What Is a Motherboard?
Motherboards are printed circuit boards used in PCs, also called system boards or mainboards, and are the central boards needed in a PC. When you build a PC, you attach various necessary components to the motherboard to add functionality.
Motherboards connect most parts that make up a PC: the CPU, memory, graphics board, mouse, and keyboard. Motherboards also contain a chipset and BIOS program that controls the basic functions of the PC.
Uses of Motherboards
Motherboards are key components in the controller of a personal computer or any device that needs to be controlled or displayed for analysis.
Motherboards enable the development of controllers and the assembly of personal computers that meet requirements in a relatively short time and at a low cost since they provide the following:
- CPU sockets that can accommodate various grades of CPUs.
- Memory sockets that can accommodate various memory capacities.
- Provision of standard external interfaces such as USB 2.0 and 3.0, RS232C, and LAN.
- Slots for expansion to add boards with various functions.
Motherboards allow for product development with only software development and minimal hardware development.
Principle of Motherboards
Motherboards interface between the main parts of a computer and allow them to exchange data with each other. Typical parts that are interfaced by Motherboards are:
- CPU Socket
The socket where the CPU is installed. - Memory Socket
Sockets where memory is installed, and there are several types according to memory standards. Specifically, there are connectors for storage and optical drive connections (e.g., Serial ATA, SATA connectors) and expansion slots (e.g., PCI slots, PCI Express slots). - Power Connectors
These connectors are used to supply power to the motherboards. - IO Port
These are the connection points for various input/output cables (LAN cables, USB connectors, etc.). (LAN cable, USB connector, HDMI, D-Sub connector, etc.)
Motherboards also contain a BIOS program that performs initialization and basic control for each part before the OS is started. Motherboards integrate and manage each part through the interface and BIOS program.
Types of Motherboards
Motherboards are available in a wide variety of products for different applications. The appropriate Motherboards should be selected according to your specifications and budget.
- Supported CPUs
Major CPU manufacturers include Intel and AMD, and sockets differ depending on the manufacturer. Even within the same manufacturer, there may be differences in the generation of the CPU. - Supported Memory
DDR3/DDR4/DDR5 are the memory standards currently in circulation, and different motherboards are compatible with each. - I/O Ports
I/O ports include USB 2.0, USB 3.0, RS232C, LAN, etc. The number and types of I/O ports available vary depending on Motherboards. - Motherboard Size
Motherboards are available in a variety of sizes.
Other Information on Motherboards
Types of Motherboards Sizes
Motherboards come in several standardized sizes. Typical sizes include the following standards
- ATX
Measuring 244 x 305 mm, it is widely used in desktop PCs. - Micro-ATX
Measuring 244 x 244 mm, it is used in space-saving PCs.
The following three sizes are used in small devices such as embedded devices.
- Mini-ITX: 170 x 170 mm
- Nano-ITX: 120 x 120 mm
- Pico-ITX: 100 x 70mm
Size is also referred to as form factor. It is important to check the form factor when confirming the size in the manufacturer’s catalog or specification sheet.