Motherboard

Motherboard

1. Microprocessor socket

   • is a large fan
     • with an aluminium heat sink below
       • a thermal paste is added under the sink to improve heat dispersal.
   • Is located above the socket

2. Chipset

   • Is a set of chips
     • It carries communications between:
       • the microproccesor
       • the different components connected to the motherboard
   • It controls the operating mode
     • it determines its performance and characteristics.
   • Mos important chip:
     • has an aluminium heat sink above it.

3. RAM memory slots

   • RAM memory modules are plugged into these.
   • they include clips to hold the module in place
     • there may be empty slots but there will always be a RAM module inserted

4. ATX connector

   • Joins the power supply to the motherboard
     • through cables
   • It requires sufficient power to work

5. IDE and SATA connections

   • Are the connections for the storage units:
     • The hard disk
     • The DVD recorder
     • The DVD-ROM
   • 2 types:
     • SATA (red)
       • The picture shows
     • IDE (blue)
       • connect the motherboard to the storage units

6. Expansion slots

   • Are for inserting expansion cards
     • the graphics cards
     • sound card
     • network card
   • there are various types:
     • PCI
     • AGP
     • PCI Express

7. Chip and battery for BIOS

   • Is an integrated circuit that stores the computers booting program
   • It requires a battery

8. External connections

   • are ports for connecting to:
     • The network
     • External devices
       • The keyboard
       • The mouse
       • Headphones
       • USB memory cards