CPU is installed

Memory Slots

usually next to the CPU socket, where the memory modules are installed, most common slot count is 4

CPU Power Connector

the ATX power connector provides power to the CPU and other parts in the motherboard

Case & CPU Fans

the motherboard houses connectors for case fans, which are usually pin connectors, and most motherboards have three of them. there's also a CPU fan connector somewhere above the CPU socket. which when connected also gathers info about the CPU fan like it's RPM.

Expansion Slots

obviously they expand

Front Panel & Case Connectors

where the buttons and usb ports are yippie!!!

SATA Connectors

they do stuff

Firmware & CMOS

motherboards use one of two different types of firmware: BIOS or UEFI the firmware is stored in an integrated flash memory

older motherboards store the BIOS config settings in the CMOS chip, which uses volatile memory, meaning that data is only saved when the CMOS chip is being powered, and that if power is lost for any reason that the data will be list.

modern keyboards, however, only use the CMOS chip for keeping track of time and date info while now using bios config settings in non-volatile memory

Chipset

the place responsible for managing communications among the CPU, memory, and various connector components NORTH BRIDGE the chip that controls the PCI bus

I/O Connectors

aka integrated peripheral connectors type depends on the motherboard we can tell what types of attachments need to be connected by looking at the types of ports the motherboard has

Traces

the lines on the back of the motherboard that send communication signals to the different components on the motherboard. #III

#Aplus