UNITE-4

Motherboard
A computer’s motherboard is typically the largest printed circuit board in a machine’s chassis. It
distributes electricity and facilitates communication between and to the central processing unit
(CPU), random access memory (RAM), and any other component of the computer’s hardware.
There is a broad range of motherboards, each of which is intended to be compatible with a
specific model and size of the computer.
The earliest motherboards for personal computers included relatively fewer real components.
Only a CPU and some card ports were included on the very first IBM PC motherboard. Users
inserted various components, including memory and controllers for floppy drives, into the slots
provided.
Compaq became the first company to utilize a motherboard that was not based on a design
created by IBM. The new architecture utilized a CPU made by Intel.

Types of Motherboards
Advanced Technology (AT) motherboard
Standard ATX motherboard
Micro ATX motherboard
eXtended ATX motherboard
Flex ATX motherboard
Low-Profile EXtended (LPX) motherboard
BTX motherboard
Pico BTX motherboard
Mini ITX motherboard
Mini STX motherboard

1. Advanced Technology (AT) Motherboard

Due to their larger physical dimensions (which can be measured in hundredths of millimeters),
these motherboards do not work properly with computers that fall into the category of smaller
desktops. A larger physical size makes it more difficult to install new hardware drivers.
The power connections on these motherboards are in the form of sockets and plugs with six
prongs each. Due to the difficulty in recognizing these power connections, users often have
issues while trying to connect and operate them. In the 1980s, motherboards of this sort were all
the rage, and they continued to be manufactured far into the 2000s.

2.Standard ATX Motherboard:ATX is an enhanced version of the AT motherboard that Intel

created in the 1990s. Its name means “advanced technology extended,” and its initials stand for
“advanced technology.” Unlike AT, it is much more compact and enables the associated
components to be interchanged. The connection elements have witnessed significant progress
and development.

3.Micro ATX Motherboard:-The length and width of these motherboards, measured in

millimeters, are also 244 mm (size metrics will differ as per the manufacturer). This motherboard
has fewer ports and slots than the Standard ATX board.

Users who do not want excessive connections and subsequent upgrades, like adding more RAM,
an extra GPU, or other Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) cards, are better suited for this
kind of motherboard than others.

4. eXtended ATX Motherboard:-The dimensions of this motherboard are 344 millimeters by

330 millimeters (dimensions will differ with different manufacturers). This motherboard
supports a single or a twin CPU configuration and has up to eight RAM slots.

Additionally, it has a higher number of PCIe (where e is for Express) and PCI slots, which may
be used to add PCI cards for a wide range of applications. Workstations and servers are both able
to use this software. There is sufficient room on all eATX motherboards, making them ideal for
desktop computers, thanks to the significant space provided for airflow and the attachment of
various components.

5.Flex ATX Motherboard:-These ATX Form Factor mainboards do not enjoy the same degree
of popularity as their ATX Form Factor counterparts. They are the ones within the ATX family
that are considered the most compact. They were designed to occupy a minimal amount of space
and had a minimal price tag. Flex ATX is a modification of mini ATX that Intel created between
1999-2000. It is a motherboard standard.

6.Low-Profile EXtended (LPX) Motherboard:-In comparison to previous iterations, this has

two significant enhancements. The first change was that the output and input ports were moved
to the rear of the device, and the second change was the addition of a riser card, which enables
the device to have additional slots and makes it easier to attach components.

There is an implementation of some of these functionalities on the AT motherboard. The primary

drawback of this board is that it does not have any accelerated graphic port (AGP) ports,
resulting in a connection to PCI that is made directly. The new low-profile extended (NLX)
boards are where issues present in these motherboards have been addressed.
7.BTX Motherboard:-Balanced technology extended, abbreviated as BTX, is a strategy
developed to fulfill the requirements of emerging technologies, which call for increased power
consumption and, as a result, emanate more heat. During the middle of the 2000s, Intel ceased
the future production of BTX boards to concentrate on low-power CPUs.

8.Pico BTX Motherboard:-Given their diminutive size compared to a typical motherboard,

these boards are called Pico. Even though the upper half of the BTX is shared, support is
provided for two expansion slots. Its distinguishing characteristics are the half-height or riser
cards, and it is designed to meet the needs of digital applications.

