A motherboard is a type of computer mainboard
Computers rely on a number of components to run efficiently. These components must connect or communicate with one another in order to function. A motherboard-style mainboard is crucial to this task.
Definition
A mainboard is a printed circuit board in a computer that supports and connects electronic components using conductive pathways, or electrically charged paths. A motherboard is one type or style of mainboard, and is often considered the primary board in the computer.
History
Before the microprocessor was invented, computer components typically connected to a separate circuit board containing sets of slots that were attached by wires. Peripheral devices and computer memory were each attached to separate circuit boards. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the motherboard was redesigned to house peripherals and serve as a mount or physical connection point for other components. Some companies that helped improve the capabilities of the motherboard were Orchid Technology, Mylex, AMI and Elitegroup.
Function
Motherboard-style mainboards physically connect to the CPU, or central processing unit, of the computer, and the main memory systems. Devices used for external storage, such as adapters, sound controllers and numerous other peripherals, can connect to the motherboard via cables or cards that plug into designated motherboard slots.
Tags: board computer, circuit board, motherboard type, separate circuit