PC Hardware A Beginner’s Guide

Chapter 4: Motherboards^81

microprocessor installed on the motherboard, it is essentially the computer. Figure 4-6
shows where the major components are found on a typical motherboard.
Figure 4-6 identifies each of the following major parts of the motherboard:

 CPU slot and socket The CPU mounts to the motherboard through either a

slot or socket mounting. See Chapter 3 for information on CPU mountings.

 Chipset Many of the circuit and CPU level functions are contained in the

chipset. See Chapter 5 for information on chipsets.

 Memory sockets Depending on the age of the PC, its memory is mounted

on the motherboard as individual memory chips that fit into separate DIP

(dual inline packaging) sockets or as memory modules, such as a SIMM

(single inline memory module) or a DIMM (dual inline memory module),

that sna pinto edge connector mountings. See Cha pter 7 for more information

on memory systems.

 BIOS ROM The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is stored as firmware

on a read-only memory (ROM) chip. The BIOS is used to start the PC up when

the power is turned on and provides a link for the CPU to the PC’s peripheral

devices. See Chapter 6 for more information on PC BIOS.

Figure 4-6. A motherboard and its components

Power connector

Chipset

CPU socket

CMOS battery

BIOS ROM

Expansion Slots

Memory sockets

I/O connectors