Introduction

There is one component that will act as the basis for your PC whether you choose to build it yourself or purchase a pre-built PC that you may wish to upgrade or expand in the future. The motherboard is that element, and it’s an important part of the PC puzzle. Many additional components you can choose from are determined by it, and some other decisions, like the processor you’ll use in your new PC, also influence which motherboard you can utilize.

One of the most intricate computer parts is the motherboard, so when you buy one, consumers frequently struggle to understand its specifications and phrases. Therefore, this post will provide you with 20 terms you need to understand before purchasing a motherboard.

Form Factor

A certain desktop motherboard’s size and shape are referred to as its form factor. You must be aware of how your computer can handle the standard form factor board in order to make sure a motherboard fits into your PC computer case. The ATX, MicroATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards are the most often used for PC upgrades and self-plugging.

The size of ATX motherboards is 9.6 x 12 inches, and ATX is frequently referred to as “standard ATX.” This is the motherboard that you typically find in mid-tower or bigger computers. Some boards accept larger “standards” like E-ATX and XL-ATX and employ several CPUs for servers and workstations, but this is not what people who build or upgrade their own computers are interested in. MicroATX or smaller boards are typically supported by flat computer enclosures, smaller towers, and home theater PC (HTPC) cases.

MicroATX boards are smaller than corresponding ATX boards, measuring 9.6 square inches (or even less in some cases), but still have enough slots to accommodate a video card and one or two more cards. The 6.7-inch Mini-ITX standard for small-form-factor (SFF) cases is now in place (Small Form Factor is a case designed to be small in size, which can be bigger or equal to or smaller case HTPC) Mini-ITX often only has one slot.

I/O Shield

I/O shield, also known as FE piece, is the main block, or main shield which is in a rectangular metal sheet with usually sharp edges that fits into the opening on the back of the computer casing. It is a removable or built-in “I/O shield” that is grounded due to its frequent contact with metal case covers the back panel of motherboards, which groups external ports.

This is sometimes included with the motherboard or is purchased separately and installed when the system is put together. I/O shields are included on every motherboard. When many cables are plugged into a port on the motherboard, this shield, which includes slots for those ports, is in charge of shielding the rest of the motherboard.

Slot DIMM

Dual In-Line DIMM SIMM Memory Modules are the slots on the motherboard (often two or four) that accept the system’s RAM, while DIMM Memory Modules are the version that contains twice as many mainboard data lines than SIMM. Memory is secured in place by sliders on either one or both sides. This will be dual DDR3 or DDR4 data rate memory in recent motherboards.

In general, when RAM is utilized in identical pairs and connected into the designated “paired” slots on the motherboard, you will experience quick performance if you see the “DDR” badge. Modern motherboards enable dual channels to a greater or lesser extent. Several high-end platforms, like Intel’s X99 and X299, enable quad channel memory (using four or eight bars per set).

BIOS and UEFI BIOS

The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System), is the first thing you see when your computer turns on. This firmware is responsible for launching and verifying any connected hardware. It loads before your operating system does.

Despite being frequently known as the BIOS by both motherboard labels and users, current motherboard firmware is typically UEFI that stands for Unified Extensible Firmware Interface. Many user-friendly enhancements, including support for larger storage partitions, quicker boot-up, and a contemporary GUI, are featured in this more adaptable environment (graphical user interface).

Fan Header PWM

Fan Header PWM (PWM fan plug) The computer fan is connected through a four-pin connection. The motherboard typically includes a fan and proportional plug, therefore more fans are needed the larger the motherboard. PWM connector, or pulse width modulation, is a device installed at the system level that enables better fan speed management based on thermal instructions. The fan is powered by a 12-volt electricity sent over one foot of this socket, and the other plug signals the fan how much current it needs to adjust its speed.

MOSFET

MOSFET for Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect The transistor, a kind of field effect transistor, is used in computer motherboards to control voltage. They are unable to distinguish MOSFETs from other components for non-technical buyers. To keep them cool while in use, these components are essentially covered beneath the passive radiator. MOSFETs are distinguished by their low strength design, frequently indicated by the letters RDS (on), which results in less heat being produced.

PCI Express x16, x8, x4 and x1 slots

Video cards, TV tuners, and other motherboard-based components can be installed in PCIe slots, which are expansion slots on the motherboard. The letter “x” stands for two different things: the slot’s actual physical size and its bandwidth. And they differ according to a particular slot. The longer the slot, the greater the “x” number, in terms of slot size.

The best option is to select a card that fits the position. Cards with lower “x” numbers can be used in slots with higher numbers, but they cannot be used in other slots. In other words, a card with a high x number cannot be used in a slot with a low x number. Although it only matters when installing the graphics card, the PCI slot bandwidth is more challenging. The PCI Express x16 slot is compatible with all current video cards, and the motherboard may include several of them. Although it can accommodate x16 long cards, not all x16 slots or even just one of them support PCI Express x16 bandwidth.

CrossFireX and SLI

CrossFireX and SLI refer to a motherboard’s capacity to employ several graphics cards and function fluidly in order to boost graphics performance. Scalable Link Interface, the standard that supports Nvidia GeForce graphics cards, while CrossFireX supports AMD Radeon cards, is what SLI stands for. These cards must often share the same graphics processor. In order to have the necessary bandwidth to communicate between the cards when using older cards, there typically needs to be a physical connection between the cards using motherboards that support CrossFireX and SLI.

When using SLI, a motherboard can handle up to four cards in four different configurations, however the Nvidia Pascal graphics card can only support up to the GTX 1000 limit. two official cards. CrossFireX can support up to four cards; for a list of supported card counts, consult the motherboard specs. Don’t mistake “AMD Dual Graphics,” which combines some AMD Radeon cards with the APU’s inbuilt graphics to boost performance like CrossFire, and SLI on some AMD-based APU boards.

