hardware chapter2

• Motherboard is the real workhorse of the system

• Every component on the PC plugs into the motherboard either
directly or indirectly
• Every bit and byte of data that moves between devices passes
through the motherboard’s sockets and traces
• It brings all of the individual parts of the PC into a working

MotherBoard

• It brings all of the individual parts of the PC into a working

whole
• It is made of fiberglass brown or green typically with a
meshwork of copper lines. These lines are electronic circuits
through which power, data, and control signals travel
• Group of these lines assigned a set of functions, is collectively
called a “bus” • There are ways in which components are connected to the
motherboard:
– Integrated in to the circuit board of the motherboard (in
build video, audio, NIC controllers).
– Attached through connectors, sockets, slots on board
(processor, RAM, HDD, CD/DVD).
MotherBoard

– Attached through external back panel or front panel

(Keyboard, Mouse, Speakers, USB drive)

The Motherboard is the central hub of a computer system, integrating and connecting all of the
hardware components to form a cohesive, functional unit. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Key Features and Functions of the Motherboard

1. Core of the System:

Acts as the workhorse of the computer, managing and facilitating the flow of data across
various components.
Every component in the system, from the processor to storage drives, either directly or
indirectly connects to the motherboard.
2. Data Transmission:
Data moves between components through the motherboard’s sockets and circuit traces.
These traces are tiny copper lines embedded in the board that carry power, data, and control
signals, effectively allowing communication between the CPU, RAM, storage, and other
peripherals.

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 3. Physical Composition:
Typically constructed from fiberglass, it appears green or brown and hosts a web of copper
lines (circuit paths).
Groups of these lines are organized into buses, each serving specific functions, such as data,
address, or power transmission.
4. Component Connections:
Components can be integrated (built into the motherboard), attached via connectors (e.g.,
CPU socket, RAM slots), or connected externally:
Integrated: Some motherboards have built-in components, such as audio, video, and
network (NIC) controllers.
Attached Components: Key parts like the CPU, RAM, hard drive, and optical drives
connect via specific connectors, slots, or sockets on the motherboard.
External Connections: Peripheral devices like the keyboard, mouse, speakers, and
USB drives connect through external panels located at the back or front of the case.

This central, highly complex structure is what enables a PC to operate, coordinating and allowing
communication between every connected component, whether internal or external.

Form Factors of MotherBoard

Types Description Size

ATX (Advanced
Technology eXtended)

Perhaps the most common form factor for a motherboard is the

ATX form factor; and supports high-end systems.

12′′ x 9.6′′
(30cm x 24cm)

Mini-ATX

The main difference between ATX and mini-ATX is the number

of buses and possibly memory slots on the motherboard. A case
that supports an ATX motherboard can also support mini-ATX
motherboard.

5.9′′ x 5.9′′
(15cm x 15cm)

System case that can hold an ATX motherboard can also hold

CSC 347 5
Micro ATX

System case that can hold an ATX motherboard can also hold
micro ATX motherboard. The smaller mid or mini tower cases
would likely be too small for a full ATX motherboard but should
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 accommodate micro ATX motherboard. The terms mini-ATX
and micro-ATX are often used interchangeably.

9.6′′ x 9.6′′
(24cm x 24cm)

Mini-ITX (Information
Technology eXtended)

There is a single expansion slot and the motherboard itself is

considerably smaller than the ATX and even the micro ATX. Also
notice that the faceplate still line up and the hole positions still
match the ATX hole positions. Theoretically we could take this
micro ITX motherboard and place it inside a full tower case.

6.7′′ x 6.7′′
(17cm x 17cm) Types Description Size

BTX (Balanced
Technology
eXtended)

Only fit within a system case that is designed for a BTX

motherboard. In many cases this means that an ATX
system case will not work with a BTX system board,
although there are system cases that are able to
accommodate both the ATX and the BTX form factors. The
BTX form factor has not been widely adopted despite its

12.8” x 10.5”
(32.5cm x 26.7cm)

CSC 347 7

improvements over ATX and related standards. As a result,

the availability and variety of BTX-compatible
components is limited.

microBTX

Smaller version of BTX; used in new-generation mid-range

systems; and fits the microBTX or BTX chassis.

10.4” x 10.5”
(26.4cm x 26.7cm)

picoBTX

Smallest version of BTX; used in low-end small form-

factor, entertainment, or appliance systems; and fits the

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 picoBTX, microBTX or BTX chassis.

