Parts of a Motherboard and Their Function

The Parts of a Computer Motherboard

Some of the major components of a motherboard.

The main printed circuit board in a computer is known as the motherboard. Other names for this
central computer unit are system board, main board, or printed wired board (PWB). Motherboard
is sometimes shortened to Mobo.
Numerous major components, crucial in the functioning of the computer, are attached to the
motherboard. These include the processor, memory, and expansion slots. The motherboard
connects directly or indirectly to every part of the PC.
The type of motherboard installed in a PC has a great effect on a computer's system speed and
expansion capabilities.

Major Motherboard Components and Their Functions

A labeled ASRock K7VT4A Pro Mainboard.

Source: CC, via Wikipedia

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Also known as the microprocessor or the processor, the CPU is the computer's brain. It is
responsible for fetching, decoding, and executing program instructions as well as performing
mathematical and logical calculations.
The processor chip is identified by the processor type and the manufacturer. This information is
usually inscribed on the chip itself. For example, Intel 386, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) 386,
Cyrix 486, Pentium MMX, Intel Core 2Duo, or iCore7.
If the processor chip is not on the motherboard, you can identify the processor socket as socket
1 to Socket 8, LGA 775 among others. This can help you identify the processor that fits in the
socket. For example, a 486DX processor fits into Socket 3.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Random Access Memory, or RAM, usually refers to computer chips that temporarily store
dynamic data to enhance computer performance while you are working.
In other words, it is the working place of your computer, where active programs and data are
loaded so that any time time the processor requires them, it doesn't have to fetch them from the
hard disk.
Random access memory is volatile, meaning it loses its contents once power is turned off. This is
different from non-volatile memory, such as hard disks and flash memory, which do not require a
power source to retain data.

When a computer shuts down properly, all data located in RAM is returned back to permanent
storage on the hard drive or flash drive. At the next boot-up, RAM begins to fill with programs
automatically loaded at startup, a process called booting. Later on, the user opens other files and
programs that are still loaded in the memory.

Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)

BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System. BIOS is a "read only" memory, which consists of
low-level software that controls the system hardware and acts as an interface between the
operating system and the hardware. Most people know the term BIOS by another namedevice
drivers, or just drivers. BIOS is essentially the link between the computer hardware and software
in a system.
All motherboards include a small block of Read Only Memory (ROM) which is separate from the
main system memory used for loading and running software. On PCs, the BIOS contains all the
code required to control the keyboard, display screen, disk drives, serial communications, and a
number of miscellaneous functions.
The system BIOS is a ROM chip on the motherboard used during the startup routine (boot
process) to check out the system and prepare to run the hardware. The BIOS is stored on a
ROM chip because ROM retains information even when no power is being supplied to the
computer.

Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor

Random Access Memory (CMOS RAM)

A CMOS battery.

Motherboards also include a small separate block of memory made from CMOS RAM chips
which is kept alive by a battery (known as a CMOS battery) even when the PCs power is off.
This prevents reconfiguration when the PC is powered on.
CMOS devices require very little power to operate.
The CMOS RAM is used to store basic Information about the PCs configuration for instance:

Floppy disk and hard disk drive types

Information about CPU

RAM size

Date and time

Serial and parallel port information

Plug and Play information

Power Saving settings

Other Important data kept in CMOS memory is the time and date, which is updated by a Real
Time Clock (RTC).

Cache Memory

L2 cache on an old motherboard.

Cache memory is a small block of high-speed memory (RAM) that enhances PC performance by
pre-loading information from the (relatively slow) main memory and passing it to the processor
on demand.

Most CPUs have an internal cache memory (built into the processor) which is referred to as
Level 1 or primary cache memory. This can be supplemented by external cache memory fitted on
the motherboard. This is the Level 2 or secondary cache.
In modern computers, Levels 1 and 2 cache memory are built into the processor die. If a third
cache is implemented outside the die, it is referred to as the Level 3 (L3) cache.

Expansion Bus

PCI slots.

An expansion bus is an input/output pathway from the CPU to peripheral devices and it is
typically made up of a series of slots on the motherboard. Expansion boards (cards) plug into the
bus. PCI is the most common expansion bus in a PC and other hardware platforms. Buses carry
signals such as data, memory addresses, power, and control signals from component to
component. Other types of buses include ISA and EISA.
Expansion buses enhance the PCs capabilities by allowing users to add missing features in their
computers by slotting adapter cards into expansion slots.

Chipsets
A chipset is a group of small circuits that coordinate the flow of data to and from a PC's key
components. These key components include the CPU itself, the main memory, the secondary
cache, and any devices situated on the buses. A chipset also controls data flow to and from hard
disks and other devices connected to the IDE channels.
A computer has got two main chipsets:

The NorthBridge (also called the memory controller) is in charge of controlling transfers
between the processor and the RAM, which is why it is located physically near the
processor. It is sometimes called the GMCH, for Graphic and Memory Controller Hub.

The SouthBridge (also called the input/output controller or expansion controller) handles
communications between slower peripheral devices. It is also called the ICH (I/O Controller
Hub). The term "bridge" is generally used to designate a component which connects two
buses.

Chipset manufacturers include SIS, VIA, ALI, and OPTI.

CPU Clock
The CPU clock synchronizes the operation of all parts of the PC and provides the basic timing
signal for the CPU. Using a quartz crystal, the CPU clock breathes life into the microprocessor by
feeding it a constant flow of pulses.
For example, a 200 MHz CPU receives 200 million pulses per second from the clock. A 2 GHz
CPU gets two billion pulses per second. Similarly, in any communications device a clock may be
used to synchronize the data pulses between sender and receiver.
A "real-time clock," also called the "system clock," keeps track of the time of day and makes this
data available to the software. A "time-sharing clock" interrupts the CPU at regular intervals and
allows the operating system to divide its time between active users and/or applications.

Switches and Jumpers

DIP (Dual In-line Package) switches are small electronic switches found on the circuit
board that can be turned on or off just like a normal switch. They are very small and so are
usually flipped with a pointed object, such as the tip of a screwdriver, a bent paper clip, or a
pen top. Take care when cleaning near DIP switches, as some solvents may destroy them.
Dip switches are obsolete and you will not find them in modern systems.

Jumper pins are small protruding pins on the motherboard. A jumper cap or bridge is
used to connect or short a pair of jumper pins. When the bridge is connected to any two
pins, via a shorting link, it completes the circuit and a certain configuration has been
achieved.

Jumper caps are metal bridges that close an electrical circuit. Typically, a jumper
consists of a plastic plug that fits over a pair of protruding pins. Jumpers are sometimes
used to configure expansion boards. By placing a jumper plug over a different set of pins,
you can change a board's parameters.

NOTE: You can check the jumper pins and jumper cap at the back of an IDE hard disk and a
CD/DVD ROM/Writer.

More Resources About Motherboards

Motherboard Form Factors

The motherboard form factor describes the board's general shape, type of case, power
supply, and physical organization (layout).

Computer Bus Architecture Types

A bus is a common pathway through which information is connected from one component to
another. This pathway is used for communication and can be established between two or
more computer components.

DDR1, DDR2, DDR3: Navigating The RAM Maze

Choosing the proper DDR-type for your PC is critical. The wrong choice can drastically
bottleneck your system. Here is a full guide to picking the right DDR for your CPU.