Module 1 - Motherboards Flashcards
(46 cards)
What are the two main chips that control communication on the motherboard?
The two main chips are the Northbridge (AKA Memory Controller Hub - MCH) and the Southbridge (AKA Input/Output Controller Hub - ICH).
What is the Northbridge responsible for?
The Northbridge is responsible for high data transfer devices such as high speed graphics and the RAM.
What is the Southbridge responsible for?
The Southbridge is responsible for handling all secondary controllers such as hard drives, USB connections, ethernet, and input/output devices.
What does the DMI do in a motherboard?
DMI (Direct Media Interface AKA Internal Bus) connects the Northbridge and Southbridge chips.
What is a FSB?
FSB (Front Serial Bus) is the connection between the Northbridge and the actual core of the CPU.
What’s the difference between FSB and HT?
FSB (Front Serial bus) is the bus designed by Intel that is a parallel interconnect between the Northbridge and the core of the CPU. HT (Hypertransport) is a serial interconnect designed by AMD, that for all intents and purposes is also a FSB.
What is the memory bus?
The memory bus is the bus that connects the Northbirdge o the RAM.
What are expansion buses?
Expansion buses are the buses that connect to the expansion slots to expand the capabilities of the motherboard.
What were the PS/2 ports used for?
Typically PS/2 ports were used to for keyboard and mouse connections.
RJ45 ports are for?
Ethernet connections.
Rj11 ports are for?
Phone / Modem
Serial ports are typically used for what?
Typically used for external devices like joysticks or external modems. This is why it’s often referred to as the “gaming port”.
Serial ports are used with what kind of connectors?
Serial ports are used for DB connections and are either DB9 (9 pins) or DB15 (15 pins).
Parallel ports are used typically used for what device?
They are typically used for printers. This is why they are can also be referred to as “Line Printer Terminal” (LPT) ports.
What kind of connections do parallel ports use?
They use DB25 (25 pins) connections.
SVGA ports use DB15 (15 pins) connections. What’s the visual indicator that differentiates between a SVGA port/connector vs a serial port/connector?
SVGA ports/connectors have 3 rows of pins while serial only has 2.
What are SVGA ports typically used for?
SVGA ports are typically used to connect to monitors.
1/8” Audio jacks look like what?
3 circular ports clustered together. 1 for a mic, 1 for a speaker, and 1 for line in.
What is the visual indicator for USB 3.0?
USB 3.0 ports and connectors are blue.
DVI ports/connectors are a newer replacement for what older port?
Digital Video Input (DVI) replaces SVGA.
ESATA ports used for what devices?
Typically used for external hard drives.
What’s a firewire port?
Firewire is used for mainly used for cameras and camcorders. These ports are usually marked with “1394”.
When adapting from DVI to HDMI, what’s a factor you should consider for audio?
HDMI supports audio while DVI does not. An additional cable needs to be used for audio.
What is the form factor of a motherboard?
Form factor refers to the physical configuration of a motherboard (i.e. shape / size). It’s important to take note of the form factor to ensure it’s compatible with the chassis of the computer.
