Motherboard

Introduction:-
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1. A motherboard provides connectivity between the hardware components of a computer, like the processor (CPU), memory (RAM), hard drive, and video card.
2. A motherboard also known as Printed Circuit Board_(PCB).
3. It is Most complicated and important component of a computer which is First to consider when building a computer.
4. It acts as the main platform for communication between all other components of PC.

Classification of Motherboard:-

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Motherboard types are defined as per following specifications

1. Based on Assembly
2. Based on Form Factor

Based on Assembly Motherboard:-

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1. Integrated Motherboard
2. Non-Integrated Motherboard

Based on Form Factor Motherboard:-

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1. AT_(Advanced Technology)
2. ATX_(Advanced Technology Xtended)
3. Micro-ATX Motherbaord
4. Mini-ITX_(Mini Information Technology Xtended)
5. E-ATX_(Extended Advanced Technology Xtended)

AT Motherboard:-

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1. AT means the board consists of Advanced Technology_(AT) power connectors.
2. The AT Motherboards are used in mid-80's.
3. The dimensions_(13.8 x 12 inch) of this Motherboard make it difficult for new drives to get installed.
4. Introduced by IBM in August 1984.

ATX_(Advanced Technology Xtended):-

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1. ATX Motherboard configuration specification developed in mid-90's and still available.
2. ATX is the most common motherboard design which is used in smaller board_(including micro-ATX,Flex-ATX,Nano-ITX,mini-ItX)
3. Dimensions of a full size standard ATX board are 12 x 9.6 inch.

Micro-ATX Motherboard:-

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1. It is smaller than the typical ATX Motherboards with the dimension of 9.6 x 9.6 inch.
2. Micro-ATX boards only have a maximum of four PCI Expension slots.

Mini-ITX_(Mini Information Technology Xtended):-

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1. Mini ITX is 6.7 x 6.7 inch in dimension which is smaller than any other conventional MOtherboard.
2. SMaller size and fan-less cooling which enables it to low power consumption.
3. Mini ITX board can be used in any cases which are designed for ATX, Micro-ATX and other ATX variants if desired.

E-ATX_(Extended Advanced Technology Xtended):-

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1. The E-ATX is mainly used for gaming.
2. This motherboard can be extended to have huge memory and more CPU cores.
3. It has alot of PCI slots and DIMM slots.
4. These boards have inbuilt Wi-Fi, Sound cards, Onboard troubleshooting features and powerful VRM.

Mother Board Components Are:-

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1. Chipset
2. Expansion Slots 
3. Processor Socket
4. Power Connectors
5. Onboard Disk Drive Connectors
6. Keyboard Connectors
7. BIOS/Firmware
8. CMOS Battery
9. Front-Panel Connectors
10. Integrated Peripheral Ports & Headers