MOTHERBOARD

Contents
2.1 Motherboard: Components, Layout, Connections
2.2 Motherboard: Types and Features
Z.3 Enhancing Features of Motherboard :Adding and or
2.4 Troubleshooting Replacing Components
Problems of a Motherboard
Practice Questions
2.1 INTRODUGTION
MOtnerboard is considered as the heart of the
computer systems. The motherboard is the key
CIrcuit board holding the essential prcessing parts of a computer.
COmponents necessary for the proper and efficient working of the Motherboards hold different
different components like CPU, BIOS, memory, CMOs computer. Motherboards include
battery, different sockets, pins, slots and
Connectors for different peripheral devices like keyboard,
procesS of mounting the components on mouse, display, hard drive etc. The
motherboard surface is known as Surface Mount
Technology (SMT).
2.1.1 Motherboards Components, Layout, Connections
The modern motherboards use
integrated chipsets. Chips integrate millions of transistors in a
very small area using VLSI (Very Large Scale
Integration) technology.
 Q. 2.1
drive.
devices,
diskcontrollers
suchas memory, motherboard
andTypically, He
additional
boards. What
parallel main
is
Introduction
otherboard
2.1.1:OldFig. mass a
required the circuit
Motherboard
contains
ports,
motherboard
storage
displaythe
board
to
expansion
interfaces, connectorsthe ?
control of
keyboard,
screen, contains
a
microcomputer.
The
standard slots, USB,
the
for
andSATA, CPU,
peripheral attaching
andthe all BIOS.
serjal
the
SATA

BIOS
PCI
Thesystem. The
A calculations computer
computer. mobo orCollectively,
is motherboard
a theboard,
complex motherboard, CPU
CPU Fig. AGP

is
logic is the 2.1.2:
take the Bridga
North
are main
electroniccentral all Bridge
South
boards also known place brain Modern
these component
or with
primary andknown as of
system, the chips the the motherboard
sometimes as
motherboard's help Processor
Socket
computer on
circuit a that the
such main of IDE
motherboard
board reside ALU
abbreviated
as board, where Memory
and
making
a chipset.
on Cæ.
modern system most
the or
up as
 5. memory
RAM 4. 3. 2 1.
Motherboard
Selection
Criteria
s,oards typeBus SRAM What Cache latest
speed.Checkmemory Processor
Mother Processor
sockets checkMother

orkind memory
j0.ted st CPU speed
board
e, board Selection
Criterla
DRAM or 39880 Motherboard
and Processor. ofmust
nd must must processor. 9. 8. 7. BIOS 6. type RAM 4.
Bus 5.memory Processor
memory
Cache socketsProcessor
3. 2. 1.
with how Plinterfaces Form
ug Built-in factor
. support
upport have 2.Fi1.g3.
DDR4 much and
type, processor latest Play
PCI with
memory size, (PnP)
CPU
local speed.
level socket
or
bus supported. Processor
of
slots, cache to
support
PU and and
S
 interfas
Built-in8. factor
Form 7.
DMI,
Motherboard
local video).
standard
Ideally,developed
Additionally, safebet. a
functional ATXNewer or
such TheBIOS
bus
speciForfication. BIOSThedesign BIOSTheAward.
motherboard
VGA, form maXimum as
a motherboards for
(PCI), controllers
motherboard advantages
by factor, those
Audio must Intel the should casyshould
flexibility, updating. from
USB have asnew which should
tors. and support be
an over AMI,
port, and of
improvement NLX
built-ininterfacesshould
has the a use
baby systems Phoenix,
the Flash an
Built-in contain distinct baby
primary form AT. Plug industry-standard
AT ROM
as Micro
RJ45 possible as on
factor incorporate
performance for and
and many the or id
factor Play
onnector,
secondary ATX. has EEPROMResearch,
built-in
(except is (PnP) BIOs
been and uses still

