THE MOTHERBOARD AND IT’S COMPONENTS

The computer motherboard is the main printed circuit board (PCB) where most computer components
are connected. It provides connectivity between the computer hardware components, for instance,
the processor (CPU), memory (RAM), hard drive, and video card. The motherboard is also known as
System Board, Mainboard, , Main Circuit Board, Planar Board, Logic Board, and Printed Wired Board
(PWB) among other names.
It is located at the bottom or on the side of the computer chassis depending on the type of desktop
computer you have. The motherboard has many printed wires that carry power and data signals
between one component and the other. It connects directly or indirectly to every part of the Personal
Computer. The type of motherboard installed in a PC has a great effect on system speed and future
expansion capabilities

Computer Motherboard Components

A motherboard is mainly composed of two materials:

 Layers of fiberglass for the purpose of insulation.

 Copper to form conductive pathways.

The motherboard holds all the major components of the computer. These motherboard components
include:

 The processor (CPU)

 CPU socket
 Main Memory (RAM)
 Memory slot
 Math Co-Processor
 BIOS
 CMOS memory
 CMOS Battery
 Expansion slots
 Cache memory
 CPU Clock
 I/O ports
 Hard disk controllers
 SATA connector
 Super I/O chip
Central Processing Unit or the CPU
Also known as the microprocessor, the CPU is the brain of the computer. It fetches, decodes and
executes program instructions as well as performing mathematical and logical calculations. The
processor is one of the most important computer motherboard components.
The CPU chip is identified by the processor type and the manufacturer. This information is usually
inscribed on the processor chip, for instance, Intel 386, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) 386, Cyrix 486,
Pentium MMX, Intel Core 2Duo, Intel Core i7, among others. The processor fits into the processor
socket.

Intel Core i7 Processor

Processor Socket
A CPU socket or processor socket is a connection that allows a computer microprocessor to be inserted
on the motherboard. There are various types of processor sockets depending on the CPU being inserted.
You can identify the processor socket as socket 1 to Socket 8, LGA 775, Socket A, Socket F, among
others.

Main Memory (RAM)

The Main Memory, Primary Memory, System Memory or Random Access Memory (RAM), refers to the
physical memory of the computer. The word main is used to distinguish it from external mass storage
devices such as disk drives. The memory is the working place of a computer. It is a hardware device that
stores data for easy retrieval. It is volatile meaning it holds data as long as there is power. Once the
power goes off or the computer is turned off, all the contents in RAM are lost.
The computer can manipulate only data that is in the main memory. Therefore, every program you
execute and every file you access must be copied from a storage device into main memory. The amount

of main memory on a computer is crucial. This is because it determines how many programs can be
executed at once and how much data can be readily available to a program.

DDR4 SDRAM Module

Types of RAM
There are two broad categories of RAM. These are SRAM and DRAM.

Memory Slot
It is also known as a memory socket or RAM slot. This is the slot or connection point where RAM
modules are inserted on the motherboard. There may be two or four RAM slots depending on the
motherboard in use.

Math Coprocessor
The Math coprocessor is a type of microprocessor that is optimized to execute complex mathematical
calculations e.g. irrational numbers and arrays. It was an optional add-on for earlier Intel processors
such as 8086, 80386 and 80486. This allowed computers to perform mathematical calculations faster. It
is also referred to as a numeric coprocessor or a floating-point coprocessor. Modern computer
processors come with an integrated math coprocessor.

The 486DX processor was the first processor to include an in-built math co-processor (inside the CPU).
The earlier processors 8088, 8086, 80286, 80386SX & DX, and 486SX had their math co-processors on
the motherboard.
Basic Input Output System – BIOS
BIOS  is a term that stands for basic input/output system.  It consists of low-level software that controls
the system hardware and acts as an interface between the operating system and the hardware. BIOS is
used by the microprocessor to get the computer started after it is turned on.
All motherboards include a small block of Read–Only Memory (ROM) which is separate from the main
system memory used for loading and running software. On PCs, the BIOS contains all the code required
to control the keyboard, display screen, disk drives, serial communications, and a number of
miscellaneous functions.

The BIOS is stored on a ROM chip because ROM retains information even when no power is being
supplied to the computer. The downside of storing data in an older computer’s ROM is that the chip has
to be removed to update information. Many modern PCs have flash  BIOS, which means that the BIOS
has been recorded on a flash memory chip, which can be updated if necessary.
The BIOS is typically placed in a ROM chip that comes with the computer (it is often called a ROM BIOS).
This ensures that the BIOS will always be available and will not be damaged by disk failures. It also
makes it possible for a computer to boot itself. Because RAM is faster than ROM, though, many
computer manufacturers design systems so that the BIOS is copied from ROM to RAM each time the
computer is booted. This is known as shadowing.
The PC BIOS is fairly standardized, so all PCs are similar at this level (although there are different BIOS
versions).

