Motherboard

Motherboard

A Motherboard, also known as a mainboard, baseboard, system board, or logic board, is the primary circuit board within a personal computer or other programmable electronic device. It is a key component in the functionality and operation of a computer, serving as the hub that connects all other hardware components together.

Overview

The motherboard houses various types of hardware necessary for computing. This includes the CPU, RAM, BIOS, storage, and input/output (I/O) interfaces. It also provides connectors for peripherals like keyboards, mice, and printers.

Components

Central Processing Unit

The CPU, also known as the processor, is the primary component of a computer that performs most of the processing inside the computer. It is often referred to as the "brain" of the computer.

Random Access Memory

RAM is a form of computer data storage that stores data and machine code currently being used. It allows data items to be read or written in almost the same amount of time irrespective of the physical location of data inside the memory.

BIOS

The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a type of firmware used during the booting process (power-on startup) of the computer. It initializes and tests the system hardware components, and loads a bootloader or an operating system from a mass memory device.

Storage

Storage devices, such as hard drives or solid-state drives, store data persistently for long-term access. They are connected to the motherboard via data cables.

Input/Output Interfaces

Input/output (I/O) interfaces provide a method for transferring information between internal hardware components and external devices like peripherals.

Types of Motherboards

There are several types of motherboards, each designed to fit different types and sizes of computers. These include AT (Advanced Technology), ATX (Advanced Technology Extended), and BTX (Balanced Technology Extended) motherboards.

See Also

• Computer architecture
• Computer hardware
• Personal computer