Motherboard Definition

This page contains motherboard definitions and terminology to help your understanding of what motherboards are and the role they play in your computer system.

The motherboard is the main circuit board of your computer and is also known as the mainboard or logic board. If you ever open your computer, the biggest piece of silicon you see is the motherboard. Attached to the motherboard, you'll find the CPU, ROM, memory RAM expansion slots, PCI slots, and USB ports. It also includes controllers for devices like the hard drive, DVD drive, keyboard, and mouse. Basically, the motherboard is what makes everything in your computer work together.



Each motherboard has a collection of chips and controllers known as the chipset. When new motherboards are developed, they often use new chipsets. The good news is that these boards are typically more efficient and faster than their predecessors. The bad news is that older components often do not work with new chipsets. Of course, if you are planning on upgrading multiple components, it may be more cost-effective to just buy a new computer.

The motherboard's role in a computer system can easily be described by comparing it to the human body's nervous system. The wires (nerves) on the motherboard transfer data to all the other components.

Some well known motherboard manufacturers are Gigabyte, AsRock, Asus, Abit, Intel, and MSI. Buying your motherboard from one of these brand names is always a good idea, as you will know you're getting a quality product.

After reading this motherboard definition, you shouldn't need to ask the question "what is a motherboard" ever again! maybe after knowing the definition of motherboard, you also want to know parts of a motherboard.

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Parts of a Motherboard

By Nanette Aniston

The motherboard or PCB (Primary Circuit Board) is responsible for connecting all computer devices to the microprocessor. It supplies devices with power and allows the computer to react with them, Devices that can be used by connecting to the motherboard are: Storage devices, sound cards, graphic cards and hard disks.

Devices or components that are needed to make the computer work as it should, are inbuilt within the motherboard or can be connected to it using a socket or port. Listed below are sockets and ports that are available on the motherboard for connecting devices and , what that they are capable of doing.

PCI Slot

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) slot : Supports peripherals like sound cards, DVD decoders, and graphic accelerators with 32 bits at 33Mhz capabilities. There are usually anywhere from 1 to 6 PCI slots available on the motherboard.

AGP (Accelerated Graphic Port) : This provides fast bus speed connectivity along with fast access to the main memory. It is designed for video cards that demand higher bandwidth.

AGP (Accelerated Graphic Port)

Chipset-NorthBridge

Chipset-NorthBridge : An integrated circuit that has special duties.

CPU (Central Processing Unit) socket : A socket specifically for connecting your computer processor.

CPU (Central Processing Unit) socket

DIMM (Double Inline Memory Module) slots, SIMM (Single Inline Memory Module) and RIMM : Different types of memory (RAM) can be installed into these slots.

DIMM (Double Inline Memory Module) slots

Motherboard Battery

Motherboard Battery : A battery compartment, which stores the battery used for storing data such as system date and time, when you shut down your system.

IDE Connector : Responsible for connecting the IDE cord used for hard disks, CD drives, and DVD drives.

IDE Connector

Firewire header (IEEE 1394) : A serial bus used to exchange digital and audio data with high performance abilities.

Firewire header (IEEE 1394)

The following listed items are parts that are built within the motherboard with specific connective uses such as keyboards, mouse, and printers.

PS/2 Connectors : Each motherboard usually has 2 PS/2 connectors for the keyboard and the mouse.

USB (Universal Serial Bus) port : There are usually a couple of these ports located on each motherboard used for connecting pen drives and external hard drives, like Ipods or Mp3 players.

Parallel or (LPT) port : The place used to connect scanners and printers.

Game Port : The port to connect all gaming devices for example, a joystick.

Sound Card Connectors : Plug in your microphone or speakers here.

Display Connector : Connecting your monitor to the motherboard.

COM (Communication) port : The port designed to connect your mouse and modem.

Now that you know all the parts and pieces that make up your motherboard, hooking up that new computer system may not be so frustrating. Here are some companies that manufacturer motherboards: Tyan, ASUS, Super Micro, Intel, Iwill, Diamond, First International Computer, Elite Group Computer Systems, American Megatrends, and EFA.

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MSI Motherboards

Big Bang-XPower

Manufacturer : MSI
US Price : $294.99
If you interested with this product, click here to buy it.

