Phase 1.06
The Motherboard Hub
Main parts, chipsets, form factors, and the central connection logic.
The motherboard is the Mainboard or PCB that connects all functional units.
Main Parts
- CPU Socket: Physical slot to install the CPU (LGA, PGA).
- RAM Slots: Physical channels for memory modules (DIMM).
- Chipset: The data logic manager.
- Northbridge: Handles high-speed CPU/RAM/Graphics (integrated in modern CPUs).
- Southbridge: Handles slower I/O (USB, SATA, PCIe, BIOS).
- Storage Connectors: SATA (Disk) and M.2 (Fast NVMe SSD).
- Expansion Slots: PCIe x16 (GPU) and PCIe x1 (Expansion cards).
- BIOS/UEFI Chip: Stores startup firmware.
- CMOS Battery: Powers the system clock and retains BIOS settings when off.
- I/O Ports: External Rear I/O (USB, HDMI, Ethernet, Audio).
Form Factors
- ATX: Full size (Standard Desktop).
- Micro-ATX: Compact Desktop.
- Mini-ITX: Ultra-compact (Smallest standard).
- E-ATX: Extended (Server/High-end workstation).
Technical Terms Breakdown
Form Factor
Specifies the size, shape, and layout of the motherboard.
Expansion Slot
Internal slots like PCIe that allow adding functionality via cards.
Cooling Mounts
Dedicated brackets and headers for CPU fans or liquid cooling.
Chipset
A group of integrated circuits that control communication between CPU and devices.