▷ Internal connections of the motherboard and its functions

The main printed circuit board on a PC is known as the motherboard. This component includes numerous main components, these are crucial for the functioning of the PC. Other important components are the processor, the RAM memory and the expansion slots to connect a graphics card or a capture card. The motherboard connects directly or indirectly to each part of the PC.

Today we will help you know what are the main components of the motherboard and what are its functions.

Index of contents

We see in this articles the main components of a motherboard and their functions.

We recommend reading our post on the best motherboards on the market

Processor socket

Also known as the microprocessor or processor, the CPU is the brain of the PC. It is responsible for obtaining, decoding, and executing the program instructions, as well as performing mathematical and logical calculations. The processor chip is identified by the processor type and manufacturer. This information is usually inscribed on the chip itself. If the processor is not on the motherboard, you can identify the processor socket as AM4, LGA 1151, among others.

Voltage Regulator Module (VRM)

A voltage regulator module (VRM), sometimes called a processor power module (PPM), is a buck converter that provides a microprocessor with the proper supply voltage, converting +5 V or +12 V to a much lower required voltage by the CPU. Most voltage regulator modules are soldered to the motherboard, while others are installed in an open slot specially designed to accept modular voltage regulators.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Random access memory, or RAM, generally refers to chips that temporarily store dynamic data to improve PC performance while working. In other words, it's the workplace of your PC, where active programs and data are loaded so that whenever the processor requires them, you don't have to retrieve them from your hard drive. Random access memory is volatile, meaning it loses its content once the power is turned off. This is different from nonvolatile memory, such as hard drives and flash memory, which do not require a power source to hold data.

When a PC is successfully shutdown, all data located in RAM is returned to permanent storage on the hard drive or flash drive. At the next boot, RAM begins to fill with programs that load automatically at startup, a process called startup.

Basic input and output system (BIOS)

BIOS stands for basic input / output system. BIOS is a "read-only" memory, which consists of low-level software that controls the system hardware and acts as an interface between the operating system and the hardware. BIOS is essentially the link between hardware and software on a system. All motherboards include a small block of read-only memory (ROM) that is separate from the main system memory used to load and run software. On PCs, the BIOS contains all the code necessary to control the keyboard, display, disk drives, serial communications, and various other functions.

Metal Oxide Random Access Supplemental Memory (CMOS RAM)

Motherboards also include a small independent memory block made of CMOS RAM chips, which are kept active by a battery, known as a CMOS battery, even when the PC's power is turned off. This prevents reconfiguration when the PC is on. CMOS devices require very little power to operate. CMOS RAM is used to store basic information about PC settings, for example. Other important data that is stored in CMOS memory is the time and date, which are updated by a real-time clock (RTC).

Expansion bus

An expansion bus is an input / output path from the CPU to peripheral devices and is generally made up of a series of slots on the motherboard. Expansion cards connect to the bus. PCI is the most common expansion bus on a PC and other hardware platforms. The buses carry signals such as data, memory addresses, power, and component-to-component control signals. Other types of buses include ISA and EISA. Expansion buses enhance PC capabilities by allowing users to add missing features to their computers by placing adapter cards in expansion slots.

Chipsets

A chipset is a group of small circuits that coordinate the flow of data to and from the key components of a PC. These key components include the CPU itself, main memory, secondary cache, and any devices located on the buses. A chpset also controls the flow of data to and from hard drives and other devices connected to IDE channels.

A PC has two main chipsets:

• The NorthBridge (also called a memory controller) is responsible for controlling transfers between the processor and RAM, so it is physically close to the processor. Sometimes called GMCH, for memory and graphics controller hub, the SouthBridge (also called I / O controller or expansion controller) handles communications between slower peripheral devices. Also called ICH (I / O Controller Hub).

The current trend is to integrate most of the functions of these two elements in the processor itself, making chipsets increasingly simple. Today the NorthBridge is already fully integrated into the processors.

Switches and Jumpers

The switches are small electronic switches that are located on the motherboard, and can be turned on or off like a normal switch. They are very small and therefore generally flipped over with a pointed object, such as the tip of a screwdriver, a folded clipboard, or the top of a ballpoint pen. Be careful when cleaning near switches, as some solvents can destroy them. DIP switches are outdated and you won't find them on modern systems. Jumpers are small protruding pins on the motherboard. A jumper is used to connect or cut a pair of jumper pins. When the jumper is connected to either of the two pins, through a short circuit link, it completes the circuit.

This ends our article on the elements that we can find on a motherboard and their functions. Remember that you can leave a comment if you have something to add.