Motherboard Basics

Best Review Motherboard Basics

A modern Tech Tip covered the basics of selecting a computer case and made mention of the varied sizes that correspond to motherboards of distinct form factors. A few citizen wrote in expressing interest in comprehension more about the basics of motherboards, and that's exactly what this Tech Tip intends to address.

A motherboard, also known as a main board, is the primary circuit board inside of a computer, and is where the central processing unit (Cpu), memory, expansion slots, drives, and other peripheral devices are connected. The circuitry on a motherboard facilitates the transportation in the middle of all of the devices in the computer, production them as considerable to a system's operation as items such as the Cpu or memory.

The core circuitry of a motherboard is referred to as its chipset, and generally the maker of the motherboard is not the maker of the chipset. Intel does yield motherboards with their own chipsets, but buying a motherboard brand such as Gigabyte, Biostar, and Asus means getting a board with either a Via, Nvidia, Sis, or Intel brand chipset.

1. Form Factor

The distinct basic shapes and sizes of motherboards are categorized as form factors. There are several suitable form factors available, but some of the more coarse ones found in desktop computers include:
(http://www.formfactors.org/developer/specs/atx2_2.pdf), Atx (http://www.formfactors.org/developer/specs/matxspe1.2.pdf), Micro Atx (mAtx) (http://www.formfactors.org/developer/specs/FlexAtxaddn1_0.pdf) FlexAtx (http://www.via.com.tw/en/initiatives/spearhead/mini-itx/) and Mini-Itx

The basic sizes of each are as follows:* Atx: 12" x 9.6" (305mm x 244mm)

* Micro Atx: 9.6" x 9.6" (244mm x 244mm)

* FlexAtx: 9.0" x 7.5" (229mm x 191mm)

* Mini Itx: 6.7" x 6.7" (170mm x 170mm)

Atx and mAtx are by far the most beloved motherboard sizes for desktop computers, and as seen in the list above, are also some of the largest. More real estate on a motherboard allows for greater expansion possibilities and extra features, which make the use of these boards more flexible. A Mini-Itx board may feature just one slot for memory and one slot for an expansion card, while a typical Atx board may feature 4 memory slots and six slots for expansion cards.

Each form factor has its own niche that it fits into, from workstations and gaming systems for larger boards to media centers and in-car computers for smaller boards. There is right on overlap in the middle of the possible applications of each form factor, and other features and capabilities will also work on the targeted use.

2. Cpu Socket

The major processor manufacturers, Amd and Intel, are constantly waging a battle to offer the fastest, most considerable processors available. Getting more speed and operation out of a relatively small chip generally requires a turn to the bodily dimensions as each new generation of processor is released. Therefore, motherboards need to evolve at the same pace in order to accept the new Cpus.

Back in the day, Amd and Intel processors shared a coarse Cpu socket, but those days were short lived. Amd and Intel have since been traveling down their own, relatively parallel, paths of operation and speed increases, while using distinct designs. selecting a motherboard for a modern Amd processor eliminates the use of any Intel processor, and vice versa.

Amd's current contribution for desktop processors includes the Athlon 64, which is available in Socket 939 and Socket 754 formats. The number in the names represents the number of pins present on the backside of the Cpu that connect to the motherboard's socket. The Socket 939 Athlon 64 therefore has a anticipated array of nine hundred and thirty nine tiny pins to match up with the motherboard's socket. The Chaintech Vnf4 Ultra is an example of a Socket 939 motherboard based on Nvidia's Nforce4 Ultra chipset technology. In addition to these two sockets, many Amd processors, including Athlon Xps, Semprons, and Durons, share the Socket A format, also known as Socket 462 thanks to it having 462 pins for connecting to a motherboard.Socket adapters

Intel's newest contribution for their Pentium 4 and Celeron processors, Lga 775, doesn't have pins at all and basically swaps the pins to the motherboard for the socket. Maybe this construct move puts the burden of bent pin warranty claims on someone else, but it is fairly unique. The Biostar P4M80-M7 is an example of an Lga 775 motherboard based on the Via P4M800 chipset. Other Intel processors still on the market apply the Socket 478 format for Pentium 4 and Celeron processors.

Although most motherboards reserve just one Cpu socket, some applications advantage from having more than one processor to tackle the tasks at hand. Servers and high end workstations are two examples where a dual processor system, such as could be run on the Tyan Thunder i7500 motherboard, might make light work of more industrialized applications.

3. Components

'Components' is a fairly vague term to report this section, but the items to be covered are fairly diverse. Computer systems all use memory, storehouse devices, and power supplies, but among the many differences motherboards have is the type and quantity of connections for these components.