 
MSI, a leading mainboard and graphics card maker, with over 23 years of R&D and manufacturing experience, has made its name catering to performance-hungry gamers. The Big Bang-XPower is another exceptional mainboard from the Big Bang series with astonishing performance and reliability. MSI is confident that the Big Bang-XPower will again be selling like hotcakes to users worldwide.

Military Class Components

MSI’s Big Bang-XPower mainboard is built with Military Class components that includes a Hi-c CAP (highly-conductive polymerized capacitor), Solid Cap (solid capacitor), and Icy Choke for longer lifespan, better thermal reliability, and stability. The Hi-c CAP has excellent physical properties of thermally stable, reliable, performs under stress, and lasts 8X longer than traditional solid capacitors. Icy Choke is a new generation ferrite choke that features low temperature and longer lifespan. Military Class Solid CAP lasts longer than traditional capacitors, up to 10 years of lifespan. All these Military Class components add up to a stable and long lasting mainboard that will keep running even under high stress conditions.

 
Ultimate Gaming Visual and Audio Experience

We recommend MSI’s Big Bang-XPower mainboard to experience Metro 2033, which is THQ blockbuster survival horror FPS. The Big Bang-XPower supports both NVIDIA SLI and ATI CrossFireX technologies for gaming sessions powered by up to four graphics cards. This configuration enables unparalleled 3D performance, silky smooth action scenes, excellent color reproduction, and fully anti-aliased image quality. Bundled standalone Quantum Wave sound card has built-in Creative EAX® ADVANCED HD™ 5.0 and THX TruStudio PRO technology support the latest surround sound standard, to offer multi-channel in-game audio presented with digital clarity.

 
Extreme Power Design For Overclocking

The Big Bang-XPower features incomparable 16 Phase DrMOS PWM, which not only provides the highest power capability but also the best power efficiency. Coupled with Dual 8-pin CPU Power Connectors, Big Bang-XPower can offer the best power stability and overclocking capability for new high-end six-core CPU like Intel Core i7 980X (Codename “Gulftown”). Big Bang-XPower also supports Extra 6-pin Power Connector for graphics card. New generation graphics card draw incredible power to achieve high performance. In order to provide the best 3D performance and overclocking stability of enthusiastic Multi-GPU configuration, MSI designed exclusive extra 6-pin power connector for hardcore gamers and overclockers.

 
MSI’s Exclusive OC Genie & OC Dashboard and V-Kit Design

The Big Bang-XPower comes with MSI’s exclusive OC Genie and OC Dashboard for overclocking needs, where the CPU frequency can be automatically adjusted through the hardware and BIOS options. The XPower also features the V-Kit design to provide monitoring and adjustment capability of the CPU VCORE, VTT, DDR, and PCH voltages. Gamers can easily configure their systems without breaking a sweat.

 
USB3.0 & SATA 6Gb/s for Next-gen Data Transfer

The Big Bang-XPower adopts the latest USB3.0 & SATA6Gb/s specifications. USB3.0 is 10X faster than the traditional USB2.0 platform, and has the throughput to transfer a full Blu-ray movie in under a minute. SATA 6Gb/s not only doubles the bandwidth of previous SATA II protocol, but is also more reliable with better data handling commands. The Big Bang-XPower offers fast and secure data management capabilities to satisfy consumer needs.

We recommend MSI Big Bang-XPower as the best platform for Metro 2033. Metro 2033 is a THQ published survival horror FPS and is being hailed as the most graphically challenging game for top-end hardware specifications. MSI is also dedicated to building the ultimate gamers’ platform that will fulfill all your wildest dreams.

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Gigabyte Motherboards

Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD3R (rev. 2) Introduction.

Manufacturer : Gigabyte
US Price : $209.99
If you want to buy this product click here.

The Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD3R was our favourite (relatively) low price X58 motherboard when it was first released; its keen price and excellent overclocking potential meant that it was an instant favourite in our office. However, when we originally tested the updated rev 2 version in Custom PC, we found a serious issue with its BIOS. This has now been fixed via an update, so here's the revised, updated, definitive review of the Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD3R (rev 2).