8” x 10.5”
(20.3cm x 26.7cm)

Motherboards come in a variety of form factors, each with distinct sizes and specifications suited for
different types of cases and system requirements. Here’s an overview of some common form factors:

Common Motherboard Form Factors

Type Description Size

The most common form factor, often used for high-end
ATX (Advanced 12" x 9.6" (30cm
systems due to its support for multiple expansion slots and
Technology eXtended) x 24cm)
components.
A smaller version of the ATX; generally has fewer buses and 5.9" x 5.9" (15cm
Mini-ATX
memory slots but can fit in cases designed for ATX boards. x 15cm)
Slightly smaller than ATX but still offers a good balance of 9.6" x 9.6" (24cm
Micro-ATX
features; fits in mid or mini tower cases. x 24cm)
Mini-ITX (Information Even smaller with only a single expansion slot; can fit into 6.7" x 6.7" (17cm
Technology eXtended) larger ATX cases for highly compact builds. x 17cm)
12.8" x 10.5"
BTX (Balanced Technology A form factor designed for improved cooling and efficiency;
(32.5cm x
eXtended) requires a BTX-compatible case as it doesn’t fit ATX cases.
26.7cm)
10.4" x 10.5"
A compact version of BTX used in mid-range systems; fits BTX
microBTX (26.4cm x
and microBTX cases.
26.7cm)

8" x 10.5"
The smallest BTX variant for low-end, small-form-factor, and
picoBTX (20.3cm x
entertainment systems; fits picoBTX, microBTX, and BTX cases.
26.7cm)

These form factors provide options for various system needs, from high-performance builds to compact
setups for specific use cases like media centers or appliances.

ATX vs. BTX Motherboard

1. BTX is the newer standard, and is the intended

successor to ATX.
2. BTX focuses more on airflow than ATX.
3. BTX requires a certain arrangement of
motherboard components to maximize cooling,
Form Factors of MotherBoard (Cont’)

motherboard components to maximize cooling,

while ATX does not.
4. The I/O ports in a BTX motherboard are located
on the bottom, while they are on top in an ATX

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 board.
5. ATX is still the widespread standard, and BTX
cases and boards are rarely found in desktops.

Here’s a comparison between ATX and BTX motherboards:

ATX vs. BTX Motherboards

1. Evolution and Adoption:

BTX is a newer design and was developed to eventually replace ATX as the standard.
Despite this intention, ATX remains the most widely used standard, while BTX has limited
adoption.
2. Airflow and Cooling:
BTX motherboards emphasize better airflow and cooling efficiency, with a layout designed
specifically to enhance cooling for critical components.
ATX motherboards do not prioritize airflow in the same way and rely on the case's cooling
setup.
3. Component Arrangement:
BTX requires specific placement of components to optimize cooling, especially around high-
heat components like the CPU and GPU.
ATX motherboards allow for more flexibility in component layout.
4. I/O Port Placement:
On BTX boards, the I/O ports are located at the bottom of the motherboard.
In contrast, ATX boards have their I/O ports positioned at the top.
5. Prevalence:
ATX remains the dominant and preferred standard for most desktop systems due to its
widespread compatibility and availability.
BTX boards and compatible cases are relatively rare and are generally not found in standard
desktops.

In summary, while BTX aimed to address some cooling limitations of the ATX design, its limited
compatibility and adoption have kept ATX as the industry standard.

give me table difference between ATX and BTX

Here is a comparison table between ATX and BTX motherboards:

Feature ATX (Advanced Technology eXtended) BTX (Balanced Technology eXtended)

Newer standard, intended as a successor to
Standard Older and widely adopted standard
ATX
Standard layout, less focus on optimized Designed to improve airflow and cooling
Airflow Design
airflow efficiency

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 Feature ATX (Advanced Technology eXtended) BTX (Balanced Technology eXtended)
Component Specific component placement to maximize
Flexible component arrangement
Layout cooling
I/O Port
Located at the top of the motherboard Located at the bottom of the motherboard
Placement
Compatible with a wide range of cases, Requires BTX-compatible cases and
Compatibility
components, and power supplies components
Rarely found in desktops due to limited
Prevalence Most common form factor in desktops
adoption
Cooling Relies more on case fans and layout for Component placement aids cooling,
Efficiency cooling reducing need for additional fans

This table summarizes the main distinctions between ATX and BTX, highlighting the design intentions
and compatibility of each form factor.

Components on a Motherboard

• Processor Socket: Processor is installed in this socket.

• Memory Slots: RAM is installed in this slot
• IDE Connectors: Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) is a standard
interface for connecting a motherboard to storage devices such as
Hard Drives, CD-ROM/DVD drives.
• PCI Slot: Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) devices such as
display card, sound card, network interface card etc. that plugs

CSC 347 10
display card, sound card, network interface card etc. that plugs
directly into a PCI slot on a computer's motherboard
• AGP or PCI-Ex Slot: it is used to connect Advanced Graphics cards.
• Power Connectors: power supply is connected to this
• Chipset: Group of specialized chips on the mother board
• Back Panel Connectors: External devices are connected to
motherboard or system through this back panel connectors

Here’s an overview of common components on a motherboard and their functions:

Component Description
Holds the CPU (Processor), which is the central component responsible for executing
Processor Socket
instructions.
Slots where RAM (memory) modules are installed to provide the system’s main working
Memory Slots
memory.
IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) connectors are used to connect storage devices like
IDE Connectors
hard drives and CD/DVD drives.
PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) slots allow connection of expansion cards,
PCI Slot
such as display, sound, and network cards.

