Lesson 8- Motherboard component - parts diagram of a computer motherboard
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Overview
In lesson 8 we'll cover motherboard part for both Intel and AMD , their advantages and disadvantages, a diagram of computer motherboard, what features and specs to look for when shopping, and how much you can expect to pay.
Internal Connections
Your SATA III hard drive or SSD connects through the number 1 SATA III controller here or if you have an older SATA II hard drive or SSD it can connect to one of the SATA II controllers here.
Your CD, DVD or Blu-ray drives connect through one of the open SATA II controllers.
If you have an old IDE type drive it can connect to the IDE controller.
The video card connects to this slot, called the PCI Express 2.0 16x slot.
This motherboard also has a second PCI Express 2.0 16x slot which we’ll talk about in a moment.
An add-on sound card, modem and Ethernet adapter can fit in the PCI or PCI Express 1x slots
In the future all expansion cards will be made for PCI Express, but regular PCI slots will be available on almost all motherboards through 2012.
And finally there is the processor socket for connecting your Intel or AMD processor.
Intel and AMD motherboards
Intel currently has 4 different CPU socket types. Socket 1156, also called Socket H, Socket 1366, also called Socket B, Socket 1155, also called socket H2 and Socket 2011 also called socket R.
Socket 1156 is the oldest of the four. Socket 1156 supports DDR3 memory in Dual Channel mode. The processors for socket 1156 range from the low-end to the mid range of performance. Intel will not make any new CPU models for socket 1156. If upgrading the CPU in the future is a must for you, you need to consider one of the other socket types.
Socket 1366 is a high end platform and supports DDR3 in Triple Channel mode. Intel will not make any new CPU models for socket 1366. If upgrading the CPU in the future is a must for you, you need to consider one of the other socket types.
Socket 1155 is a low to middle high end platform and supports DDR3 in Dual Channel mode. Intel will probably make new models of CPUs for Socket 1155 for a few more years.
Socket 2011 is Intel’s latest high end platform and supports DDR3 in Quad Channel mode. Intel should make new CPU models for Socket 2011 for a few more years.
AMD has 3 different CPU socket types. Socket AM3, Socket FM1 and Socket AM3+.
All 3 support DDR3 memory in Dual channel mode.
AMD is phasing out socket AM3. Buying a socket AM3 CPU and motherboard is not recommended.
Socket FM1 is AMD’s low to mid range performance platform. Socket FM1’s life span is up in the air.. AMD will release socket FM2 later in 2012.
Socket AM3+ is AMD’s mid to high end performance platform. AMD should make new CPU models for Socket AM3+ for at least a few years.
Motherboards can also have a video adapter built in.
Though if you are planning on playing games it is best to have an add-on card. There will always be better features and faster performance with add-on video cards.
Video Card Slots
In the video card lesson we mentioned SLI and Crossfire which combine the power 2, 3 or 4 video cards, with the option of up to 3 video cards in SLI mode or up to 4 video cards in Crossfire mode to give you better graphics performance.
We’ll show you how setup SLI and Crossfire in the Computer Setup Lessons.
Pricing
When you go to Buy
- Make sure it’s compatible with the other components you buy.
- Take into account the extras built into the motherboard when deciding how much to spend.
- If you're planning to overclock your PC check the motherboards overclocking options.
In the installation lessons we’ll show you how to install all of the components into the computer case and connect them all together to have a fully functional computer.
Motherboard Warranties
Motherboards are generally very reliable and will last for many years. That said, it's best to buy a motherboard with at least a 3 year warranty. This level of warranty is standard for most manufacturers, but not all. So be sure to check the warranty coverage before buying a motherboard.
| Manufacturer Links | |
| Abit | Foxconn |
| Asrock |
Gigabyte |
| Asus | Intel |
| Biostar | MSI |
| EVGA | XFX |
| DFI | |
Motherboard Reviews
- Motherboard.org Reviews
- Neoseeker Motherboard Reviews
- AnandTech Reviews
- Tom's Hardware Motherboard Reviews
To find more reviews do a search in your favorite search engine (Google, Yahoo) for the model number of the motherboard parts you're interested in.
Buying a Motherboard
Whether you buy an Intel or AMD motherboard there is no shortage of choices. Below are several sites that will help you find the lowest price from a reputable merchant.
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