USB ports

The USB Header, which has two types—USB 2.0 and USB 3.0—of pin connectors, is one type found on the motherboard. These connections are used to join wires within the computer case so that the USB connector can be hooked into the front of the chassis (font panel). One leg from the 10 pins designated “key” for proper connection orientation will be missing from the two rows of five pins on either side of a USB 2.0 plug. The computer case’s cable connector will either have five or ten holes (for the power supply for two ports) (power supply for one port). They are a more straightforward USB 3.0 plug with a rectangular grid of 20 feet that can accommodate power cables for one or two USB 3.0 ports.

Chipset

The word “chipset” refers to the motherboard silicon that serves as a controller and a path between various computer subsystems. The motherboard line and the numerous functions it provides are known to those who purchase motherboards, whether they be Intel or AMD products.

Front-Panel connector (Front-Panel Header)

A network of pins on the motherboard that receives wires from the computer case makes up the front end of the chassis. Some of these pins will be color-coded or labeled. With the help of this collection of pins, you may attach tiny cables to hard drives, power LEDs, onboard speakers, reset switches, and the computer case’s power supply. Knowing the polarity of the pairs on the majority of these pins is crucial for LEDs but useless when switching connections. The positions of these connectors are indicated on a circuit diagram in the motherboard handbook.

HD Audio/AAFP (Front Audio Header)

Almost all PC cases contain a headphone and microphone jack that connects to a wire with a 10-pin header connection within the case. This connects to the motherboard’s “HD Audio” header, which is a pin grid. In essence, HD Audio gives the ports auto-detection functionality, enabling the system to recognize the presence of devices plugged into the ports and respond appropriately. Sometimes the motherboard will have the label “AAFP” for the “analogue audio front panel” wire on the pin header.

ATX 24 Pin Power Supply Plug

A motherboard connector is known as ATX 24 pin. ATX power connectors were divided into 20 batteries and 4 batteries at the time of the mid-2000 changeover. The reason for this is that older motherboards need a 20-pin connector and four extra batteries to add current at various voltage levels. The largest power cord from a PC’s power supply can handle the two rows of white sockets, each of which is a main power source for the system.

Serial ATA

The common interface for discs in home and office PCs is called Serial ATA, or SATA for short. Hard drives, SSDs, and optical drives all use it. Drives having a SATA interface will have a larger, blade-like “SATA-style” power connector in addition to a SATA data connector that plugs into one of the SATA ports on the motherboard of a desktop computer (which connects to a SATA power lead coming from the power supply).

CPU Power Plug/Connector

The CPU power connector on modern motherboards is a specific four-pin (two by two) or eight-pin (two by four) power connection that is typically placed close to the actual CPU socket. Any modern PC power supply with a corresponding cable will fit in this socket; the cable will frequently be marked “CPU power.” The connector, which is sometimes referred to as a “+12V” connection, offers a power source independent from the main 24-pin connection.

When purchasing a new motherboard, you won’t really need to worry about this or the 24-pin ATX connector because virtually every current motherboard will have them. However, if you’re replacing or reusing an older power supply, you’ll need to take these connections into consideration.

CPU Socket

The motherboard’s CPU Socket, which is square in shape, serves as the CPU’s foundation. Each type of processor socket must be compatible with the others. In other words, not all Intel motherboards and CPUs are compatible. The Intel CPU uses a design that places an interface pin, which is a component of the socket, in contact with the bottom of the processor chip. AMD chips continue to use outdated sockets with holes for chip batteries.

Acceleration Processor Unit (APU)

The A and E-Series CPUs from AMD are referred to by this name since they provide graphics acceleration. It stands for Accelerated Processing Init, and depending on when they were produced, these chips use AM4, FM2, and FM2 + sockets. The initial APUs that make advantage of the FM1 socket have failed. APU refers to both Core CPUs from Intel and graphics cards from Intel with HD graphics; AMD is the only company to use the phrase.

Capacitor

These electronic components are dispersed across a typical motherboard’s many functional subsystems, but at their core, they serve as ” Capacitor” for charging. They can come in a variety of sizes, colors, and shapes (little blocks, miniature drums) depending on where they are used. Normal electrolytic capacitors have a modest amount of liquid immersion material inside. These kinds of capacitors may leak over time, leading to motherboard failure, depending on the production quality and intended life. In order to assure lifetime, users frequently prefer capacitors made in Japan, and motherboard manufacturers frequently promote the usage of such capacitors. Since they do not leak over time, solid state capacitors are frequently used more.

CMOS, CMOS Battery

The CMOS Battery stands of (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) on a system motherboard, it is a section of memory that stores the BIOS and its settings and keeps track of the system clock settings. An integrated battery maintains the CMOS’s charge so it may maintain its settings while the machine is powered down or unplugged for extended periods of time. This battery is nearly always a CR2032 coin cell on recent motherboards.

Debug LED

The debug LED, which is frequently seen on high-end motherboards, is a very useful feature for both novice and experienced PC builders. If the computer cannot boot, it displays error codes on a (often two-digit) readout. The codes, which are listed in the board manual, might assist you in determining the cause of a failed boot process, such as incorrectly installed RAM or a video-card issue.

Recommendations

Here is the list of the best motherboards that you can consider from harddiskdirect

Products:

45R7727 – IBM for ThinkCentre M55E/A55

KN548 – Dell for Inspiron 1420 Laptop

Wrap Up

Given these considerations, it’s important to carefully analyze your motherboard before becoming overly excited about all the amazing capabilities your PC will have based just on its CPU and GPU. We hope the important 20 terms we have compiled will help you in your search for the perfect motherboard from a large variety of top-notch motherboards.