Exp2 CHN

Exp 2 ATX motherboard
Date :
AIM
To study different parts of ATX motherboard
Theory
The main printed circuit board in a computer is known as the motherboard. Other names for this
central computer unit are system board, mainboard, or printed wired board (PWB).
Numerous major components, crucial for the functioning of the computer, are
attached to the motherboard. These include the processor, memory, and expansion slots. The
motherboard connects directly or indirectly to every part of the PC.
The type of motherboard installed in a PC has a great effect on a computer's system
speed and expansion capabilities.
MAIN COMPONENTS OF MOTHERBOARD ARE:
Microprocessor
Also known as the microprocessor or the processor, the CPU is the computer's brain.
It is responsible for fetching, decoding, and executing program instructions as well as
performing mathematical and logical calculations.
The processor chip is identified by the processor type and the manufacturer. This information is
usually inscribed on the chip itself. For example, Intel 386, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) 386,
Cyrix 486, Pentium MMX, Intel Core 2Duo, or Core i7.
RAM
RAM, usually refers to computer chips that temporarily store dynamic data to
enhance computer performance while you are working.
Random-Access Memory is volatile, meaning it loses its contents once power is
turned off. This is different from non-volatile memory, such as hard disks and flash memory,
which do not require a power source to retain data.
When a computer shuts down properly, all data located in RAM is returned to
permanent storage on the hard drive or flash drive. At the next boot-up, RAM begins to fill
with programs automatically loaded at startup, a process called booting.
The 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.
The system BIOS is a ROM chip on the motherboard used during the startup routine (boot
process) to check out the system and prepare to run the hardware.
The BIOS is stored on a ROM chip because ROM retains information even when no power is
being supplied to the computer.
Figure above shows CMOS battery

Motherboards also include a small separate block of memory made from CMOS RAM chips
which are kept alive by a battery (known as a CMOS battery) even when the PC’s power is
off. This prevents reconfiguration when the PC is powered on.
CMOS devices require very little power to operate.
The Computer Cache Memory

Cache memory is a small block of high-speed memory (RAM) that enhances PC performance
by pre-loading information from the (relatively slow) main memory and passing it to the
processor on demand.
Expansion slot/expansion bus

An expansion bus is an input/output pathway from the CPU to peripheral devices and it is
typically made up of a series of slots on the motherboard. Expansion boards (cards) plug into
the bus.
PCI is the most common expansion bus in a PC and other hardware platforms. Buses carry
signals such as data, memory addresses, power, and control signals from component to
component. Other types of buses include ISA and EISA.
Expansion buses enhance the PCs capabilities by allowing users to add missing features in
their computers by slotting adapter cards into expansion slots.
Chip-sets
A chipset is a group of small circuits that coordinate the flow of data to and from a PC's key
components. These key components include the CPU itself, the main memory, the secondary
cache, and any devices situated on the buses.
A chipset also controls data flow to and from hard disks and other devices connected to the
IDE channels.
A computer has got two main chipsets:
● The NorthBridge (also called the memory controller) is in charge of controlling

transfers between the processor and the RAM, which is why it is located physically
near the processor.
● The SouthBridge (also called the input/output controller or expansion controller) handles
communications between slower peripheral devices.
The CPU Clock
The CPU clock synchronizes the operation of all parts of the PC and provides the basic
timing signal for the CPU. Using a quartz crystal, the CPU clock breathes life into the
microprocessor by feeding it a constant flow of pulses.
The Switches and Jumpers
● DIP (Dual In-line Package) switches are small electronic switches found on the
circuit board that can be turned on or off just like a normal switch. They are very
small and so are usually flipped with a pointed object, such as the tip of a screwdriver,
a bent paper clip, or a pen top.
● Jumper pins are small protruding pins on the motherboard. A jumper cap or bridge is
used to connect or short a pair of jumper pins.
● Jumper caps are metal bridges that close an electrical circuit. Typically, a jumper
consists of a plastic plug that fits over a pair of protruding pins..
Result : Identified ATX motherboard components

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Exp 2 ATX motherboard

To study different parts of ATX motherboard

Figure above shows CMOS battery

The Computer Cache Memory

Expansion slot/expansion bus

A computer has got two main chipsets:

● The NorthBridge (also called the memory controller) is in charge of controlling

The CPU Clock

The Switches and Jumpers

Result : Identified ATX motherboard components

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