Some Bios Hardware Configuration Options That Can Be Changed

 Change the Boot Order
 Load BIOS Setup Defaults
 Remove a BIOS Password
 Create a BIOS Password
 You can change the Date and Time
 Change Floppy Drive Settings
 To change Hard Drive Settings
 Changing CD/DVD/BD Drive Settings
 View Amount of Memory Installed
 Change the Boot Up NumLock Status
 Enable or Disable the Computer Logo
 Enable or Disable the Quick Power-On Self-Test (POST)
Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI)
This is a specification for a software program that connects a computer’s firmware to its operating
system. It is expected to replace BIOS.

UEFI is installed at the time of manufacturing and just like BIOS; it is the first program that runs when a
computer is powered on. UEFI checks for the hardware components installed on the computer. It wakes
the available devices and hands them over to the operating system. It is programmable and hence
developers can add applications and drivers. This makes UEFI function as a lightweight operating system.
It is managed by a group of chipset, system, hardware, firmware, and operating system vendors called
the UEFI Forum.
Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor

Cache Memory
It is a small block of high-speed memory (RAM) that enhances PC performance by pre-loading
information from the main memory (relatively slow) and passing it to the processor on demand.

Most CPUs have an internal cache (in-built in the processor) which is referred to as Level-I cache
memory or primary cache memory. This can be supplemented by external cache memory fitted on the
motherboard. This is the Level-2 Cache memory or secondary cache. Even though Level-2 cache is
optional, it results in a major improvement in system performance.

Expansion Buses
An expansion bus is an assortment of wires that allows for computer expansion with the use of an
expansion board. Expansion buses give rise to expansion slots. Expansion boards are inserted into an
expansion slot on the motherboard or backplane that provides additional features to a computer
system. Buses carry signals, such as data; memory addresses, power and control signals from
component to component.

Expansion buses enhance the PCs capabilities by allowing users to add missing features in their
computers in the form of adapter cards that are slotted in expansion slots. The different types of buses
include PCI, ISA, EISA I/0 bus.
Expansion Slots

Alternatively referred to as a bus slot or expansion port, an expansion slot is a connection or port

located on the motherboard. It is where an expansion card is inserted.
Chipset
A chipset is a group of small circuits that coordinates the flow of data and instructions between the
central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor and external devices. This includes the CPU itself, the
main memory, the secondary cache and any devices situated on the buses. The chipset also controls
data flow to and from hard disks, and other devices connected to the IDE channels.

Chipset manufacturers include Intel, UMC, SIS, VIA, ALI, OPTI, etc. The chipset originally was made up of
a large number of electronic chips, hence the name. A chipset generally has two components:
 The Northbridge (also called the  memory controller) is in charge of controlling transfers
between the processor and the RAM. That is why it is located physically near the
processor. It is sometimes called the GMCH, for Graphic and Memory Controller Hub.
 The Southbridge (also called the input/output controller  or expansion controller)
handles communications between peripheral devices. It is also called the ICH (I/O
Controller Hub). The term bridge is generally used to designate a component which
connects two buses.
CPU Clock
The CPU clock is an internal timing device that breathes life into the microprocessor by feeding it a
constant flow of pulses. For example, a 400 MHz CPU receives 400 million pulses per second from the
clock. A 2 GHz CPU gets two billion pulses per second. The clock synchronizes the operation of all parts
of the computer and provides the basic timing signal for the CPU. Similarly, in a communications device,
a clock may be used to synchronize the data pulses between sender and receiver.

Switches
DIP (Dual In-line Package) switches are small electronic switches found on the circuit board that can be
turned on or off just like a normal switch. They are very small and so are usually flipped with a pointed
object such as a screwdriver, bent paper clip or pen top. Care should be taken when cleaning near DIP
switches as some solvents may destroy them. They are usually used to make or break a connection
within a circuit.

Jumper Pins
Jumpers are small pins on the board with plastic or metal devices that go over the pins. This device is
called a bridge. When the bridge is connected to any two pins via a shorting link, it completes the circuit
and a certain configuration has been achieved.

Circuit Board Jumper Caps/ Shunts 

A jumper cap is a metal connector that closes an electrical circuit. Typically, a jumper consists of metal
connector encased with a plastic covering. They are designed to fit over a pair of protruding pins.
Jumpers are sometimes used to configure expansion boards. By placing a jumper plug over a different
set of pins, you can change a board’s parameters.
SATA Connector

Super IO Chip
This type of controller is an integrated circuit found on the computer motherboard. It handles the
slower and less prominent input/output devices such as floppy disk controller, game port, parallel port,
real-time clock, and serial port UART among others
 COMPUTER HARDWARE

CATEGORIES OF A COMPUTER HARDWARE

Hardware devices can be classified into four distinct categories:

 Input devices: For raw data input.

