Motherboard Components
What is the motherboard?
circuit board in a computer that all other components connect to.
What is DC (Direct Current) power?
The power supply unit (PSU) converts AC power from the wall into this type of power that the computer uses.
What are PS/2 ports?
These two ports, often color-coded purple and green, are used for older keyboards and mice.
What is ATX?
This is the most common and standard form factor (size and layout) for modern motherboards.
What is insufficient wattage or power overload
When a computer has too much of a load which will randomly cause it to shutdown and fail
What is the CMOS or BIOS chip
memory chip on the motherboard stores system settings, time, and date.
What is the ATX connector?
his is the main connector used to provide power from the PSU to the motherboard.
What is an HDMI or DisplayPort?
This common port is used to connect modern high-definition monitors and TVs.
What is microATX (mATX)
This smaller form factor is commonly used in compact or small form factor PCs.
What is an anti-static wrist strap (ESD strap)
You should unplug the computer before working and use the anti static wrist strap to make sure you don't get shocked.
What is the chipset
manages data flow between the CPU, memory, and expansion slots.
What is the P4 or EPS12V connector?
This extra 4-pin or 8-pin connector is used to provide dedicated power to the CPU.
What is a PCIe x16 slot?
This type of expansion slot is typically used for high-speed graphics cards.
What is the CPU socket
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What is the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)
It is like the first software that controls an issue detected by firmware.
What are expansion slots
These slots are used to install additional cards like video, network, or sound cards.
What is 80 Plus certification?
PSUs are rated for efficiency using this certification system, often indicated by a bronze, gold, or platinum rating.
What is SATA (Serial ATA)?
The connection standard used to connect modern hard drives and SSDs to the motherboard.
what is Intel and AMD
The two major CPU manufacturers that have different socket types for their processors.
What is the PSU's physical on/off switch on the back
A on and off switch on the back that will control whether there is power flow.
What is the CR2032 (CMOS) battery
standard battery on the motherboard used to power the CMOS memory when the computer is off.
What is a modular (or semi-modular) power supply
A power supply with this feature allows you to detach unused cables, improving airflow and cable management.
What is an M.2 slot?
This faster, smaller slot is a direct interface for high-performance SSDs on modern motherboards.
What is LGA 1700
he specific Intel socket type used by many recent 12th, 13th, and 14th generation desktop CPUs.
What are standoffs
Small plastic or brass type things to space out anything and put a small space.