As we just mentioned, the UD3R (rev 1) was significantly cheaper than its competitors, which was one of the principle reasons we loved it. The UD3R (rev 2) enters a slightly changed market though, as the Asus P6X58D-E (which we’ll review tomorrow) has dropped in price: there is now no difference in price between the two boards. Clearly Gigabyte will hope its revision to the UD3R will bring enough improvements to distinguish it from the competing P6X58D-E

Layout

 Initially, there’s very little to distinguish the UD3R (rev 2) from the original. Both boards have the same layout, with chunky heatsinks to cool the chipset and VRM circuitry. The UD3R (rev 2) also has the same number of expansion slots as its excellent forebear, with two 1x PCI-E slots sitting above four 16x PCI-E slots, and a single PCI slot.

The borderline-excessive ten SATA ports are still present on the UD3R (rev 2), with the six SATA 3Gbps ports of the Intel ICH10R Southbridge coloured light blue. Confusingly, the two SATA 6Gbps ports are the same colour as the additional pair of SATA 3Gbps, which are powered via Gigabyte’s SATA2 chip. You have to read the tiny writing on the board to make sure that you plug your shiny new SATA 6Gbps SSD into the right socket. Thankfully, the UD3R (rev 2) allowed us to install Windows with our C: drive plugged into any of these SATA ports, unlike the original.

The back panel connectors are identical to those of the UD3R (rev 1), with keyboard and mouse PS/2 ports, coaxial and optical S/PDIF outputs, and a clear CMOS button. The latter feature is a nice addition but we generally prefer it when a CMOS clear button is on the PCB of the board rather than on the back panel. We can’t be the only ones to have accidentally pushed a back-panel-mounted CMOS clear button when trying to attach a new USB device to our computer.

You shouldn’t run out of USB ports though, as the UD3R (rev 2) provides eight on the back panel, two of which are USB 3. Gigabyte also provides two eSATA ports, just in case the ten SATA ports inside the case aren’t enough. The rear IO is rounded off by a single Ethernet port, a mini-FireWire and a FireWire port, and the normal six audio jacks.

What's New?

So far, the UD3R (rev 2) is very similar to the original – to see the differences, you have to look very closely. The new board includes Gigabyte’s new On/Off USB Charge technology that maintains the power supply to your front panel USB ports even when the computer is turned off – as long as you use the correct USB header (it’s the bright red one).

Gigabyte also claims that this header provides three times as much power as that of a standard USB port, meaning that gadgets such as iPhones charge up to 40 per cent quicker. However, we can’t help but wonder if this extra power could present a problem for a gadget that wasn’t expecting it.

The VRMs of the board have also been revised, and the UD3R (rev 2) sports a 12-phase power circuit for the CPU rather than the 8-phase of the previous version. This should be a positive move, as the VRMs are responsible for stabilising the power delivery to the CPU – more phases should mean a more stable power supply, which will help with stability during overclocking.

We’re dubious about the value of this addition, though, as our tests didn’t reveal any problems with the power circuitry of the first UD3R, even with our power-hungry, 6-core Gulftown CPU overclocked to 4.4GHz. As they say, if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.

Specifications :

* Chipset Intel X58
* CPU support LGA 1366 Core i7, Core i7 Extreme Edition
* Memory support 6 slots: max 24GB DDR3 (2,200MHz)
* Expansion slots Four 16x PCI-E 2.0 slots (two 16x and two 1x or four 8x), one PCI, two 1x PCI-E
* Sound Intel HD Audio via Realtek ALC889 with 8-channel support
* Networking Realtek 811D Gigabit Ethernet
* Overclocking CPU Clock 100 – 600MHz; max voltages, CPU 1.9V, QPI/VTT 2.05V, PLL 2.52V, IOH 2V, ICH 2V, RAM 2.2V
* Ports 8 x SATA 3Gbps, 2 x SATA 6Gbps, 2 x PS/2, 12 x USB 2, 2 x USB 3, 2 x FireWire, Mini FireWire, LAN, 2 x eSATA 3Gbps, 4 x surround audio out, line in, mic, optical and coxaial S/PDIF out
* Dimensions (mm) 305 x 244 (ATX)

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The pros and cons Apple Ipad

We know that Apple Inc., is one company that is always innovating with various types of gadgets and software and IT devices that are not only functional but also support the lifestyle. everything which was launched by Apple have always been a trendsetter of the world.

