An earlier Tech Tip covered the basics of choosing a computer case and highlighting of the different dimensions that correspond to motherboards with different forms. A few users wrote to express interest in learning the basics of motherboards. This is precisely the topic this World PC Tech Tip will address.

The motherboard is also referred to as a mainboard is the main circuit board within computers, and is the place where the central processor (CPU), as well as memory, expander slots, drives and various other peripheral devices, are linked. The motherboard’s circuitry helps to communicate between the various computers and is as crucial to the system’s performance as other components such as the memory or CPU.

The fundamental circuitry of the motherboard is known as the chipset. usually, the manufacturer of the motherboard isn’t the producer of chipsets. Intel produces motherboards that have their own chipsets. However, buying a motherboard manufacturer like Gigabyte, Biostar, and ASUS is getting a motherboard equipped with a VIA, Nvidia, SIS or Intel brand chipsets.

1. Form Factor

The different dimensions and shapes of motherboards are classified into form factors. There are a variety of common form factors however some of the most common forms used in desktop computers are:

The fundamental sizes of each of them are:

* 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)

https://worldpctech.com/whats-the-best-way-to-clean-a-motherboards-components/  ATX or mATX are among the most commonly used motherboard sizes for desktop computers. And, as you can see in the table above, they are among the biggest. A larger area on a motherboard means more expansion options and additional featuresthat make using these motherboards more flexible. A Mini-ITX motherboard may include only one slot for memory as well as one for expansion cards while an ATX board could have four memory slots, as well as the expansion card slots, are six.

Every form factor is unique and has its particular specific niche to fit into the gaming and workstation platforms for bigger boards, to car computers and media centers to smaller boards. There is certainly overlap between the possibilities of each type of device, and different features and capabilities can affect the intended usage.

2. CPU Socket

The two major processor makers, AMD and Intel, are always fighting to provide the fastest and most powerful processors that are available. In order to get more performance and speed from a small chip usually requires a modification in physical dimensions with every new generation of processors are launched. So, motherboards must change at the same rate to be able to take on the latest CPUs.

In the past, AMD and Intel processors had a common socket for CPUs however, these days are a distant memory. AMD as well as Intel have been moving on their own, somewhat similar, path to speed and performance with different design. Picking a motherboard to run the latest AMD processor will eliminate the need in any Intel processor and the reverse is true.

AMD’s current desktop processors is its Athlon 64, which is available in Socket 939 and Socket 754 formats. The number in the name indicates the number of pins on the back of the CPU connected to the motherboard’s socket. It is the Socket 939 Athlon 64 is a dazzling array of nine thirty-nine tiny pins that match up with motherboard socket. It is the Chaintech VNF4 Ultra is an example of an Socket 939 motherboard built upon NVIDIA’s NForce4 Ultra chipset technology. Alongside these two sockets AMD processors, like Athlon XPs, Semprons, and Durons have these sockets. Socket A standard, which is called Socket 462 because of the fact that it has 462 pins for connecting to an motherboard.Socket adapters

Intel’s latest offering, for the Pentium four and Celeron processors LGA 775 doesn’t contain any pins and basically shifts the pins on the motherboard to make way for the socket. It’s possible that this design change places the responsibility on bent-pin warranty claim to an individual however it’s quite unusual. The Biostar P4M80-M7 motherboard is one of the examples for an LGA 775 motherboard https://worldpctech.com/whats-the-best-way-to-clean-a-motherboards-components/ that is based upon the P4M800 VIA chip. Other Intel processors that are still available use the Socket 478 format to support Pentium four and Celeron processors.

While most motherboards only support one CPU, some applications can benefit from having more than one processor in order to take on the work in the moment. Servers and workstations with high-end features are two instances where dual processor systems like the one operated with an Tyan Thunder 7500 motherboard could make it easier to use more sophisticated applications.

3. Components

“Components” is a broad term used to describe the section, however the items covered are quite diverse. Computer systems are all made up of memory storage devices, storage devices and power supply, however one of the major differences motherboards can have is the kind and number of connections that are available for the components.

Modern systems rely on DDR memory, however, DDR-2 memory is becoming increasingly popular and is expected to eventually be the norm. Although certain boards offer slots for both kinds of memory, it’s usually the case that both is available. In addition to operating in different ways and having different physical characteristics, the difference between DDR having only 184 pins and DDR-2 with 240 pins stops the two from being interchangeable. In the future, users must decide if they’d prefer to hop on the bandwagon of new technology when choosing a motherboard or continue with their current DDR for the longest time possible. Whatever the technology, all motherboards will have 2 to 4 slots of memory, but as noted Mini-ITX boards might only have one slot.