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 Component Description
Slots designed for Advanced Graphics cards; AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) or PCI
AGP or PCI-Ex Slot
Express for higher performance.
Connects the motherboard to the power supply to distribute power to all connected
Power Connectors
components.
A group of specialized chips that control data flow between the CPU, memory, and
Chipset
peripherals.
Back Panel Connects external devices (keyboard, mouse, USB devices, etc.) to the motherboard via
Connectors the back panel.

These components work together to enable communication between different hardware parts,
providing essential connections for a fully functional computer system.

Components on a Motherboard

Processor Socket

• Processor is mounted on the motherboard in a socket

• CPU compatibility is determined largely by what the
motherboard can support
• Types of Processor Sockets:
a. Land Grid Array (LGA)
b. Pin Grid Array (PGA)

CSC 347 12

b. Pin Grid Array (PGA)

c. Ball Grid Array (BGA) Top CPU manufacturers: AMD and Intel - Advanced Micro Devices (AMD),
Inc. is an American multinational
semiconductor company based in Santa Clara County, California that develops
computer processors and related technologies for business and consumer
markets.

Motherboard and Buses 13

• Intel Corporation (commonly known as Intel and stylized as intel) is an
American multinational corporation and technology company headquartered
in Santa Clara, California, in Silicon Valley. It is the world's second largest and
second highest valued semiconductor chip manufacturer based on revenue after
being overtaken by Samsung Electronics, and is the inventor of the x86 series
of microprocessors, the processors found in most personal computers (PCs)

Here is an overview of Processor Sockets on a motherboard and the major CPU manufacturers:

Processor Socket Overview

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 Processor Socket:
This is the component on the motherboard where the CPU (processor) is mounted.
CPU compatibility depends on the type of socket supported by the motherboard, meaning
only certain processors can fit each type of socket.
Types of Processor Sockets:
1. Land Grid Array (LGA):
Pins are located on the socket itself rather than on the CPU.
Commonly used by Intel processors.
2. Pin Grid Array (PGA):
Pins are located on the processor itself, which fits into holes in the socket.
Often used by AMD processors.
3. Ball Grid Array (BGA):
CPU is permanently soldered onto the motherboard and cannot be removed or
upgraded.
Often found in laptops and embedded systems.

Top CPU Manufacturers

AMD (Advanced Micro Devices):

An American multinational semiconductor company headquartered in Santa Clara,
California.
Known for developing processors, graphics cards, and related technologies for both business
and consumer markets.
Major competitor to Intel, popular for Ryzen and EPYC series processors.
Intel Corporation:
A leading technology company headquartered in Santa Clara, California, in Silicon Valley.
Creator of the x86 series of microprocessors, widely used in most personal computers (PCs).
Produces popular processor lines like Core i3/i5/i7/i9 and Xeon for consumer and
professional use.

These manufacturers and socket types define compatibility and performance options for building and
upgrading computer systems.

Intel Socket Names Used by Processor Family Description

LGA1366
or
Socket B

Core i7

 1366 pins that touch pads on the processor

 Works with DDR3 memory
 Expected to replace LGA771 and LGA775

sockets

LGA771

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 or
Socket J

Core 2 Extreme

 771 pins that touch pads on the processor

 Used on high-end workstations and low-end

servers

 Works with DDR2 memory on boards that

Table: Sockets for Intel processors used for desktop computers

CSC 347 Lecture 2: Motherboard and Buses 14

Socket J  Works with DDR2 memory on boards that
have two processor sockets

LGA775
or
Socket T

Core 2 Extreme, Core 2 Quad, Core 2

Duo, Pentium Dual-Core, Pentium
Extreme Edition, Pentium D, Pentium
Pentium 4, Many Celeron processors

 775 lands or pads Works with DDR3 and

DDR2 memory
 Most popular Intel socket

Socket 478 Pentium 4

Celeron processors

 478 holes for pins

 Uses a dense micro PGA (mPGA)

 No longer sold

Socket 423 Pentium 4

 423 holes for pins

 39 x 39 SPGA grid
 No longer sold

Here's a table summarizing Intel processor socket types used in desktop computers:

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 Socket
Processor Family Description
Name
- 1366 pins that make contact with
pads on the processor
LGA1366
Core i7 - Supports DDR3 memory
(Socket B)
- Intended to replace LGA771 and
LGA775 sockets
- 771 pins that make contact with
pads on the processor
LGA771 - Used in high-end workstations
Core 2 Extreme
(Socket J) and low-end servers
- Supports DDR2 memory on
boards with dual processor sockets

- 775 pads make contact with

processor
Core 2 Extreme, Core 2 Quad, Core 2 Duo, Pentium Dual-
LGA775 - Supports DDR3 and DDR2
Core, Pentium Extreme Edition, Pentium D, Pentium 4,
(Socket T) memory
Celeron
- Most popular Intel socket for a
wide range of processors

- 478 holes for processor pins

- Uses a dense micro PGA (mPGA)
Socket 478 Pentium 4, Celeron
design
- No longer in production
- 423 holes for processor pins
- Arranged in a 39 x 39 SPGA
Socket 423 Pentium 4
(Staggered Pin Grid Array) grid
- No longer in production

This table provides an overview of Intel desktop sockets, their supported processor families, and some
specifications.