9.
of
Motherboard processors
nmanagement
chipset powering
levelsof Power
CPUs.
Latest The specification.
asThis The Plug
readinessmotherboard wellmotherboard and
down with will
Most as
PnP allow Play
compatible various APM ISA (PnP)
and automatic
power and
should adapters. support
should
fully
system
SMM
consumption.
with configuration
fully
protocols
the components
support
Intel
of the
or that SL PCÍ
AMD to Intel
PnP
Enhanced
allow adapters
different
farnily
for
 3. PCI express
Expansion Slots are the
Also known as PCle, these latest and thhe
Motherboard consists of various slots for I/O interface component of the motherboard to support fastea
to add card or add-on card
It supports full duplex
serial bus. add-on carda
Expansion Slots 4. AGP slot.
Acceleratedgraphics port(AGP) is specifically used .
1. ISA slots installa latest graphics card. AGP
AGP runs on a 32-bit
bu
and both PCle and AGP can be used to install high-end
2.PCI SIots
gaming display cards.
3PClexpress RAM (memory) slots
4. AGP slot
RAM (memory) slots

Fig, 2.2.3
1. SIMM slots
ISA slots (Industry Standard Architecture).
These were the oldest expansion slots, they were found 2. DIMM slots
in AT type motherboards.
Fig. 2.2.4
They are in black color. This slot is not found on latest
1. SIMM slots
new motherboards.
2. PCI Slots The full form is a single in-line memory module. Tnest
slots were found in older motherboards, up to 486
(Peripheral Component Interconnect) : The PCI slot is boards.
one of the important motherboard components today
The SIMM supports 32-bit bus.
and is vastly used to installadd-on cards on the
motherboard. The PCI supports 64-bit high-speed bus.
 6. Heat Sink
DIMMslots
DIMM is a Double inine memory A motherboard heat sink is a
full form
of cooling device used on
The certain chips found on system boards.
oule.
a faster
latest RAM sots which run on The main
chip or computer
are the boards processing
DIMM used on Laptop
These are
unit (CPU) requires a heat sink, and
64-bit bus.
The
heat sinks
chipsets also use
calledSO-DIMM.
BIOS
CPUSocket
motherboard component The full form of BIOS is Basic Input Output
Another
vital
used to install
System. It
socket or processor socket which is is a motherboard component in the form of a
Integrated
motherboard. Some important sockets
CPU
the chip.
processoron the
theexplainedbelow,
are This chip contains all the information and settings of
the motherboard which you can modify by entering the
CPUSocket
BIOS mode from your computer.
1. Socket7 CMOS Battery
The battery or a cell is a 3.0 Volts lithium type cel.
2.Socket370
The cell is responsible for storing the information in
3. Socket 775 BIOS and the fullform is Complementary Metal Oxide
Semi-Conductor.
4. Socket 1156
Power Connectors
5. Socket 1368
Power Connectors
6. Heat Sink

1. AT connector
Fig. 2.2.5
1. Socket7 2. ATX connector

older processors
It is a 321 pin socket that supported Fig. 2.2.6
k5/K6, and Cyrix
like Intel Pentium 1/2MMX, AMD
In order to receive power from SMPS, there are
M2. connectors mounted on the motherboards.
2. Socket 370
1. AT connector
It is a 370 pin socket that supports Celeron processors It consists of 2 number of 6 pin male connectors and is
and Pentium-3procesSors.
found on old types of motherboards.
3. Socket 775
2. ATX connector
It is a 775-pin socket that supports Inter dual core,
C2D, P4 and Xeon processors.
The latest in the series of power connectors, they are
either 20 or 24 pin female connectors.
4. Socket 1156
Found in all the latest types of motherboards.
Found on latest types of motherboards, it is an 1156-pin
IDE connector
socket that supports latest Intel i-3, i-5 and i-7
processors. The Integrated Drive Electronics (DE) Connectors are
5. Socket 1366 used to interface old disk drives.

