Computer Components and Motherboard Guide

Posted on Oct 19, 2024 in Computers

Computer Components

Case Types:

  • Slimline: Compact, space-saving design. Expansion cards are installed externally.
  • Mini-Tower: Offers decent expansion possibilities, but the number of bays may be limited.
  • Desktop: Provides ample space for peripherals and expansion cards; sits horizontally.
  • Tower: Excellent expansion capabilities but requires more space and longer cables.
  • Server: Largest housing type, offering maximum expansion possibilities.
  • Barebone: Used in large companies, lacks CD, DVD, or floppy drives. The user installs the operating system and can only use administrator-configured applications.

1.1 Motherboard: The main circuit board of a computer, connecting all other devices like the hard drive and memory. It ensures all components work together. Its importance lies in the components and expansion capabilities it supports. Made of synthetic material with electronic circuits.

1.1.1 CPU Socket: The connector where the CPU is installed.

1.1.2 Memory Slots: Where the computer’s main memory (RAM – Random Access Memory) is installed. Often called memory banks.

1.1.3 Chipset: Controls many functions and processes within the computer, such as data transfer between memory and peripherals.

1.1.4 BIOS: Basic Input/Output System. A set of programs stored in EPROM (Erashable Programmable Read Only Memory). The BIOS connects with devices during startup.

1.1.5 Expansion Slots: Connectors for adding expansion cards.

1.1.6 External Connectors: Allow external devices (keyboard, mouse, etc.) to communicate with the CPU.

1.1.7 Internal Connectors: Designed for internal device communication (hard drive, DVD drive, etc.).

  • SATA Connection: A type of IDE hard drive connection. It’s an adapter for connecting two hard disks.
  • IDE Connection: Allows connection of an ATAPI IDE drive and a USB port.

1.1.8 Power Connector: Connects cables to the power supply so the motherboard and other components receive power.

1.1.9 Battery: Powers the computer’s internal functions when it’s turned off.

Motherboard Form Factors

The form factor determines the motherboard’s size and orientation, the required power supply, and compatible peripherals.

1.2.1 AT and Baby AT:

  • AT: The first motherboard form factor standard, based on the IBM PC. The keyboard connector was a key peripheral part.
  • Baby AT: Smaller than AT due to increased component integration. Most cases manufactured between 1984 and 1996 were AT form factors, used from the 286 to the first Intel Pentiums.

1.2.2 ATX/Mini ATX/Micro ATX:

  • ATX: Introduced by Intel in 1995, currently the most popular due to advantages like better component layout, CPU and memory placement away from expansion cards, and a single power supply connector. IDE and floppy connectors are closer, reducing cable length.
  • Mini ATX: A shortened version of ATX with the same layout.
  • Micro ATX: Released in 1997, a further size reduction. Mini-ATX and Micro ATX are compatible with ATX.

LPX/NLX/BTX/WTX:

  • LPX: Commonly used in brand-name desktop computers. They have integrated peripherals like modems, video cards, sound, and networking.
  • NLX: Similar to LPX, designed for easy motherboard installation and replacement without tools.
  • BTX: Introduced by Intel in 2004 to address cooling issues, but had limited adoption. Components are placed differently than ATX to improve airflow.
  • WTX: Created by Intel in 1998 for servers and workstations with multiple CPUs and hard disks. Its large size accommodates many components.

Motherboard Components

CPU Socket:

  • Microprocessor performance is closely tied to the motherboard.
  • Different CPU types require different sockets.
  • Early CPUs were soldered to the motherboard. Current CPUs are easily replaceable.

Socket Types:

  • LGA (Land Grid Array): Pins are on the motherboard, not the CPU. Allows better power distribution and higher bus speeds. Used in Pentium IV Xeon, Intel Core 2, Intel Core 7, and Opteron families.
  • ZIF (Zero Insertion Force): CPUs can be inserted and removed without pressure, using a lever. Common in 486 era.
    • Socket 7 (Super 7): Supports bus speeds up to 100 MHz (K6-II Lambda).
    • Socket 370 (PGA 370): Similar to Socket 7 but with a different bus. Two versions: PPGA (Intel Celeron) and FC-PGA (Pentium II and Celeron).
    • Socket A (462): Used by AMD K7, AMD Athlon, and Duron.
    • Socket 423: Used by the Pentium II.
  • SLOT: Used between 1997 and 2000. CPUs were inserted like RAM.
    • Slot-In: Intel’s response to Lambda. Physically identical but logically and electrically incompatible. Used in AMD K7 Athlon.
    • Slot-1: Used for the Intel Pentium II. Similar to PCI/ISA slots but with 242 pins.
  • PGA: The classic model used in the 386 and 486.
  • Other: In some cases, the chip is soldered to the board (8086, 286, etc.).

