Parts of Motherboard and their Functions

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 is 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.
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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 these major motherboard components
and their function in a 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, decodingand 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, iCore7 and many more.
If the processor chip is not on the motherboard, you can identify the processor socket as socket 1 to
Socket 8, LGA 775 among others. 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 requires them, it doesn't have to fetch them from the hard disk
which will take a longer access time.
Random access memory is volatilememory, 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, a process called booting. Later on, the user opens other
files and programs that are still loaded in the memory.

BIOS- Basic Input Output System

BIOS is a term that stands for Basic Input/Output System. BIOS is a Read Only Memory 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. BIOS is essentially the link between the computer 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 RAM - Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor Random Access Memory
Motherboards also include a small separate block of memory made fromCMOS RAM chips which is
kept alive by a battery (known as a CMOS battery) even when the PCs 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 PCs configuration for instance:

Floppy disk and hard disk drive types

Information about 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 memory (in-built in the processor) which is referred to as Level 1
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.
In modern computers, we are having Level 1 and 2 cache memory build into the processor die. If a
third cache is implemented outside the die, it is referred to as the Level 3 (L3) cache.

ExpansionBus
This is 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 among others.
Chipsets
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 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 slower 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.

Chipset manufacturers include SIS, VIA, ALI, OPTI among others.

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 any 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 "time-sharing clock" interrupts the CPU at regular intervals and allows
the operating system to divide its time between active users and/or applications.
SwitchesandJumpers
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 the tip of a screwdriver, bent paper clip or pen top. Care should be taken

when cleaning near DIP switches as some solvents may destroy them. Dip switches are obsolete as
you will not find them in modern systems.
Jumperpins
Jumpers are small protruding pins on the motherboard. A jumper cap or bridge is used to
interconnect or short a pair of the jumper pins. When the bridge is connected to any two pins via a
shorting link, it completes the circuit and a certain configuration has been achieved.
Jumpercap
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.

Just study this if you want to pass the exam: The computer Motherboard or shortly MOBO is
one of the most important part of the Personal computer (PC).It is a hardware of the computer
installed inside the system unit(CPU).This MOBO hardware act as the main board or the central or
core assembly of the computer system unit.In other words inside of the CPU case there are a lot of
other hardwares connected to the MOBO,namely:Hard Disk Drive(HDD),CD/DVD ROM,USB Card
reader,FDD Drive,processor,RAM,LAN card,Wireless LAN Card,USB expansion board,VGA
Card, and the Power Supply Unit(PSU).These are all types of hardwares inside the system unit of
the Personal Computer.
Computer motherboard designed to take advantage of the most demand application of a program.
One of the most application is to meet the system requirements of the 3G application.Just like the
movie games as high innovative applications of computer programming.As the form factor of
motherboard as a series of versions of the MOBO from AT,ATX,BTX,LPX,and NLPX.Compatible
words being broadcast,thats why it is the MOBO will synchronized the speed of processor,RAM, and
Video Card(VGA).Unlike only if the MOBO is built-in through the Input/Output ports.
So,lets talk about the Motherboard parts and function to enable you to familiarize the parts and
function.This is the most practical approach of the technician.(See the picture above).
1. 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 use 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 base on
the standard of the vga slots,ex: the AGP and PCIe 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 is the USB flash drive.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 the a type of communication media such as the network switch and
router.
Audio Port- this is use to connect the speaker,mic, and MIDI(Musical Instrument Digital

Interface) device of the computer

2. ATX Power connector(4 pin)- this is use to connect the 4 pin of the power supply unit(PSU) .This
is separate of the 20 or 24 pin of ATX power supply to provide DC voltage of computer processor.
3. Processors ZIF Socket- part of MOBO use to hold the processor or CPU chip(Zero Insertion
Force).The compatibility of the socket depend of the computer processor type.Such as the AM2
socket of the AMD and the socket 775 of the Intel company.
4. Memory slot(DIMM)- this is called as Dual Inline Memory Module,this is the slot of computer
memory or what we called RAM.The memory slot depend of the type of the memory.Such as the PC
133 SDRAM and PC 400 SDRAM-DDR 1.
5. ATX Power connector(24 or 28 pin)- a group of connector of the MOBO,This is separate of the 4
pin power assignments.Its provide a DC power output to the system board(SB)from the output of the
Power Supply Unit.
6. Name of the Vendor- this is the manufacturer name.This is important to know the manufacturer
or vendor.So you can download through the internet site the drivers software of the MOBO.
7. CMOS/BIOS BATTERY- In this part, the CMOS/BIOS battery is hold,so that it can provide 3 volts
direct current/voltage to the CMOS IC.To preserve the BIOS settings of the computer.Such as the
time module,hardware information and settings/parameter,etc.
CMOS-Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor
BIOS- Basic Input/Output system.Is a set of a program stored in CMOS IC, use to

preserved the BIOS configuration of the computer

CMOS BATTERY PART NUMBER- lithium dry cell CR 2032 3 volts

8. IDE connector(Intergrated Drive Electronics)- this connector is use to connect the IDE cable of
the
HDD(Hard
Disk
Drive)
or
CD/DVD
ROM
to
the
MotherBoard
IDE.
9. Front panel connectors(F-Panel)- this is use to connect the Power LED,HDD LED,Power
Switch,and
Reset
switch
of
the
computer
system
unit(CPU).
10. SATA connector-this is Serial Advance Technology Attachment.The new standard of the IDE
connection array of the computer HDD(SATA HDD)to the motherboard system.
11. CMOS/BIOS jumper- this is use to disable the BIOS default setup.Such as to disabled the
supervisor password of the BIOS.
How to disable password before the BIOS setup
Turn off CPu
change jumper to clear
remove the CMOS battery
reinsert the BIOS battery
change jumper to normal

power up computer
press del or F2 to enter BIOS setup

12. USB connector(header)- this is use to connect the USB port of the front panel USB 2.0 x 2 port.
13. FDD connector- the connector of the FDD cable through the system board.Normally there are
34 pins out of it to connect the 3.5 1.44mb Floppy Disk Drive.
14. PCI slots- a part of the computer motherboard use to connect the I/O cards of the
computer.Such as LAN card,WIFI card,USB expansion card,and sound card.
15. Motherboard Version number- here you can get the version of the motherboard driver
software.So that you can download it exactly to the manufacturer website.
16. CMOS/BIOS IC- this is the type of BIOS IC being use by the computer MOBO.A set of a
program being installed in this IC to preserved the BIOS configuration settings of the computer.Such
as the speed of the CPU chip and RAM, etc.
17. AMR slot- this is the AUDIO Modem Riser.Being use to demodulate and modulate the analog
audio of the computer.
18. PCI express slot- a part of the computer that hold the computer video card(VGA), the PCIe
card.The latest and the most fastest card being installed and most compatible with 3d and 4g
gaming of the computer.The old video card type is the AGP or Accelerated Graphic Ports and the
standard
of
the
PCIe.
19. North Bridge IC- is a passion name as being north of the PCI buses or the PCI slots of the
MOBO.The true name of the north bridge is MCI or Memory Controller Hub.Assigned to manage
and control the computer memory before the processing of the CPU chip.
20. South Bridge IC-is a passion name as being south of the PCI buses or PCI slots.The true name
of the south bridge is I/O Controller HUB(ICH).Its is a type of microchip task to control all the Input
and output devices of the computer.Such as the keyboard and mouse.And the monitor screen of the
computer, that commonly found at the rear back of the CPU or system unit.
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