Table: Sockets for AMD processors used for desktop computers

AMD Socket Used by Processor Family Description
AM3 or AMD3 Phenom II

 938 holes for pins (PGA)

 Works with DDR3 memory

AM2+ or
AMD2+ Phenom II, Phenom, and Athlon

 940 holes for pins (PGA)

 Works with DDR2 memory
 Faster than AMD2

AM2 or AMD2 Athlon and Sempron

 940 holes for pins (PGA)

 Works with DDR2 memory

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 CSC 347 Lecture 2: Motherboard and Buses 15
AM2 or AMD2 Athlon and Sempron

 Works with DDR2 memory

Socket 754 Athlon and Sempron

 754 holes for pins (PGA)

 Works with DDR memory

Socket 940 Athlon

 940 holes for pins (PGA)

 Works with DDR memory

Socket 939 Athlon and Sempron

 939 holes for pins (PGA)

 Works with DDR memory
 No longer sold

Socket A Athlon, Sempron, and Duron

 462 holes for pins (PGA)

 Works with DDR memory
 Rarely sold today

Here’s a table summarizing AMD processor socket types used in desktop computers:

AMD Socket Processor Family Description

- 938 holes for pins (PGA)
AM3 (AMD3) Phenom II
- Supports DDR3 memory
- 940 holes for pins (PGA)
AM2+ (AMD2+) Phenom II, Phenom, Athlon - Supports DDR2 memory
- Faster than AM2

- 940 holes for pins (PGA)

AM2 (AMD2) Athlon, Sempron
- Supports DDR2 memory

- 754 holes for pins (PGA)

Socket 754 Athlon, Sempron
- Supports DDR memory
- 940 holes for pins (PGA)
Socket 940 Athlon
- Supports DDR memory
- 939 holes for pins (PGA)
Socket 939 Athlon, Sempron - Supports DDR memory
- No longer in production

- 462 holes for pins (PGA)

Socket A Athlon, Sempron, Duron - Supports DDR memory
- Rarely found today

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This table lists AMD sockets with their compatible processors and key specifications, providing an
overview of AMD desktop processor compatibility.

Memory Slots

Type of Slot Used for

CSC 347 16
172-pin MicroDIMM DDR SDRAM
184-pin DIMM DDR SDRAM
200-pin SO-DIMM DDR SDRAM and DDR2 SDRAM
204-pin SO-DIMM DDR3 SDRAM
214-pin MicroDIMM DDR2 SDRAM
240-pin DIMM DDR2 SDRAM, DDR3 SDRAM, and FB-DIMM DRAM

Here’s a table summarizing memory slot types and their corresponding memory modules:

Type of Slot Used For

172-pin MicroDIMM DDR SDRAM
184-pin DIMM DDR SDRAM

200-pin SO-DIMM DDR SDRAM and DDR2 SDRAM

204-pin SO-DIMM DDR3 SDRAM
214-pin MicroDIMM DDR2 SDRAM
240-pin DIMM DDR2 SDRAM, DDR3 SDRAM, and FB-DIMM DRAM

This table provides an overview of different memory slot types and their compatibility with various
memory standards.

Chipset

• Chipset refers to a group of integrated circuits or chips that are designed

to work together
• A chipset controls the system bus structures, and facilitates the
movement of data and instructions between the processor, cache
memory, and internal and external peripheral devices
• Two main chips in chipset are: memory-control-hub (Northbridge), and
I/O-control-hub (Southbridge)

CSC 347 18
I/O-control-hub (Southbridge)
– Northbridge links the CPU to very high-speed devices, especially main
memory and graphics controllers
– Southbridge connects to lower-speed peripheral buses (such as PCI). In many

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 modern chipsets, the southbridge actually contains some on-chip integrated
peripherals, such as Ethernet, USB, and audio devices

• Chipset controls the flow of bits that travel between the CPU, system
memory, and the motherboard bus
• Efficient data transfers, fast expansion bus support, and advanced power
management, and many more are the features of chipset

Here’s an overview of the chipset and its main functions in a computer:

Component Description

A group of integrated circuits (chips) on the motherboard designed to work together to

Chipset manage data flow and communication between components, including the CPU,
memory, and peripheral devices.
Northbridge
Connects the CPU to high-speed devices, mainly main memory (RAM) and graphics
(Memory-Control
controllers. Handles data transfers that require high speed and low latency.
Hub)
Connects to lower-speed peripheral buses (e.g., PCI) and often includes integrated
Southbridge (I/O-
peripherals such as Ethernet, USB, and audio. Manages communication with external
Control Hub)
devices and lower-speed components.
- Controls the flow of data between the CPU, memory, and motherboard components
- Manages system bus structures
Functions of Chipset
- Supports efficient data transfers, expansion buses, and power management
capabilities

In modern systems, the chipset enables efficient communication between essential components,
optimizing performance and power management.