Various products has become a trendsetter, starting denganMacbook trust which has become a tool for graphic design, the iPod - the best-selling portable media player in the world to successfully subvert the Sony Walkman as the king of portable media players before, the iPhone - stylish phone to be proud of its users with touchscreen features a very intuitive and user friendly.

In addition, Apple Inc. Thus also famous for the MacOS operating system is also very user friendly, elegant design, equipped with advanced features, and not susceptible to viruses as Microsoft Windows. Itunes software is also not less menghebohkannya, which change the paradigm of music lovers in the world, where keeping the CD is not the best way to have a song from his favorite singer.

On January 27, 2010 that then, Apple Inc. announced its newest product called the iPad, a tablet computer that is strengthened with the OS that is used on the iPhone. In general, this device is a development of the iPod Touch and iPhone, although the function of the phone is not pinned on this gadget. This device is returned to be one that has been awaited gadget lovers worldwide IT.
On April 3, 2010, which then, this device was officially launched although unfortunately only limited to the area of the United States. On the first day of sales of hundreds of people willing to queue for hours, even to stay in front of the store to compete to be the first to have these gadgets, as seen at the launch of Apple Inc. products. earlier, and total around 300,000 units changing hands to the buyer within 1 day.

Then, what is the advantages that such a best-selling iPad? Let us refer to the excellent features that make it as a gadget with a variety of advantages over its competitors.

Apple iPad superior features:

• Display 9.7-inch LED multitouch, Resolution 1024 × 768 pixels by 132 pixels per inch, supporting the development of many languages and characters simultaneously
• Battery Apple iPad Endurance up to 10 hours of active time and one month standby time
• Wireless Connection Apple iPad will be available in a variety of connection options. In terms of wireless data connection, the iPad will have the ability 802.11n WiFi and 3G connections as well (on a certain type).
• Safari browser for Web access.
• Mail to read your e-mail.
• Photos to manage the photo archive.
• Video to play video files.
• YouTube to view videos directly to YouTube without going through the web.
• iPod to play music
• iTunes to download music and videos
• App Store for applications mengunduk
• iBooks to read and download e-book from iBooks Store
• Maps to view high-resolution maps from satellite and Street View Images.
• Notes to take notes freely.
• Calendar to the agenda.
• Contacts to record data phone, email, and web-friends.
• Home screen to set the display screen
• Spotlight search for quick searching in all parts just by typing in keywords.

Even so, Apple iPad still considered to have many shortcomings. This is the reason for consumers to not rush to adopt the sleek gadget from Apple.

Some weaknesses iPad:

• Display size is not too large (4:3 aspect ratio, smaller than the standard 16:9 as in iPod)
• No multitasking
• No cameras
• Keyboard touch
• No HDMI port
• Does not support Adobe Flash
• No USB port
• Does not support T-Mobile 3G (using microSIM are rarely used in any device)
• Only able to play 480p video
• No Full GPS (only enter the A-GPS via Wi-Fi and 3G)
• No slot SDCARD
• No Open SDK (Software Development Kit)
• The battery can not be replaced

Among the line of weakness, the lack of Adobe Flash on the iPad become one of the weaknesses of the most dicecar various circles. PC World even wrote a comparison iPad, which without Flash, with HP Slate, which supports Flash. Alan Tam from Adobe demonstrates HP's Slate of accessing a web site in full and "not just a part of that website." This is because Slate using Flash.

Tam explained that 85 percent of the 100 leading web site using Adobe Flash, and 75 percent of all videos on the Web site relies on Flash technology. These statistics may seem less profitable for the iPad. Nevertheless, it does not change the fact that users will still be able to watch iPad videos on YouTube, listen to streaming music from Pandora, or interact with the web as it has done the users of iPhone or iPod Touch.

Over the years, still according to PC World, yet there are users who actually complain about the lack of Flash on the two devices are also manufactured Apple's. iPad is no escape from weakness. But the fact is, he also has many advantages.

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