1.02.1 Install and configure motherboards, central processing units (CPUs), and add-on cards - Motherboard

Introduction 

To begin, let’s learn about the different parts of a computer. Like a car, different parts come together to enable a computer to function. The main components in virtually any computer are the motherboard, CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, and cooling system. 

Parts of a Computer

  • Motherboard:  

    • The foundational component of a computer. 

    • Allows all other parts to communicate with each other. 

    • Different types of motherboards exist. 

  • CPU (Central Processing Unit):  

    • Processes data and controls other components. 

    • Referred to as the brain of the computer.

  • GPU (Graphics Processing Unit):  

    • Similar to the CPU, but specifically designed for rendering images and videos. 

    • Handles computations required for graphics.

       

  • RAM (Random Access Memory):  

    • Acts as the short-term memory for the computer. 

    • Stores frequently used data while the computer is in use. 

    • Helps improve the speed of task completion. 

  • Storage Devices:  

    • Serve as the long-term memory of the computer. 

    • Store data that needs to be kept permanently, such as files, photos, or videos. 

  • Cooling:  

    • Fans or other devices necessary because computers generate heat when running on electricity. 

    • Ensures that the computer functions well by preventing overheating.

Well done! Now that you have a basic understanding of each part of a computer, let’s learn about each component in more depth. 

Motherboard 

If you were asked to build a computer, would you know which motherboard to choose? Excelling in IT requires a strong foundation of technical knowledge, enabling you to effectively solve problems and implement solutions.

Understanding physical hardware is a great place to start building that expertise. In this section, you'll learn about different types of motherboards and their components, giving you the skills to choose the right one for any computer you might need to build. 

Motherboard Form Factor 

The motherboard is like the backbone of a computer, connecting all the parts together. Motherboards come in different sizes, which we call form factors. 

Knowing about the different kinds of motherboards helps you choose the right one based on how it will be used. There are two main types: ATX and ITX. 

  • Advanced Technology eXtended (ATX) Form Factor:  

    • This is the common full-size motherboard found in desktops. It has more sockets and connectors, which means you can add more parts, but it also takes up more space. 

    • Standard form factor for most desktop PC motherboards and cases. 

    • Full-size ATX: 12 inches x 9.6 inches (305 mm x 244 mm), up to 7 expansion slots. 

    • Micro-ATX (mATX): 9.6 inches x 9.6 inches (244 mm x 244 mm), up to 4 expansion slots. 

    • mATX boards can often be mounted in ATX cases. 

  • Information Technology eXtended (ITX) Form Factor:  

    • This is a smaller motherboard, perfect for compact computers. It has fewer sockets and connectors, so you can add fewer parts, but it fits in smaller spaces. 

    • Used in small form factor (SFF) PCs, often as home machines or mini servers. 

    • Mini-ITX: 6.7 inches x 6.7 inches (170 mm x 170 mm), 1 expansion slot. 

    • Most Mini-ITX boards can be mounted in ATX cases. 

    • Smaller ITX variants (nano-, pico-, mobile-ITX) are used in embedded systems and portables, not PCs. 

    • No commercial motherboards were produced from the original ITX specification.

Motherboard Installation 

How do you install a motherboard into a case? 

  • Standoffs:  

    • Used to attach the motherboard to the case, ensuring it doesn’t touch the case causing electrical shorts.

    • Positioned in holes that align with the case and motherboard based on the form factor. 

  • Installation Procedure:  

    • Review motherboard documentation and check for jumper adjustments. 

    • Take anti-ESD precautions when handling the motherboard. 

    • Align the board with the I/O cutout at the rear of the case. 

    • Prepare and fit the motherboard I/O blanking plate. 

    • Insert standoffs into the case to match motherboard hole locations. 

    • Optionally, install the CPU and memory modules before mounting the board. 

    • Align the motherboard with the standoffs and I/O cutout. 

    • Secure the motherboard to the standoffs with screws, ensuring stability without overtightening. 

    • Complete PC installation by adding power, disk devices, adapter cards, and connecting data and power cables.  

 Motherboard Connector Types 

Motherboard adapter connectors are used to extend a computer's functionality through expansion slots, with PCIe being the modern standard and PCI serving as a legacy option. 

  • PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express):  

    • Mainstream interface for modern adapter cards using point-to-point serial communications. 

    • Each connection is a link, and each link can use multiple lanes. 

    • Transfer rates depend on the PCIe version, measured in gigatransfers per second (GT/s) and throughput in GB/s. 

    • PCIe slots support various lane configurations (x1, x4, x8, x16) and can be up-plugged or down-plugged. 

    • Backwards-compatible across all PCIe versions; works at the speed of the lowest version component. 

    • Supplies up to 75W to a graphics card via a dedicated slot, with an additional 75W available via a PCIe power connector. 

  • PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect):  

    • Legacy expansion bus, superseded by PCIe but still supported on some motherboards for older technologies. 

    • Uses parallel communication, typically 32-bit at 33.3 MHz, achieving up to 133 MBps transfer rate. 

    • PCI cards are keyed differently for 5V, 3.3V, and dual voltage signaling to prevent incompatible installations. 

