What Is A Computer Motherboard
A Brief Discussion Of The Computer Motherboard
Many people have heard the term computer motherboard, but are unsure what it is. This printed circuit board is also known as a system board or the mainboard. This board holds many vital components for today's modern PCs, and it also provides connections for peripherals. Peripherals include the microprocessor, memory, cooling fans, CD and DVD drives. Here is information to provide a little better understanding for this important hardware.Specifications
Mainboard specifications or specs may vary a great deal from one unit to the next. Understanding the specs is vital if you plan certain upgrades like a faster processor. Some system boards are made to an ATX form factor. Form factor denotes how the board is oriented and kind of power supply that is utilized. In most cases, you will not be able to use an ATX mainboard with an older AT case, or the newer BTX.
BTX
BTX is the replacement for ATX technology. It is designed for modern computers with more power and more heat development. There are several different BTX like MicroBTX and PicoBTX. This is why it is so important to understand and know the specs of your motherboard.
BIOS
BIOS stands for Basic Input Output System. As the BIOS chip connects to the mainboard, it works independently of the operating system. It is important for settings like boot order of hard drives, and DVD and CD drives. You can also enable and disable many functions and view things like fan speed. You can upgrade the BIOS, but if you install a new system board, it will have a new BIOS chip with it.
Slots
You will find RAM slots and PCI slots on the mainboard. One important reason to upgrade the mainboard is to accommodate more of these slots. For example, you may only have two slots for RAM on the system board. Upgrading to one with more slots will allow you to have more RAM. RAM memory is important for things like multitasking, as your computer will slow and drag, if you do several things at once, without enough RAM memory to handle it.
PCI slots are important for things like internal modems, and internal Ethernet adapters. However, many newer PC models have integrated wireless connections. Yet, there may be time when you need an Ethernet adapter, when wireless is not available.
Motherboard Cooling Systems
The cooling system is very important to keep the processor and hard drive from overheating. Heat is big enemy to your hardware, and most computers have cooling fans to keep them cool. However, some systems may be advanced and more complex, and need more efficient cooling.
Water Cooling
Water cooling for a PC works on the same basic principles of a car. It allows for the PC to stay cooler during operation. This is important if you are over clocking your processor, as it can make them run hotter. It also eliminates the noise of electric cooling fans.
Water cooling is considerably more expensive than fan cooling. They also can take up a great deal of space. It usually is best to have these systems professionally installed, as they can be complex.
Upgrading Your Motherboard
There are many considerations for changing or upgrading your computer motherboard. The specs are very important, as you may need to fit the new board into an older case. Make sure that you know the specs, and how many slots are available on the new board. You will not have to upgrade the BIOS chip, as the new system board should have one. If you have a very fast and complex system, you may wish to consider the more efficient water cooling methods to protect your investment.
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