On the Motherboard
- On the Motherboard Overview
- Processor Overview
- Processor Basics
- Speeding Up Processor Operations Overview
- Cache
- Clocking
- Threading Technology
- Connecting to the Processor
- Multi-Core Processors
- Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
- Virtualization
- Intel Processors
- CPU Sockets
- AMD Processors
- Processor Cooling
- Installing a Processor
- Upgrading Processors
- Overclocking Processors
- Installing CPU Thermal Solutions
- Troubleshooting Processor Issues
- Expansion Slots
- PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect)
- AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port)
- PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express)
- Chipsets
- Types of Motherboards
- Upgrading and Replacing Motherboards
- Motherboard Troubleshooting
- Soft Skills-Active Listening
- Chapter Summary
- Key Terms
- Review Questions
- Exercises
- Activities
- Labs
In this chapter from Complete CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Hardware and Software, 7th Edition, Cheryl A. Schmidt explores the importance of motherboard components, their purpose, and properties.
On the Motherboard Overview
Chapter 1 introduced you to the motherboard, which holds the majority of the electronics in the computer. Chapter 2 focused on connecting devices to a motherboard port or through an adapter port. Some parts of the motherboard are of specific interest to IT staff and that is what this chapter delves into. Key parts of the motherboard include the processor and processor socket, memory or RAM slots, and the various types of expansion slots. Figure 3.1 points out these key motherboard components.
Figure 3.1 Key motherboard components