IT WORKSHOP
Different types of motherboard:
The motherboard is an essential part of the computer that acts as a central
hub that connects various hardware devices and allows them to communicate with
each other. Different types of motherboards are available for specific
purposes, designs, and compatibility with products. Here we will study about
the different types of motherboards:
ATX (Advanced Technology Extended): ATX is the most common
type of motherboard used in desktop computers. It comes in many different
sizes, with standard ATX measuring approximately 12 x 9.6 inches.
ATX |
ATX motherboards often have multiple PCIe slots, RAM slots, USB ports, and
other connectivity options.
Micro-ATX (m-ATX): Micro-ATX motherboards
are smaller than standard ATX but have similar features. They measure
approximately 9.6 x 9.6 inches.
m-ATX motherboards are ideal for compact desktops or systems where space is
limited. They generally have fewer PCIe slots and more RAM slots than ATXs.
Mini-ITX: Mini-ITX is even
smaller than Micro-ATX and measures approximately 6.7 x 6.7 inches.
These motherboards are widely used to build compact and power efficient
computers. Due to their size, they usually only have 1 PCIe slot and 2 RAM
slots.
Extended ATX (E-ATX): EATX motherboards are
larger than standard ATX and measure approximately 12 x 13 inches. They provide
additional PCIe slots and RAM slots for high-end gaming and workstation designs
that require multiple graphics cards or other expansion cards.
ITX (Information Technology Extensions): ITX is a general term
that includes Mini-ITX and Nano-ITX (or even smaller ones).
ITX cards are designed for small systems with expansion options, but are
ideal for HTPCs (Home Theater PCs) and portable computers.
BTX (Enhanced Balanced Technology): BTX motherboards are
an attempt to replace the ATX form factor, provide better cooling and improve
the process. However, BTX never gained popularity and was often discontinued.
DTX (microBTX): The DTX is a smaller
model designed to balance size and detail. It is slightly larger than the
Mini-ITX and includes many expansion channels.
Pico-ITX: The Pico-ITX is one of
the smallest models and is often used in low power, fan or laptop computers.
Each Components and their function in motherboard:
Note that each motherboard has its
own unique layout, screw location, and connector configuration. It is important
to ensure proper compatibility between your motherboard and other computer
components such as CPU, RAM, GPU and storage. When building or upgrading a
computer, it's important to check that the motherboard you choose fits your
specific needs and supports the hardware you plan to use.
An ATX motherboard is one of the most common and widely used types of
motherboards for desktop computers. It follows the ATX form factor standard and
is designed to fit into ATX-compatible computer cases. Let's go through the
main components of an ATX motherboard in detail:
CPU Socket: The CPU socket is a
crucial part of the motherboard where the Central Processing Unit (CPU) is
installed. It provides a physical and electrical connection between the CPU and
the motherboard, allowing data and power to flow between them. Different
generations of CPUs may require different socket types, so it's important to
choose a motherboard that supports your desired CPU.
CPU Socket |
Chipset: The chipset is a set
of integrated circuits on the motherboard that manage the flow of data between
the CPU, memory, storage devices, and other components. It also controls
various features and functionalities of the motherboard.
The chipset includes two main components: the Northbridge and the
Southbridge (though these designations have become less common in modern
chipsets). The Northbridge typically handles high-speed communication with the
CPU and memory, while the Southbridge handles slower-speed connections with
peripherals like USB, SATA, and audio.
RAM Slots: Random Access Memory
(RAM) slots are where you install the memory modules that provide temporary
storage for data that the CPU is actively using. ATX motherboards usually have
multiple DIMM (Dual In-Line Memory Module) slots, and they support specific
types and speeds of RAM (e.g., DDR4, DDR3, etc.). The number of RAM slots can
vary, ranging from two to eight or more, depending on the specific motherboard
model.
RAM slot |
PCI Express (PCIe) Slots: These are expansion
slots on the motherboard that allow you to install additional hardware
components, such as graphics cards, sound cards, network cards, and more. PCIe
slots come in different sizes, including x1, x4, x8, and x16, with x16 being
the most common for graphics cards. The number of PCIe slots on an ATX
motherboard varies, with higher-end boards typically offering more slots.