Technology for hard drives is changing as well, as explained in this Tech Tip comparing SATA to ATA hard drives. The majority of motherboards over the last couple of years have had two ATA connections that could support up to four drives. With SATA growing in popularity and more widely available, some motherboards now provide the option of ATA and SATA connections, while some have dropped ATA altogether and instead provide numerous SATA connections that will only work with one drive per. Apart from the the type and number of connections motherboards also have the option of offering different options in the capabilities of hard drives by incorporating RAID controllers ontoboard like the ASUS K8V Deluxe.

As the technology advances and sophisticated, they often impose specific power requirements to ensure that they run smoothly. The majority of motherboards have the 20-pin ATX Power connector however certain servers may include a 24 pin connector to replace it. Motherboards designed for AMD Athlon 64 and Pentium 4 processors will feature an additional power connector situated close of the CPU socket to assist in giving the additional power that the latest high-end processors require. This unique 4 pin connector isn’t present on all AMD Socket A motherboard, however, it is likely to be found in the AMD Socket 939 motherboard. Power supplies have had this connection for a long time but for those who want to upgrade an older machine with new motherboards the power supply could be one of the items which needs to be upgraded too.

4. Extra Features

Many motherboards today have features that were only offered as expansion cards that had to be bought separately. A typical motherboard can now come with stereo sound capabilities as well as a 10/100 LAN connection and a handful of USB 2.0 ports that are connected to the back panel. Based of the price and the requirements of the consumer, some motherboards will also have additional features that are useful, such as connected Firewire ports VGA connectivity, as well as RAID controllers onboard.

5.Motherboards Extra Features

Although a lot of these things could be added later on with card expansion, when already know that you’d like them there is a little cost and hassle is eliminated by locating the right board that includes nearly everything you need. However, there aren’t a lot of options components onboard, so it’s an issue of taking it or take it or. For instance, you might prefer stereo sound however, that most motherboards have 5 channels and you’d prefer 8 channels. In this case it’s beneficial to have motherboards that come with expansion slots for the audio card you want.

6. Expansion Slots

A motherboard normally has the minimum of one slot to allow an installation of graphics cards, and several slots to increase your system’s capabilities in different areas.

Graphics card are offered with PCI, AGP, and today PCI Express formats, and pairing a motherboard with an right card is an essential step. The majority of motherboards that have been released in the last couple of years come with an AGP slot, and the latest wave of motherboards are starting to include PCI Express slots for graphics card installation.

PCI slots are present on a majority of motherboards, however they are significantly slow in comparison to AGP or PCI Express slots, so they’re not the ideal option for graphics. ATX motherboards usually have up to five PCI slots. While they are able to be used as additional display cards. More popular applications are networking cards, sound card, controllers for RAID modems, TV tuners along with USB/Firewire-based controllers. Given that a lot of these are installed onboard the motherboard, having several PCI slots isn’t as crucial as it was in the past.

7. Style

With the advent of windows and lighting effects to nearly all the features of a computer Why should the motherboard remain out of the fun? The days of the typical PCB that was green with white connectors. Nowadays, many motherboards feature a vibrantly colored PCB, as well as a range of colors on drive connectors, memory slots and other connectors.

If, for instance, someone was unsure about the mATX option that would work with your Socket 754 AMD Athlon 64, the design could be the main element. For example, the Chaintech MK8M800 and the Biostar K8VGA are both similar boards with VIA K8M800 chipset, and priced under 70 dollars. The golden PCB that has white and black features of the Chaintech board might attract some, while the white, red blue, and yellow of the Biostar might entice others.

It is common that a specific model is available only in a single color scheme and many companies use the same style across their entire lineup. For instance the Biostar board designed that is designed for AMD Athlon 64 processors above has the same design as the Biostar board designed for the brand new Pentium LGA775 processors. Apart from the color certain brands will also add LED lighting on the cooling fans or equip motherboards with cables that match to complement the unique look of the board.

There are some who might be sceptical about the inclusion of colors in the list of essential characteristics of motherboards There will be people who look for fashion first, and then , performance. Visit Link

8.Final Words

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the best motherboard. This Tech Tip really just scratched the surface of the most basic options that should be taken into consideration. A lot more technical decisions could require the more experienced user, however covering the six areas mentioned above can be a great start for anyone who is interested in using a computer at any level.

Robert Patricia