Motherboards

 House the CPU

 Allow devices to communicate with it and
each other
 Most popular: AT and ATX
 ATX
• More power-management features
• Support faster systems
• Easier to install
 Selection of motherboard determines
capabilities and limitations of the system
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Typical AT Motherboard

2
Typical ATX Motherboard

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Motherboard Components
 CPU and accompanying chip set
 ROM BIOS
 RAM
 Buses and expansion slots
 Components used to change hardware
configuration settings
 Jumpers
 DIP switches
 CMOS configuration chip

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Basic Components of a CPU
 Input/output (I/O) unit

 Arithmetic logic unit(s) (ALU)

 Control unit

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How the CPU Works

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Attributes Used to Rate CPUs

 Processor core speed (measured in gigahertz)

 Word size and data path

 Efficiency/special functionality of
programming code

 System bus speeds the processor supports

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Attributes Used to Rate CPUs
(continued)
 Amount of memory included with the CPU
(internal and external cache)

 Type of RAM, motherboard, and chip set the

processor supports

 Multiprocessor ability

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The Pentiums
 Two ALUs (a true multiprocessor)
 64-bit external path size and two 32-bit
internal paths (one for each ALU)
 Terminology
 Bus speed
 Processor speed
 Multiplier
 Memory cache
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Memory Cache

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Pentium III

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Pentium 4

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AMD Processors (continued)

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VIA C3 Processor

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64-Bit Processors
 Intel Itaniums

 AMD 64-bit processors

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The Itanium 2 Processor

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AMD 64-Bit Processors

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CPU Heat Sinks and Cooling
Fans

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Combination Heat Sink and
Cooling Fan

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CPU Slots and Sockets
 Motherboard and processor must match

 Slots 1 and 2 are proprietary Intel slots

 Slot A and Socket A are proprietary AMD

connectors

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CPU Slots and Sockets
(continued)

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CPU Slots and Sockets
(continued)

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CPU Voltage Requirements

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CPU Voltage Regulator
 Dual-voltage CPUs

 Single-voltage CPUs

 Voltage regulator module (VRM) controls

amount of voltage to the CPU

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CPU Voltage Regulator
(continued)

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Accelerated Hub Architecture

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Configuring and Updating ROM
BIOS
 Update BIOS only if you’re having a problem
with your motherboard or there’s a new
feature you want to use

 Flash ROM BIOS upgrades for most BIOS

manufacturers can be downloaded from
www.unicore.com

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Buses and Expansion Slots
 Buses evolved around data path and speed

 Local bus (system) and expansion bus (ISA)

 Buses carry electrical power, control signals,

memory addresses, and data

 On-board ports, connectors, and riser slots

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Bus Connections

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On-Board Ports, Connectors,
and Riser Slots

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Hardware Configuration
 Setup data stored by DIP switches

 Setup data stored by jumpers

 Setup data stored in CMOS memory

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Setup Data Stored by DIP
Switches

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Setup Data Stored by Jumpers

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Setup Data Stored by Jumpers
(continued)

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Setup Data Stored in CMOS
Memory
 Also called real-time clock/nonvolatile RAM
(RTC/NVRAM) chip

 Retains data even when computer is turned off

 Setup cannot be changed unintentionally, but

disk drive must be working before you can
change the setup

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Battery Power to CMOS
Memory
 Types of CMOS batteries
 3.6V lithium battery with a four-pin connector;
connects with a Velcro strip
 4.5V alkaline battery with a four-pin connector;
connects with a Velcro strip
 3.6V barrel-style battery with a two-pin connector;
soldered on
 3V lithium coin-cell battery (most common)

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Protecting Documentation and
Configuration Settings
 Keep up-to-date written records of CMOS
settings, hardware and software installed, and
network settings

 Keep well-labeled documentation in a safe

place

 Can also save and restore CMOS settings

using third-party utility software
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Building a Computer
1. Verify that you have all parts you plan to install
2. Prepare computer case
3. Install drives
4. Determine proper configuration settings for
motherboard
5. Set jumpers or switches on motherboard
6. Install CPU and CPU cooler

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Building a Computer (continued)
7. Install RAM
8. Install motherboard and attach cabling
9. Install video card
10. Plug computer into power source; attach
monitor and keyboard
11. Boot system and enter CMOS setup
12. Make sure settings are set to the default

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Building a Computer (continued)
13. If booting from a floppy disk, insert a bootable
setup disk
14. Observe POST
15. Prepare hard drive for the OS
16. Reboot system and run ScanDisk on drive C
17. Connect mouse

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Building a Computer (continued)
18. Install the OS from CD or floppy
19. Change boot order in CMOS
20. Check for conflicts with system resources
21. Install any other expansion cards, and/or
drives
22. Verify that all is operating properly; make
final OS and/or CMOS adjustments

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Installing the Motherboard
 Prepare motherboard to go in case

 Set jumpers

 Add CPU, fan, and heat sink

• Installing a Pentium II in Slot 1

• Installing a Pentium 4 in Socket 478

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Setting the Jumpers

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Setting the Jumpers (continued)

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Installing a Pentium 4 in
Socket 478

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Installing a Pentium 4 in
Socket 478 (continued)

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Installing Motherboard in Case
1. Install faceplate
2. Install standoffs
3. Attach motherboard inside case with screws
4. Connect power cord from power supply to
P1 power connection on motherboard
5. Connect wire leads from front panel of case
to motherboard (reset switch, HDD LED,
speaker, power LED, remote switch)

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Wire Connectors

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Troubleshooting the
Motherboard and CPU
 Look for clues from POST

 Reports errors as beep codes

 Cautiously substitute good hardware

components for those you suspect are bad

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Summary
 Types of motherboards

 Motherboard components

 Building a computer

 Installing the motherboard

 Troubleshooting the motherboard and CPU

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