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
1
Typical AT Motherboard
2
Typical ATX Motherboard
3
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
4
Basic Components of a CPU

Input/output (I/O) unit

Arithmetic logic unit(s) (ALU)

Control unit
5
How the CPU Works
6
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
7
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
8
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
9
Memory Cache
10
Pentium III
11
Pentium 4
12
AMD Processors (continued)
13
VIA C3 Processor
14
64-Bit Processors

Intel Itaniums

AMD 64-bit processors
15
The Itanium 2 Processor
16
AMD 64-Bit Processors
17
CPU Heat Sinks and Cooling
Fans
18
Combination Heat Sink and
Cooling Fan
19
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
20
CPU Slots and Sockets
(continued)
21
CPU Slots and Sockets
(continued)
22
CPU Voltage Requirements
23
CPU Voltage Regulator

Dual-voltage CPUs

Single-voltage CPUs

Voltage regulator module (VRM) controls
amount of voltage to the CPU
24
CPU Voltage Regulator
(continued)
25
Accelerated Hub Architecture
26
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
27
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
28
Bus Connections
29
On-Board Ports, Connectors,
and Riser Slots
30
Hardware Configuration

Setup data stored by DIP switches

Setup data stored by jumpers

Setup data stored in CMOS memory
31
Setup Data Stored by DIP
Switches
32
Setup Data Stored by Jumpers
33
Setup Data Stored by Jumpers
(continued)
34
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
35
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)
36
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
37
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
38
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
39
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
40
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
41
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
42
Setting the Jumpers
43
Setting the Jumpers (continued)
44
Installing a Pentium 4 in
Socket 478
45
Installing a Pentium 4 in
Socket 478 (continued)
46
Installing Motherboard in Case
1.
2.
3.
4.
Install faceplate
Install standoffs
Attach motherboard inside case with screws
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)
47
Wire Connectors
48
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
49
Summary

Types of motherboards

Motherboard components

Building a computer

Installing the motherboard

Troubleshooting the motherboard and CPU
50