The motherboard is an internal computer component that houses all of the cards and chips inside your computer case. Motherboards can vary in size and are designed to support certain types of component. Knowing what components do and what your motherboard supports are important when building a new computer or deciding on upgrades. Although these are not all of the components on a motherboard, these are the ones you are most likely to encounter.
Memory
When referring to motherboards, most motherboards come with multiple sockets for memory, or RAM (random access memory). RAM can affect how fast your computer loads applications and the overall performance of your machine. There are different types of RAM available, ranging from SRAM and DDRAM. RAM sockets are generally labeled on motherboards as "SIMM" or "DIMM."
Expansion Cards
Even the oldest motherboards will include one or two PCI slots and one primary graphics slot for either AGP or PCI-Express. As of 2006, PCI-E has become the standard for video cards, although finding AGP and PCI cards for various motherboards is not difficult. PCI slots can house video-card fans, sound cards and FireWire cards. Expansion-card slots are clearly labeled as "PCI" or the name of the primary graphics slot (AGP or PCI-E).
Connectors and Pin Connectors
Located all over the motherboard are various connectors and pin connectors. Most connectors are found on the left side of the motherboard, which protrudes on the back end of the computer case. Connectors are used to connect various USB-based peripherals, mouse and keyboards, Ethernet cables, headphones, microphones and anything that connects to your computer from the outside. Pin connectors are used to connect case fans, LED lights and the front panel (i.e., the power and reset buttons) on your computer case.
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