It Starts With a Motherboard

It all starts with a motherboard when talking about computers. Simply put, this is a vital organ for all computers much the way our organs are in our own bodies. Technically, it is a primary printed circuit board that can be found in a complex electronic system. A better example of a complex electronic system known to pretty much everyone is the computer.

The motherboard has several other names, proving Shakespeare's theory that a rose by any other name would indeed smell as sweet. Known as a main board, baseboard, system board, planar board, logic board, and mobo, this is one PC supply that can't be skipped when building your own computer. It also means that a memory lapse may not mean that you can't get the part. I've seen techs recognize even the most bumbled explanations of what is wanted because of the vital nature of this component of computers.

The simplest of motherboards include sockets, slots, chipset, non-volatile memory chips, clock generator, and slots for expansion cards, power connectors, and circuits. Each of these is a necessary component that works together in tandem to be the brains of your computer. Sockets are the holders of the microprocessors as this is where they are installed. Slots hold the computers main memory while chipsets form an interface between the computer's busses and the main memory. Non-volatile memory stores the firmware for the computer and the BIOS, which is necessary to boot the computer. The clock generator is responsible for the system clock signal and synchronization capabilities while slot expansions interface through the busses. The power connectors receive the electrical power that makes all of the motherboard come alive.

As you can see, this one piece of equipment is vital to building a computer. No computer can operate without one. Because of the integral role of the motherboard, it is not surprising that the motherboard should be carefully chosen. Not all motherboards are created equal. Not all motherboards will work for all operating systems. These are unique pieces of equipment that your computer needs to operate and they need compatible components to work with them. If you build a motherboard for XP, for example, and you load Vista, you will probably have a problem that shows up as a silent computer regardless of your sound card choice. You would likewise see difficulties if you load a computer whose motherboard is compatible with Mac Leopard system with Linux or Windows. It simply won't work to your advantage.

When you begin shopping around for motherboards, it is important to know a little about what you want from the computer you are building as well as the operating system you plan to install on it. Upon investigating further, you should tell your sales representative about your must haves for the motherboard since this is the center of activity for your computer. This will help them help you get the perfect motherboard for your dream computer and at a cost that fits into the total budget that you have set for your project.