About Motherboards

By Matthew Kerridge

Do you use a computer? Do you know what a motherboard is? Would you know how to tell if there was a problem with the motherboard in your computer? Most computer users have a general idea of how their computers work, but many people do not know anything about what is inside the machines they use every day. Motherboards are the main complicated component in the computer that makes it run, made from interconnected electrical components wired and soldered onto the board. There are many things that can cause problems with computers. Older computers may not run if their motherboards are damaged or burnt out, which can happen in different ways.

The kind of motherboard in the computer determines the computer's capabilities. Motherboards contain the central processing unit, microprocessor and memory chips, and other components like external storage, controllers, and peripheral devices attached as plug-in cards or cables. Motherboards also hold the motherboard chipset, sockets with microprocessors and memory, memory chips, the system's BIOS (Basic Input/Output System), clocks to synchronize the various components, slots for expansion cards, power connectors to distribute electricity to components, and heat sinks and fans to cool the system during operation. All these parts are wired onto the motherboard and run the computer and all its peripherals like printers, scanners, keyboards, etc.

The motherboard interfaces between the CPU and the buses and external components. The motherboard determines the computer's capabilities and houses the motherboard chipset, sockets with microprocessors and memory, memory chips, the system's BIOS (Basic Input/Output System), clocks to synchronize the various components, slots for expansion cards, power connectors to distribute electricity to components, and heat sinks and fans to cool the system during operation.

The motherboard is the key component of the computer. It is the printed circuit board that provides all the connections between the different components in the computer. It houses the Central Processing Unit (CPU) and the BIOS chip. The CPU and the BIOS chip are the two main components that operate a computer. The BIOS starts first when the computer is turned on, and it powers up the CPU which controls everything else, like the hard drive, operating system, audio and video. The CPU is an assembly of transistors and devices (Pentium IV has more than 4 million transistors) which perform a multitude of programmed actions.

Damage to the motherboard will usually require replacement rather than repair. Things like dropping the computer, operating the computer during a lightning or electrical storm, spilling liquids on the computer, exposure to strong magnetic or electrical charges, and broken fans or heat sinks will cause damage to the electrical components and wiring in the motherboard. If the computer smokes, will not start, or will not run properly, it may indicate motherboard failure and require diagnostic testing.

Many things damage motherboards in computers making replacement necessary. Lightning, hard impact or dropping the computer, spilling liquids on the computer, strong magnetic or electrical charges, and fan or heat sink failure can all break and damage the delicate wiring and electrical components in the motherboard. A common sign of motherboard failure is if the computer will not boot up, but diagnostic testing is needed to determine if the motherboard is damaged. Replacing a damaged motherboard involves the cost of a new board plus installation.

Motherboards are essential parts of computers, similar to the engines in automobiles. Computers will not run without them or if they are damaged. Motherboards are comprised of many different electrical components. The newest motherboards have many more components wired onto them than older motherboards, for faster and more efficient and powerful processing. They are delicate and complicated technological components that are essential to computing. - 31403

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