The socket is of 1366 pins and supports latest i-7 900 The 40-pin male connector is used to connect IDE hard
disk drives and the 34-pin male connector connects to
processors.
Floppy Disk Drive. Both are not used and not found on
new motherboards.
 connectors
PS2
pot port20
USBinterfaceVO
FUSE2 Co-Processor IuNh
OMNnts ThnologY
netar connectorSATA
Ihe taster Latest
o-pnNeSsOr than
latest
portDV VGApot and un
helps Atachent
SATA
DE the
9 senes,
09 the s intetaC. hand
One
nnain di(SATA)
sks the
of
HDMI proessor the cOnneCON,
orare
important optical
port USB1 F 7-pin
in drives. Sernal
port mathematical
motherboard connectors
USB30
They Advance
LAN CLR are to
port
US820 port LED. common
Front connections
many Cabinet calculations
motherboards.
Cis
Line USB, buttons The
Mic connectors cabinet
N Front that computer
graphics,and
ne iN
port in
Audio, connect
are which
PowerPowertothe
the
indicator(LED) motherboard
motherb0ard.
Switch,
Resen
toTd Not
 Functionality
2.3.1 Based on Motherboard
Syllabus Topic : Types and Features Motherboards
(a) Non integrated
(old
2.3 Motherboards : Types and Non integrated Motherboards meanS

Features the VO Port

mortarboards) have assemblies such as
and parallel ports), hard drive
There are two ways classify motherboards connectors (serial
connectors, joystick
connectors, floppy controllers and
Motherboards : Types (NIC), etc.
and Features connections, Network interface card
installed as expansion boards.
1. Based on motherboard funcationality This motherboard is relatively cheap to produce but,
and
because of the cost of manufacturing, testing,
a. Non-Integrated motherboard there's an
installing the expansion boards separately,
b. Integrated motherboard added cost to the computer system.
are if
2. Based on form factor The main advantage of these motherboards
assemblies or
anything goes wrong with the individual
a. AT Motherboards expansion card, such as a bent or broken pin in a
Connector, or a defective controller chip etc., you could
b. Baby AT repair the problem by replacing the individual
c. ATX Motherboards
expansion card at a relatively minor cost.
(b) Integrated Motherboards
d. Mini ATX
Integrated Motherboards also called as All in one
e. Micro ATX motherboard.

f. Flex ATX
This type of motherboard has all VO ports other
peripheral connectors on the motherboard such as
g. LPX (Low Profile Network RJ45 connector, USB port, audio jack and
Extension)
SATA HDD connector, DVD ROM connector, etc. all
h. NLX (New Low Profile
connect directly to the motherboard.
Extended)
This type of motherboards is cheaper to produce
Fig. 2.3.1 because there's less material involved, less installation,
and testing can allbe done at the same time.
1. Based on motherboard functionality
This type of motherboards is more expensive to repair
(a) Non-Integrated motherboard because, if you end up with a controller failure or
(b) Integrated motherboard broken pin, it means a new motherboard.
2 Based on form factor 2.3.2 Based on form factor
(a) AT Motherboards (a) AT (Advanced Technology)
(b) Baby AT Oldest and biggest form factor and popular until Baby
(c) ATX Motherboards AT.

(d) Mini ATX Capable of using 386 processor.

(e) Micro ATX 12' inch size and was difficult to install, service and
() Flex ATX upgrade.
(g) LPX (Low Profile Extension) (b) Baby AT
(h) NLX (New Low Profile Extended) Standard in computer industries and stillbeing used in
Pentium class products.
 High quality product at low cost but makes
way that it can interfere upgrade and repair.
CPU socketis placed in such a
Low Profile Extended)
with longer bus cards. (h) NLX (New
installation.
Limitation over peripheral card Supports current and future processor
VO ports are connected to
pin-outs near the floppy
Also supports new
AGP and tall technologies,.
memory
drive which results in jumbling
(c) ATX (Advanced Technology
of ribbon cables.
Extended) Installing and upgrading the system is easy technology. 2.4
1.
for current
Improvement done in easy to use, support
current and future
and future /0, and also to
technology.
New mounting configuration for power supply.
to allow
Processor relocated away from expansion slots
full length add-in cards.
Provides air-flow through chassis and across the
processor.
(d) Mini ATX
Commonly same as ATX.
Just change in size from ATX= 12" x 9.6" to Mini
ATX= 11.2" x 8.2".

