A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PCFifth Edition

Chapter 5

The Motherboard

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You Will Learn…

About the types of motherboards

About components on the motherboard

A basic procedure for building a computer

How to install a motherboard

How to troubleshoot a motherboard

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Motherboards House the CPU Allow devices to communicate with it and

each other Most popular: AT and ATX

ATX• More power-management features• Support faster systems• Easier to install

Selection of motherboard determines capabilities and limitations of the system

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Typical AT Motherboard

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Typical ATX Motherboard

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Motherboard Components CPU and accompanying chip set ROM BIOS RAM Buses and expansion slots Components used to change hardware

configuration settings Jumpers DIP switches CMOS configuration chip

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Basic Components of a CPU

Input/output (I/O) unit

Arithmetic logic unit(s) (ALU)

Control unit

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How the CPU Works

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Attributes Used to Rate CPUs

Processor core speed (measured in gigahertz)

Word size and data path

Efficiency/special functionality of programming code

System bus speeds the processor supports

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Attributes Used to Rate CPUs (continued)

Amount of memory included with the CPU (internal and external cache)

Type of RAM, motherboard, and chip set the processor supports

Multiprocessor ability

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The Pentiums Two ALUs (a true multiprocessor)

64-bit external path size and two 32-bit internal paths (one for each ALU)

Terminology Bus speed

Processor speed

Multiplier

Memory cache

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Memory Cache

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Pentium III

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Pentium 4

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AMD Processors (continued)

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VIA C3 Processor

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64-Bit Processors

Intel Itaniums

AMD 64-bit processors

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The Itanium 2 Processor

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AMD 64-Bit Processors

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CPU Heat Sinks and Cooling Fans

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Combination Heat Sink and Cooling Fan

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CPU Package Types

SECC

SECC2

SEP

PPGA

PGA

OOI/OLGA

FC-PGA

FC-PGA2

PAC

CPGA

OPGA

μPGA

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CPU Slots and Sockets

Motherboard and processor must match

Slots 1 and 2 are proprietary Intel slots

Slot A and Socket A are proprietary AMD connectors

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CPU Slots and Sockets (continued)

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CPU Slots and Sockets (continued)

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CPU Voltage Requirements

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CPU Voltage Regulator

Dual-voltage CPUs

Single-voltage CPUs

Voltage regulator module (VRM) controls amount of voltage to the CPU

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CPU Voltage Regulator (continued)

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Accelerated Hub Architecture

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Configuring and Updating ROM BIOS Update BIOS only if you’re having a problem

with your motherboard or there’s a new feature you want to use

Flash ROM BIOS upgrades for most BIOS manufacturers can be downloaded from www.unicore.com

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Buses and Expansion Slots

Buses evolved around data path and speed

Local bus (system) and expansion bus (ISA)

Buses carry electrical power, control signals, memory addresses, and data

On-board ports, connectors, and riser slots

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Bus Connections

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On-Board Ports, Connectors, and Riser Slots

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Hardware Configuration

Setup data stored by DIP switches

Setup data stored by jumpers

Setup data stored in CMOS memory

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Setup Data Stored by DIP Switches

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Setup Data Stored by Jumpers

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Setup Data Stored by Jumpers (continued)

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Setup Data Stored in CMOS Memory

Also called real-time clock/nonvolatile RAM (RTC/NVRAM) chip

Retains data even when computer is turned off

Setup cannot be changed unintentionally, but disk drive must be working before you can change the setup

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CMOS Setup Main Menu

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CMOS Setup Power Menu

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CMOS Setup Boot Menu

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CMOS Setup Exit Menu

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Battery Power to CMOS Memory Types of CMOS batteries

3.6V lithium battery with a four-pin connector; connects with a Velcro strip

4.5V alkaline battery with a four-pin connector; connects with a Velcro strip

3.6V barrel-style battery with a two-pin connector; soldered on

3V lithium coin-cell battery (most common)

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CMOS Setting startup passwords in CMOS Categories of CMOS settings

Standard BIOS Features Menu Advanced Chip Set Setup Power Management Menu IDE HDD Auto-detect Hardware Device Settings

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Protecting Documentation and Configuration Settings Keep up-to-date written records of CMOS

settings, hardware and software installed, and network settings

Keep well-labeled documentation in a safe place

Can also save and restore CMOS settings using third-party utility software

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Building a Computer

1. Verify that you have all parts you plan to install

2. Prepare computer case

3. Install drives

4. Determine proper configuration settings for motherboard

5. Set jumpers or switches on motherboard

6. Install CPU and CPU cooler

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Building a Computer (continued)

7. Install RAM

8. Install motherboard and attach cabling

9. Install video card

10. Plug computer into power source; attach monitor and keyboard

11. Boot system and enter CMOS setup

12. Make sure settings are set to the default

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Building a Computer (continued)

13. If booting from a floppy disk, insert a bootable setup disk

14. Observe POST

15. Prepare hard drive for the OS

16. Reboot system and run ScanDisk on drive C

17. Connect mouse

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Building a Computer (continued)

18. Install the OS from CD or floppy

19. Change boot order in CMOS

20. Check for conflicts with system resources

21. Install any other expansion cards, and/or drives

22. Verify that all is operating properly; make final OS and/or CMOS adjustments

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Installing the Motherboard

Prepare motherboard to go in case

Set jumpers

Add CPU, fan, and heat sink

• Installing a Pentium II in Slot 1

• Installing a Pentium 4 in Socket 478

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Setting the Jumpers

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Setting the Jumpers (continued)

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Installing a Pentium II in Slot 1

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Installing a Pentium II in Slot 1 (continued)

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Installing a Pentium II in Slot 1 (continued)

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Installing a Pentium II in Slot 1 (continued)

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Installing a Pentium 4 inSocket 478

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Installing a Pentium 4 inSocket 478 (continued)

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Installing Motherboard in Case

1. Install faceplate

2. Install standoffs

3. Attach motherboard inside case with screws

4. Connect power cord from power supply to P1 power connection on motherboard

5. Connect wire leads from front panel of case to motherboard (reset switch, HDD LED, speaker, power LED, remote switch)

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Installing the Faceplate

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Installing the Faceplate (continued)

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Standoffs and Screwholes

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Wire Connectors

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Troubleshooting the Motherboard and CPU

Look for clues from POST

Reports errors as beep codes

Cautiously substitute good hardware components for those you suspect are bad

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Summary

Types of motherboards

Motherboard components

Building a computer

Installing the motherboard

Troubleshooting the motherboard and CPU