Motherboard parts

Components of a Motherboard

Motherboard contains slots, sockets and connectors for connecting various devices. It contains slots for attaching RAM, graphic cards and any other device, and sockets for attaching the microprocessor. It contains a super I/O chip, bus slots for connecting various peripheral devices. A CMOS battery is mounted on the motherboard to keep  the system updated with latest date and time. An on board CPU voltage regulator is provided to regulate power supply to the processor. You can cofigure the motherboard using jumpers.

Connectors

The different connectors on the motherboard enable connection of defferent devices. The different connectors on the motherboard are:

System panel connector- Accommodates different front panel system functions such as sytem power LED, hard disk LED.

USB headers- Functions as connectors for USB module that can provide two additional USB ports, if the USB ports are inadequate.

Digital audio connector- Connects to a module that provides digital sound output, instead of analog

MDC connector- Connects to a modem card module

Internal audio connectors- Enables connection to CD-ROM or voice modem card

GAME/MIDI connector- Connects to a GAME/MIDI module that can connect to MIDI devices

System Management Bus (SMBus) connector- Used to connect SMBus devices

ATX 12V connector- Connects to the ATX 12V power supply. The power supply plug will fit these connectors in only one orienrtation

ATX Power Connector- Connects to the ATX power supply

CPU and chassis fan connectors- Connects to the system cooling fans

Serial Advanced Technology Attachement (SATA) connectors- Connects to the SATA hard disk drives

IDE connectors- Connects to the IDE devices

Serial port connector- Accommodates a second serial port. This connector uses an optional serial port bracket.

Floppy disk drive connetor- Connects to the floppy drive through the floppy drive ribbon cable