What Makes a Computer – Part 2: The Motherboard

The motherboard is probably the most crucial and least talked about component of your personal computer. Much like a computer’s version of the nervous system, the motherboard is responsible for communication between all the components of the system as well as providing them power.

As we had mentioned before, your typical desktop PC consists of many components such as the CPU, hard drive, and other such devices. These devices are all connected to the motherboard in some form and the motherboard utilizes their capabilities to create what you know as your computer.

The motherboard, just like your case, also comes in many shapes and sizes. They also both share the previously talked about term “Form Factor” in reference to these sizes. In fact, the form factor of the motherboard is directly related to that of the case. For instance, your standard motherboard (also known in the industry as an ATX form factor motherboard) is designed for your mid to large form factor cases. Whereas those small “mini computer” motherboards such as shuttles are mirco-ATX and this name is shared by those sizes of cases as well.

Not all motherboards are created equal. There is quite a wide range of capability differences between them. In fact, in most cases, the larger the motherboard, the more hardware you can attach to it. The resulting computer therefore will have more functionality, power, and potential.

An example is the previously mentioned micro-ATX form factor. While a capable everyday use PC, or perhaps a media center, a micro-ATX motherboard and case combination isn’t going to be a gaming power house, nor will it do high end graphics applications particularly well.

On the other hand, a full sized tower with an ATX motherboard can be a monster of a computer in both power and upgradability.

Like your case, the appearance of a motherboard can vary wildly depending on its design and size. But in general, all motherboards essentially look like a big circuit board stuck to the back of your computer’s case. Here is an example of a motherboard with components attached:

Like the chassis of the computer defines how your computer looks sitting beside your desk, the motherboard defines just how much capability your computer has. It defines the what type of CPU you use, how much memory you can have installed, even how powerful your video card can be in some cases.

It is the most integral part of your computer, and indeed the most often overlooked.