What is a Motherboard?

So what is a motherboard? A computer motherboard (also known as the mainboard) is one of the most crucial components of a computer.

As the name suggests, a motherboard is the mother to all the other parts. In other words, everything in a computer connects to the motherboard. A motherboard (mobo) is the primary circuit board in a computer.

Motherboard (the mother to all the other components)

A typical motherboard has attachment points for all the common components in a computer. These are the Power Supply, CPU (Central Processing Unit), hard drive, RAM (Random Access Memory), graphics card, CD drive and other peripheral devices such as sound cards, network cards etc.

Built-in Motherboards

In recent motherboards, the sound cards and even the network cards are built into the motherboard making it unnecessary to purchase additional cards. Some even have built in graphics card; but personally I would recommend buying a separate card. The reason for this, is because if you buy a motherboard that has the graphics card built in then it becomes much harder to upgrade your graphics in the future. Also unless you are just using your computer for word processing and the internet then you will need a better graphics card then those that are built into motherboards.

So what is a motherboard's most important component? The chipset is, because it determines the capabilities and features of the motherboard.

Every motherboard is different. Some have more expansion slots others have fancy features such as Wi-Fi or a 1394 connection. It is important that when you buy a computer you choose one that suits your needs. For example, if you have a wireless network that you want to connect to then it would be wise to purchase a motherboard that has wireless built into it.

Choosing a Motherboard

Its important to know what a motherboard is before going out and buying one. I have made this error myself in building a computer. I thought I would save a bit of money and buy a cheaper motherboard, one that still ran my CPU fine but didn’t have all the extras (wireless, firewire etc.)

Well the motherboard ran fine but in the end I needed to purchase all the extras (wireless and firewire) because I needed them in my computer. So to avoid having to purchase parts later it is a wise idea to not be skimpy on the motherboard and buy one that really suits your needs. My page on chossing a motherboard will explain the choosing process in more detail.

CPUs and Motherboards

Now every CPU (CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT) does not go into every motherboard. This means that if you buy an Intel Core 2 Duo CPU then you will need to buy a motherboard that supports that CPU. Check with the manufacturer before buying the motherboard to make sure that the CPU suits the motherboard.

Motherboard Components and Function

Follow along referencing
Motherboard Integrated Components
from PC Guide.Function: The motherboard is a printed circuit board (PCB) that contains and controls the components that are responsible for processing data.
Description: The motherboard contains the CPU, memory, and basic controllers for the system. Motherboards are often sold with a CPU. The motherboard has a Real-time clock (RTC), ROM BIOS, CMOS RAM, RAM sockets, bus slots for attaching devices to a bus, CPU socket(s) or slot(s), cache RAM slot or sockets, jumpers, keyboard controller, interrupts, internal connectors, and external connectors.
The bus architecture and type of components on it determine a computers performance. The motherboard with its ribbon cables, power supply, CPU, and RAM is designated as a "bare bones" system.
Clock: The motherboard contains a systems clock to synchronize the operation of the bus and other components. Jumpers on the motherboard allow a user to set different clock rates to work with the CPU. Other jumpers control other components on the motherboard.
286 and 386 motherboards had an extra socket on board for a math coprocessor. The coprocessor is responsible for non-integer calculation. It is also known as an FPU or Floating Point Unit. 486DX's and all generation of Pentiums have a math coprocessor already built into the CPU chip.
The motherboard determines: (info taken from Motherboard HomeWorld)

• CPU type and speed
• Chipset Type (the specialized chips that control the memory, cache, external buses, and some peripherals)
• Secondary cache type
• Types of expansion slots: ISA, EISA, MCA, VESA local bus, PCI and AGP slots
  
  
  
  

  See Bus page at this site for detailed information. ISA slot (pronounced as separate letters or as eye-sa) (Industry Standard Architecture) - 1980's - 8 bit + 16 bit path

  EISA (Extended Industry Standard Architecture) - 32 bit path

  MCA (MicroChannel Bus) - 32 bit path - 64 contacts IBM's 32-bit bus for the PS/2 machines.

