SUBJECT: MICROPROCESSOR LAB (MPL)

NAME: Yash Mane

CLASS: SE COMP ROLL NO:- 2102008

SEMESTER: SEM-II YEAR: 2024-25

EXAMINED:- Prof. S.A.Shinde

Assignment No-10

Title:- Study Assignment:

Assignment Name:- Motherboards are complex. Break them down, component by component,
and Understand how they work. Choosing a motherboard is a hugely important part of building a
PC. Study- Block diagram, Processor Socket, Expansion Slots, SATA, RAM, Form Factor, BIOS,
Internal Connectors, External Ports, Peripherals and Data Transfer, Display, Audio

Objective:-
1. To understand the Form Factor of Motherboard
2. To understand different components of Motherboard

Outcome
1. Students will be able to identify components of Motherboard
2. Students will be able to distinguished south bridge and north bridge and its working

Prerequisite:- Computer Fundamental.

Hardware Requirement:- Desktop PC, Motherboard, SMPS

Introduction:-

THEORY:
The first-ever motherboard was used by the IBM in early 1980s. It was eventually called a planar. It
is the main component through which the communication takes place between the other components
and connects all the peripherals, therefore referred to as the motherboard. A computer s lifeless
without a motherboard. The other extensions of the motherboard are referred to as daughter boards.

A computer is an electronic device that processes the data with respect to the user’s requirements
using IO devices. The data processing takes place in a processor, an important component. The
processor is situated in a hardware circuit board called the motherboard or printed circuit board
(PCB). It connects the CPU, memory, hard drives, optical drives, video card, sound card, and other
parts. It also connects expansion cards directly or via cables.

How Does a Motherboard Work?

When you turn your computer on, the power supply transfers electricity to the motherboard to be
used by the computer. Data is transported between the chipset components via data buses and travels
between the southbridge and northbridge sections.The data connections to the CPU, RAM, or PCIe
are made through the northbridge component. The operations performed by the RAM are first
“interpreted” by the CPU as being output after the RAM begins to deliver inputs to the CPU. After
being written to the PCIe, the data is either copied or moved to the expansion card, based on the
kind of card you have.

12 Key Components of a Motherboard:-

1. Mouse and keyboard connectors:- Computer motherboards must have two separate
connectors that allow users to connect their external mouse and keyboard. These connectors
are responsible for sending instructions and receiving responses from the computer. There are
two keyboard and mouse connectors, the PS/2 and the USB.

2. USB Port: You can attach hardware like a mouse and keyboard to your computer using the
USB port.

3. CPU Slot: The CPU can be installed in this space. It serves as a connector between a
motherboard and a microprocessor. It makes the CPU easier to operate and guards against
harm when installing or removing it. It also has a lock to stop the CPU from moving and a
heat sink to get rid of the additional heat.
4. RAM Slot: The RAM (Random Access Memory) is installed in a memory slot or socket on
 the motherboard. A computer may have two or more memory slots.

5. Basic input/output (BIOS) system: The BIOS contains the firmware of the
motherboard. It consists of instructions about what to do when the computer is turned on. It is
responsible for initializing the hardware components and loading the computer’s operating
system. The BIOS also allows the computer’s operating system to interact and respond with
input and output devices such as a mouse and keyboard.
6. Chipsets:- The chipsets of a computer control how the computer hardware and buses interact
with the CPU and other components. Chipsets also determine the amount of memory users
can add to a motherboard and the type of connectors that the motherboard can have.

7. Cooling fans:- The heat generated when electric current flows between components can
Scomputer components. Thus, a computer performs better when kept cool.

8. Adapter cards and expansion slots :- Adapter cards are integrated into the

motherboard to enhance a computer’s functionality. Examples include sound and video

adapters. The expansion slots allow users to install compatible adapter cards.

1.
CMOS battery:- The CMOS battery is a small round battery found on the motherboard of

every computer. It provides power to the complementary metal oxide semiconductor

(CMOS) chip. The CMOS chip stores BIOS information and computer settings, even when
powered down.

2.
Storage devices:- Storage drives store data permanently or retrieve data from a media disk.
The storage devices can either be installed in the computer as hard drives or in removable
drives that can connect to the computer through the USB ports.

3.
Front panel connectors:- Front panel connectors connect the light-emitting diode (LED)
lights on the front of the case to the hard drive, the power button, the reset button, and the
internal speaker for testing. Some USB and audio devices also have LED lights.

4.
Power connector:- The power connector provides an electric supply to the computer to

function as intended. The power supply connector has 20 pins and converts 110-V AC power
into +/-12-Volt, +/-5-Volt, and 3.3-Volt direct current (DC) power.
 Computer Motherboard Block Diagram
• A computer motherboard block diagram is a schematic representation of the key
components and their interconnections on a motherboard.It visually outlines how the
central processing unit (CPU), memory (RAM), storage devices, input/output (I/O)
ports, chipset, and power supply interact with each other to ensure the computer
functions properly.

Basic Components in a Motherboard Block Diagram

1. CPU (Central Processing Unit) – The brain of the computer that processes
instructions.
2. Chipset (Northbridge & Southbridge / PCH in modern systems) – Manages
communication between the CPU, RAM, and peripherals.
3. RAM (Random Access Memory) – Temporary memory used for fast processing.
4. BIOS/UEFI Firmware – Stores essential startup instructions for the system. 5.
Storage (HDD/SSD) – Permanent data storage devices.
6. PCIe Slots – Expansion slots for GPUs, sound cards, and other peripherals.
7. USB & Other I/O Ports – Used for connecting external devices.
8. Power Supply Unit (PSU) Connector – Provides power to all motherboard
components.
9. Clock Generator – Maintains system timing and synchronization.
10. Cooling System (Fan/Heatsink Connectors) – Regulates temperature to prevent
overheating.
Conclusion:-
In conclusion, the motherboard is the backbone of a computer, ensuring seamless
communication between all components. Its selection is crucial as it determines compatibility,
expandability, and overall system performance. A well-chosen motherboard provides stability,
efficiency, and future-proofing, making it a vital part of any PC build.