What does the common

modern motherboard
contain?
❑ Socket ❑ Power connector
❑ Memory slots ❑ Expansion slots/PCI
slots
❑ Chipsets ❑ Flash ROM
What are the functions of a
motherboard in a computer
system?
❑The primary circuit board which
serves as the central hub for
communication between all
other components.
What are the functions of a
motherboard in a computer
system?
❑It also provides connectors for
peripherals like keyboards,
mice, and printers.
What are the functions of a
motherboard in a computer
system?
❑It contains slots for expansion
cards (e.g., graphics cards) and
interfaces for internal
components (e.g., hard drives).
What are the functions of a
motherboard in a computer
system?
❑ The motherboard’s BIOS/UEFI firmware
initializes and tests the system at startup,
manages data flow between the operating
system and attached devices, and holds
settings for boot options and system
functions.
What are the different types of
motherboards available?

❑ ATX motherboards offer more room for

components and slots for expansion cards,
making them ideal for high-performance
systems. They typically have seven
expansion slots and can support multiple
graphics cards.
What are the different types of
motherboards available?

❑Micro-ATX motherboards
are smaller with fewer
expansion slots, usually four.
What are the different types of
motherboards available?

❑Mini-ITX motherboards are

even smaller than Micro-
ATX, often featuring just one
expansion slot.
What are the different types of
motherboards available?

❑ Extended-ATX (E-ATX) motherboards

are larger than standard ATX, offering
additional real estate for extra
features or extreme multi-GPU
setups.
 How does the BIOS on a
motherboard contribute to the
booting process?
❑ It is the first software to run when a computer
starts, stored on a non-volatile ROM chip. Its
primary function is to initialize and test system
hardware components, and load a bootloader
or an operating system from a mass memory
device.
Explain the role of capacitors
on a motherboard

❑Store and release electrical

energy, acting as reservoirs for
power supply to various
components.
Explain the role of capacitors
on a motherboard

❑It filter out noise and

prevent interference that
could disrupt signal integrity.
Explain the role of capacitors
on a motherboard

❑Aid in regulating voltage levels,

converting AC into DC current
necessary for the functioning of
digital circuits.
 What is the importance of a
motherboard’s form factor?
❑ The form factor of a motherboard determines
its physical dimensions, layout and
compatibility with various hardware
components. It dictates the size of the case,
power supply type, amount of ports, and the
number and type of expansion slots available.
 What is the importance of a
motherboard’s form factor?

❑It also influences cooling

solutions as it affects airflow
within the system.
 How data flows between the
CPU, RAM, and the
motherboard?
❑ The CPU acts as the brain of the computer,
processing instructions from software
applications. It communicates with other
components via the motherboard’s bus
system. When an application is launched,
it’s loaded into RAM from the hard drive.
 How data flows between the
CPU, RAM, and the
motherboard?
❑ Data flows between the CPU and RAM through the
front-side bus (FSB), which connects the CPU to the
northbridge on the motherboard. The northbridge
manages high-speed communication between the
CPU, RAM, and graphics controller. Data that
doesn’t require rapid access, like input/output
operations, are managed by the southbridge.
Explain the role of the chipset
on a motherboard
❑ It serves as the communication center
and traffic controller. It determines
how components like CPU, RAM,
graphics card, and peripherals interact
with each other.
What is the difference between
Northbridge and Southbridge?
❑ Northbridge connects directly to the processor via the
front-side bus (FSB) and oversees high-speed operations
such as managing the system memory (RAM), PCI Express
video cards, and the data path to the Southbridge.
❑ The Southbridge handles slower capabilities of the
motherboard including SATA, USB, audio interfaces, BIOS,
and other built-in hardware features.
 What considerations would you
take into account when
recommending a motherboard for a
high-performance gaming PC?
❑ CPU socket type
❑ Form factor of motherboard and its compatibility with the case
❑ RAM slots
❑ PCIe slots
❑ Enough USB ports and other connectivity options like HDMI
❑ Quality of onboard audio and Ethernet controllers.
What is the role of PCI slots
on a motherboard?
❑ It serves as interfaces for connecting high-
speed devices. They are designed to accept
and interconnect hardware devices such as
graphics cards, network cards, sound cards,
and modems.
 What are the differences
between integrated and non-
integrated motherboards?
❑ Integrated motherboards come with pre-
installed components such as the CPU,
GPU, sound and network cards.
 What are the differences
between integrated and non-
integrated motherboards?
❑ Non-integrated motherboards do not
have components that are pre-
installed. They provide slots or ports
where you can install your chosen
components.
What is the significance of the
Northbridge and Southbridge on
a motherboard?
❑ The Northbridge and Southbridge are
critical components of a
motherboard, forming the chipset
that controls data flow.
What is the significance of the
Northbridge and Southbridge on
a motherboard?
❑ Northbridge connects to high-speed devices
like the CPU and RAM, managing their
interactions with the rest of the system. It also
handles graphics processing; in systems
without a dedicated GPU, it’s responsible for
rendering.
What is the significance of the
Northbridge and Southbridge on
a motherboard?
❑ Southbridge manages slower peripherals such
as hard drives, USB ports, and expansion slots.
It acts as an intermediary between these
devices and the faster components managed
by the Northbridge.
 How do PSU work with
motherboards and why is this
important?
❑ Power supply units (PSUs) interface with motherboards through
connectors, primarily the 24-pin ATX connector and an
additional 4 or 8-pin connector for CPU power. The PSU provides
necessary voltage to all components of the motherboard
including the CPU, RAM, and expansion cards. This is crucial as it
ensures smooth operation and stability of the system. Without
proper power distribution, components may not function
correctly leading to system instability or damage.