Computer Motherboard Guide

The heart of any computer is the motherboard. ItThe expansion slots are the places where you put
is that big board inside the computer thatextra cards onto the motherboard, like graphics
everything is connected to. It performs the rolecards, extra sound card or a wireless internet
of traffic lights and policemen, directing flows ofcard. The old standard is a PCI slot and these are
information to where they are needed, whenappropriate for most expansion cards, excepts
they are needed.new graphics cards.
Choosing the right motherboard does not have toThe most simple of graphics cards are
be a huge issue, even though there is a lot tosometimes available for PCI slots, but not too
consider. I will start off with the most majormany. More common are AGP cards and the
parts and move onto the the things that are lessnewer PCI express (PCIe) cards. AGP slots come
important or non-essential.in speed variants up to 8x, make sure the slot
Firstly is the socket type.matches your card. PCI and PCIe are
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The socket is the place where the processorsure the motherboard specifically states that it
(CPU) connects to the motherboard. There is nosupports SLI.
compatiblility between sockets, so it has to be theFourth is hard drive and optical drive connections
right one. The socket connection needs to matchTwo kinds are available, IDE and SATA, IDE is
the connection of the processor you have or theolder with a thick cable and SATA is newer with a
one you intend to buy for the computer.thinner cable. SATA capability is usually an add-on,
Most older Intel Pentium 4s utilise socket 478.you can see a dedicated chip on the motherboard.
Newer ones use socket 775. AMD chips utilisedIDE is being phased out, but is still used for many
socket A for a long time, but now the AMDdrives and all optical devices like DVD and CD
Athlon 64 series and Semprons use socket 939.drives. IDE has speeds of ATA66, ATA100 and
Just check with someone as to what yours orATA133, SATA has speeds of 150Mbps and
your intended one will have.300Mbps the latter sometimes referred to as
Your choice of chip will have a lot to do with yourSATA2. Make sure your board supports as much
needs, but choosing one with an up to dateor more than you intend to install.
socket type will ensure slightly longerFifth is the extras
motherboard life as you can upgrade the chip forThe number of extras available on motherboard
a while.has increased greatly and so has the quality of
Second is the memory typethe extras. Things to be expected are USB 2.0, a
DDR is the RAM of choice for most systems, butsound card and network slot. Other things which it
some newer systems, which includes all Pentiumsmay or may not have are firewire and extra USB
with socket 775 use DDR2. These two kinds areslots.
not interchangable and have a different numberSo with all that in mind you should be in good
of pins. Both DDR and DDR2 come in differentstead to make a good decision on your purchase.
speed ratings measured in MHz. DDR has a usualHappy shopping.
400MHz denoted as DDR400 or PC3200, whileRoundup Socket type - A, 478, 775, 939
DDR2 can go a little higher and comes in slightlyMemory (RAM) - DDR, DDR2
faster speeds. Just make it match what theExpansion slots - PCI and one of AGP or PCIe
board needs.ATA - ATA66, 100 or 133.
Third is expansion slots