The Major Motherboard Components or Parts and their Functions
By Patkay
THE MOTHERBOARD
The main printed circuit board in a computer is known as the Motherboard. It is also known as System Board, Main Board or Printed Wired Board (PWB). It also sometimes abbreviated or shortened to mobo. Attached to it, we have numerous motherboard components that are crucial in the functioning of the computer.
The motherboard acts as the connection point where major computer components are attached to. It holds many of the crucial components of the system like the processor, memory, expansion slots and connects directly or indirectly to every part of the PC.
The type of motherboard installed in a PC has a great effect on system speed and expansion capabilities.
MOTHERBOARD COMPONENTS
The motherboard holds all the major logic components
of the computer. Here we are going to see with no particular order, some of those major motherboard componets and their function in a computer or to be more precise in your computer.
CPU- Central Processing Unit
It is also known as the microprocessor or the processor. It is the brain of the computer, and it is responsible for fetching, decoding and executing program instructions as well as performing mathematical and logical calculations.
The processor chip is identified by the processor type and the manufacturer; and this information is usually inscribed on the processor chip e.g. Intel 386, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) 386, Cyrix 486, Pentium MMX, (old processor types) Intel Core 2Duo e.t.c.
If the processor chip is not on the motherboard, you can identify the processor socket as socket 1 to Socket 8, LGA 775 e.t.c. This can help you identify the processor that fits in the socket. For example a 486DX processor fits into Socket 3.
Main Memory / Random Access Memory (RAM)
Random access memory or RAM most commonly refers to computer chips that temporarily store dynamic data when you are working with your computer to enhance the computer performance. In other words, it is the working place of your computer where active programs and data are loaded so that any time time the processor requres them, it doesn't have to fetch them from the hard disk which will take a longer access time.
Random access memory is volatile memory, meaning it loses its contents once power is turned off. This is different from non-volatile memory such as hard disks and flash memory, which do not require a power source to retain data. When a computer shuts down properly, all data located in random access memory
is returned back to permanent storage on the hard drive or flash drive. At
the next boot-up, RAM begins to fill with programs automatically loaded
at startup, and with files opened by the user a process called booting.
BIOS- Basic Input Output System
BIOS is a term that stands for basic input/output system, which consists of low-level software that controls the system hardware and acts as an interface between the operating system and the hardware. Most people know the term BIOS by another name—device drivers, or just drivers. In other words, the BIOS is drivers, meaning all of them. BIOS is essentially the link between hardware and software in a system.
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 system BIOS is a ROM chip on the motherboard used by the computer during the startup routine (boot process) to check out the system and prepare to run the hardware. The BIOS is stored on a ROM chip because ROM retains information even when no power is being supplied to the computer.
CMOS-Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor
Motherboards also include a small separate block of memory made from CMOS RAM chips which is kept alive by a battery (known as a CMOS battery) even when the PC’s power is off. This prevents reconfiguration when the PC is powered on.
CMOS devices require very little power to operate.
The CMOS RAM is used to store basic Information about the PC’s configuration e.g.
- Floppy disk and hard disk drive types
- CPU
- RAM size
- Date and time
- Serial and parallel port information
- Plug and Play information
- Power Saving settings
The Other Important data kept in CMOS memory is the time and date, which is updated by a Real Time Clock (RTC).
Cache Memory
It is a small block of high-speed memory (RAM) that enhances PC performance by pre-loading information from the (relatively slow) main memory 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. Some CPUs have both L1 and L2 cache built-in and designate the separate cache chip as Level 3 (L3) cache.
Expansion Buses
An input/output pathway from the CPU to peripheral devices typically made up of
a series of slots on the motherboard. Expansion boards (cards) plug into the
bus. PCI is the common expansion bus in a PC and other hardware platforms. 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 form of adapter cards that are slotted in expansion slots.
The different types of buses include PCI, ISA, and EISA expansion bus.
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Chipset
A chipset is a group of small circuits that coordinate the
flow of data to and from key components of a PC. 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. A computer has got two main chipsets:-
- The NorthBridge (also called the memory controller) is in charge of controlling transfers between the processor and the RAM, which is way 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 tem bridge is generally used to designate a component which connects two buses.
