Pc Motherboards

Motherboards are the foundation of the actual computer. Almost all other parts connect to them, and they determine the type of system that we can build.

The motherboard shown on the left is an ATX Socket 775 motherboad. The socket the board uses is perhaps its most important specification.

The socket refers to the socket used to plug in the CPU. Different sockets support different CPUs.

As you can see from the photo to the right, the CPU socket itself is a pretty simple clamp that holds the CPU securely in place.

The socket also determines the cooling fans that we can attach to the CPU and motherboard.

While many fans fit many sockets, you should always double check that both your CPU, CPU cooler, and motherboard will all work together.

Next are the dimm sockets which hold the memory sticks. The motherboard determines how many memory sticks we can use, how big they can be, and the type(s) that are supported.

The orange socket to the right is the PCIe x16 socket for the video card; the little white socket below is a PCIe 1x socket, while the long white ones below that are standard PCI sockets.

These sockets determine what kind of video and other expansion cards we can install. The current video standard is PCIe 16x, though PCI cards are still available.

Most audio cards are for the PCI or PCIe 1x socket, although there are also USB and onboard sound cards as well.

Next we have the black IDE connector, the white 20+4 power connector, and a blue IDE connector. IDE connectors are on their way out; they are rapidly being replaced by Sata, whose black connectors are shown to the left.

The last few items we will look at involve the back panel. Generally it is on the back panel that we find such basic items as the keyboard and mouse connectors along with a few USB connectors.

The green connector at the top is for the mouse, while the purple one below it is for the keyboard. On some motherboads one or both of these PS2 connectors are being phased out.

Without these keyboard and mouse connectors you would have to use either a USB keyboard and mouse or an adapter for your PS2 keyboard and mouse.

This motherboard features onboard video; the blue rectangular connector is for the VGA cable.

Next we have two USB ports; directly below these USB ports we have a LAN (Local Area Network) connection and two more USB ports.

While motherboards have long had 10/100 LAN connectors, the new standard is becoming 10/100/1000.

The six round connectors at the bottom are for the onboard audio. As this board supports surround sound, there is an array of plugs to hook up our sound system.

There are still a couple of connectors left that are important. These are called 'headers'. Headers are connectors on the motherboard that allow things such as your case's front panel audio and the front panel USB.

The last connector we will look at is the front panel header. This is where the power button, power and drive activity lights, and the reset button connect to the motherboard.

The next to photos show a little battery. It's a lot like the one in a watch, though this one is much wider and thinner.

When this little guy goes, you may notice that your clock continually resets to the day it was stamped in the factory.

Or you may get errors about your CMOS, drive letters, or other errors when you turn on your computer. Changing this battery is easy on most boards.

You can often find a pack of these at a Dollar Store. If you aren't sure what battery you need, ask someone who will know.

Before doing anything with a motherboard, make sure you consult the manual for specific connections as they, and thier color coding, may differ between boards and manufacturers.

Also don't forget to make sure the power is unplugged before playing in there!