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What is a Motherboard?

R. Kayne
R. Kayne

A motherboard is the major, underlying circuit board of a computer. The Central Processing Unit (CPU), Random Access Memory (RAM), and various disk or optical drives are all plugged into interfaces on it. A video interface and sound card can also be built-in or added, and additional connections are used by peripherals and various devices.

Purpose of Motherboards

Motherboard.
Motherboard.

One of the major functions of a motherboard is to act as the "hub" to which other computer devices connect. A board can come in many configurations to fit different needs and budgets. At its most basic, it has several interfaces for necessary components and numerous microchips that control computer startup. Many computer enthusiasts favor one type of board over another and choose a manufacturer based on the firmware installed on it or the types of hardware it supports.

A SATA cable, which can be used to connect to a motherboard.
A SATA cable, which can be used to connect to a motherboard.

Numerous chips and components are physically installed onto a board, including the north and south bridge. These are two chipsets that are used with the CPU to allow communication between the processor and memory. All important components are connected either directly or indirectly to the board, so it serves as the "nervous system" of a computer.

Motherboards and Processors

The motherboard and connected peripherals are installed inside of a case, also known as a computer tower.
The motherboard and connected peripherals are installed inside of a case, also known as a computer tower.

An important feature of a motherboard is the socket used to house the CPU. Different types of sockets are found on various boards, with different configurations for the processor pins. These fit into the socket, allowing it to act as the primary processor of a computer.

Motherboards typically support a specific type of CPU, such as a processor made by AMD™ or Intel™. Among the processors available, there are different grades of CPUs. An AMD™ 64-bit processor requires a different CPU socket than an AMD™ 32-bit processor. Someone purchasing parts to build a computer needs to ensure that the CPU and motherboard are compatible.

RAM and Different Boards

The amount of RAM a computer can use is dependent on the motherboard.
The amount of RAM a computer can use is dependent on the motherboard.

Motherboards also impact the amount and type of RAM that users can install in a computer. It is often best for someone to use a board that supports more RAM than he or she needs. If new technology for RAM is available, getting a board that supports the newer type can help future-proof the hardware. There are different types of RAM available, indicated by terms such as "Double Data Rate" (DDR) or "Dual In-line Memory Module" (DIMM), with new forms being introduced fairly regularly.

Boards also have a limit on the total amount of RAM they can support. It is important for someone to choose sticks of memory that do not surpass this limit. Each stick may also have a memory limit set by the type of board used, which is indicated in the manual for a board provided by the manufacturer.

Expansion Slots and Drive Connections

The number of Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) slots varies from one motherboard to another, which can include an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) specifically designed for video cards. These slots are used to connect peripheral components within a computer case, such as video and sound cards or modems. New formats are often introduced that improve connection speeds, so older motherboards might not support newer hardware.

Boards also have a number of Serial AT Attachment (SATA) ports or Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) connections for use with hard drives and optical devices. Much like other connections on motherboards, these change over time as new technology is introduced. Adapters may be useable in some instances, though it is typically necessary for a new board to be used when connecting a drive with newer attachment cables.

Size and Power Supply

A motherboard also comes in one of a few standard footprints or sizes. This can impact the type of system case in which the board fits. Many motherboard manufacturers also recommend particular power supplies that have been tested with their hardware. It is important that a sufficiently large supply of power is used with a board, and that the power supply has the right kind of connections to plug into it.

Discussion Comments

anon354475

After I installed my 2.5tb on my vista system, it showed up in the device manger, and in the system info but not in my computer section where all drives are located.

anon354474

I have a Powerspec with windows Vista. The mother board says Sata on it in white. So what I'm trying to find out is what type of Sata drive will work with my system, e.g., Sata, Sata1, sata2, sata3?

anon257562

Motherboards are important for life.

anon203327

how do I unlock a folder in win xp?

anon123552

Where do you get those memory sticks? I've only seen numbers like 256MB, 512M, 1024MB, and of course lower values years ago?

anon12652

You must look at the manual which is likely available online from the Dell site under the support link, but you'll have to navigate to find it. If not, call Dell and give them your model and serial number. Ask the maximum amount of RAM it supports. (This will not be "about this much" but an exact answer.) Also ask if it needs to be configured a certain way, slot for slot.

You say you have 320 MB working now. If you can combine the new 250MB stick to work with two of the other sticks without going over the max... and still come out with more than 320MB total, you're ahead.

OTOH you might be better off buying a 2nd stick of 250MB and using the two together for the max of 500MB, (if that's really the max). Two sticks of the same kind of RAM (i.e. speed/type/manufacturer) usually works better than a hodgepodge of mixed sticks. Just make sure two of the slots can support a 250MB stick. Sometimes each slot has a max too that's different from the total max the machine can support.

ibknut

My computer, a Dell desktop, came with 65 mb. It has 3 slots. I increase this to Total Physical Memory 320.00 MB last year. I ordered a new stick, but didn't think about max for this computer & order 250mb more. Dell diagnostic says I can only use about 500mb. Is it possible to try & use this new one or can I remove the 65mb one? I am computer dummy.

anon4557

How do you know what capabilities your motherboard has? I used to think the bigger the numbers on a computer information sheet the better. Now I'm not so sure.

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    • Motherboard.
      By: VIA Gallery
      Motherboard.
    • A SATA cable, which can be used to connect to a motherboard.
      By: Artyom Rudenko
      A SATA cable, which can be used to connect to a motherboard.
    • The motherboard and connected peripherals are installed inside of a case, also known as a computer tower.
      By: bbbastien
      The motherboard and connected peripherals are installed inside of a case, also known as a computer tower.
    • The amount of RAM a computer can use is dependent on the motherboard.
      By: Winai Tepsuttinun
      The amount of RAM a computer can use is dependent on the motherboard.