 Processing devices: To process raw data instructions into information.

 Output devices: To disseminate data and information.

 Storage devices: For data and information retention.

Input Devices

They can be defined as an electro-mechanical device that allows a user to input the data into a
computer, by usually typing on a keyboard, or by clicking a mouse, we input data into the Computer.
They even aid in file transfers between computers. Examples of input devices are, mouse, keyboard,
scanner etc.

KEYBOARD: The keyboard is one of the most prominent input devices of the computer. It operates
similarly to typewriters. The keyboard is designed to input text numbers and characters. By using a
keyboard, we do the entire writing work on the computer. The computer keyboard is one of the real
examples of input devices in computing. Physically, the keyboard of a computer is rectangular. It has a
set of keys or buttons arranged horizontal contains about 108 Keys, which act as electronic switches or
mechanical levers, allowing us to the entry of information encoded to the computer system by pressing
the keys.

MOUSE: The Mouse is the input device of the computer, also known as a pointing device and Cursor
Moving Device. It is, along with the keyboard, one of the most widely used examples of input devices
today. Its function consists of detecting the movement when being moved on a flat surface and
inputting this information so that CPU interprets and, thus, the mouse pointer imitates the movement
on the computer screen.
SCANNER: A scanner is a digital input device that is used to scan hard copy images, printed text, and
objects and then convert it to a digital format. We use the printer to extract prints in different colors.
Similarly, we can scan any documents to save on the computer. It is also known as the Xerox machine.
Image scanners are used in a variety of domestic and industrial applications such as design, gaming,
reverse engineering, and testing.

PROCESSING DEVICES
They are the components responsible for the processing of information within the computer system.
This includes devices such as the CPU, video card and motherboard

CPU(Central processing Unit): They are the components responsible for the processing of information
within the computer system. This includes devices such as the CPU, memory and motherboard.

VIDEO CARD: It is an expansion card that connects to a computer motherboard. It is used to create a
picture on a display, without a video card, you would not be able to see this page. More plainly, it's a
piece of hardware inside your computer that processes images and video, some of the tasks normally
handled by the CPU Video cards are used by gamers in place of integrated graphics due to their extra
processing power

MOTHERBOARD: It is a printed circuit board and foundation of a computer that is the biggest board in a
computer chasis. It allocates power and allows communication to and between the CPU, RAM, and all
other computer hardware components

OUTPUT DEVICES

They are devices  that receives data from a computer, usually for display, projection, or physical
reproduction. For example, the image shows an inkjet printer, an output device that make a hard
copy of anything shown on the monitor. Examples of output devices are: monitor, projector, speakers

Monitor: It is an output devices that displays electronical signals that can be interpreted by the user. A
monitor is made up of circuitry, a screen, a power supply, buttons to adjust screen settings, and casing
that holds all of these components.

PROJECTOR: It is an output device that takes images generated by a computer or Blu-ray player and
reproduce them by projection onto a screen, wall, or another surface. In most cases, the surface
projected onto is large, flat, and lightly colored

SPEAKER: It is an output device that connects to a computer to generate sound. The signal used to
produce the sound that comes from a computer speaker is created by the computer's sound card
STORAGE DEVICES

They are devices is any type of computing hardware that is used for storing, porting or extracting data
files and objects. Storage devices can hold and store information both temporarily and permanently.
They may be internal or external to a computer, server or computing device. Examples of storage
devices are: hard disk drive, floppy disk, compact disk, etc.

HARD DISK DRIVE: IT can be found installed in almost every desktop and laptop computer. It stores files
for the operating system and software programs as well as user documents, such as photographs, text
files, videos, and audio. The hard drive uses magnetic storage to record and retrieve digital information
to and from one or more fast-spinning disks.

FLOPPY DISK: It is another type of storage medium that uses magnetic storage technology to store
information. Floppy disks were once a common storage device for computers and were very common
from the mid-1970s through to the start of the 21st century. The earliest floppies were 8 inches (203
mm) in size, but these were replaced first by 5.25-inch (133 mm) disk drives and finally by 3.5-inch (90
mm) versions.

COMPACT DISC: It is a form of optical storage, a technology that employs lasers and lights to read and
write data. Initially, compact discs were used purely for music, but in the late 1980s, they began to be
used for computer data storage. Initially, the compact discs that were introduced were CD-ROMs (read-
only), but these were followed by CD-Rs (writable compact discs) and CD-RWs (rewritable compact
discs).