9.Mini ITX Motherboard:-It is important to note that there is no regular-sized version of the
information technology extended (ITX) motherboard. In its place, the motherboard has been
downsized into a more compact form than in earlier iterations. It was developed in the 2000s,
and its measurements are 17 by 17 centimeters.

Due to its reduced power consumption and quicker cooling capabilities, it is primarily used in
computers with a small form factor (SFF). Given that it has a relatively low level of fan noise,
the motherboard is the one that is recommended the most for use in home theater systems
because it will enhance the overall performance of the system.

10.Mini STX Motherboard:-The name “Intel 5×5” was initially given to the motherboard now
known as the Mini-STX, which stands for mini socket technology extended. Although it was
introduced in 2015, the motherboard has dimensions of 147 millimeters by 140 millimeters. This
converts to a length of 5.8 inches and a width of 5.5 inches; hence, the 5×5 name is rather
misleading.

The Mini-STX board is 7 millimeters longer from front to back, making it somewhat rectangular
in shape. This is in contrast to the shape of other tiny form factor boards, like the Next Unit of
Computing (NUC) or the mini-ITX, which are square.

ATX :-The most common motherboard form factor, ATX stands for Advanced Technology
EXtended. The ATX layout rotates the CPU and memory 90 degrees, allowing for full-
length expansion cards to be plugged into all sockets.

LPX:-A non-standard form factor that's often found in low-profile desktop cases. LPX
motherboards have integrated sound and video, but they're not well-suited for upgrading
and have poor cooling. LPX was popular in the early-mid 1990s, but was phased out
around 1998.

BTX :-BTX stands for Balanced Technology EXtended, and was introduced by Intel in
2004. BTX motherboards have chip sockets designed to provide adequate airflow over the
processor and graphics card. BTX has smaller versions called microBTX, nano-BTX, and
pico-BTX
How does a motherboard work?

When you turn your computer on, the power supply transfers electricity to the motherboard to be
used by the computer. Data is transported between the chipset components via data buses and
travels between the southbridge and northbridge sections.

The data connections to the CPU, RAM, or PCIe are made through the northbridge component.
The operations performed by the RAM are first “interpreted” by the CPU as being output after
the RAM begins to deliver inputs to the CPU. After being written to the PCIe, the data is either
copied or moved to the expansion card, based on the kind of card you have.

The data connection to the basic input/output system (BIOS), the universal serial bus (USB),
the serial advanced technology attachment (SATA), and the PCI bus are managed by the
southbridge component. Your computer can start up because of signals sent to the BIOS, and the
data sent to the SATA “awakens” your optical, hard disc, and solid-state drives. The video card,
network card, and sound card receive power from the information stored on the SATA.

The remaining components interact via an electrical signal, which serves as a hub for them.
These data buses pass via a microchip’s northbridge or southbridge elements, which then branch
off to other components like the CPU, RAM, PCI, and PCIe, amongst other elements.

The information sent over buses will be encoded using a programming language (1 and 0). When
a signal is sent to a motherboard from one of its components, the motherboard will process it and
translate it into a language the other component can comprehend. On most of today’s computing
systems, all of this will occur in a split second, and there is almost no delay between the input
and the output.

Components of a Motherboard

1.Mouse and keyboard connectors:-Computer motherboards must have two separate

connectors that allow users to connect their external mouse and keyboard. These connectors are
responsible for sending instructions and receiving responses from the computer. There are two
keyboard and mouse connectors, the PS/2 and the USB. The personal system/2(PS/2) port is a
mini-DIN plug that contains six pins and connects the mouse or keyboard to an IBM-compatible
computer. Other computers use the USB port to connect the mouse or keyboard.

2.Universal serial bus (USB):-The USB is a computer interface that connects computers to
other devices, such as phones. The USB port is a significant part of a motherboard that allows
users to connect external peripheral devices such as printers, scanners, and pen drives to the
computer. Moreover, it enables users to transfer data between the device and the computer. A
USB port allows users to connect peripheral devices without restarting the system. Types of USB
include USB-A, USB-B, USB-mini, micro-USB, USB-C, and USB-3.

3.CPU:-The central processing unit (CPU) is commonly referred to as the computer’s brain. The
CPU controls all the functions of a computer. CPUs are available in different form factors, each
requiring a particular slot on the motherboard. A CPU can contain one or multiple cores. A CPU
with a single core can only perform a single task at a time, while those with multiple cores can
execute multiple tasks simultaneously.

