Basic & Major Parts of Motherboard and its

Functions

Sponsored links

Parts of Motherboard
Parts of Motherboard. What is Motherboard? Motherboard is a PCB (Printed
Circuit Board) with different hardware components on it.

It’s the electric conductor of the computer, responsible of distributing current

and communication on each hardware components and chipset (CPU, RAM &
etc.).

signs of RAM problems and failure

 Motherboard is also often called as Planar board, MOBO, MB, Mainboard,
System Board, Logic Board, Base Board and Backplane Board.

Basic Motherboard Components

 Processor Socket
 North Bridge
 South Bridge
 RAM/Memory Slot x2
 24 pin ATX Power Connector
 I/O ( Input Output)
 PCI express x16
 PCI
 SATA Connector
 CMOS Backup Battery
(6) six Basic Computer Parts of System unit

These are the basic parts of Planar. Later we will discuss each functions.
Knowing the basic parts of MOBO is important for all computer users. It may
not be necessary but it will give you a big advantage.

Sponsored links

The above list gives you, the basic knowledge, about a processor socket.
What it looks like and where the 24 pin ATX Power Connector is situated. The
difference between PCI and PCI express. Motherboard has two bridges the
North bridge and the south bridge.What else? Your Motherboard has a tiny
battery called CMOS Backup battery, the location of I/O, Memory slot and
SATA connectors. Now let’s proceed to Major parts of Motherboard and its
functions.
How to crimp to wire RJ45

Major parts of Motherboard and their Functions

 See also: Basic Components of System unit

The major parts of System board are a bit overwhelming compared to its basic
components. However, these will give you a better knowledge and
understanding about Motherboard.

 PCI Express x16 and x1

 CD-IN
 PCI
 SPDIF
 FDD Connector
 CMOS Battery
 1394 Header
 USB Headers
 Screw Hole
 System Panel Connector
 SATA 1 Connector
 SATA 2 Connector
 ATA IDE
 24 Pin ATX Power Connector
 Capacitors
 North Bridge
 South Bridge
 Memory Slot
 Type & Speed of RAM
 Socket Name
 CPU Socket
 Motherboard Model (name) number
 Jumper
 F Audio Connector
 4+4 Pin Auxillary ATX Power Connector
 I/O Input/Output for Integrated Peripheral

PCI Express

See also: PC Assemble and Disassemble Precautions

Sponsored links

PCIe or PCI Express is one of the expansion slots on Motherboard. There

were 4 types of PCI express x1, x4, x8 & x16 but only PCIe x1 and x16
remains popular until today. PCIe x16 is where GPU (Graphics Processing
Unit) usually fits in. On the other hand PCIe x1 is now used to hold PCIe SSD
(Solid State Drive).
Network Devices that you need to know and its usage
PCI Express replaced the AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) and it is also
considered as PCI successor as well. PCIe x1 has a standard speed of 250
MB/s up to 3.9 GB/s while PCIe x 16 starts at 4GB/s up to 63GB/s.

CD-IN

CD-IN is a black-four-pin connector on Motherboard or Sound card. It is also

known as Optical Drive Audio Connector. It’s being used to connect the four
(4) pin wire from CD/DVD ROM to the CD-IN four (4) pin connector on
MOBO/Motherboard.

PCI

PCI refers to Peripheral Component Interconnect and used to attach

hardware components on Motherboard. Intel pioneered the introduction of PCI
in 1992. It has both 32 bit and 64 bit versions with the speed of 133 MBps.
Most hardware that fits in on PCI slot/s were sound card, LAN (Ethernet) card,
Video card, USB port extension and etc.

S/PDIF
SPDIF (Sony and Phillips Digital Interconnect Format) is being used to
connect audio equipment for digital audio transmission. It transmits
compressed digital audio. Most Motherboards have this connector as well as
sound cards and laptops. SPDIF can output digital audio through coaxial
cable or fiber optic. For your information, SPDIF pins may vary. It is a good
practice to check MOBO’s manual.

FDD Connector

FDD (Floppy Drive Disk) header or connector is where the Floppy disk
connects through a Floppy Drive cable. Floppy drive were not common today
though it is still being used by some. It evolves from a floppy drive cable into a
USB type.

CMOS Battery

CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) also known us Real-

Time Clock (RTC) and NVRAM. It is powered by a 3 volts lithium battery. And
it stores computer information such as; system time & date and system
hardware settings.

IEEE 1394 Header

IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 1394 Header is a

standard interface for serial bus. Also known us i.LINK and FireWire. Capable
of high-speed communications and real-time data transfer. Faster than USB
2.0 with the speed of almost 1 Gbps. 1394 Header resembles USB header, be
careful not attached USB header cable into it or vice-versa. It may damage
your Motherboard. Always check Motherboard’s manual.

USB Headers
USB header is a nine (9) pins header. It allows additional USB connection on
your computer’s front/drive bay area. Motherboard already have a built-in USB
ports at the I/O for integrated peripherals but additional can be added at the
front bay that attached to USB header/s.

Screw Hole

Screw Hole or Mounting Hole it is where the Motherboard Case

Standoff/Standouts fits in. To attached Motherboard into Computer case or
chassis. Most of the Motherboard has 7 screw hole but it doesn’t mean that,
all of it should be filled with standoffs. It’s a case to case basis, only insert
standouts in screw hole that coincides chassis screw hole.