Chipset manufacturers include SIS, VIA, ALI, OPTI e.t.c.
Interesting hubs
- Motherboard Form Factors
The motherboard form factor describes its general shape, the type of case and power supply it can use, and its physical organization (layout of the motherboard). It is what we are going to have a look at in this hub. - Computer Hardware Parts Explained
In this hub, computer parts explained, we are going to have a look at some of the parts that make up a computer. Computers are very useful electronic devices that we use in modern world. - Computer Bus Architecture Types
A bus is a common pathway through which information is connected from one component to another. This pathway is used for communication and can be established between two or more computer components. - DDR1, DDR2, DDR3: Navigating The RAM Maze
Choosing the proper DDR-type for your PC is critical. The wrong choice can drastically bottleneck your system. Here is a full guide to picking the right DDR for your CPU.
Cpu Clock
The clock synchronizes the operation of all parts of the PC
and provides the basic timing signal for the CPU. Using a quartz crystal, the
CPU clock breathes life into the microprocessor by feeding it a constant flow
of pulses. For example, a 200 MHz CPU receives 200 million pulses per second
from the clock. A 2 GHz CPU gets two billion pulses per second. Similarly, in a
communications device, a clock may be used to synchronize the data pulses
between sender and receiver.
A "real-time clock," also called the "system clock," keeps
track of the time of day and makes this data available to the software. A
"timesharing clock" interrupts the CPU at regular intervals and
allows the operating system to divide its time between active users and/or
applications.
Switches and Jumpers
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.
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 or a jumper cap. When the bridge is connected to any two pins via a shorting link, it completes the circuit and a certain configuration has been achieved.
Jumper cap
A metal bridge that closes an electrical circuit. Typically, a jumper consists of a plastic plug that fits 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.
Parts of a Motherboard
Comments
Thank sir
Thanks Davis for reading and commenting. I am glad that you liked it.
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enchong, thanks for reading and commenting.
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Great work, i really enjoyed. Very resourceful information for all including academicians.
Thanks,
IT specialist, Kenya
Doin a gret job kip it beyond the sky!!
@ Students Club, thanks a lot for reading and commenting. Your congratulations are in order and I accept them. My aim is to help the newbies in the computer field, to make them learn more and be able to interact with it with lots of ease.
I am glad that you liked it.
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Congratulations!!!!!!
Thanks pooja for noting that, I have added a link for motherboard form factors above.
insufficent material. plz try to give more functions of motherboard
Kiran, I want to help others know computer as I have done and even go beyond to higher levels. My concern is that there are a lot of people who don't know much or anything about computers. I want to bring them in the know.
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Thanks for creating this..
AMBROSE, thanks for reading and commenting. For other types of motherboards you can try to google and see if you will get one that you want.
Thanks Sala for reading and commenting. My work is here to help people like you.
thanks for this useful article keep the good work. but is there a complete circuit diagram for the motherboard?
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hi to anyone
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HI PATKAY.UR TUTORIALS R DA BEST... THANX ALOT...
Thank you too mwendwa peter for visiting my hubs and commenting.
Thanks a lot, i have benefited from your work.
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Thanku
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That is true RGB1961, I have to update some of my hubs because technology keeps on changing. Thanks for reading and commenting.
@ nwisabari bani bright, I am glad that you have learnt something from this hub. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Hi Patkay,
this is a good article and gives a basic insight into the workings of a computer. However you might need to do an updated one since newer mobos and components have come out.
Thanks for sharing.
i have enlightened by your information.i give you credit.Greece to your relentless effort.i wish to learn more from you.thanks.
Thanks monika, imagine what, I wanted to write about abbreviations but then assumed that people are okay with the abbreviations. I am working on them ASAP (As Soon As Possible). So keep checking back.
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IT WAS REALLY VERY USEFULL
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Thanks amir farisy for reading and commenting. Now for Dreamweaver,I am also a novice but I intend to learn more about it by the end of this year. If you are wondering how I have prepared this hub and others, then the answers is we use templates which can be used even by novices.
You can try to Google for Dreamweaver resource materials. Thanks again.
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@ Arunkumar,
@ sreejish, thanks guys for reading and commenting. It is always my happiness to give knowledge to others rather than keeping it to my self. Thanks again.
