COMPUTER PARTS 1
COMPUTER HARDWARE FUNDAMENTALS
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Computer Motherboards
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Definition
• A motherboard
• (also called mainboard, main circuit board, MB, mboard, backplane board, base board, system board, mobo; or in
Apple computers logic board) is the main printed circuit board (PCB) in general-purpose computers and other
expandable systems. It holds and allows communication between many of the crucial electronic components of a
system, such as the central processing unit (CPU) and memory, and provides connectors for other peripherals.
Unlike a backplane, a motherboard usually contains significant sub-systems, such as the central processor, the
chipset's input/output and memory controllers, interface connectors, and other components integrated for general
use.
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Purpose
• A motherboard
• is the main printed circuit board (PCB) in general-purpose computers and other expandable systems. It holds
and allows communication between many of the crucial electronic components of a system, such as the central
processing unit (CPU) and memory, and provides connectors for other peripherals. Unlike a backplane, a
motherboard usually contains significant sub-systems, such as the central processor, the chipset's input/output
and memory controllers, interface connectors, and other components integrated for general use.0
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Basic Components of a Motherboard
• CPU Socket
• RAM Slots
• Expansion Slots (PCIe, PCI, etc.)
• Storage Interfaces (SATA, M.2, etc.)
• Power Connectors
• Input/Output Ports (USB, HDMI, Ethernet, etc.)
• Chipsets
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CPU Socket
• In computer hardware, a CPU socket or CPU slot contains one or more mechanical components providing mechanical
and electrical connections between a microprocessor and a printed circuit board. This allows for placing and replacing
the central processing unit without soldering.
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Types of CPU Socket
PGA (Pin Grid Array) LGA (Line Grid Array)
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PGA
Pin Grid Array
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PGA
Pin Grid Array
Socket Name Processor Pin Count
Socket FM2 AMD Trinity Processors 904
Socket FM2+ AMD Kaveri 906
AMD Godavari
Socket AM1 AMD Athlon 721
AMD Sempron
Socket AM4 AMD Athlon Bristol Ridge 1331
AMD Athlon Raven Ridge 14nm
AMD Athlon Picasso 12nm
AMD Ryzen 1000 series
AMD Ryzen 2000 series
AMD Ryzen 3000 series
AMD Ryzen 4000 series
AMD Ryzen 5000 series
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LGA
Line Grid Array
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LGA
Line Grid Array
Socket Name Processor Pin Count
LGA 1156/ Intel Nehalem (1st gen) 1156
Socket H Intel Westmere
LGA 1155/ Intel Sandy Bridge (2nd gen) 1155
Socket H2 Intel Ivy Bridge (3rd gen)
LGA 2011/ Intel Core i7 3xxx Sandy 2011
Socket R Bridge-E
Intel Core i7 4xxx Ivy Bridge-E
Intel Xeon E5 2xxx/4xxx (Sandy
Bridge EP) (2/4S)
Intel Xeon E5-2xxx/4xxx v2 (Ivy
Bridge EP) (2/4S)
LGA 1150/ Intel Haswell (4th gen) 1150
Socket H3 Intel Haswell Refresh
Intel Broadwell (5th gen)
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LGA
Line Grid Array
Socket Name Processor Pin Count
LGA 1151/ Intel Skylake (6th gen) 1151
Socket H4 Intel Kaby Lake (7th gen)
Intel Coffee Lake (8th gen)
Intel Coffee Lake Refresh (9th
gen)
LGA 2066/ Intel Skylake-X 2066
Socket R4 Intel Kaby Lake-X
Intel Cascade Lake-X
LGA 1200 Intel Comet Lake (10th gen) 1200
Intel Rocket Lake (11th gen)
LGA 1700 Intel Alder Lake (12th gen) 1700
Intel Raptor Lake (13th
gen)Intel Raptor Lake (14th
gen)
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LGA
Line Grid Array
Socket Name Processor Pin Count
Socket AM5 AMD Ryzen 7000 series 1718
AMD Ryzen 8000 series (APU)
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RAM Slots
• RAM slots are often found in pairs and are sometimes color-coded for identification. We should note that RAM slots
in a desktop look different than RAM slots in a laptop. A RAM module is rectangular and has a connector on one of
the long sides.
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RAM types
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RAM types
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Expansion Slots (PCIe, PCI, etc.)
