If you’re just starting out in the world of computer building or shopping around for the best models, you’re familiar with the term “motherboard.”
The motherboard is frequently referred to as a computer system’s backbone. Without it, everything from the hard drive to the memory doesn’t work correctly.
The general user doesn’t concern themselves too much with choosing a motherboard in their system. As long as their computer does what they bought it to do, all is well in their technology world.
But if you’re building your system or looking for the highest-powered computer, you can't overlook the importance of a motherboard.
1. What Does a Motherboard Do?
Computers have five basic parts that are integral to their function. They need a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit, memory, a hard disk or solid-state drive, and a motherboard.
The motherboard is the nucleus of all of these components. It’s the hub that connects everything.
This circuit regulates anything that requires power to function, called the “mainboard.”
It’s the piece that lets every component and peripherals connect and work together. That’s pretty much an “essential” job.
2. What’s in a Motherboard?
No matter where you get your motherboard, it’s going to have a few consistent components built into it.
The individual parts combine to make a whole that makes the overall system run uniquely. In a motherboard, you’ll see:
- The system bus
- The BIOS
- The CMOS
- The Chipset
- Multiple ports and sockets that include things like the Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP), the Universal Serial Bus (USB), and the Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE)
These parts together define the layout and shape of the entire motherboard. This is called its “form factor.”
The general form factor is based on a standard design. This way, individual components can be built to fit every motherboard, regardless of the specs. As long as they're all compatible with each other, the system works.
However, keep in mind that there are different motherboards. They’re not all compatible with the video card, CPU, or other peripheral you might be dead set on using.
For example, if you’re running a Hackintosh, you need top-of-the-line, powerful components. Dossier Labs does a thorough job of breaking down suitable motherboards for this macOS simulator here.
The same theory applies to any system you’re running. Compatibility is the key to finding the perfect motherboard for your design.
3. Motherboards in Other Devices
Each original equipment manufacturer (OEM) can have its own motherboard design. An OEM puts together computers using other company’s parts. The whole system is then sold under the OEM’s brand name (think: Dell, HP, and Acer).
The OEM designs the motherboard to fit the model of each computer. The standard form of including all the basic pieces is followed, but the overall look and placement may be different.
Before you try to replace an OEM’s motherboard with a retail version, you’ll need to make sure all the parts are compatible. Otherwise, stick with the OEM’s replacement parts or a third-party retailer.
Replacing a Motherboard in Other Devices
Your phone and tablets are computer systems, too. They have a “motherboard;” it’s just called a logic board instead.
The major difference between a computer system’s motherboard and your phone or other device’s is the size. A logic board operates in much the same way as a larger command center. But it has to be much smaller.
The unit’s processor and random access memory (RAM) are so sensitive and minuscule that they’re soldered to the board. You can’t replace them, upgrade them, or otherwise make adaptations. And there aren’t extra slots and sockets to bring in more parts.
You can start from scratch and build your own smartphone or another device. Again, the components you’ll use all revolve around the logic board (i.e., motherboard) you choose to start with.
Conclusion
From beginner to expert, everyone knows there’s a motherboard in their device. However, they might not realize exactly how important it is to optimal functioning.
Everything revolves around your device’s motherboard working as it should. Whether you’re building your own or trying to find the one that will be ideal for your needs, always start with the specs of this central component.
You can replace other pieces, but if the motherboard doesn’t do what you want, an entire upgrade is in your near future.