4.RAM memory:-RAM slots connect the random access memory (RAM) to the motherboard.
RAM allows the computer to temporarily store files and programs that are being accessed by the
CPU. Computers with more RAM capacity can hold and process larger files and programs, thus
enhancing performance. However, RAM contents are erased when the computer is shut down. A
computer usually has two RAM slots. However, some computers have up to four RAM slots in
the motherboard to increase the available memory.

5.Basic input/output (BIOS) system:-The BIOS contains the firmware of the motherboard. It
consists of instructions about what to do when the computer is turned on. It is responsible for
initializing the hardware components and loading the computer’s operating system. The BIOS
also allows the computer’s operating system to interact and respond with input and output
devices such as a mouse and keyboard.

In some motherboards, the legacy BIOS is replaced by the modern extensible firmware interface
(EFI) or the unified extensible firmware interface (UEFI). UEFI and EFI allow the computer to
boot faster, provide more diagnostic and repair tools, and provide a more efficient interface
between the operating system and computer components.

6.Chipsets:-The chipsets of a computer control how the computer hardware and buses interact
with the CPU and other components. Chipsets also determine the amount of memory users can
add to a motherboard and the type of connectors that the motherboard can have.

The first type of chipset is the northbridge chipset. The northbridge manages the speed at which
the CPU communicates with the components. It also controls the processor, the AGP video slot,
and the RAM.

The second type of chipset is the southbridge chipset. The southbridge chipset controls the rest of
the components connected to the computer, including communication between the processor and
expansion ports such as USB ports and sound cards.

7.Cooling fans:-The heat generated when electric current flows between components can make a
computer run slowly. If too much heat is left to build up unchecked, it could damage computer
components. Thus, a computer performs better when kept cool. Cooling fans increase the
airflow, which helps to remove heat from the computer. Some elements, such as video adapter
cards, have dedicated cooling fans.

8.Adapter cards and expansion slots:-Adapter cards are integrated into the motherboard to
enhance a computer’s functionality. Examples include sound and video adapters. The expansion
slots allow users to install compatible adapter cards. Examples of expansion slots include the
peripheral component interconnect (PCI) slot, the AGP slot (which enables the insertion of video
cards), the PCI Express serial bus slot, and the PCI-extended slot.
9.CMOS battery:-The CMOS battery is a small round battery found on the motherboard of
every computer. It provides power to the complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS)
chip. The CMOS chip stores BIOS information and computer settings, even when powered
down. The CMOS battery allows users to skip resetting BIOS configurations, such as boot order,
date, and time settings, each time they power on their computer.

10.Storage devices:-Storage drives store data permanently or retrieve data from a media disk.
The storage devices can either be installed in the computer as hard drives or in removable drives
that can connect to the computer through the USB ports. Hard disk drives(HDD) or solid-state
drives (SSD) are computers’ primary storage drives. Computers with SSDs execute tasks much
faster and perform better than HDDs. Users can also use optical drives such as compact discs to
store information.

11.Front panel connectors:-Front panel connectors connect the light-emitting diode (LED)
lights on the front of the case to the hard drive, the power button, the reset button, and the
internal speaker for testing. Some USB and audio devices also have LED lights.

These front panel connectors are usually plugged into small pins on the motherboard. Although
the pins are grouped and color-coded, their layout structure varies depending on the model of the
motherboard.

12.Power connector:-The power connector provides an electric supply to the computer to

function as intended. The power supply connector has 20 pins and converts 110-V AC power
into +/-12-Volt, +/-5-Volt, and 3.3-Volt direct current (DC) power.

Functions of a Motherboard

1.Manages data flow:-The BIOS component of the motherboard ensures that the operating
system interacts well with input and output devices, such as the keyboard and mouse, to process
instructions. This ensures that the data sent to the computer moves as expected to perform the
intended purpose. It also manages data flow through its USB ports, allowing for data transfer
between devices. Additionally, it ensures the processor can access information from the RAM to
boost efficiency.

2.Conserves resources:-The motherboard saves consumers time, energy, and money by

connecting all the computer connects. The motherboard provides a platform on which
manufacturers can connect all the necessary components to ensure that the computer functions.
Thus, saving consumers’ time and energy as they do not have to assemble and connect different
parts manually. Moreover, collecting the individual components can prove costly as consumers
would be forced to incur additional transport and other miscellaneous costs.