• An expansion slot is a socket on a computer motherboard that allows you to add additional components to your
system. These slots are used to expand the capabilities of your computer and can be used to add new functionality to
your system.
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Expansion Slots (PCIe, PCI, etc.)
• There are several different types of expansion slots, each designed to accommodate different types of expansion cards.
Some common types of expansion slots include:
• Peripheral component interconnect (PCI)
• PCI express (PCIe)
• Agraphics port (AGP)
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Peripheral component interconnect (PCI)
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Peripheral component interconnect (PCI)
• A peripheral component interconnect (PCI) expansion slot is a type of slot that allows you to add additional
cards to your computer system. These slots are typically used to add sound cards, network cards, or other types
of interface cards.
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PCI express
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PCI express
• A PCI express (PCIe) expansion slot is a newer type of slot that allows for faster data transfer rates than the older
peripheral component interconnect (PCI) slots. PCIe slots are typically used to add graphics cards and other high-
performance cards to a computer system.
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Accelerated graphics port (AGP)
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Accelerated graphics port (AGP)
• An accelerated graphics port (AGP) expansion slot is a type of slot that is specifically designed for graphics cards.
These slots offer faster data transfer rates than standard peripheral component interconnect (PCI) slots and are
typically used to add high-performance graphics cards to a computer system.
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Storage Interfaces
• Storage interfaces refer to the methods by which storage devices such as hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives
(SSDs), and optical drives are connected to a computer's motherboard. Here are some common storage interfaces:
• SATA (Serial ATA):
• M.2 (formerly known as NGFF - Next Generation Form Factor):
• IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics):
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SATA (Serial ATA):
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M.2
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IDE
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Power Connectors
• Power connectors on a computer motherboard are essential for supplying electricity from the power supply
unit (PSU) to various components, ensuring proper operation. Here are the main power connectors commonly
found on computer motherboards:
• ATX Power Connector (24-pin):
• CPU Power Connector (4-pin or 8-pin):
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ATX Power Connector (24-pin):
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CPU Power Connector (4-pin or 8-pin):
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Input/Output Ports (USB, HDMI, Ethernet, etc.)
• The connection point acts as an interface between the computer and external devices like printers, modems, etc.
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Input/Output Ports (USB, HDMI, Ethernet, etc.)
• USB (Universal Serial Bus)
• HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface)
• Display Port
• Ethernet (RJ-45)
• Audio Ports
• Thunderbolt
• PS/2
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USB (Universal Serial Bus)
• USB ports are versatile and widely used for connecting a variety of devices, including keyboards, mice, printers,
external storage drives, smartphones, and more.
• Different USB versions offer varying data transfer speeds, with USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 Gen 1/Gen 2 being faster
than USB 2.0.
• USB-C is a newer connector type that offers higher data transfer speeds, higher power delivery, and reversible
plug orientation.
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HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface)
• HDMI ports are used for connecting displays such as monitors, TVs, and projectors to the computer.
• HDMI supports high-definition audio and video signals, making it ideal for multimedia applications.
• HDMI cables can carry both audio and video signals, simplifying cable management.
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Display Port:
• Display Port is another digital display interface commonly found on computers and monitors.
• Display Port supports higher resolutions, refresh rates, and color depths compared to HDMI.
• Display Port cables are commonly used for connecting high-performance displays, such as gaming monitors and
professional-grade monitors.
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Ethernet (RJ-45)
• Ethernet ports, also known as LAN (Local Area Network) ports or RJ-45 ports, are used for connecting
computers to wired networks.
• Ethernet ports provide reliable and high-speed network connectivity, making them essential for internet access
and local network communication.
• Ethernet cables are commonly used for connecting computers, routers, switches, and other networking devices.
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Audio Ports
• Audio ports include headphone jacks, microphone jacks, and line-in/line-out ports for audio input and output.
• These ports allow users to connect headphones, microphones, speakers, and other audio devices to the
computer for audio playback and recording.
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Thunderbolt
• Thunderbolt ports offer high-speed data transfer and video output capabilities.
• Thunderbolt combines PCIe and DisplayPort protocols, allowing for versatile connectivity with various devices,
including external storage drives, displays, and docking stations.
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PS/2:
• PS/2 ports are older legacy ports used for connecting keyboards and mice to the computer.
