Computer Motherboard
What is a Computer Motherboard?
A motherboard is a circuit board which is fixed inside the Central Processing Unit (CPU) of a
computer. It can be considered as a computing system which integrates most of the essential
components of a computer.
A motherboard serves as a single platform to connect all of the parts of a computer. It connects the
CPU, memory, hard drives, optical drives, video cards, sound cards, and other ports and expansion
cards directly or via cables. It can be considered as the backbone of a computer. Generally, it is
made up of fibre glass and copper.
The motherboard is mounted inside the case and is securely attached via small screws through pre-
drilled holes. The motherboard contains ports to connect all of the internal components. It provides
a single socket for the CPU, whereas for memory, normally one or more slots are available.
Motherboards provide ports to attach the floppy drive, hard drive, and optical drives via ribbon
cables. The motherboard carries fans and a special port designed for power supply.
There is a peripheral card slot in front of the motherboard using which video cards, sound cards,
and other expansion cards can be connected to the motherboard.
On the left side, motherboards carry several ports to connect the monitor, printer, mouse, keyboard,
speaker, and network cables. Motherboards also provide USB ports, which allow compatible
devices to be connected in a plug-in/plug-out fashion—for example, pen drives, digital cameras,
etc.
Components of a Motherboard
A motherboard is made up of different components; some of the primary elements are as
follows;
• CPU Socket − It’s a major component which determines the processor connected to the
system.
• Memory Slots − These slots allow connecting memory devices into it.
• ROM Slots − These slots allow ROM BIOS to connect.
• Cooling fans − Cooling fans that maintain a suitable internal operating temperature.
• Peripheral connector − these include USB ports to connect peripheral devices.
• Audio Connectors − These allow audio input and output devices to work with analogue
and digital audio signals.
• Network Connectors − These ports are used for wired network connections, or Wi-Fi to
access the internet.
• Power connector − power connectors are used to connect external power sources. There
are two basic types: the 24-pin ATX power connector and the 4 or 8-pin CPU power
connector.
• BIOS/UEFI − The Basic Input / Output System (BIOS), also known as the Unified
Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI), is a type of firmware that initializes and tests
hardware during the boot process; it also provides runtime services to operating systems
and programs.
• Chipset: A collection of integrated circuits (ICs) that manage the flow of data between the
CPU, RAM, storage devices, and peripherals.
i. Northbridge: Handles communication between the CPU, memory, and graphics
controllers (now integrated into the CPU in modern systems).
ii. Southbridge: Manages input/output functions, such as USB, SATA, and PCIe
lanes, as well as onboard audio and networking
• SATA Ports: For connecting storage devices like SSDs and hard drives
• I/O Ports - USB, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet: Connect peripherals and external
devices.
Motherboard Form Factors
Definition: A motherboard form factor refers to the physical dimensions, layout, and mounting
configurations of the motherboard.
Key Characteristics: Form factors depend on the following;
• The layout of the components (e.g., CPU socket, RAM slots, PCIe slots).
• Power supply connections.
• Compatibility with case sizes
Common Form Factors:
a) AT(Advanced Technology):
b) Baby AT:
o 1987,size 12”to 8.5”
o The smaller version of original AT motherboard.
o The I/O ports which were cabled to connectors on the back of the case.
o Socket 7 was used.
c) ATX (Advanced Technology Extended):
o It was Introduced in the year 1995, size 12”wide X 13.8” deep.
o Used in desktop computers
o All I/O are connected in to single I/O panel located rear of the motherboard.
o It has 20,24 pin power connectors.
o CPU is connected away from all expansion bus slots.
d) Micro ATX:
o It is Slim & small in structure.
o Dimension is 9.6 by 9.6 inches or 7 by 7 inches.
o It used in digital cable boxes &HD recorders.
e) NLX (New Low profile Extended):
o It is introduced 1997, 9” wide X 13.6 deep.
o All expansion slots, power cable & PCI are located on edge mounted riser card.
o This allows easy removal of motherboard.
o AT & ATX is time consuming to upgrade & replace.
o To overcome the replaceable motherboard.
f) BTX ( Balanced Technology Extended):
o North Bridge & south bridge are located near each other and hardware they control line
CPU, RAM, expansion ports