3.Optimizes power distribution:-The motherboard provides and distributes power optimally.

Computers require electricity to function. The motherboard has a power connector plug that
connects the computer to a power source and converts it into a form of electrical power that the
computer can use. After that, the motherboard ensures that the electric current is distributed
optimally to different system components.

The motherboard has an integrated circuit technology with pre-defined connections that ensure
each element gets the necessary power. Moreover, the circuits ensure less energy is consumed to
make the computer an energy-efficient machine.

4.Drives communication:-The motherboard makes communication between different

components easier. For a computer to process a particular set of instructions, sometimes it may
require several components to communicate and work together to complete the task. In such
scenarios, the motherboard relies on its circuit technology to enable communication between
these components. The motherboard may also depend on some of its components, such as the
CPU, BIOS, expansion ports, and USB ports, to interact with the computer’s operating system.

5.Enhances performance:-The motherboard boosts the capabilities of a computer.

Motherboards often transform the capabilities of a computer. For instance, they have additional
features and functionalities, such as built-in sound and video capabilities that can enhance the
computer’s output. Motherboards also allow users to connect peripheral devices such as printers,
enabling computers to perform additional tasks such as printing documents. Additionally, users
can expand and upgrade factory-made motherboard parts such as memory slots or hard disks to
boost the capabilities of their computers.

6.Improves reliability:-A good motherboard boosts the overall reliability of the computer. A
high-quality motherboard provides a stable foundation for its components to operate on. A good
motherboard has proper cooling, and its integrated circuit technology is set in place. These
factors enable it to control the computer’s hardware efficiently by ensuring that each element
functions as expected and communicates with the other components. A reliable computer
performs tasks efficiently and thus enhances the user experience.

7.Enables productivity:-The motherboard reduces effort duplication and simplifies work for
computer users. While traditional computers came pre-installed with BIOS, modern ones are pre-
installed with EFI and UEFI. BIOS, EFI, and UEFI enable computers to boot without requiring
users to reconfigure basic settings, time, and date. They also load the operating system into the
memory. Therefore, these motherboard components allow users to focus on other productive
tasks.
Install Mother In Pc:-

Step 1: Procuring Parts

First you will need to buy the parts necessary to build the computer. The parts we will use in this

project are labeled in figure 1:

1. Processor (CPU)

2. Computer Case

3. Optical Drive (DVD RW and SATA capable)

4. Memory (RAM)

5. Power Supply

6. SATA Cables
7. Motherboard (SATA Capable)

8. Processor Fan

9. Case Fan

10. Hard Drive (SATA Capable)

11. Assortment of case and drive screws (Not Pictured)

Step 2: Gather Tools and Supplies

Screwdriver (for slotted and Phillips head screws)

• Wire cutters and strippers

• Needle-nosed pliers
• Utility knife

• Small flashlight

• Adjustable wrench

• Small container to hold screws

• Heat sink compound

• Grounding Strap

You may not use every single one of these tools in every installation, but it is best to have all of

them on hand in case you have a use for them

Step 3: Open the Case
Open the computer case by removing the side panels. Find the screws that hold the side panels in

place and remove them (shown in figure 3 circled in red). The panel is removed by first sliding it

back (figure 4) then lifting it away from the case (figure 5).
Step 4: Prepare the Case for Assembly
Three things need to be done before assembly begins:

• Remove any parts or packaging materials that may have been shipped inside the case (figure

6).

• Remove the cover for the optical drive. On our case, we will be removing the cover on the

highest drive bay to mount our DVD drive as shown in figure 7. Do this by pressing in the

retaining tabs shown in figure 8.

• Make note of the cables pre-installed in the case. These should be front panel connections for

features such as the power switch, audio jacks and usb ports. If they are not labeled, consult

the manufacturer’s documentation and label them yourself now before other parts are

installed in the case (figure 8).

Step 5: Ground Yourself
Put the grounding strap on your wrist (Figure 10) and connect the other end to the computer case.

If your strap is not equipped with a clip to hook to the case, find a place to wedge against the
metal

as shown in figure 11. This will prevent any buildup of static electricity on your body from
damaging

the computer components.

Step 6: Install Motherboard
To install the motherboard we need parts that should have been included with your purchased

components:

• I/O Bezel is a trim panel installed in the back of the case that surrounds the interface ports on
the motherboard. It should be included with the motherboard. Figure 12 shows the contents of

the motherboard box.

