What is the function of the motherboard on your pc?

The function of the motherboard is essential to understand how a computer works. Inside, we explain what it is and what it consists of.

The motherboard is a vital component that resides in every computer. It is necessary to be able to give life to our PC, as to connect the various components that we want to install. It is perhaps the most important and complex component, so it requires special attention.

Next, we explain what is the function of the motherboard.

Index of contents

What is it and what is its function

It is the main component of the computer that serves to connect the different devices, components or peripherals to the system. Having said that, we cannot say that it only serves to connect components lightly.

In any motherboard we will find the following elements that we show you below. However, later we will develop some of these elements in more detail.

• Socket or socket. It is the place where the processor is connected, which has a specific shape for each socket (AM4, 1155, 2066, etc.). Slots or RAM slots . They are the slots where the RAM memories are installed. SATA or m.2 ports . They are the ports where hard drives are connected, either SSD or mechanical. PCIe slots. They are the slots or "lanes" where components such as graphics cards, sound cards, hard drives, peripherals or adapters are connected. Connectors. They are used to connect the power supply to the motherboard so that the first one supplies electricity to the second one. It does this with the 24 pin ATX connector , for example. Ports or connections. They are the ports that face the outside of the box, where we will connect our peripherals. CMOS battery. It is a battery that has the board installed to store the BIOS settings so that the data is not lost when we turn off the PC or disconnect it from the power. Heatsink It equips it to expel heat from the motherboard.

Sure, you will find more elements, but we have put the most important for you to see that the motherboard not only serves a specific function.

Why is the function of the motherboard important?

Depending on the motherboard we choose, we can enjoy more or less functions. The motherboards are manufactured to work, generally, with Intel or AMD processors. Within each manufacturer, we will find various chipsets, which are the ones that usually bring those additional functions.

In other words, the motherboard is the communication center of the computer, but, depending on which one we choose, our communication center will be better or worse.

Below, we have classified the various functions that motherboards offer us.

Chipset

Its main function is traffic control, as the communications center. The choice of the chipset will determine the following:

• Overclocking. There are chipsets that allow the processor to be overclocked, as others that block it. If we want to overclock, we will have to find out if the chipset enables it. RAM speeds. Although it does not have to be this way, the choice of the chipset determines the RAM speeds supported by the motherboard. If we go to a high-end chipset, we will opt for high speeds. PCI Express configuration : we can enjoy more or less lanes. Technologies: There are technologies that are only enjoyed in the high ranges of chipsets.

Form factor

Micro ATX

We haven't mentioned it before, but the form factor is the format of the motherboard, which is related to the size of the motherboard. We find the following:

• Extended ATX or EATX - It is the largest form factor on the market. It is usually the one with the most RAM and PCI Express slots . It is focused on the enthusiastic range and usually comes with better cooling than the other motherboards. Be careful with the choice of the PC case in case of opting for EATX. ATX: is the standard form factor and equips everything necessary to have a communication center. We will have no trouble finding cheap boxes for this form factor. Micro-ATX: They are becoming standard because it provides similar functionality to ATX. Their main advantage is that they are smaller, which is why these motherboards are more versatile. Its benefits may be less than those offered by ATX, but it does not have to be this way. Manufacturers typically indicate this form factor with the letter “m” before the name, such as Gigabyte B450 AORUS M. Mini-ITX: They are the smallest motherboards and their priority is to save space. We can see them in many Mini PCs. In them we can install more than decent equipment, but it cannot compete against ATX or Micro-ATX in performance.

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conclusion

The function of the essential motherboard is to connect all the components of the computer to the system. For this reason, this communication center is the base of every PC. However, the motherboard offers many more exciting features that modify the end user experience.

We recommend you read the best motherboards

We can say that it is a component with a predominant function, but with many more existing ones. In conclusion, we say that it is key to choose a good motherboard based on the socket, chipset, technologies, RAM speeds, PCI-Express and connectors or output ports.