(e) Micro ATX

Supports current and newprocessor technologies.
AGP (Accelerated graphics port) to have high
performance graphics.
Smaller in size and less power supply.
() Flex ATX
A subset of micro ATX.

Gives chance to system developers to create new

personal computer design.
Enhanced flexibility to allow custom case and board
design to be manufactured.
Small motherboard size and supports current processor
technology.
(g) LPX (Low Profile Extension) and Mini LPX
Based on design by western digital.
Usually found in desktop pc's.
Case are slim-line, low profile case with riser card
arrangement for expansion cards.
Riser card arrangement means expansion boards are
parallel rather than perpendicular.
This make smaller case but limits
slots to two or three.
number of expansion
 for Motherboard Failura
2.5.4 Reasons
Electricity and voltage spikes and surge - avolte.
regulator outlet may be necessary if there are alot of

voltage spikes in your area.

Age
Pressure or force

cigarette smoke, dust and debris

Smoke or
clean
Heating issues or fan failure -it is advisable to
your fans at least once ayear
2.5.5 Common Motherboard Problems
Common Motherboard
Problems

1. Check RAM

2. Check Monitor

3. Check Graphic Hardware

4. Check Intemal Hardware

5. Check CMOS Battery

6. Check Processor/
Motherboard

Fig. 2.5.2
 Cooling Graphics USBUnable The The
problems.
Some problems in
devices power system the
Troubleshooting steps :
fan to connectedAter holdcontacts After any Computer
card cleaning,
repective problem slots
use Common Other Remove
in switch
the are powers the etcare and
is the xIng cleaning of
not not card components t h
functione
systenm
chassis to of make
USB slots.
be is the
is motherboard th e the removed not
working detected not Problem on the by
the data motherboard.
the
port , expansion add-on sloved, TROUBLESSHOOTING do
is working beeps system its A
cotton
components system properly thenot
not side connected in and
the then
working and problems and only. cards
cloth second
power in
cards move Removing
stops switchedTouching
or to working
or and cables
memory, the to
and
and eraser step.
removing the and
memorv
on motherboards,
suagestions on second Condition. PROBLEMS fixed
if
fan fixed to Restart cleanRemove restart
problem.
again. the can Connected fixing
connectors working,
Ensurereplace working, Enabling madeEnsure theCheck
Enabling motherboard. the
is modules contact dust
found processor step. components the
the properly th e used Following
thepower the the the and to
the check Install the the are
defective. connection motherboard edge for namely, the components OF
matching.
connecting computer. USB given in contaminants
motherboard. card USB and and A
the the the cleaning is process
the port in to components connectors
fromdevice. device port firmly Solution motherboard,
following RAM processor, MOTHERBOARD
card. be again
If in to
edges If for avoided. purpose. are wil
graphicS the inBIOS th e deposited
Replace of devicedriver any firmly solve
the of can are
the BIOSsetting tabDIe RAM, and
expansion
and power properly
fault, tn e
solve not
software again.
fixed f majority
the fan card fix is solves While fixed ad
switch Cabies on -on most
is still
coolingfirmly again.
is replace their in the
slot, card of
not not and this gold
is are the
if
 is having only PS/2 port, cannot USB mouse Connect with pS/2 port ith te
Mothertboard
mouse help of USB to PS/2 adapter
aUSB
plug connected to the computer is not Install the device driver software.
device
New
detected
blue Screen
Frequent popup of Check power supply, remove RAM, clean the
No display, RAM copper connectors with dry clean cloth or
eraser, reinsert it and restart.
blinking Check all the connections like Monitor Cable,
Monitor LED is Data cables, RAM, Display Card, CPU
Connections etc.
Continuous non-stop Beeping Key Board Problem (i.e. some key is pressed
for longer time)
Disk Failure Check power cord; Check connection of HDD;
Showing HDD error or Hard
Check Data Cable: Check Hard Disk parameters
in CMOS or Auto detecting setting partitions by
F-disk command, then format it to set track 0.
Dancing Screen Check display card connection; virus problem;
video memory problem
Shaking Screen Earthling problem; Magnetic waves Comes

around

Continuous Three Beeps Problem in RAM Connection.