Motherboard Parts and Functions: Getting to Know Your Hardware

The motherboard is one of the most

important parts of the PC, but as a tech enthusiast, you probably already know that.
What you might not know, though, is the role played by each chip, port or slot present
on a motherboard. A lot of people simply don’t care about these aspects, but if you’re
the do-it-yourself type, knowing everything there is to know when it comes to
motherboards can help you when it comes to troubleshooting, upgrading or even
building your own PC, despite the latter operation already being simple if you take this
online course on how to build a computer.

Motherboard Basics

A computer has many components, each with their own roles and functions. The role of
the motherboard is to allow all these components to communicate with each other.
Considering the fact that all the other components are installed on the motherboard or
connected to it, it is safe to say that the motherboard is the central piece of a PC, the
component that brings it all together.

Processor Socket

The processor socket is the central piece of a motherboard, usually being located near
the center of the motherboard. It’s also the central piece because it holds the processor
– the brain of your computer.

Power Connectors

No computer component can operate without power, and a motherboard is no

exception. The power connector, commonly a 20 or 24-pin connector, can be situated
either near the right edge of the motherboard, or somewhere close to the processor
socket on older motherboards. This is where the power supply’s main connector gets
attached, providing power to the motherboard and all the other components.
Newer motherboards have an additional 4-pin or 8-pin connector near the processor,
used to supply additional power directly to the processor.

Memory Slots

Located in the upper-right part of the motherboard, the memory slots are used to house
the computer’s memory modules. The number of slots can vary, depending on
motherboard, from 2, in low-end motherboards, all the way up to 8 memory slots, on
high-end and gaming motherboards.

It is important to pay close attention to the type of memory a motherboard supports, in

order to buy the appropriate memory modules. Newer motherboards support DDR3
memory, the current industry standard memory architecture, but motherboards with
DDR2 memory slots and even DDR1 memory slots are still present on the market. An
interesting aspect is that there are some older motherboard models that supported
different types of memory, and usually come with two DDR1 memory slots and 2 DDR2
memory slots, or two DDR2 slots and two DDR3 slots. These motherboards were great
options for people that wanted to upgrade a motherboard without having to upgrade all
the other components as well.

The number of memory slots should be an important criterion to take into account when
choosing a motherboard, as it will determine the maximum amount of memory you can
install

Video Card Slot

This is the type of slot that doesn’t need an explanation, as its name doesn’t leave much
room for interpretation as to what its role is. Coming in the form of a PCI-Express slot on
newer motherboards or AGP on older ones, the video card slot is situated right below
the processor.

It is not uncommon for older motherboards, especially those that target the office
segment, to lack this slot, meaning that you won’t be able to install a discrete video
card, thus having to rely on the integrated one. At the opposite pole, high-end gaming
motherboards come with multiple video card slots, allowing the installation of multiple
video cards in a SLI or CrossFire configuration.

Expansion Slots

Expansions have the role of letting you install additional components to enhance or
expand the functionality of your PC. You can install a TV tuner, a video capture card, a
better soundcard, etc. – you get the idea. These ports are located under the video card
slot, and come in the form of PCI slots (on older motherboards) or a scaled-down
version of PCI-Express slots (on newer motherboards). Some motherboards come with
both types of expansion slots. The number of slots is usually dependent on the format of
the motherboard – larger motherboards (full ATX) have more, while smaller formats
(micro-ATX) have fewer, if any.

IDE and SATA Ports

IDE and SATA ports are used to provide connectivity for the storage devices and optical
drives. The IDE interface is somewhat outdated, so you shouldn’t be surprised if you
see a lot of new motherboards coming without this type of port. It was replaced by the
smaller and much faster SATA interface, which currently reached its 3 rd revision, being
able to achieve maximum speeds of up to 600 MB/s, as opposed to the IDE interface,
which can reach a maximum of 133 MB/s.

It is not uncommon for manufacturers to include SATA ports of different revisions, such
as two SATA2 ports and two SATA3 ports. Considering the fact that most optical drives
on the market come with a SATA connector, and these devices are not bandwidth-
hungry, using a SATA2 port for an optical drive is perfectly acceptable. In fact, most
mechanical hard drives cannot achieve SATA3 speeds due to mechanical limitations, so
unless you plan to use multiple high-performance solid state drives in your PC, which
can benefit of the higher speeds of SATA3, a combination of SATA2 and SATA3
shouldn’t make much of a difference.

BIOS Chip and Battery

The BIOS chip contains the basic code needed to take your computer through the boot
process, up to the point where the operating system takes over. Since the BIOS code is
stored on a memory chip that needs constant power to function, a battery is also
present to keep the chip powered when the computer is unplugged.