Most modern systems use Ddr memory, but Ddr-2 memory is becoming more coarse and will ultimately become the standard. Although some boards contribute slots for both types of memory, it is generally the case that either one or the other technology is supported. Also operating differently, the bodily disagreement of Ddr having 184 pins and Ddr-2 having 240 pins prevents them from being interchangeable. Going forward, users will have to decide either they want to jump on the new technology bandwagon when selecting a motherboard, or to try to continue using their existing Ddr for as long as possible. Regardless of technology, most motherboards come with 2 to 4 slots for memory, although as mentioned, Mini-Itx boards may just offer 1 slot.

Hard drive technology is changing too, as mentioned in the Tech Tip comparing Sata to Ata hard drives. Most motherboards over the past few years have offered two Ata connections, which could reserve up to 4 drives. With Sata becoming more popular, some boards now offer a mix of Ata and Sata connections, while others have abandoned Ata all together, and instead offer multiple Sata connections which only reserve one drive each. In addition to type and quantity, motherboards can also offer choices in hard drive capabilities by integrating Raid controllers onboard, as found on the Asus K8V Se Deluxe.

As systems become more advanced, they many times enforce special power requirements to keep them running smoothly. Most motherboards feature the typical 20 pin Atx power connector, while some server boards may have a 24 pin association in its place. Motherboards for Amd Athlon 64 and Pentium 4 processors will have a second power association located in close presence to the Cpu socket for providing the extra power that today's high end processors demand. This special 4 pin association isn't found on every Amd Socket A motherboard, but it will most right on be located on an Amd Socket 939 motherboard. Power supplies have been including this special association for years, but for those upgrading an old system with a new motherboard, the power contribute may be just one more item that has to be upgraded as well.

4. Extra Features

Many motherboards now comprise features onboard that were once only available as expansion cards to be purchased separately. A typical motherboard will now comprise stereo sound capabilities, a 10/100 Lan connection, and a few Usb 2.0 ports on the back panel connection. Depending on the allocation and needs of the end user, many motherboards may also comprise other convenient features such as integrated Firewire ports, Vga connections, and onboard Raid controllers.

Motherboards Extra Features

Although many of these items may be added later with expansion cards, if you know you want them upfront, a bit of premise hassle and cost can be eliminated by finding a board with just about all things you want included. That said, there aren't many choices of onboard components, so it's a case of take it or leave it. For example, you may want stereo sound included, but find most motherboards offer 5 channel, where you would prefer 8 channel. In that case, it may be a good thing that motherboards comprise expansion slots to add the sound card of your choice.

5. Expansion Slots

A motherboard typically provides at least one slot for the premise of a graphics card and a few slots for addition the capabilities of the system in other areas.

Graphics cards are available in Pci, Agp, and now Pci Express formats, and matching a motherboard to the suitable card is a key step. Most motherboards released over the past few years comprise an Agp slot,
and the new wave of motherboards are now beginning to feature Pci Express slots for graphics card installation.

Pci slots are found on most motherboards, but are
much slower than Agp and Pci Express slots, so they are not the optimal option for graphics. Atx motherboards may typically feature four to five Pci slots, and although they could be used for secondary display graphics cards, more coarse applications comprise sound cards, network cards, Raid controllers, Tv tuners, modems, and Usb/Firewire controllers. Considering that many of these items are now included onboard, having multiple Pci slots isn't quite as prominent as it used to be.

6. Style

With enthusiasts adding windows and special lighting effects to just about every feature of a computer, why should the motherboard be left out of the action? Long gone are the days of the stereotypical green Pcb with white connectors, and now most boards feature a vibrantly colored Pcb and a rainbow of colors on expansion slots, memory slots, drive connectors, and so on.

For example, if someone was undecided on a mAtx board for their Socket 754 Amd Athlon 64, style might be the deciding factor. The Chaintech Mk8M800 and the Biostar K8Vga-M-N are similar boards featuring the Via K8M800 chipset and prices under . The golden Pcb with black and white features of the Chaintech board may request for retrial to some, while the red, white, blue, and yellow of the Biostar may sway others.

In general, a single model is only available in one color scheme, and many manufacturers use the same theme over their entire current line up. As an example, the Biostar board for Amd Athlon 64 processors above features the same basic style as this Biostar board for the new Pentium Lga 775 processors. In addition to coloring, some manufacturers will comprise Led lighting on chipset cooling fans, or accessorize motherboards with matching cables to faultless the unique looks of the board.

Some citizen may scoff at colors being included in the list of key features on motherboards, but there will be some that shop for style first, and then performance.

Final Words

There are many factors to address in selecting a motherboard, and this Tech Tip legitimately just scratched the surface of the basic choices that may need to be considered. Much more technical decisions may need to be made by the industrialized user, but surface the six basic areas discussed above is a good start for users of any level.