Memory Slots (RAM):

  • Connectors for RAM modules.
  • Types:
    • DIMM (Dual In-line Memory Module): 13.3 cm long with 184 contacts (DDR) or 240 contacts (DDR2).
    • SO-DIMM: Compact DIMM memories used in PDAs, laptops, and notebooks.
    • SIMM (Single In-line Memory Module): Used in older computers, smaller than DIMMs (10 cm).
  • Dual-Channel: A technology for personal computer memory.

Chipset:

  • Controls communication between the CPU, RAM, and peripherals.
  • Advantages of integrating circuits into a single chip:
    • Reduced motherboard size
    • Lower energy consumption
    • Increased reliability
  • Functions:
    • Controls data transfer between CPU, RAM, and peripherals.
    • Controls transmission of data, instructions, and control signals.
    • Provides support for expansion buses.
  • Two main chips:
    • Northbridge: Connects the CPU to high-speed components (RAM, AGP). Controls features related to the CPU, RAM, AGP port, PCI Express, and communication with the Southbridge.
    • Southbridge: Connects the CPU to slower components (peripherals). Communicates through the Northbridge. Features include sound and network drivers, keyboard and mouse controllers, peripheral bridges (USB), peripheral connectors, power management, and expansion bus detection.

Integrated Components:

  • Typical integrated input/output connections:
    • Keyboard and mouse ports
    • SATA and IDE controllers
    • Serial and parallel communication ports
    • USB ports
    • Audio, video, modem, and network connectors
  • Disadvantages: A malfunction may require motherboard replacement.
  • Advantages: Fewer electrical connections to the motherboard.

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System):

  • Elementary programs stored in ROM that perform necessary functions for computer startup.
  • Usually accessed by pressing F2 or Delete.

Boot Process:

  1. POST (Power On Self Test): Checks all hardware elements. Emits beeps if errors are detected.
  2. If the POST detects a video adapter error, the BIOS searches for one.
  3. Displays BIOS information (manufacturer and version).
  4. Performs system tests and checks memory amount. Displays error messages if necessary.
  5. Checks present devices and their characteristics (DVD, CD-ROM).
  6. Configures Plug and Play devices.
  7. Presents a summary screen and passes control to the operating system.

CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor):

  • Stores BIOS data (system time, etc.).
  • Information is maintained through the battery.
  • CMOS can be reset using jumpers or by removing the battery.

Expansion Slots:

  • Connectors for expansion cards (graphics, sound, network, modem, video).
  • Part of a bus, which is the communication channel between devices.
  • Types:
    • AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port): Developed by Intel for graphics cards. Becoming obsolete due to PCI Express.
    • PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect): Transfers data at 133 MB/s. Used for sound cards, network cards, modems, etc. Offers Plug and Play.
    • PCI Express (PCI-E): Developed by Intel. Uses a serial bus for high-speed data transfer (2.5 GB/s to 5 GB/s). Each slot has 1 or more lanes.

Internal Connections:

  • For connecting internal devices (hard disks, DVDs, CDs).
  • Types:
    • IDE Port: For hard disks.
    • FDD Port: For floppy drives.
    • SATA Port: Serial ATA.
    • Additional USB Connectors: For front panel.
    • Connectors for fans, digital sound output, CD-IN, front panel indicators, etc.
  • SLI (Scalable Link Interface): A method to connect two or more video cards for a single output signal.
  • Power Connectors: Two types: ATX 12-volt 4-pin and 24-pin ATX main power connector.

External Connections:

  • For connecting peripherals.
  • Common types:
    • PS/2: For keyboard and mouse.
    • Serial Port: For slow devices like modems. Being replaced by USB.
    • Parallel Port: Typically used for printers. Being replaced by USB.
    • USB Port: Supports various devices at different speeds.
    • FireWire Port: Supports up to 64 devices at high speeds.
    • Network Connector: RJ-45 for Ethernet.
    • Audio Connectors: Color-coded mini-jack connectors.
    • VGA and DVI Ports: For connecting monitors.
    • Joystick/MIDI Port: 15-pin DB connector, being replaced by USB.
    • External SATA Ports: For connecting external SATA hard drives.