The Motherboard
The motherboard is usually the largest circuit board found inside the computer case. Without doubt, the most important component in a PC system is the main board or motherboard. Some companies refer to the motherboard as a system board or planar. The terms motherboard, main board, system board, and planar are interchange able. The function of the motherboard is to provide the connectivity for all devices (Input, Output, and Storage), as well as for the CPU, RAM, and support ICs. It also defines the computer’s limits of speed, memory, and expandability. Figure shows the Structure and connectors of the motherboard.
Motherboards come in a variety of shapes. One size does not fit all, and careful attention to size and location of mounting holes is required before installing a new motherboard in an older computer. A motherboard needs to fit in the space allocated for it, be properly grounded, receive sufficient ventilation (for cooling of the CPU and other heat-sensitive components), and must not conflict with other hardware.
Motherboards come in a variety of shapes. One size does not fit all, and careful attention to size and location of mounting holes is required before installing a new motherboard in an older computer. A motherboard needs to fit in the space allocated for it, be properly grounded, receive sufficient ventilation (for cooling of the CPU and other heat-sensitive components), and must not conflict with other hardware.