    • PCIe is software compatible with PCI, but PCI cards cannot be used in PCIe slots. 

Understanding Serial vs. Parallel Communication

You might think that sending data one bit at a time would be slower than parallel communication, but it's actually faster. Here's why: In parallel communication, all 32 or 64 bits are sent at the same time over separate lines, and they must arrive perfectly in sync. If they don't, the receiving end must pause and wait for everything to line up, which can slow things down. As more data is sent, keeping it all synchronized becomes harder, further slowing down transmission. 

See Video Script

To illustrate, imagine two ways to get people through a subway turnstile: 

  • Parallel Communication: 32 or 64 people try to go through different turnstiles at the same time. If one person slows down or speeds up, everyone must stop and wait, causing delays.

  • Serial Communication: Everyone goes through one turnstile, one by one. It’s steady and smooth, so even though it’s one at a time, it’s actually faster overall. 

This is why serial communication, like PCIe, is faster than parallel communication. 

CPU and Memory Connectors 

Motherboards contain a variety of connectors and sockets essential for connecting key system components such as the CPU, memory, fixed disk drives, and adapter cards. 

  • CPU Sockets:  

    • Motherboards are designed to support specific CPU models, with different socket types used by Intel and AMD processors. 

    • The CPU socket, typically square-shaped, is accompanied by a heat sink and fan once the CPU is installed to manage heat. 

    • The motherboard’s chipset plays a critical role by managing data transfer between the CPU and other devices; it also dictates the choice of compatible processors, the type and maximum amount of RAM, and support for integrated interfaces like video, sound, and networking. The chipset is permanently soldered onto the motherboard and cannot be upgraded. 

  • System Memory Slots:  

    • System memory uses random-access memory (RAM), which stores and allows the CPU to execute program code and manage active data like documents or spreadsheets. RAM is volatile and loses its contents when the power is off. 

    • RAM is housed in dual inline memory modules (DIMMs), which are inserted into numbered, often color-coded slots near the CPU socket. The DIMM form factor is specific to its DDR version, such as DDR3, DDR4, or DDR5. 

    • The total memory capacity a motherboard can support is determined by the memory controller and the number of available physical DIMM slots. 

SATA (Serial ATA) connections are used to connect storage devices to the motherboard. If your motherboard doesn't have space for another storage device, you can install an eSATA (External Serial ATA) expansion card. This card can be inserted into a PCIe slot, allowing you to connect an external drive. 

SATA (left) and eSATA (right) connectors

Headers and Power Connectors 

Motherboards include connectors for various components such as case buttons, speakers, fans, and power supplies, ensuring proper functionality and control. 

  • Headers:  

    • Power Button (Soft Power): Sends a signal for the OS to shut down the computer, though holding it down cuts power completely. 

    • Drive Activity Lights: Indicate when an internal hard disk is being accessed. 

    • Audio Ports: Allow connection of speakers, headphones, and microphones. 

    • USB Ports:  

      • USB 2 headers have 9 pins and connect up to two 4-pin ports. 

      • USB 3 headers use a 2x10 format and can connect to two ports. 

      Disassembly Tip: Create a diagram of header connectors’ positions and orientations to ensure correct reassembly. 

  • Power Connectors:  

    • P1 Motherboard Power Connector: A 2x12-pin block that connects the main power supply to the motherboard. 

    • Fan Connectors:  

      • 3-Pin Molex KK: Controls fan speed by varying voltage. 

      • 4-Pin Molex KK: Supports precise fan-speed control via Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). 

    • Compatibility:  

      • 3-pin fans can be used with 4-pin headers, but speed control may be limited. 

      • 4-pin fans can be used with 3-pin headers, but PWM control will not be available. 

Storage Connectors 

Motherboards offer various storage connectors to support internal and external drives, enabling persistent storage for the operating system, software, and data. 

  • Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) Interface:  

    • Motherboards feature multiple SATA ports to connect fixed drives, such as SSDs and HDDs, as well as removable drives like optical and tape drives. 

    • SATA drives are installed in the PC chassis and connected via a SATA data cable and either a SATA power or Molex connector. 

  • M.2 Interface:  

    • SSDs can also be installed using an M.2 interface, which supports SSDs in an adapter card form factor. 

    • The M.2 port is horizontally oriented; the adapter card is inserted at an angle, secured with a screw, and varies in length (42 mm, 60 mm, 80 mm, or 110 mm). 

    • Power is supplied over the M.2 bus, eliminating the need for a separate power cable. 

  • External SATA (eSATA) Interface:  

    • The eSATA standard enables the connection of external drives using a specialized eSATA cable, distinct from internal SATA cables. 

    • eSATAp is a nonstandard powered port compatible with both USB and SATA devices using an eSATAp cable. 

    • The primary limitation of eSATA is the lack of power delivery through the cable, which can limit its usefulness, particularly for portable 2.5-inch drives. 

eSATAp plug

Summary 

Motherboards come in different form factors, but their general functionality always remains the same. They use various connectors and socket standards to house other components, which in turn enhances the system's overall functionality.