Components on a Motherboard

Bus Architecture

• There are different types of buses:

– Processor Bus: Data and control signals to and from processor travel
through this bus. It is also known as front-side bus.
– Memory Bus: Data and control signals to and from primary memory
(RAM) travel through this bus.
– I/O Bus: Data and control signals to and from input and output devices

CSC 347 21
– I/O Bus: Data and control signals to and from input and output devices
travel through this bus.

Lecture 2: Motherboard and Buses

Components on a Motherboard

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 Bus Architecture (Cont’)

• Bus refers to pathways that power, data and control signals are used
to travel from one component to another in the computer
• Today’s PCs have four or five buses, each with different speeds, access
methods, and protocols
• A maze of circuits that make up a bus can be seen on the bottom of the
motherboard. These embedded wires carry four kinds of cargo:
– Electrical power. Chips on the motherboard require power to function.

CSC 347 22
– Electrical power. Chips on the motherboard require power to function.
These chips tap into a bus’s power lines and draw what they need.
– Control signals. Some wires on a bus carry control signals that coordinate
all the activity.
– Memory addresses. Components pass memory addresses to one another,
telling each other where to access data or instructions.
– Data. Data passes over a bus in a group of wires, just as memory
addresses do. The number of lines in the bus used to pass data
determines how much data can be passed in parallel at one time.

Lecture 2: Motherboard and Buses

Components on a Motherboard

Bus Architecture (Cont’)

• The system crystal (known as system bus speed)determines the speed

at which a CPU and the rest of the PC operate

• It is usually a quartz oscillator that very similar to the one in a wrist-

watch

• The quartz oscillator sends out an electric pulse at a certain speed, in

fact, many millions of times per second
• Signal goes first to a clock chip that adjusts the pulse, usually

CSC 347 23
• Signal goes first to a clock chip that adjusts the pulse, usually
increasing the pulse sent by the crystal
• As long as the PC is turned on, the quartz oscillator through the clock
chip fires a charge on the CLK wire in essence pushing the system
along
• Before installing a CPU into a system, it must make sure that the
crystal and clock chip send out the correct clock pulse for that
particular CPU

Overview of Bus Architecture on a Motherboard

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A bus refers to a set of pathways used to transfer data, control signals, and power between different
components of a computer. Different buses are used for different types of data and signals. Here’s a
breakdown:

Types of Buses:

1. Processor Bus (Front-Side Bus):

Carries data and control signals between the processor and other components.
Known as the front-side bus because it connects the CPU to the system’s main memory and
chipset.
2. Memory Bus:
Carries data and control signals to and from primary memory (RAM).
Connects the processor to the RAM, allowing the transfer of data and instructions.
3. I/O Bus:
Carries data and control signals to and from input and output devices.
Facilitates communication between the motherboard and external peripherals like keyboards,
mice, hard drives, etc.

Functions of Buses:

Electrical Power: Power lines on a bus supply the necessary electrical power for chips and
components on the motherboard.
Control Signals: Some wires carry control signals that manage the activities of the components on
the motherboard, ensuring proper operation.
Memory Addresses: Buses pass memory addresses to indicate where data or instructions should
be accessed.
Data: Data travels across the bus in parallel, depending on the number of data lines (data width).
The wider the bus, the more data can be transferred at once.

System Clock and Bus Speed:

The system clock (determined by the system crystal) controls the speed at which the CPU and
other components operate. This clock is typically a quartz oscillator that sends a pulse at a fixed
frequency.
The pulse is sent to a clock chip, which adjusts and increases the pulse to synchronize the system.
Before installing a CPU, it’s important to ensure that the system crystal and clock chip provide the
correct speed for the specific processor to function properly.

In modern systems, buses play a crucial role in the efficient flow of data and instructions, ensuring that
the CPU and other components communicate seamlessly.

Firmware

• Firmware refers to software instructions

– usually stored on ROM chips
• Firmware exits on most PC components, such as video adapter,
hard drives, network adapter, and so on

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 • These instructions are always available, resulting reprogram is

CSC 347 25
• These instructions are always available, resulting reprogram is
not required every time the computer is started

What is Firmware?

Firmware refers to a type of software that provides low-level control for the hardware of a computer. It
is typically stored in ROM (Read-Only Memory) chips or flash memory and is integral to the operation
of various hardware components.