System Panel Connector

System Panel Connector also known us System Panel header, Front Panel
and FPanel header is specifically meant to connect System panel Cables. To
control or make Power Button, reset button, HDD LED and Power LED
works. Take note: Colored System panel cables are positive or powered
wire while black or white wires are the ground or negative wires. The wire
colors, cables and connector may be different from each Motherboard brands
and chassis, so always check the manual.

SATA 1 connector

SATA 1 is the first generation SATA interface with the speed of 1.5 Gbps. It is
officially known as SATA 1.5 Gbps. It has a bandwidth throughput of up to 150
Mbps. This is the successor of P/ATA or IDE type connector.
SATA 2 Connector

SATA 2 is the second generation SATA interface with the speed of 3.0 Gbps.
It is officially known as SATA 3.0 Gbps. It has a bandwidth throughput of up to
300 Mbps. SATA 2 are usually located at the side of the Motherboard.

ATA IDE
ATA (AT Attachment) IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics or IBM Disc
Electronics) also known as PATA (Parallel ATA). It is used to be the standard
interface for IDE compatible hard drives but is now replaced by SATA.

24 Pin ATX Power Connector

ATX 2 introduced the 24 Pin ATX power connector replacing the 20 pin power
connector. It is through ATX power connector that the Motherboard gets
power from Power Supply. Thus, distributing current and voltage to all
Motherboard components.

24-pin ATX power cable can be used to connect into 20-pin ATX power
connector by leaving the four (4) pins aside. However, 20-pin ATX power
cable will not work on 24-pin ATX power connector, 24-pin ATX power cable
should be used.

In most cases the 20 or 24 pin ATX power cable are supported by 4-pin or 8-
pin ATX 12Volts secondary.

Capacitors

Motherboard capacitors are small components on Motherboard that helps

condition power on other Motherboard components. Capacitor can also store
electronic charge, therefore it is advisable not to touch one if the computer
has just turned off. To release the capacitor electronic charge, press the
computer power button while it is unplug. Bulge capacitors may cause
different problems on Motherboard.

NorthBridge
Northbridge also known as NB or PAC it controls the flow of communications
among Processor, PCIe and RAM or Memory stick.

Southbridge

Southbridge is a Motherboard IC that takes care all I/O controller, integrated

hardware and hard drive controller. Integrated peripherals may include sound
card and video card, USB ports, SATA, IDE, BIOS, Ehternet, Firewire and etc.

Memory Slot
Memory Slot also known as RAM slot or Memory socket it is where the RAM
or Memory stick is inserted. Standard Motherboard used to have two Memory
slots but high-end Motherboards may have more.

Type & Speed of RAM

This information is vital, it is important to know what speed and type of RAM
does the Motherboard support. The sample above explains that the
Motherboard is compatible with DDR3 RAM with 1666+ MHZ. So, DDR and
DDR2 RAM will not fit the Motherboard. However, any DDR3 RAM will work
even if it has a lower or higher MHZ like 1066, 1333, 1600, 1800. But it is
advised to follow the recommended MOBO’s required RAM speed and type to
maximize its performance.

Socket Name

Socket name is another important information to look into in Motherboard.

This is to make sure that the processor is compatible with the Motherboard.
The image above is sample of AMD AM3 socket. AMD also has socket FM1,
socket FM2, AM3+, AM2, AM2+ and AM4 is the latest. Intel used to have LGA
775, LGA 1156, LGA 1366, LGA 1150, LGA 1151 and LGA 1155.

CPU Socket
CPU Socket it is where the Processor or CPU (Central Processing Unit) is fit
in. The processor should be compatible with Motherboard socket as the
Socket Name mentioned above.

Motherboard Model (name) number

Motherboard Model name & number is another information worth knowing.

This is important especially if the Motherboard drivers were misplaced or lost.
By typing the Motherboard model number followed by drivers (GA-MA790XT-
UD4P drivers) into search engine or manufacturer site, it will help to find the
correct drivers for the Motherboard on the internet.

Jumper/s

Jumper/s are used to close or allow current flow into certain board sections. It
also used to configure hardware components such as; hard drive, BIOS, CD
ROM, DVD ROM, Modem, Sound card and etc. On IDE days, it was used to
adjust master drive, slave drive and cable select by moving the jumper
between each two pins.

F Audio Connector

F Audio Connector is use to connect Front Audio Jacks via case connector.
This is an extension of I/O integrated Audio jacks.

4+4 Pin Auxillary ATX Power Connector

12V ATX 4 or 8 pins power is used to provide 12V to the processor voltage
regulator. Normally, 12V ATX power connector has only 4 pins. However, in
some cases there were Motherboards that has a 4+4 (8) pins.
The good thing is, if your power supply only has 4 pins, it will still work just
leave the other 4 connector vacant. Same goes to, if your power supply has 8
pins and the Motherboard only has 4, just split it apart to make two (2) 4 pins.
Then, leave the other 4 pins and plug the other 4 into the Motherboard.

I/O Input/Output for Integrated Peripheral

I/O Input Output for Integrated Peripherals is a Motherboard’s built-in external

connector. It is where the Mouse, keyboard, monitor, USB cable, Firewire,
SPDIF, Audio jacks and other external devices are to be connected.

Parts of Motherboard and their functions

Learning the parts of Motherboard are not that hard, knowing each functions
may be challenging but full of fun. We do hope that this Parts of Mainboard
guide may help you familiarize and understand the basic and major parts of
Motherboard and their functions.

We do appreciate your comments and suggestions to improve this guide or

make it better. Your input is important to us.