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Computer System Part 5 Notes

The document provides an overview of motherboards, detailing their key components such as CPU sockets, RAM slots, and chipsets, as well as expansion slots and built-in features. It discusses various form factors like ATX and Mini-ITX, and explains chipset functions related to memory and connectivity. Additionally, it covers system integration concepts including bus architecture, power distribution, and compatibility considerations for components.

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Mildred Clarke
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12 views2 pages

Computer System Part 5 Notes

The document provides an overview of motherboards, detailing their key components such as CPU sockets, RAM slots, and chipsets, as well as expansion slots and built-in features. It discusses various form factors like ATX and Mini-ITX, and explains chipset functions related to memory and connectivity. Additionally, it covers system integration concepts including bus architecture, power distribution, and compatibility considerations for components.

Uploaded by

Mildred Clarke
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Part 5: Motherboard and System Integration

Motherboard Overview

The motherboard is the main circuit board that connects and allows communication between
all computer components. It houses the CPU, memory slots, expansion slots, and various
connectors.

Key Motherboard Components

 CPU Socket: Physical connector for the processor (Intel LGA, AMD AM4/AM5)

 RAM Slots: Memory module connectors (DIMM slots)

 Chipset: North/South bridge or modern unified chipsets managing data flow

 BIOS/UEFI Chip: Firmware for system initialization and hardware management

 Power Connectors: 24-pin ATX, 8-pin CPU power

 CMOS Battery: Maintains BIOS settings when system is powered off

Expansion Slots

 PCIe Slots: High-speed expansion for graphics cards, storage, network cards

o PCIe x16: Typically for graphics cards

o PCIe x8, x4, x1: For other expansion cards

 M.2 Slots: For NVMe SSDs and Wi-Fi cards

 Legacy Slots: PCI (largely obsolete)

Built-in Features

 Integrated Audio: Sound processing and audio jacks

 Network Interface: Ethernet port and controller

 USB Controllers: Multiple USB ports of various versions

 SATA Connectors: For connecting storage drives

 Internal Headers: Front panel connectors, fan headers, RGB headers

Form Factors

 ATX: Full-size motherboard with maximum expansion options

 Micro-ATX: Smaller size with fewer expansion slots


 Mini-ITX: Compact form factor for small builds

 E-ATX: Extended ATX for high-end systems with extra features

Chipset Functions

 Memory Controller: Manages RAM communication (often integrated into CPU)

 PCIe Lanes: Distributes high-speed connections to expansion slots

 USB/SATA Controllers: Manages slower speed peripherals and storage

 Network and Audio: Integrated connectivity features

System Integration Concepts

 Bus Architecture: How data travels between components

 Interrupt Handling: Managing simultaneous device communications

 Power Distribution: Supplying appropriate voltages to all components

 Thermal Management: Heat dissipation and fan control

 Boot Process: System startup sequence from power-on to OS loading

Compatibility Considerations

 CPU and motherboard socket matching

 RAM type and speed compatibility

 Power supply connector compatibility

 Physical clearance for large components

 Feature requirements vs. motherboard capabilities

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