• Standoffs are installed in the case screw holes to create a riser that separates the case and

motherboard. The screws install into the standoffs as shown in figure 13. Screws and

standoffs should be included with the case, but it is a good idea to order these items just in

case they aren't included.

Follow these steps to install the motherboard in the case:

1. Install the I/O bezel plate into the opening in the back of the case (figure 14). It pushes in from

the inside.

2. Install standoffs in the case. The standoffs screw into the motherboard mounting holes shown

in figure 14. Check the screw hole locations on the motherboard for exact placement.

3. Lower the motherboard into the case and align with the I/O bezel.

4. Install the screws.

Figure 15 shows the motherboard installed in the case. It works best to leave the screws loose
until

all of them have been started and the board is aligned with the bezel.

Caution: To prevent damage to the motherboard it must only contact the standoffs and screws.
All

of the standoffs and screws must be installed.

Step 7: Install Hard Drive
The hard drive is the device that stores all of your data. It is 3.5" wide and needs to be mounted
so

that you can gain access to the cable connections on the back (figure 16). If that is not possible
you

may need to connect cables before you install the drive. To mount the drive:

1. Find a 3.5" drive bay to install the drive in. If you have trouble finding a place to mount the

drive consult your case documentation for suggestions.

2. Slide the drive into place until the screw holes on the sides are lined up with the holes in the

case.

3. Install the screws.

Step 8: Install Optical Drive

The optical drive is 5.25" wide and is installed in the drive bay that we removed the cover from
in a

previous step. Cable access considerations apply to this drive also. To install the drive:

1. Slide the drive into the drive bay until the screw holes are lined up and the front of the drive is

flush with the front of the case (figure 18). Make sure that it is orientated correctly.

2. Install the screws.

Step 9: Install the CPU
The CPU is the brain of the computer. It is installed on the motherboard in the socket shown in

figure 20.To install the CPU:

1. Find the corner marking that designates pin 1 of the CPU as shown in figure 19. On this AMD

brand processor, the corner is marked with an arrow. Consult the manufacturer's

documentation for specific information about your processor.

2. Lift the small metal rod next to the socket as shown in figure 20.

3. Find the corresponding marking on the CPU socket and insert the CPU so that the markings

are lined up.

4. Push the rod down to lock the processor in place (figure 21).
Step 10: Install RAM
The RAM is the temporary memory location that the processor works from. Permanently stored

data is pulled from disks and stored in RAM while the processor works with it. The memory is
easy

to install:

1. Set the RAM board in the socket as shown in figure 22. Check to see that the notch in the

board is in the correct location. If it is not, turn it around 180º.

2. Press firmly on both ends of the board to set it into the socket. Make sure the tabs lock into

place as shown in figure 23.

Caution: Pressing the boards in when the tab is not aligned could cause damage to the RAM

boards as well as the motherboard.

Step 11: Install the CPU Fan

The CPU fan is really a combination of a heat sink and fan together. The unit draws heat away
from the CPU . To install the fan:
 1. Place thermal compound to the CPU following the instructions provided with the
compound.
2. Set the fan assembly on the CPU with mounting tabs aligned.
3. Pull the locking rod down on the fan assembly to lock into place.
4. Connect the fan assembly's power connector to the motherboard. Consult the manual to
determine proper placement.

Caution: Failure to apply thermal compound will result in insufficient cooling and will cause
damage to the CPU and/or motherboard.

Step 12: Install Case Fan

The case fan is usually installed on the back panel of the case. If the fan mount is not obvious
consult the case documentation. To mount the fan:

1. Align the mounting holes by holding the fan to the mounting pad on the inside of the case
as shown in figure 25. The fan needs to be mounted so that it blows air out of the case.
2. Insert the screws from the outside of the case and tighten.

Step 13: Install Power Supply

Consult your case documentation for details and then follow these directions to install the power
supply:

1. Align the mounting holes in the case and power supply as shown in figure 26.
2. Insert screws and tighten.
Step 14: Connect Cables

With all of the components installed in the case, the jungle of wires can be daunting. It is
important to consult the motherboard manual in order to make sure proper connections are made.
There are two kinds of connections, power and data.

