Definition Of Motherboard And The Functions

Motherboard

Contents

1. Definition of the Motherboard

A motherboard is the main circuit board inside a computer that connects the different parts of a computer together. It has sockets for the CPU, RAM and expansion cards and it also hooks up to hard drives, disc drives and front panel ports with cables and wires.

Motherboard is also known as a mainboard, planar board or logic board, system board, mobo or MB. It links all the individual parts of a computer together and also, allows the CPU to access and control these separate parts. Other than bridging internal components, the motherboard ports also allows you to connect external devices to the computer. Such external devices would include the monitor, speakers, headphones, microphone, keyboard, mouse, modem and other USB devices.

2. Functions of the Motherboard

The functions of a computer motherboard are as follows:

• The motherboard acts as the central backbone of a computer on which other modular parts are installed such as the CPU, RAM and hard disks.
• The motherboard also acts as the platform on which various expansion slots are available to install other devices / interfaces.
• The motherboard is also responsible to distribute power to the various components of the computer.
• They are also used in the coordination of the various devices in the computer and maintain an interface among them.
• Some of the Sizes in which the motherboards are available are : BTX, ATX, mini-ATX, micro-ATX, LPX, NLX etc..