The motherboard is the underlying main circuit board of a computer. The Central Processing Unit (CPU), Random Access Memory (RAM), and various optical disks or drives are all connected to interfaces on it. A video interface and sound card can also be integrated or added, and peripherals and various devices use additional connections.
Motherboard.
Purpose of motherboards
One of the main functions of a motherboard is to act as the “hub” to which other computing devices are connected. A card can come in many configurations to suit different needs and budgets. In its most basic form, it has multiple interfaces for the necessary components and multiple microchips that control the startup of the computer. Many computer enthusiasts prefer one type of card over another, choosing a manufacturer based on the firmware installed or the types of hardware it supports.
A SATA cable, which can be used to connect to a motherboard.
Various chips and components are physically installed on a board, including the north and south bridges. These are two sets of chips that are used with the CPU to allow communication between the processor and memory. All the important components are connected directly or indirectly to the board, so it works like the “nervous system” of a computer.
The motherboard and attached peripherals are installed inside a case, also known as a computer tower.
Motherboards and processors
An important feature of a motherboard is the socket used to house the CPU. Different types of sockets are found on various boards, with different configurations for the processor pins. They fit into the socket, allowing it to act as the main processor of a computer.
Motherboards typically support a specific type of CPU, such as a processor made by AMD™ or Intel™. Among the available processors, there are different grades of CPU. A 64-bit AMD™ processor requires a different CPU socket than a 32-bit AMD™ processor. Someone buying parts to build a computer needs to make sure the CPU and motherboard are compatible.
RAM and different boards
Motherboards also affect the amount and type of RAM that users can install in a computer. Often it’s better for someone to use a card that supports more RAM than necessary. If newer RAM technology is available, getting a card that supports the latest type can help future-proof your hardware. There are different types of RAM available, indicated by terms like “Double Data Rate” (DDR) or “Dual Inline Memory Module” (DIMM), and new forms are introduced fairly regularly.
Cards also have a limit on the total amount of RAM they can support. It is important that you choose memory cards that do not exceed this limit. Each stick may also have a memory limit defined by the type of card used, which is indicated in the card manual provided by the manufacturer.
Expansion slots and drive connections
The number of Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) slots varies from motherboard to motherboard, which may include an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) designed specifically for video cards. These slots are used to connect peripheral components inside a computer case, such as video and sound cards or modems. New formats are often introduced to improve connection speeds, so older motherboards may not support newer hardware.
The boards also have various Serial AT Attachment (SATA) ports or Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) connections for use with hard drives and optical devices. Like other connections on motherboards, these change over time as new technology is introduced. Adapters can be used in some cases, although it is usually necessary to use a new board when connecting a unit with newer connection cables.
size and power supply
The motherboard also comes in one of a few standard footprints or sizes. This can affect the type of system case the board fits into. Many motherboard manufacturers also recommend specific power supplies that have been tested with their hardware. It is important that a fairly large power supply is used with a board, and that the power supply has the correct type of connections to plug it into.
The amount of RAM a computer can use depends on the motherboard.