• Every device that has been installed needs power. In figure 27, the power supply
connectors are shown. The motherboard has two power connections, and there are two
connectors specifically for SATA devices (drives). The other connectors will run fans
and other non-SATA devices.
• Data cables connect drives and front panel devices to the motherboard. Please consult the
motherboard documentation for the exact placement of connectors.
Step 15: Wrap-up
Now that the components are completely installed, the last thing to do is to reinstall the side panels on
the case. The computer is now ready to be turned on and to have software loaded on it. If the computer
has problems starting up, check all component connections and mounting to make sure that you have
hooked everything up correctly. Consult individual component manuals for specific troubleshooting
information if problems persist.

Computer Bus:- computer bus is a communication system within a computer or between computers that
transfers data between different components. The purpose of buses is to reduce the number of
"pathways" needed for communication between the components, by carrying out all communications
over a single data channel.

A bus is a set of physical connections (cables, circuits, etc.) that can be shared by multiple hardware
components to communicate with one another. Memory and input/ output devices are connected to the
Central Processing Unit through a group of lines called a bus. These lines are designed to transfer data
between different components.

Types of Computer Bus

Address Bus

Data Bus

Control Bus

1. Address Bus

• A collection of wires used to identify particular location in main memory is called Address Bus.
Or in other words, the information used to describe the memory locations travels along the
address bus.

• The address bus transports memory addresses which the processor wants to access in order to
read or write data.

• The address bus is unidirectional.

• The size of address bus determines how many unique memory locations can be addressed.

• Example:

A system with 4-bit address bus can address 24 = 16 Bytes of memory.

A system with 16-bit address bus can address 216 = 64 KB of memory

A system with 20-bit address bus can address 220 = 1 MB of memory.

2. Data Bus
 • A collection of wires through which data is transmitted from one part of a computer to another
is called Data Bus.

• Data Bus can be thought of as a highway on which data travels within a computer.

• The main objective of data bus is transfer of the data between microprocessor to input/ output
devices or memory.

• The data bus transfers instructions coming from or going to the processor.

• The data bus is bidirectional because the data can flow in either direction from CPU to
memory(or input/output device) or from memory to the CPU.

• The size (width) of bus determines how much data can be transmitted at one time.

• Example:

A 16-bit bus can transmit 16 bits of data at a time.

32-bit bus can transmit 32 bits at a time.

Control Bus

• The connections that carry control information between the CPU and other devices within the
computer is called Control Bus.

• The main objective of control bus is all signals controller carried from processor to other
hardware device.

• The control bus transports orders and synchonisation signal coming from the control unit and
travelling to all other hardware components

• The Control bus is bidirectional because the data can flow in either direction from CPU to
memory(or input/output device) or from memory to the CPU.

• it also transmits response signals from the hardware.

• Example:

This bus is used to indicate whether the CPU is reading from memory or writing to
memory.
EXPANSION SLOT:- Expansion slot is a socket on a computer's motherboard that allows you to add
additional components to your system to expand its capabilities:

Expansion slots are also known as bus slots or expansion ports. You can insert expansion cards into these
slots to add functionality to your computer, such as: A video card for better graphics processing,
Improved sound output, Ethernet, and Memory.

Expansion cards are printed circuit boards that can be inserted into the expansion slot. They are also
known as expansion boards, adapter cards, peripheral cards, or accessory cards.

The design of the computer's case and motherboard may place most or all of the expansion slots on a
separate, removable card.

TROUBLESHOOTING

1. Microphone cannot receive the sound:- If your microphone cannot receive the sound, please
connecting microphone to other desktops in order to

exclude the possibility of malfunction.

If microphone is normal after confirmation, please try below methods :

1. Please ensure microphone is connected to desktop pink hole.

2. Please ensure whether you've correctly installed driver or update the latest driver.

3. Enter "Control Panel"->"Ease of Access"->"Speech Recognition", choose "Set up

microphone"

After you enter microphone installation wizard, follow the instruction to test.

4. If some specific apps (e.g. Skype,RaidCall) cannot receive the sound, please adjust the

microphone setting from menu of software setting.Below we take Skype as example :

(1) Click "Tools" on toolbar->"Options" ->"Audio settings".

(2) If you connect and use more than one microphones(ex. Bluetooth headset), please choose the
one

you want to use and test if it detects the sound.

(3) You can also choose "Make a free test call" to confirm whether microphone works normally.