Key Characteristics:

Stored on ROM Chips: Firmware is typically stored on non-volatile memory chips (like ROM,
EEPROM, or flash memory), meaning it is retained even when the computer is powered off.
Provides Instructions: It contains software instructions that enable the hardware components to
function properly. This can include everything from the system’s boot-up sequence to control
instructions for devices such as hard drives, network adapters, or graphics cards.
Persistent: The instructions are permanently available, so there’s no need to reprogram or reload
the firmware every time the computer is started.

Low-Level Control: Firmware operates at a lower level than the operating system, directly
controlling the hardware. It acts as a bridge between the hardware and software of the system.

Common Examples of Firmware:

BIOS/UEFI on the motherboard that initializes hardware during boot-up.

Video adapter firmware for controlling graphics output.
Hard drive firmware that manages read/write operations.
Network adapter firmware that handles communication protocols.

Overall, firmware ensures that essential hardware components are functional without requiring
software-level initialization each time the computer starts.

BIOS

• BIOS is a term that stands for basic input output system

– consists of low-level software that controls the system hardware, and acts as
an interface between the operating system (OS) and the hardware

• BIOS is not only responsible for informing the processor that the
devices are present on request but also for providing needed

CSC 347 26

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 devices are present on request but also for providing needed
instructions to communicate with them
• Whenever the processor makes a request of a component, the BIOS
steps in and translates the request into instructions that the
component can understand

Lecture 2: Motherboard and Buses

Components on a Motherboard

BIOS

• A PC system can be described as a series of layers (i.e., some

hardware and some software) that interface with each other
• In the most basic sense, a PC down into four primary layers, each of
which can be broken down further into subsets

CSC 347 27
• Two machines with different processors, storage media, video
display units, and so on can run the same OS and applications.

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)

The BIOS is a critical software component stored in the ROM (Read-Only Memory) on the motherboard.
It serves as the interface between the operating system (OS) and the hardware, allowing the OS to
communicate with various components of the system.

Key Functions of BIOS:

1. Hardware Control:
BIOS controls the system hardware by providing the necessary low-level software that
enables communication between the CPU and hardware devices such as storage devices,
video adapters, and input/output devices.
2. Initialization:
During the system boot-up process, BIOS initializes and checks the hardware components
(e.g., memory, storage, and peripherals) to ensure they are functioning properly before
handing over control to the operating system.
3. Translation of Requests:
When the processor makes requests to hardware components, the BIOS translates those
requests into instructions that the components can understand. For example, if the processor
requests to read from the hard drive, BIOS provides the necessary instructions to the drive.
4. Interface Layer:
The BIOS acts as a bridge between the operating system and the hardware, allowing for a
standardized method of interacting with system components. This means that different
machines, even with varying hardware, can run the same operating system and applications
because the BIOS abstracts the specific hardware details.

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BIOS Layers:

A PC system can be broken down into several layers of hardware and software that interface with each
other. At the most basic level, these can be described as four primary layers, each of which can be
further subdivided into subsets:

Hardware Layer: This includes components like the processor, memory, storage devices, and
peripherals.
BIOS Layer: Provides low-level control over the hardware.
Operating System Layer: Handles higher-level control and management of system resources.
Application Layer: Runs the software applications that the user interacts with.

In summary, the BIOS plays a crucial role in managing and initializing hardware components and
providing an interface for the operating system to interact with these components. It abstracts
hardware details to ensure compatibility across different systems.

BIOS and CMOS

• BIOS is special firmware stored in a

chip on computer‘s motherboard
• It is the first program that runs
every time when computer turn on
• It performs POST, which initializes
and tests computer's hardware
– locates and runs boot loader, or loads
operating system directly

• When changes made to BIOS

configuration, the settings are
stored on CMOS
– It's the name of a manufacturing
process used to create processors, RAM,
and digital logic circuits, and so on
• It holds a small amount (usually
256 bytes ) of data that includes

CSC 347 28

operating system directly

• It also provides a simple interface

for configuring computer hardware
– When starting computer, a message like
"Press F2 for setup“ appears, it is BIOS
configuration interface

256 bytes ) of data that includes

– types of disk drives installed, current

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 date and time of system, and boot
sequence

• It is integrated with the real-time

clock on the southbridge in the
motherboards
BIOS memory is non-volatile

Computer needs to remember its BIOS settings even

when it's turned off and therefore, CMOS has its own
dedicated power source, i.e. CMOS battery give me table between bios and cimos differences

Here is a table summarizing the key differences between BIOS and CMOS:

CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-

Aspect BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)
Semiconductor)
BIOS is firmware stored on the CMOS is a technology used to manufacture
Definition motherboard chip that initializes hardware chips, including the memory used to store BIOS
and provides low-level control. settings.

BIOS runs when the computer is powered CMOS stores the BIOS configuration settings
Function on, performing POST (Power-On Self-Test) such as system time, boot sequence, and
and loading the operating system. hardware configuration.
CMOS refers to a type of memory (often
BIOS is stored in ROM (Read-Only Memory)
Location associated with a small chip) on the
on the motherboard.
motherboard.
BIOS contains firmware that provides low- CMOS holds small amounts of data, including
Data Stored level control for hardware initialization and the current date, time, boot sequence, and disk
system startup. drive configuration.
BIOS memory is non-volatile, meaning it CMOS memory is also non-volatile, but requires
Non-Volatility retains data even when the power is a small battery (CMOS battery) to retain data
turned off. when the computer is powered off.