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@ ELIJAH, thanks for stopping by. I will continue with my work of educating people more about the computer.
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cleared all my doubts about the configuration of c.p.u..helpful data
I read your notes and other suitable and fruitfull documentary on internet.I thank you for all these afferts and i hope that you will carry on your strugle to convay your knowldge to human being.
I sincerely appreciate what u doing in keeping us abreast of the computer, please continue with ur good work.
@ vino, what can I say? I am humbled by the support you are offering. Thanks for dropping by and commenting.
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IT IS VERY GOOD TUTORIAL FOR THE NOVICES LIKE ME. IT GAVE ME ALL THE BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT MOTHERBOARD. THANKS FOR SUCH A GREAT TUTORIAL. CAN YOU PROVIDE TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION OF MOTHERBOARD. ALL THE BEST......
@ GRAYMAN, thanks, we have to keep on learning every now and then. Your comment and visits to my articles are encouragements to me.
THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING THAT WE KNOW..
Thanks sandeep for reading. My hubs will help you very much the reason being I am also a teacher and I like giving the best to my students. I wish you success!
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@ priya,
@ shifali
@ shaffy. Thanks guys for stopping by. I appreciate your comments. I will always strive to give you more information about computers.
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Thanks prashant bisht for reading and commenting. You can check on more of my articles.
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Hi ben isaboke, thanks for dropping by and commenting.Your support is much needed.
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@ InduswebiTech, thanks, I will try and add some pictures for the north and south bridge.
@ Arun, You are not supposed to forget your passwords, but since it has happened, use the CMOS jumpers to reset the password.
@ jhorix. Thanks a lot.
tnx...for the information...ive learned a lot u help me in my assestment
If i forgot my system password how can i restore the password or get into system
great but what about north and south bridge
Thanks guys, am glad that you popped in. There is more coming so stay tunned.
THESE INFORMATIONS ARE VERY USEABLE FOR A STUDIENT
hai tnx nka research na jud ko
hai tnx nka research na jud ko
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Thank u so much!!!
thnk you sir.... :)
Hi ravi2012, you need to change the CMOS battery - that coin sized battery on your PC because it is the one that powers the CMOS RAM. The CMOS RAM is where date and time is stored and since it is a RAM (holds data as long as there is power), it has to be powered so that it doesn't loose it's contents.
Thanks for your question.
hey in my computer, date n time not save after shut down..
what can i do for it....?
@ Daniel, I always like to give the best whenever I can. Then I also want other people to benefit as I have done. Thanks for your time and comment.
A very teaching page. for school i have to write a paper on motherboards. This will help me alot thank you and you wrote it very well.
@ denx, you are welcome to read more of my hubs. Thanks for taking your time to read and comment.
Thanks a lot andy, university of Ghana, for reading and asking a question. If you want to see more buses, please check on my other hub called "Computer Bus Architecture", or you can use this link for quick access, http://patkay.hubpages.com/_pkk/hub/buses
Check the other hubs too and you will find important tips about computers. Wishing you the best.
tnx for the info!
fantastic work but what are the differences between the control, address and data buses?
@ pascal roosevelt, thanks a lot for reading and commenting. I will surely add more notes so that people can benefit from them.
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@ susan you are welcome to read more of my work.
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I've learn a lot from this page. . .
Griffith, thanks for reading and commenting. @ paul, thanks and you are welcome to read more of my work.
nice detonation simple and to the point
was almost forgetting the components mentioned above. thumbs up for the reminder.
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i was satisfied by this topic
@ Friday, you are welcome to our world. After a quick gooooogling I have realized that Ankpa kogi is in Nigeria. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Am Friday from Ankpa in kogi state
Thank you very much Praveen Praytan for reading and commenting. Read more of my work and you will enjoy it.
it's a very knowledge page.
@ SHADRACK OWUSU, for laptops you should check the nearest computer shop. You will be able to get the one you want.
I WANT A LAPTOP
Thanks matt. Keep reading these educative hubs.
That's true because as we go higher the world evolve.
@lucy patrick. Thanks for reading. We have to keep on learning in this changing world.
Hi teacher you have reminded me those old good days. helpful
Patkay 64 minutes ago
G M S Rao, you are welcome. Glad you enjoyed reading.