Northbridge and Southbridge

If you have a look at your motherboard, chances are you’ll see a square metal
component somewhere in the lower-right part of the board. This metal component is
actually a heatsink, and its role is to provide thermal protection for the Northbridge –
one of the most important components of a motherboard. The northbridge is responsible
for coordinating the data flow between the memory, the video card and the processor. A
secondary chip, known as Southbridge, has a similar function, coordinating the data
flow between the processor and peripherals such as sound cards or network cards.

Front Panel Connectors, USB Headers and Audio Header

The front panel connector is where all the elements present on the front of your case
are connected. Power button, reset button, power led, audio connectors and USB
connectors – they are all connected to the front panel or the corresponding headers.
Rear Connectors

These connectors are the bridge between the outside of your computer and the inside.
The name is a bit misleading, as the connectors are actually located on the left edge of
the motherboard; however, since these connectors are accessible from the outside, the
name simply implies where they are accessible from – the rear of the PC case. External
peripherals such as keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers and so on are all connected
via these connectors.

Motherboard, Motherboard Contents and Its Functions

Motherboard is a also one of the important parts of the CPU. It is a Main Circuit board.
Motherboard connects all the parts of CPU. Motherboard Consist of Processor Socket,
RAM slots, PCI slots, AGP slot, IDE connectors and Ports.

Mecury 845 Chipset Motherboard

Every motherboard has connectors and slots to connect all the remaining parts of CPU.
here the list of all the slot and connector of motherboard.
 CPU Socket
 North Bridge
 South Bridge
 RAM Slots
 AGP Slot
 PCI Slots
 CNR Slot
 Floppy Connector
 Primary and Secondary IDE Connectors
 SATA connectors
 Power Connector
 BIOS
 CMOS battery
 Ports
CPU Socket:

CPU Socket or Processor Socket.Which is used to install or insert the processor.we

have two types of sockets. LIF sockets and ZIF socket. LIF stands for Low Insertion
Force, this is the old model sockets and ZIF stands for Zero Insertion Force, this is the
present model sockets. 

ZIF socket or PGA sockets

North Bridge:

North Bridge is always near the processor socket. which is one of the important
component of a motherboard. It is a focal Point of Motherboard and It is also called as
Memory Controller Hub. North Bridge interconnects Processor socket, RAM slots and
AGP slot. here Gigabyte chip is north bridge it is near Processor socket.

South Bridge:

North bridge and south bridge are the two main poles of a motherboard. South Bridge
interconnects Primary and Secondary IDE interfaces, SATA connectors, Floppy Drive
Connector, PCI slots and BIOS. 

RAM Slots: 
RAM slots are used to insert RAMs. there are so many types of ram slots. they are SD
ram slots, DDR ram slots, DDR2 and DDR3 ram slots. SD stands for synchronize
Dynamic and DDR Stands for Double Data Rate.

AGP slot:

AGP slots are used to insert or install AGP Cards. AGP full form is Accelerated
Graphics Port. This slot is for graphics and 3d gaming purpose. it is always beside the
PCI slots

PCI slots:
PCI slots are used to Insert or install Add-on cards, such as LAN cards, Sound cards,
Capture cards and TV tuner cards. PCI full form is Peripheral Component Interconnect.

Floppy Drive Connector:

Floppy Drive Connector is used to connect floppy drives. It supports two floppy drives.
so that A and B drives are reserved for two floppy drives in My computer. it has 32 pins. 

Primary and Secondary IDE Interfaces:

Primary and Secondary IDE interfaces are also called as IDE connectors or PATA
connectors. IDE full form is Integrated Device Electronics. it supports IDE devices, such
as Hard disks and CD and DVD drives.

SATA Connectors:

SATA connectors are also called as Serial ATA connectors. SATA full form is Serial
Advanced Technology Attachment. These are connect with serial ATA devices, such as
Hard disk drives and CD or DVD drives.

Power Connector:
An AT power supply delivers +5 V, +12 V, -5 V and -12 V voltages using two six-pin connectors.
A few newer boards used an additional connector for +3.3 V. Note, that you must install these
connectors to the motherboard in a way that the black wires are placed on the center, or your
equipment will be damaged.

This power connector is ATX power connector. it has 24 pin connector. mother takes
the power from this connector to work. The ATX 24 pin power supply connector is the
standard motherboard power connector in computers today.

BIOS:
BIOS stands for Basic input and Output system. This is also one of the important chips.
it conducts the POST (Power On Self Test).

CMOS battery(complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor):

There is a battery in the motherboard, which is used to power the south bridge and the
BIOS to save the setting, data and time.

 Ports:
Ports are used to connect input and output devices. they are attached and come with
motherboard and they are in backside of CPU.

I/O ports- This is located in the rear panel of the CPU, this use to connect the outside
hardware or peripherals of the computer.

