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.
The motherboard is where all of the computer components connect.
Internal Connections
Your hard drive connects through the number 1 SATA II controller here or if you have an older hard drive it can connect to the IDE controller here. If your motherboard has SATA III controllers and your hard drive supports SATA III you can connect it to the number 1 SATA III controller here.
Your CD, DVD or Blu-ray drives connect through one of the open SATA controller or if you have an older drive it can connect to the IDE controller.
Your CD, DVD or Blu-ray drives connect through one of the open SATA controller or if you have an older drive it can connect to the IDE controller.
Note that current motherboards have only 1 IDE controller which can support 2 IDE drives.
There’s a place for the memory sticks.
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 2010.
And finally there is the processor socket for connecting your Intel or AMD processor.
There’s a place for the memory sticks.
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 2010.
And finally there is the processor socket for connecting your Intel or AMD processor.
Intel and AMD motherboards
Remember in the processor lesson we said that you need to buy a motherboard specifically for either an AMD or Intel processor. The socket is why. Intel and AMD processors fit into different socks. While all of the other connections for components are the same, the processor socket is specific to either a Intel or AMD processor and both CPU makers have more than one type of socket.
Intel has 3 different CPU socket types. Socket 775, also called socket T, Socket 1156, also called Socket H and Socket 1366, also called Socket B.
Socket 775 is the oldest of the three. The processors for socket 775 range from the low end, to the mid-range of performance and support DDR2 memory. They offer good performance for the price. Intel will not make any new CPU models for socket 775. If upgrading the CPU in the future is a must for you, you need to consider one of the other socket types.
Socket 1156 is the latest from Intel and fills the gap between the older socket 775 and the higher performance socket 1366, which we'll talk about in a moment. Socket 1156 supports DDR3 memory in Dual Channel mode. The processors for socket 1156 range from the low-end to the high-end of performance. Intel will make new CPUs for socket 1156 for at least 3 years. It is a solid choice for future compatibility and offers great performance for the price.
Socket 1366 is Intel's high end platform and supports DDR3 in Triple Channel mode. Intel's highest performance CPU's will be made for Socket 1366 for at least the next 3 years making it a great choice for future compatibility with the best performance available.
AMD has 2 different CPU socket types. Socket AM2+ and Socket AM3.
Socket AM2+ supports DDR2 memory. AMD is phasing out socket AM2+. Buying a socket AM2+ CPU and motherboard is not recommended.
Socket AM3 supports DDR3 memory. Socket AM3 CPUs range from the low end to the high end of performance. AMD will make CPUs for socket AM3 for at least the next 3 years. It is a great choice for cost and performance.
Its important not only to match the motherboard, memory and processor type, but to also make sure the speeds of the processor and memory can be handled by the motherboard. The CPU speed and the memory speed must match the motherboards capabilities.
So when you buy the motherboard, processor and memory, be sure they are compatible with each other.
External Connections
On the side of the motherboard, which faces the outside of the computer case, we have our external inputs and outputs.
There is a PS/2 connection for an older keyboard or mice.
USB 2.0 ports for connecting newer mice and keyboards, digital cameras, printers and scanners.
USB 3.0 ports are starting to appear on the newest motherboards. USB 3.0 can be up to 10 times faster than USB 2.0. To get the speed of USB 3.0 both the controller on the motherboard and the device you plug into it must support USB 3.0. A new USB 3.0 cable is required as well. USB 3.0 controllers are backward compatible with USB 2.0 devices and cables. With a USB 2.0 device plugged into a USB 3.0 controller you will get USB 2.0 speeds.
Firewire also known as a 1394 port for capturing video from High Definition and Standard Definition camcorders. This motherboard has both 6 pin and 4 pin ports.
An external SATA port for connecting an external hard drive or CD/DVD drive. This motherboard has two.
A few built in features that can also be found on add-on PCI or PCI Express cards
An on board sound card to connect your speakers with digital outputs.
An Ethernet port for connecting to a home network or high speed cable or DSL modem. This motherboard has two.
Motherboards can also have a video card built in.
Though for video it’s best to have an add-on card. There will always be better features and faster performance with add-on video cards.
Data Cables
Most motherboards will come with standard flat data cables for the older IDE hard drives, DVD drives and floppy drives which tend to block airflow in the case.
If you're going to install IDE drives or a floppy drive in your new computer you should consider upgrading to rounded data cables. They allow the air to flow more easily in the case and will help to keep the computer cool. You can buy rounded IDE and floppy drive cables for 5 dollars each.
If you're going to install IDE drives or a floppy drive in your new computer you should consider upgrading to rounded data cables. They allow the air to flow more easily in the case and will help to keep the computer cool. You can buy rounded IDE and floppy drive cables for 5 dollars each.
Video Card Slots
Lets go back to the second PCI Express 2.0 16x slot.
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.
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.
If you want to try SLI or Crossfire, you’ll need a motherboard with this second, third or fourth PCI Express 2.0 16x slot.
An SLI or Crossfire capable motherboard will also come with a SLI or Crossfire bridge that will connect the 2, 3 or 4 cards together cards together. Most motherboards support either SLI or Crossfire, not both. Though there are newer motherboards that support either SLI or Crossfire.
We’ll show you how setup SLI and Crossfire in the Computer Setup Lessons.
We’ll show you how setup SLI and Crossfire in the Computer Setup Lessons.
Cooling on the motherboard
One more feature to consider is the cooling on the motherboard. Mostly this is done with heat sinks and fans but can also be done with heat pipes that we discussed in the CPU component lesson. In most cases, when heat pipes are used to help cool the motherboard, a fan isn't required. This removes a point of possible failure from the motherboard, the chip set fan and decreases the noise level of the computer.
Overclocking
If you're planning to overclock your computers RAM or CPU you might also need to overclock the motherboard. The motherboards overclocking options are all important to your success in overclocking. Not all motherboards give the option to overclock so look for a motherboard that will let you change the speed and timing settings. For up to date info on overclocking boards see the Motherboard Overclocking Links along with this lesson.
Overclocking Links
September, 2008 - If you're planning to overclock you should probably choose the CPU first because when CPU's are found to be overclockable the review or how-to article that announces the news will usually tell you a good overclocking motherboard to go with the CPU.
Asus has a few boards that can be overclocked. Just about all of DFI's LanParty motherboards are popular overclocking boards. Gigabyte has many overclocking boards.
Curiously, not all motherboard makers build boards for overclockers. Though some of their boards have the option, they just don't feature it in the advertising. If we left out a motherboard maker that you know features overclocking on some of their boards, please let us know.
Pricing
Motherboards run between 75 and 300 dollars depending on the speed of components they can accept and what extras are built onto the motherboard. Such as better cooling, overclocking options, Firewire connections, an Ethernet adapter and sound.
When you go to Buy
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.
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 MotherboardWhether 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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