Does not require a continuous power Requires a CMOS battery to maintain its
Power Source
source for retention. settings when the computer is turned off.
BIOS settings can be modified through the CMOS settings are modified via the BIOS setup
Modification
BIOS setup interface, often accessed interface, but the actual data is stored in the
Interface
during boot (e.g., pressing F2). CMOS chip.
Role in System BIOS performs the POST and loads the CMOS stores the settings that BIOS uses to
Startup operating system. configure the system during boot.

Summary:

BIOS is the firmware that controls hardware initialization and booting up the system.
CMOS refers to the memory where BIOS settings are stored and is powered by a battery to
maintain those settings when the computer is off.

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 Motherboard Connectors

• All of the components of a computer directly or indirectly connect

to motherboard and some are in-built
• The connection can be in the following ways:
– On Board Connection: In this connection, component is fixed on to
board using slots and sockets on motherboard
• Examples: processor, RAM, network card, AGP, etc

CSC 347 29

• Examples: processor, RAM, network card, AGP, etc

– Internal Connection: Components inside the System case connects to
mother board using connectors
• Examples: HDD, CD/DVD Drive, etc.
– External Connection: Components external to the system case are
connected through back-panel
• Examples: keyboard, mouse, speaker, etc.• In motherboard, a slot is used to fix an adapter card in
to it
• Most common types of slot:
– Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) Slots: PCI is bus to connect the
expansion cards like network card, modem card, video card, etc. PCI Express (PCIe): This slot is as
PCI but with numerous improvements such
as maximum system bus throughput, high speed, and low pin count • Most common types of slot
(Cont’):
– Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) Slot: AGP is a high-speed point-to-point
channel for attaching a video card to a computer's motherboard, primarily to
assist in the acceleration of 3D computer graphics. It is more a high
performance point-to-point connection used only by video cards. But now
AGP cards are connected in to PCIe slots.

CSC 347 32

Transfer rates comparison of the PCI, AGP, and PCIe buses

Lecture 2: Motherboard and Buses

Components on a Motherboard
Motherboard Connectors (Cont’)

• Most common types of slot (Cont’):

– AGP Slot (Cont’): With a few exceptions, all graphics cards being released as
of 2009 from ATI and NVIDIA use PCI Express. NVIDIA uses the high
bandwidth data transfer of PCIe for its scalable link interface (SLI) technology,
which allows multiple graphics cards of the same chipset and model number
to be run in tandem, allowing increased performance.

CSC 347 33

AGP cards for different slots

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 Lecture 2: Motherboard and Buses

Components on a Motherboard
Motherboard Connectors (Cont’)

– Power connectors:
• Switched-mode power supply
(SMPS) supplies power to
mother board
• ATX, BTX, LPX, microATX, Flex

ITX, and so on are the form-

factors of power supply are

CSC 347 34

ITX, and so on are the form-

factors of power supply are

available. Advanced Technology

Extension (ATX) is widely used.
The ATX specification requires
the power supply to produce
three main outputs: +3.3 V, +5 V,
and +12 V

ATX Power connectors

Lecture 2: Motherboard and Buses

Components on a Motherboard
Motherboard Connectors (Cont’)

• Parallel ATA (PATA) and Serial ATA (SATA) Connectors:

– PATA is 40 Pins connector. A ribbon cable connects the HDD and CD/DVD to
the interface.
 Typically, older systems use the primary ATA (PATA) channel connector for hard
disks, and the secondary channel for optical drives

– On the other hand, SATA is the high speed interface with seven conductors.
SATA ribbon cable can be of 1 meter, and it enables hot-plugging.
 Newer systems use SATA connections for the hard drive and PATA for the optical

CSC 347 35
 Newer systems use SATA connections for the hard drive and PATA for the optical
drives or possibly even SATA connections for all drives

PATA and SATA drive connectors

Lecture 2: Motherboard and Buses

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 Components on a Motherboard
Motherboard Connectors (Cont’)

• Back Panel Connectors: ATX boards have a unique double-high connector area
(computer case back panel) for all the built-in connectors on the motherboard.
They are used to plug the mouse, keyboard, monitor, printer, sound, and other
available peripherals

CSC 347 36

Back panel connectors

Lecture 2: Motherboard and Buses

Components on a Motherboard
Motherboard Connectors (Cont’)

Back panel connectors

• Mouse/Keyboard: The standard PS/2® mouse/keyboard DIN connector is for a PS/2®

mouse/keyboard.
• USB Port: The USB (Universal Serial Bus) port is for attaching USB devices such as keyboard,
mouse, or other USB-compatible devices.