•          PS/2 ports- These are used to connect the mouse (green color) and the keyboard
(purple color)

•          DB 25 female connector (printer port)-This is use to connect the impact printer,
one of that the DOT MATRIX printer, ex. the Epson LX 300 +

•          DB 9 male connector (Serial or com1 port)-This use to connect a serial device of
the computer, such as the serial mouse and external modem.

•          VGA port (built-in)- This is use to interface the DB cord of the monitor screen or to
connect the monitor screen of the computer. The fastest video card versions are based on
the standard of the VGA slots, ex: the AGP and PCI’e card.

•          USB 2.0 × 2 ports- These are the ports of the USB devices of the computer. Attached
externally of the system unit, one of that are the USB flash drives. As of now the versions or
speed of the USB are the 1.0 and 2.0 compatible.

•          LAN port- This called as Local Area Network of the computer. This is use to connect
the numbers of node or workstations (PC) to form a local area network of the computer
with in their area. Using type of communication media such as the network switch and
router.

•          Audio Port- This is use to connect the speaker, mike, and MIDI (Musical Instrument
Digital Interface) device of the computer.

Jumper
Jumper is a pair of prongs that are electrical contact points set into the
computer motherboard or an adapter card . When you set a jumper, you place a plug
on the prongs that completes a contact. In effect, the jumper acts as a switch by closing
(or opening) an electrical circuit.

USB Connector

USB connector is attached in the motherboard that connects your USB port in the front
panel.

Audio Connector

Audio connector is attached in the motherboard that connects your Audio port in the
front panel.
CPU fan connector

The four-wire connectors are for processor fans with higher power consumption. Use to
connect and power the heat sink Fan.

Chassis fan connector

Chassis fan connector is the one who power your big fan in the casing.

Resistor

One of the most commonly found components in an electronic circuit. Resistors help

restrict and impede a current flow.
4 pin Power connector (12v)

The ATX 4 pin power supply connector is a standard motherboard power

connector used to provide +12 VDC to the processor voltage regulator.

Capacitor

A capacitor is a small electrical component on your motherboard that can perform

various functions. First of all, capacitors condition DC voltage to the components and
thus provide a steady power supply. ... Second, a capacitor can store an electronic
charge to be discharged at a later date.

Inductor

An i nductor is a passive electronic component that

stores energy in the form of a magnetic field. In
its simplest form, an inductor consists of a wire loop
or coil.
Front Panel

he front panel header is where the connectors of hard disk drive activity lights, case
speaker, reset button, power on/off button, computer power on light, and key lock, are
connected to make them function smoothly.

Transistor

Transistor is an electronic device that works by controlling the flow of the electrical
current. An example of a transistor is something combined in large numbers with
microcircuits into a single circuit board and used in a computer.

Integrated circuit

An integrated circuit, or IC, is small chip that can function as

an amplifier, oscillator, timer, microprocessor, or even computer
memory. An IC is a small wafer, usually made of silicon, that can hold anywhere from hundreds
to millions of transistors, resistors, and capacitors.

Steps for a Safe and Successful System Unit Assembly and

Disassembly

You might think that disassembly and assembly of the system unit is easy. Yes it is
provided that you have done it correct and safely. The first thing that every computer
technician should keep in mind is SAFETY. You must think that electrocution and nasty
cuts are the most common injuries a computer technician might have and we need to
avoid it by following simple safety procedures. To disassemble and assemble a
computer is integral as being aComputer Hardware Servicing Technician.

Aside from electrocution, we must also think that the computer that we are about to
disassemble requires care. Safety of the equipment must also be considered. Not only
thinking of the computer's safety but also to that of your tools. Your tools are your best
friends and you need to take good care of them so they in return can make your job
easy and fast. Example, if you just leave your software installer anywhere then
accidentally falls to the ground and accumulates scratches? Do you think you can still
use the installer again?

Another thing to consider safety is on environment. As computer technicians, we must

be responsible to take our part to take care of the environment. What things does
computer technicians do that might have ill effects on the environment? Printer inks, cut
wires, PCB's, in general electronic wastes. And these electronic wastes are the hardest
type of waste to recycle. So be responsible as a computer servicing technician. So
listed below is the checklist for a safe and successful disassembly and assembly of the
computer.
Steps to a Safe and Successful Disassembly and Assembly of a System Unit

To Disassemble

1. Prepare all your tools.

a. Long Philip Screw Driver
b. Rubber Eraser
c. Soft Wide Bristle Brush
d. Paper and Pen for documentation

2. Before opening the system case, be sure to turn off the system unit. Turn off and
unplug the AVR from the wall socket as well. After that, unplug all the cables connecting
to the back of the system unit. After clearing all the connected cables, put the system
unit on an empty working table.

