1. Functions of the Motherboard

The motherboard is one of the core components of a computer. Its main functions include:

  • Connecting various hardware components: The CPU, memory, graphics card, storage devices, and peripherals all interface through the motherboard.
  • Power distribution: The motherboard receives power from the PSU and distributes it to different components.
  • Data transmission: Provides data buses that allow communication between components.
  • Expansion support: Offers PCIe, M.2, SATA, and other interfaces for additional hardware like graphics cards and SSDs.
  • Chipset control: The motherboard chipset manages communication between the CPU, memory, and storage devices.

2. Key Components of the Motherboard

A motherboard consists of several essential circuits and electronic components. Let’s go through them one by one:

(1) CPU Socket

  • The CPU socket is where the processor is installed (e.g., Intel LGA1700, AMD AM5).
  • The socket type determines which CPUs the motherboard supports.
  • The CPU communicates with the chipset, memory, and other components through this socket.

(2) Chipset (Northbridge & Southbridge / PCH)

  • Northbridge (Older Design): Previously managed high-speed connections (CPU, RAM, PCIe) but is now integrated into modern CPUs.
  • Southbridge (Modern PCH – Platform Controller Hub): Handles I/O devices such as USB, SATA, network, and audio.
  • Modern Intel and AMD motherboards typically have only one chipset (e.g., Intel Z790, AMD B650) managing all connections.

(3) Memory Slots (DIMM Slots)

  • Used for installing RAM (Random Access Memory).
  • Common standards: DDR4, DDR5.
  • Most motherboards have 2 to 4 slots, supporting dual-channel or quad-channel memory for improved performance.

(4) Expansion Slots (PCIe Slots)

  • PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) is used for graphics cards, sound cards, network cards, and SSDs.
  • Different slot types:
    • PCIe x16 (for GPUs)
    • PCIe x1, x4 (for other expansion cards)
  • PCIe Generations:
    • PCIe 3.0 (8 GT/s), PCIe 4.0 (16 GT/s), PCIe 5.0 (32 GT/s)

(5) Storage Interfaces

  • SATA (Serial ATA): Connects HDDs and SATA SSDs.
  • M.2 Slot: Supports high-speed NVMe SSDs (PCIe 4.0/5.0).

(6) I/O Interfaces

  • USB Ports: USB 2.0, USB 3.2, USB-C, Thunderbolt.
  • Audio Ports: 3.5mm headphone jacks, optical S/PDIF output.
  • Network Port (RJ-45): Gigabit, 2.5G, 10G Ethernet.
  • Video Outputs (for CPUs with integrated graphics): HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA (legacy).

(7) Power Delivery System

  • ATX 24-Pin Connector: Supplies power to the motherboard.
  • 8-Pin/4-Pin CPU Power Connector: Delivers dedicated power to the CPU.
  • VRM (Voltage Regulation Module):
    • Consists of MOSFETs, inductors, and capacitors.
    • Regulates voltage for the CPU, ensuring stable power delivery (especially important for overclocking).

3. How the Motherboard Works

  1. Power On: When the power button is pressed, the PSU supplies +12V, +5V, and +3.3V to the motherboard.
  2. BIOS/UEFI Initialization: The BIOS/UEFI firmware detects hardware components and initializes them.
  3. CPU Activation: The motherboard provides stable power to the CPU, which begins executing BIOS instructions.
  4. Memory Initialization: The CPU communicates with the memory controller to detect and initialize RAM.
  5. Storage Device Detection: The BIOS detects connected SSDs/HDDs and loads the operating system.
  6. PCIe Device Initialization: The motherboard detects and enables expansion cards like GPUs and network cards.
  7. System Boot: Once all hardware is initialized, the system loads into Windows/Linux.

4. Example of a Modern Motherboard: ASUS ROG STRIX Z790-E GAMING WIFI

As an example, let’s take a high-end motherboard for Intel 13th/14th Gen CPUs:

(1) Specifications

  • Chipset: Intel Z790 (supports PCIe 5.0 and CPU overclocking).
  • CPU Support: LGA1700 socket, compatible with Intel i7-14700K, i9-14900K, etc.
  • Memory Support:
    • 4x DDR5 slots, max 192GB at 7800MT/s.
  • PCIe Slots:
    • 1x PCIe 5.0 x16 (for GPUs).
    • 1x PCIe 4.0 x4.
  • Storage Support:
    • 4x M.2 Slots (PCIe 4.0).
    • 4x SATA Ports.
  • Power Delivery:
    • 18+1 phase VRM (ideal for overclocking).
  • Network and Connectivity:
    • 2.5G LAN + WiFi 6E.
  • I/O Ports:
    • USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C.
    • HDMI, DisplayPort.
    • 3.5mm audio jacks + Optical S/PDIF.

(2) Why This Motherboard?

  • Supports latest Intel processors and DDR5 memory.
  • Advanced power delivery for overclocking.
  • Multiple PCIe and M.2 slots for expandability.

5. Conclusion

The motherboard is the central hub of a PC, determining CPU compatibility, memory support, graphics card connectivity, and storage options. Modern motherboards integrate high-speed data buses, power management, and various expansion interfaces to ensure the system runs efficiently.