A Micro-ATX motherboard
A computer's motherboard provides the hardware that allows all of the other components in a computer to work together. It is important to choose a motherboard that is compatible with all of your computer's components to ensure that they function properly together. There are many different factors that govern the type of motherboard, and each factor has implications for the components that will be compatible with it.
Processor Socket
The pattern of pins on this processor will only line up with a certain socket.
Every motherboard has a socket for a CPU, or central processing unit. The type of socket on a motherboard governs the type of processor that can be used with it. AMD and Intel, the two dominant manufacturers of processors, each have their own socket standards, so the first decision to make regarding a motherboard is what type of processor you intend to use with it. At the time of writing in October 2010, Intel's processors typically use socket types 775, 1156, or 1366. AMD's processors typically use socket types AM2, AM2+, or AM3. Intel processors are only compatible with one type of socket. Some AMD processors are compatible with multiple AMD sockets, but they should be evaluated on a case by case basis to guarantee compatibility.
Form Factor
The shape, layout and available components of a motherboard are governed by its form factor. A computer's case and power supply must be capable of supporting the size and power requirements of a motherboard. A motherboard's form factor dictates what cases can support it. ATX motherboards are the largest and require the most power to operate, however their components are typically more spread out, allowing for easier cooling. ATX motherboards also have more expansion slots than other form factors. Micro-ATX motherboards sacrifice expansion slots for a more compact size and lower power requirements, allowing them to fit into smaller cases. Mini-ITX motherboards typically only have a single expansion slot and are extremely compact. They are intend for mini-pcs and set-top boxes.
Expansion Slots
The white slots are standard PCI expansion slots.
Motherboards use expansion slots to augment their capabilities. Expansion cards are used to improve a computer's graphical capability, audio capacity or networking performance. The number and type of expansion slot on a motherboard determines the capability of that motherboard to expand. PCI is a standard format for expansion cards and most motherboards have at least two PCI expansion slots. AGP is an older format for graphics card expansions. PCIe is the new standard for graphics card expansions. Motherboards designed for gaming will sometimes have two graphics card expansion slots to allow for multiple graphics cards to be used in parallel. Most motherboards also feature two RAM expansion slots.
Connectors
This motherboard features a variety of connectors. From left to right they are: keyboard and mouse, printer, video, usb and networking, and audio.
In addition to expansion slots, motherboards feature a series of smaller connectors for connecting to hard drives, disk drives, and other devices. Many older systems used flat cables known as IDE or PATA cables to connect motherboards to disk drives and hard drives. These have been replaced by faster SATA cables on newer drives and motherboards. Many motherboards feature a combination of SATA and PATA cables to allow users to connect both newer and older disk drives. Depending on their onboard audio, video and usb capabilities, motherboards will also feature a combination of audio in and out jacks, video out ports, and usb ports. Most motherboards will also feature an onboard networking card and a networking port.
Tags: expansion slots, compatible with, also feature, disk drives, graphics card