3. Touch the unpainted part of your system unit with your bare hands to remove the
ESD of your body. This is an important part before opening your system case. You
might destroy your RAM, Chipsets and other components of your motherboard.

4. Remove the screws of the side cover opposite to the side where the ports are. By
most system cases, if you are facing the back of the system unit the right side cover is
to be removed. Return the screws back to the screw holes to avoid losing them.

5. Once the side cover is removed, turn your system side down where the opened side
of the system unit should be facing upward where you can comfortably look down on
the inside of your system case.

6. We are now ready to remove the components inside of the computer. The first thing
we need to do is remove the power supply. To be able to remove the power supply,
remove first the molex connectors (the white plastic connector at the tip of the wires of
the power supply) or the motherboard power connector, drive power connectors, the
floppy drive power connector, the sata power connectors and the four pin 12-volt
motherboard connector. With all power connectosr are removed from the motherboard
and drives, the power supply is now ok to be removed as well. Always have the
removed components placed in a remote and safe place away from where you are
performing computer disassembly.

7. With the power supply removed, the data cable should be removed next. This
includes IDE, SATA, and floppy drive cables. Secure the removed data cables.

8. Next to remove are the RAM, Video Card and other card peripheral components.
Again have them secured in a safe place and put the screws back. Clean the connector
edges of the card peripherals by rubbing the gold colored edge moderately with a
rubber eraser then brushing off the shredding. Do not attempt to clean the edge by
blowing or brushing it off with your fingers. Our body is acidic and you might only cause
the edges to tarnish faster.

9. Remove all drives. This will include your hard drive, cd/dvd drives, and the floppy
drive.

10. Since all peripherals where removed, the next thing to do is to remove the front
panel connectors. This will include the USB, Front Panel (FP) and Audio header. If you
are not sure of which connector is being match to, write down or document the
connections and orientation of the connectors before removing them from the headers.
Remember that not all motherboards have the same header configuration so be careful
and watchful while documenting.

11. After removing the header connectors, we are now ready to remove the
motherboard. To remove the motherboard, locate first all the screws and lightly unscrew
all screws alternately. With this technique, we are reducing the risk of warping or
bending our motherboard. It may not have a large impact on the bending of the
motherboard but still it does have even a little. Upon lightly loosening all screws, remove
all screws then. Remove the motherboard by carefully and lightly pulling it away from
the I/O shield. Why? because we need to free the ports that are fitted from the holes in
the I/O shield. After freeing the motherboard ports from the I/O shield holes, lift up the
motherboard and put it on the safe place.

12. Clean the system unit chassis with your brush, also clean your motherboard and the
rest of the peripherals being removed.

To Assemble

1.Provided that all peripherals are clean and ready. We are now going to assemble your
computer. In assembling back your computer, what we have done during disassembling
is just doing the reverse order to assemble it. Since the motherboard was last to be
removed, it should then be the first to put back. Remove the retaining screws from the
standoff screws of the motherboard and let the motherboard seat on it with the ports
facing out towards the I/O shield. Lightly push the motherboard to set its ports to the
holes of the I/O shield. Put the retaining screws on the motherboard screw holes but do
not tighten it yet. Now be careful in doing this one and if this is your first time doing it, it
is best if you lend a hand for assistance. Lightly push the motherboard towards to I/O
shield and lightly tighten the motherboard retaining screws alternately until all screws
are tight enough but not too tight. This is to ensure that your ports are protruding
correctly out of the I/O shield.

2. Once the motherboard is secured, put back the FP, Audio, and USB header
connectors as you will be using your documentation for reference.

3. Put back the drives to the correct drive bays.

4. Connect back the RAM, Video Card and other card peripherals to its proper slot
inserting it properly and some cards will require screws to be secured.

5. The data cables (IDE, SATA, floppy cable) should be connected to its proper headers
and drives. Remember the proper configuration of the placement of the cables specially
if you are dealing with the IDE cables.

6. After the data cables are properly connected, put back the power supply and secure it
with the screws you removed earlier. After securing the PSU to the chassis, connect the
power connectors to the drives and the motherboard.

7. Once all peripherals are connected properly, have a final inspection by visually
checking for loose connection or improper connection. Once the system unit
connections are thoroughly checked and verified, connect the keyboard; the monitor,
and the power connector then power up the computer. This initial powering up of the
computer while the side cover is open ensures us that everything is ok before putting
back the side cover. In case something goes wrong, we can accessibly correct the
problem right away. If everything is fine shutdown the computer, unplugged the AVR
and remove the cables connected to the back of your computer. Put the side cover
back.

8. Put the assembled computer back to its place and connect the rest of the cables and
connectors. Power it up and see if there are unusual effects of your
disassembling/assembling procedure done earlier..