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

Chipset:- "The chipset is an extremely important part of every motherboard and without it, CPU, RAM, GPU, input devices, and other components would just freak out, unable to communicate with each other." 

                            The chips, known as controllers, are responsible for controlling the input devices (mouse, keyboards), SATA storage drives, USB ports, and network devices. Modern chipsets also include a certain amount of PCIe lines, on top of the lines provided by the CPU itself.

Now, modern systems only use one chipset, with the memory controller as well as a certain amount of PCIe lanes found inside the CPU. "But back in the day, motherboard chipsets were divided into two parts – the southbridge and northbridge." And even before southbridge and northbridge, controller chips were scattered all around the motherboard.

Northbridge_(Control These Parts):There used to be a bridge for high-speed data.

1. CPU
2. RAM
3. Graphics card (AGP/PCIe)

Southbridge_(Control These Parts):There used to be a bridge for slow-speed data.

1. SATA ports
2. USB
3. Audio
4. Network
5. BIOS

PCH (Platform Controller Hub):

Intel retired the "Northbridge" and introduced the PCH architecture (starting with Intel Nehalem series). PCH handel to these....

1. USB ports
2. SATA/M.2
3. Ethernet
4. Audio
5. Legacy support

Note:- "Northbridge functions — now moved directly into the CPU such as Memory controller (IMS),PCI lanes (graphics cards, NVMe). The PCH connect from different components & communicate with CPU via DMI.

Intel Chipset Series:-

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Z-Series

1. Overclocking support for CPUs with “K” designation
2. Maximum of 24 PCIe lanes
3. Up to six USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports

H-Series

1. No overclocking support
2. Maximum of 20 PCIe lanes
3. Up to four USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports

B-Series

1. No overclocking support
2. Maximum of 20 PCIe lanes
3. USB 3.0 ports only

Expansion Slots: Expansion Slots are the physical connectors that are fitted on the motherboard, through which you can install extra cards to enhance the features of the system.

That is, if the motherboard is a building, then expansion slots are the place to create new rooms in it!

Types of PCIe Slot:-

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CPU Socket: A CPU socket is a specific part on a motherboard that is purposely designed to hold a central processing unit (CPU). A CPU socket or CPU slot is designed with thousands of pins or contact points for power and data transfer between the CPU and the rest of the processors on the motherboard.CPU sockets are designed to securely hold a CPU processor on the motherboard and help to prevent potential damage when the device is moved. A locking mechanism mounted a CPU tight in place with a lever that applies constant pressure on the CPU and makes sure the CPU’s contact points are properly aligned with the CPU socket. Although CPU slots and CPUs are squared shaped, there is only one correct installation alignment which is indicated with a small triangle on the edge of the CPU and CPU socket. CPU slots are made out of high-heat-resistant material that can withstand the heat from the CPU.

PGA is the abbreviation of Pin Grid Array. The advantages of PGA are the pin is thick enough to handle more current, tougher compared to LGA, and it’s easier to install or repair. The disadvantage of PGA is the fragile parts or the pins are located on the CPU. This means you need to replace the expensive CPU when the pins get damage, which added cost much more compared to replacing the cheaper motherboard.

LGA stands for Land Grid Array is a CPU socket type where the metallic pins are located at the socket on the motherboard and the CPU is designed with flat gold contact pads located on the bottom of the CPU. Because the LGA CPU socket is made out of grids of pins, it cost cheaper when replacing the motherboard compared to the CPU when the fragile pins are damaged. Intel converts their CPUs from PGA to LGA back in 2002 

BGA or Ball Grid Array is a CPU socket type that requires soldering the CPU on the CPU socket during installment using tiny solder dust the create a stronger bond and permanent link between the CPU and the CPU socket. BGA is a less recommended style especially for personal setup due to its complex installation process. BGA is more commonly used in laptops or testing applications that use CPU without pins and soldered the processor right on the motherboard.The advantages of BGA are it’s more durable, required less space, and provide more precise and faster connections. The disadvantages of BGA are it requires special tools to install, complicated installation process, permanent installation, and is not replicable.

Troubleshooting of Motherboard:-

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1. Overheating
2. Fan failure
3. Too much dust in the system
4. Accidental drop that subject components to unnecessary shock Power surges or unstable voltage

Mind Map:-

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