Parts of a Computer MotherBoard The motherboard is the brain of a computer it allows the other devices to communicate between themselves. It also holds the CPU and other elements. There are a number of different motherboard designs and form factors, which have been updated over the years for different devices and evolving technology. However, all motherboards have a few things in common. All of them have circuits, for example, used to coordinate computer processes. All of them have a heat sink or some type of device for absorbing and redirecting heat so that the motherboard stays cool during operation. Most have a secondary source of power, too. Extension Card Extension cards are used to improve the ablility of a computer. There are many different extension cards. The wifi extension card helps improves the wifi if its wireless. The graphic extension card improves the graphics and there are many more to use. The extension cards are slotted in to the extension card slots.