IDE : IDE (Integrated Drive
Electronics) is an older interface technology used to connect storage devices,
such as hard disk drives (HDDs) and CD/DVD drives, to the motherboard. It was
commonly used in computers during the 1990s and early 2000s.
The IDE interface allows data transfer between the storage devices and the
computer's central processing unit (CPU). It uses a 40-pin or 80-pin flat
ribbon cable to connect the IDE devices to the motherboard. The cable transfers
data and provides power to the connected devices.
Over time, IDE has been replaced by newer and faster interface
technologies, such as SATA (Serial ATA), which offers better data transfer
speeds and more efficient cabling.
ISA slot: The ISA (Industry
Standard Architecture) slot was a type of expansion slot found on older
computer motherboards. It allowed users to add various expansion cards, such as
sound cards, network cards, and graphics cards, to enhance the functionality of
their computers. However, with advancements in technology, ISA slots have
become obsolete and are no longer found on modern motherboards, which now use
faster and more efficient interfaces like PCI, PCIe, and USB for expansion
purposes.
Parallel port: A parallel port is a
type of interface found on older computer motherboards that allowed users to
connect peripheral devices, such as printers and scanners, to their
computers. However, parallel ports have
become less common in modern computers due to the prevalence of USB and other
faster and more versatile interfaces for connecting peripherals.
Storage Connectors: ATX motherboards come
with various storage connectors, allowing you to connect storage devices like
hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs). The most common storage
connectors are SATA (Serial ATA) ports, used for connecting SATA drives. Some
motherboards also feature M.2 slots for faster NVMe SSDs.
I/O Ports: The I/O
(Input/Output) ports on the ATX motherboard are located on the rear panel of
the computer case. These ports provide connectivity for external devices, such
as USB ports, audio jacks, HDMI/DisplayPort, Ethernet, and more. The number and
types of I/O ports vary depending on the motherboard's specifications.
SMPS: The term "SMPS" stands for "Switched Mode
Power Supply," and it refers to the power supply unit (PSU) that provides
the necessary electrical power to a computer's components, including the
motherboard.
SMPS |
In the context of a motherboard, the SMPS is an essential component
responsible for converting the incoming AC (alternating current) power from
your wall outlet into the appropriate DC (direct current) voltages required by
the computer's components. These DC voltages are then distributed to various
parts of the motherboard and other hardware components. The SMPS connects to the motherboard through a multi-pin
power connector.
Power Connectors: ATX motherboards have
specific power connectors to provide electrical power to the board and its
components. The primary power connector is the 24-pin ATX power connector,
which supplies power to the motherboard itself. Additionally, there is often an
8-pin CPU power connector that supplies power to the CPU.
BIOS/UEFI: The Basic
Input/Output System (BIOS) or Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) is
firmware that is stored on a chip on the motherboard. It initializes the
hardware components during the boot process and provides basic configuration
options for the system. UEFI is the modern replacement for traditional BIOS,
offering more advanced features and a graphical interface.
BIOS |
CMOS Battery: The CMOS chip is a
special memory chip on the motherboard that stores essential system
information, such as date, time, BIOS settings, and hardware configurations. It
is powered by a small CMOS battery, allowing it to retain this data even when
the computer is turned off. The CMOS chip is responsible for maintaining system
settings and supporting the real-time clock, ensuring proper boot
configurations and accurate timekeeping.
CMOS Battery |
FDC: The term "FDC" stands for "Floppy Disk
Controller," and it refers to a component found on older computer
motherboards. The FDC's primary function is to facilitate the communication
between the computer's central processing unit (CPU) and the floppy disk drive
(FDD).
Floppy Disk Controller |
The FDC on the motherboard allowed the CPU to read from and write to the
floppy disk drive. It converted the data received from the CPU into signals
that controlled the read/write head of the floppy drive, enabling data transfer
to and from the disk.
These are the main components you'll find on an ATX motherboard. Remember
that the specific features and capabilities of the motherboard may vary based
on the model and manufacturer. When choosing a motherboard, ensure it is
compatible with your desired CPU and other components and meets your needs for
expansion options and connectivity.
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