• While less common in modern systems, some motherboards still include PS/2 ports for compatibility with older
peripherals.
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Chipsets
• A chipset is a collection of integrated circuits (chips) on the motherboard that manages data flow between the CPU,
memory, and peripherals.
• Chipsets serve as the "traffic controller" of the motherboard, coordinating the transfer of data and control signals
between various components.
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Functions of Chipsets:
• Control and Management: Chipsets control the flow of data between the CPU, memory, storage devices, and
expansion slots.
• Interface Support: Chipsets provide support for various interfaces, such as SATA, USB, PCIe, and Ethernet, allowing
peripherals to connect to the motherboard.
• Overclocking Support: Some chipsets offer features for overclocking, allowing users to increase the performance of
the CPU, memory, and other components beyond their default settings.
• Power Management: Chipsets manage power distribution and consumption across the motherboard, optimizing
energy efficiency and thermal performance.
• Integrated Graphics: Some chipsets include integrated graphics processors (IGP), providing basic graphics capabilities
without the need for a separate graphics card.
• Compatibility: Chipsets ensure compatibility between different components connected to the motherboard, such as
CPUs, memory modules, and expansion cards.
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Types of Chipsets:
• Northbridge:
• Southbridge:
• Integrated Chipsets:
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Northbridge
• Northbridge: Traditionally, the Northbridge chipset handles communication between the CPU,
memory, and PCIe slots. However, with modern CPUs integrating more features, the
Northbridge functionality has been absorbed into the CPU itself in many cases.
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Northbridge
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Southbridge
• Southbridge: The Southbridge chipset manages communication between the CPU, storage
devices, USB ports, audio controllers, and other peripherals. It handles lower-speed I/O
functions compared to the Northbridge.
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Southbridge
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Integrated Chipsets
• Integrated Chipsets: Some modern CPUs integrate both Northbridge and Southbridge
functions into a single chip, known as a System-on-Chip (SoC) or integrated chipset. These
integrated chipsets offer simplified motherboard designs and reduced power consumption.
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Integrated Chipsets
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Chipset Families
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Motherboard Form Factors
• ATX (Advanced Technology eXtended):
• Micro ATX (mATX):
• Mini ITX:
• Extended ATX (EATX):
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Motherboard Form Factors
• ATX (Advanced Technology eXtended):
• ATX is one of the most common motherboard form factors used in desktop computers.
• Standard ATX motherboards typically measure 12 inches by 9.6 inches (305 mm by 244 mm) and feature a layout
suitable for mid-tower and full-tower computer cases.
• ATX motherboards offer ample space for expansion slots, memory modules, and other components.
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Motherboard Form Factors
• ATX (Advanced Technology eXtended):
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Motherboard Form Factors
• Micro ATX (mATX):
• Micro ATX is a smaller form factor compared to ATX, suitable for compact desktop systems.
• Micro ATX motherboards are typically 9.6 inches by 9.6 inches (244 mm by 244 mm) in size and offer fewer
expansion slots than ATX motherboards.
• Micro ATX motherboards are compatible with both micro ATX and ATX computer cases, providing flexibility in
system configuration.
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Motherboard Form Factors
• Micro ATX (mATX):
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Motherboard Form Factors
• Mini ITX:
• Mini ITX is the smallest mainstream motherboard form factor, designed for ultra-compact and space-constrained
systems.
• Mini ITX motherboards measure 6.7 inches by 6.7 inches (170 mm by 170 mm) and feature a minimalistic layout
with limited expansion options.
• Mini ITX motherboards are commonly used in small form factor (SFF) and mini-PC builds, such as HTPCs (Home
Theater PCs) and gaming consoles.
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Motherboard Form Factors
• Mini ITX:
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Motherboard Form Factors
• Extended ATX (EATX):
• Extended ATX is a larger form factor designed for high-end desktop systems with extensive expansion
capabilities.
• EATX motherboards are wider than standard ATX motherboards, typically measuring 12 inches by 13 inches
(305 mm by 330 mm) or larger.
• EATX motherboards offer additional expansion slots, memory slots, and connectivity options compared to ATX
and micro ATX motherboards.
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Motherboard Form Factors
• Extended ATX (EATX):
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Motherboard Form Factors
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Motherboard Form Factors
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Assignment
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