Mother Board

Question 1

What is a motherboard?

Answer 1

A motherboard is a circuit board that houses or connects to all components operating in the computer

Question 2

What are other names for a motherboard?

Answer 2

System board, logic board, or mainboard.

Question 3

What are the main considerations when selecting a motherboard?

Answer 3

CPU socket type, memory module compatibility, number of memory slots, maximum supported memory, expansion slot count and type, onboard devices.

Question 4

What does the CPU socket do?

Answer 4

Houses the CPU; must match CPU pin arrangement and mounting.

Question 5

What’s important to check when replacing a CPU?

Answer 5

Compatibility with the CPU socket type and mounting holes.

Question 6

What do memory slots do?

Answer 6

Allow installation of compatible RAM modules.

Question 7

What are PCI slots used for?

Answer 7

Expansion cards to increase functionality like video, sound, or network.

Question 8

List common expansion slot types.

Answer 8

PCI, PCI-X, PCIe, AGP.

Question 9

What are integrated components on a motherboard?

Answer 9

Built-in devices like audio, video, network cards, USB, and FireWire.

Question 10

What are I/O connectors?

Answer 10

Ports on the motherboard’s back for connecting peripherals

Question 11

What is an I/O shield?

Answer 11

A plate that covers and protects I/O ports on the motherboard.

Question 12

What are internal connectors used for?

Answer 12

Connect case fans, front panel buttons, USB/audio headers, etc.

Question 13

What powers the motherboard?

Answer 13

A 20- or 24-pin main connector and optional 4/8-pin connectors for extra power.

Question 14

How are external SATA (eSATA) connections enabled?

Answer 14

Using an expansion card.

Question 15

What is M.2?

Answer 15

A form factor for faster SSDs and other functions than traditional SATA.

Question 16

What are the two types of motherboard firmware?

Answer 16

BIOS and UEFI.

Question 17

Where is motherboard firmware stored?

Answer 17

Integrated flash memory.

Question 18

What does the CMOS battery do?

Answer 18

Maintains system clock and in older boards, BIOS settings.

Question 19

What is a chipset?

Answer 19

A set of chips that manage data flow between processor, memory, and devices.

Question 20

What chipsets do Intel and AMD use?

Answer 20

Intel - PCH (Platform Controller Hub), AMD - FCH (Fusion Controller Hub).

Question 21

What replaced the front-side bus?

Answer 21

Direct Media Interface (DMI).

Question 22

Why is motherboard documentation important?

Answer 22

To check compatibility, connector locations, and specifications.

Question 23

What should you do if you don’t have the motherboard manual?

Answer 23

To check compatibility, connector locations, and specifications.

Question 24

What should you do if you don’t have the motherboard manual?

Answer 24

Check the manufacturer’s website.

Question 25

Is repairing a motherboard recommended?

Answer 25

No, it's usually cheaper and faster to replace it.

Question 26

What should be documented before replacing a motherboard?

Answer 26

Existing CMOS settings.

Question 27

What should be installed before placing the motherboard in the case?

Answer 27

CPU, heat sink, and memory.

Question 28

What is the purpose of the I/O shield?

Answer 28

To align ports and protect from dust.

Question 29

What are standoffs, and why are they used?

Answer 29

Small spacers that prevent motherboard circuits from touching the case.

Question 30

What cables need to be connected during installation?

Answer 30

ATX power, CPU power, CPU fan, case wires, SATA, front panel headers.

Question 31

What is the final step after installation?

Answer 31

Document the new motherboard’s settings.