CSC 347 Lecture 2: Motherboard and Buses 37

mouse, or other USB-compatible devices.
• LAN: The standard RJ-45 LAN jack is for connection to the Local Area Network (LAN). You can
connect a network cable to it.
• VGA Port: The DB15-pin female connector is provided for monitor.
• HDMI Port (optional): The High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is an all-digital
audio/video interface capable of transmitting uncompressed streams. HDMI supports all TV
format, including standard, enhanced, or high-definition video, plus multi-channel digital audio
on a single cable.
• DVI Port (optional): The DVI (Digital Visual Interface) connector allows you to connect a LCD
monitor. It provides a high-speed digital interconnection between the computer and its display
device. To connect an LCD monitor, simply plug your monitor cable into the DVI connector, and
make sure that the other end of the cable is properly connected to your monitor.

Here is a summary of Motherboard Connectors and the most common types of slots and their
functions:

Connector Type Description

On Board Components fixed on the motherboard using slots and sockets (e.g., processor, RAM,
Connection network card).
Internal Components inside the system case connected to the motherboard using connectors (e.g.,
Connection HDD, CD/DVD drive).

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 Connector Type Description
External Components outside the system case connected through the back-panel (e.g., keyboard,
Connection mouse, speaker).

Types of Slots:

Slot Type Description

PCI (Peripheral Component Bus for connecting expansion cards like network cards, video cards, and sound
Interconnect) cards.
Improved version of PCI with high-speed throughput, low pin count, and better
PCIe (PCI Express)
performance.
AGP (Accelerated Graphics High-speed channel for connecting video cards, primarily used for 3D graphics.
Port) AGP is mostly replaced by PCIe for newer graphics cards.

Power Connectors:

Power Connector Type Description

SMPS (Switched-Mode Power Supplies power to the motherboard and other components. Form factors
Supply) include ATX, BTX, LPX, etc.
Common power connectors providing +3.3 V, +5 V, and +12 V to the
ATX Power Connectors
motherboard.

Storage Connectors:

Connector Type Description

PATA (Parallel 40-pin connector used for hard drives and optical drives. Older systems typically use PATA for
ATA) optical drives.
SATA (Serial 7-pin high-speed connector for hard drives and optical drives, allowing hot-plugging. Newer
ATA) systems use SATA for all drives.

Back Panel Connectors:

Connector Type Description

PS/2
Standard PS/2 connector for connecting mice and keyboards.
Mouse/Keyboard
USB Port Universal Serial Bus for connecting various USB devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse, etc.).
LAN (RJ-45) For connecting to Local Area Networks (LAN).
VGA Port DB15-pin female connector for connecting monitors.
High-Definition Multimedia Interface for transmitting uncompressed audio/video
HDMI Port (Optional)
streams.

DVI Port (Optional) Digital Visual Interface for connecting to LCD monitors.

These connectors and slots allow a motherboard to interface with various components, from internal
storage devices to external peripherals, making it a crucial part of the computer's functionality.

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 PATA vs SATA

Here is a comparison between PATA (Parallel ATA) and SATA (Serial ATA):

Feature PATA (Parallel ATA) SATA (Serial ATA)

Data Transfer Faster, with speeds starting at 150 MB/s and
Slower, typically up to 133 MB/s
Speed going up to 6 Gb/s (SATA III)
Data Transfer Parallel (multiple data signals
Serial (data sent in a single stream of bits)
Method transmitted simultaneously)
40-pin ribbon cable, larger and
Connector Type 7-pin cable, smaller and more flexible
bulkier
Cable Length Typically up to 18 inches Can be longer, typically up to 1 meter (39 inches)
No (cannot remove or connect while Yes (supports hot swapping for easier
Hot Swapping
the system is running) connections/disconnections)

Power
Higher, due to multiple data lines Lower, more efficient as it uses fewer wires
Consumption
Backward No, PATA devices cannot use SATA No, SATA devices are not compatible with PATA
Compatibility ports ports
Larger (40 pins for PATA, 80 pins for
Connector Size Smaller (7 pins)
the cable with shielding)
Older systems, primarily for hard Modern systems, used for hard drives, SSDs, and
Common Uses
drives and optical drives optical drives

Typically cheaper but becoming less Slightly more expensive, but widely available and
Cost
available standard

Key Differences:

1. Speed: SATA offers much faster data transfer speeds than PATA, which is critical for modern
storage devices like SSDs.
2. Cable Size: SATA cables are smaller, more flexible, and easier to manage inside a case compared to
the bulky PATA ribbon cables.
3. Hot Swapping: SATA allows devices to be swapped while the system is running, unlike PATA, which
requires the system to be powered down for safe connection/disconnection.
4. Power Efficiency: SATA is more power-efficient, using fewer pins and less power, making it more
suitable for mobile devices like laptops.

Overall, SATA has largely replaced PATA in modern computing due to its speed, efficiency, and flexibility.

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