  VESA slot (Video Electronics Standards Association) - (also called VLB & VL-bus) - 32 bit path - About 4 incges longer than ISA

  PCI slot (Peripheral Component Interconnect) - 64 bit path - 33MHz - clocked 132 MB throughput

  AGP slot (Accelerated Graphics Port) - 64 bit path - 64 contacts- clocked [(2Xmode)33 Mhz = 66MHz} = 528 MB thropughput - for true 3D

• number of slots
• type of memory (EDO, SDRAM, parity, ECC, etc.)
• number of memory sockets and maximum memory
• type of case and P/S
• ROM (this will most certainly already be installed)
• Plug and Play compatibility
• type of keyboard connector

All these parts you will become familiar with as move through this course.

CD/DVD Optical Drives

An Optical drive is a storage device in which the data can be stored and read. They differ greatly in computer systems. Most manufacturers tend to only list the drive type that is used in a system. But when listing these drives, they don’t specify the drive systems speed.

The storage space averages around 650 to 700 MB of data per disc. Most software comes on CD and DVD formats. Even if you want to be cost effective, there is no point to go for the DVD read – write – burner combos. DVD burner can support all kind of file formats and is flexible with the Cd and DVD burning. It is a good choice for people using it only for CD writing and making creative DVDs. Burners are still quite expensive but they are quickly dropping in price. Of course, the media is difficult to find and quite expensive.

Advantages of these Optical drives:
1. Long media life.
2. The data can be accessed rapidly.
3. Suitable for rough use.
4. The data is non-erasable.
5. The data are not affected by magnetic fields.

Disadvantages of these Optical drives:
1. They are outdated by the modern storage devices like USB s, memory stick and pen drives.
2. They can be subjected to breakage since they are so light weight.
3. Slow read write time.

These optical disks in particular were expensive when they were first introduced and while highly reliable.But now due to the high advancement in technology and the introduction of advanced drives and storage devices, they are becoming the least noticed among the people.

Promotional Stop Watches

The count down is on to find out if our bid to host the 2018 football world cup is successful – I am using this promotional stop watch to monitor the count down – fingers crossed!

Promotional Bags – Eco Friendly Promotional Tote Bags

Promotional Bags have nothing to do what they were. They have evolved to become a companion of all personal purchases on her own. The hardest thing about these new types of bags are to decide which you like best, but it is still possible to hold more than one to many of them preferred. Because of numerous varieties, styles and designs to choose from, buying one will never be boring.

If you have decided to give some beautiful promotional bags filled with goodies and the choice of the bag is very important. Consider the fact that you want people to use bags again later. Think about how the bag is made and what people are going to use in the future. It will help you decide what type of straps and pockets.

Promotional tote bags have become a trend in most of these times and could certainly be in addition to the entire business ventures and a significant number of additional benefits. These are usually excellent tool and can easily help to support your brand directly to the main peak of your targeted audience. When you create your own promotional product consider coming with a kind designs that are really simple and modern.
Almost everything is too much can eventually destroy the essence of the product. Each person will certainly not want to take with him something that is jazzy place. At least try to keep the design simple and minimalist style. Although promotional bags give you a high-pressure area may give more details would certainly not an option. Sticking to the basic principles is generally excellent strategy while you design!

Creation of promotional tote bags is essential to serve the correct direction. The materials involved in the conference bag makes it easy to collect print your own business or trade name and logo design as well as able to maintain much longer. There is no sense to use these bags, if the name and logo at the withers by only a few days of use. So if you want to help serve successfully you must come with choosing the right type of materials for the brand this year.

Promotional tote bags are affordable and can be purchased all at once. Get your message imagination or a personal note, printed on these bags and the value that emphasize creativity. These bags are available in several varieties. You can choose the material and the desired color. Promotion of environmentally friendly paper bag fiber durable wood and grass can be a great and wonderful gift for someone who lives in an environmentally friendly lifestyle.