Motherboards - Components

'Components' is a moderately vague term to describe this section, but the items to be covered are diverse. Computer systems all use memory, storage devices, & power supplies, but among the plenty of differences motherboards have is the type & quantity of connections for these parts.

Most modern systems use DDR memory, but DDR-2 memory is becoming more common & will finally become the standard. Although some boards provide slots for both types of memory, it is usually the case that either or the other know-how is supported. Besides operating differently, the physical difference of DDR having 184 pins & DDR-2 having 240 pins prevents them from being interchangeable. Going forward, users must select whether they require to jump on the new know-how bandwagon when selecting a motherboard, or to try to continue using their existing DDR for as long as feasible. Irrespective of know-how, most motherboards come with to slots for memory, although as mentioned, Mini-ITX boards may offer slot.

Hard drive know-how is changing, as mentioned in the Tech Tip comparing SATA to ATA hard drives. Most motherboards over the past few years have offered ATA connections, which could support up to drives. With SATA rising in popularity, some boards now offer a combination of ATA & SATA connections, while others have abandoned ATA all together, & in lieu offer multiple SATA connections which only support drive each. In addition to type & quantity, motherboards can also offer choices in hard drive capabilities by integrating RAID controllers onboard, as found on the ASUS K8V SE Deluxe.

As systems become more advanced, they plenty of times impose special power requirements to keep them jogging smoothly. Most motherboards feature the typical0 pin ATX power connector, while some server boards may have a 24 pin connection in its place. Motherboards for AMD Athlon 64 & Pentium processors will have a second power connection located in close propinquity to the CPU socket for providing the additional power that today's high finish processors demand. This special pin connection is not found on every AMD Socket A motherboard, but it will most definitely be located on an AMD Socket 939 motherboard. Power supplies have been including this special connection for years, but for those upgrading an elderly method with a used motherboard, the power supply may be more items that have to be upgraded as well.