Computer Application Software
Computer Application Software
Skill: Identify
Content: Types and parts of motherboard.
Context: Types and parts of motherboard in assemble computer hardware.
Learning Episode 1.
A. Motivation
a. This afternoon, you will be going to identify materials necessary to complete the
work in accordance with established procedures and check against system
requirements. Specifically the types and parts of the motherboard.
b. It is important to identify the types and parts of the motherboard because it is
essential for building, upgrading or troubleshooting a computer
c. At the end of the lesson, you will be able to identify the types and parts of the
motherboard.
B. Probe and Respond
1. Unlocking of Terms
ATX (Advance Technology Extended).- it is the most common and
standard motherboard size for desktop computers. ATX motherboards
measures 12 x 9.6 inches, and they usually have seven expansion slots
and multiple ports and connector for various peripherals.
ITX(Information Technology Extended) – a family of a very small PC
motherboards.
ROM (Read-Only Memory) – is non-volatile memory type. This means it
receives data and permanently writes it on a chip and it last even after
you turn off your computer. The data is coded to not be overwritten, so it’s
used for things like your printer software or startup programs.
PCI ( Peripheral Component Interconnect)- is a local computer bus for
attaching hardware devices in a computer.
USB (Universal Serial Bus) – is a mechanism used to connect
peripheral devices to computers.
DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) – is a digital optical disc data storage
format.
GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is an electronic circuit that can perform
mathematical calculations at high speed.
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) - is a proprietary
audio/video interface for transmitting uncompressed video data
compressed or uncompressed digital audio data from an HDMI –
compliant source.
DVI (Digital Visual Interface) – is a video display interface developed by
the Digital Display Working Group. The digital interface is used to connect
a video source, such as video display controller, to a display device, such
as a computer monitor.
2. Pre-requisite Skills
Note to the teacher: The teacher will present a picture for the student to guess.
Possible Questions:
1. What is the answer to the puzzle?
2. Why is the motherboard so important ? Explain your answer.
The motherboard is the main circuit board of your computer and is also known as the
mainboard or logic board. If you ever open your computer, the biggest piece of silicon you
see is the motherboard. Attached to the motherboard, you’ll find the CPU, ROM, memory
RAM expansion slots, PCI slots, and USB ports. It also includes controllers for devices like
the hard drive, DVD drive , keyboard and mouse. Basically, the motherboard is what makes
everything in your computer work together.
Different Types of Motherboard
Probably the most common form factor for motherboards is the ATX form factor. The board
is approximately 12’’ x 9.6” (30cm x 24cm).
2. Mini ATX
A mini-ATX motherboard is a slightly smaller variation of the full ATZ size that measure 11.2
‘’ x 8.2 ‘’ (28cm x 21cm). The main difference between ATX and mini-ATX is the number of
buses and possibly memory slots on the motherboard. Mounting holes for both are located in
the same place, making them interchangeable in most cases. A case that supports an ATX
motherboard can also support mini-ATX motherboard.
3. Micro ATX
The micro-ATX form factor is an even smaller version of the ATX standard, with a maximum
size of 9.6’’ x 9.6’’ (24cm x 24cm). The faceplate line up to the exact same position as in all
other versions of 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 accommodate micro ATX motherboard. The terms mini-ATX
and micro-ATX are often used interchangeable.
4. Flex ATX
The size OF Flex ATX is 9’’ x 7.5’’ (22.9cm x 19.1cm). It is derived from Micro ATX and is
used in small computer cases.
5. Mini ITX
Going down in size we have a mini ITX motherboard with a maximum size of 6.7 ‘’ x 6.7”
( 17cm x 17cm ). Notice that 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. However, we usually
use a small factor case for this motherboard.
6. Em ITX
Measures of Nano ITX are 4.7’’ x 4.7’’ ( 12 cm x 12 cm). It is used with smaller devices like
set-top boxes, car PC’s, media centers, and other embedded devices.
7. Pico ITX
8. Mobile ITX
Mobile ITX is the smallest form factor with the size of 2.4’’ x 2.4’’ ( 6cm x 6 cm).
Mini DTX is a shorter version of DTX form factor. Dimensions are 8’’ x 6.7’’ (20.3 cm x 170
cm).
SSI form factors were developed by SSI ( Server System Infrastructure ) forum, and are
intended for dual or multi-processor motherboards used in servers and or even workstations.
SSI form factors were derived from ATX specification, so they have the same rear panel, IO
connectors are larger than ATX, so SSI motherboards will not fit cases designed for
standard ATX. The computer case has to be designed for larger than standard ATX form
factor, Three SSI form factors are CEB ( Compact Electronics Bay ), EEB ( Enterprise
Electronics Bay ), and MEB ( Midrange Electronics Bay ). The smallest of them is SSI SEB
and the size is 12’’ x 10.5’’ (30.5 cm x 26.7 cm).
The SSI MEB size is 16.2’’ x 13’’ ( 41,1 cm x 33cm). It is longer in order to provide space for
two additional CPU sockets.
There are a few main differences with the BTX form factor. Notice that the faceplate is on the
opposite end. Another differences is that the hole positions are different. Also, the processor
socket is slightly rotated so that it is at an angle to the system board. This rotation is to aid in
the airflow across the processor to assist in cooling the processor. The BTX motherboard will
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 for factor has not been widely adopted despite its improvements over ATX and related
standards. .As a result, the availability and variety of BTX compatible components is limited.
14. NLX Form Factor
The NLX is an older style form factor that is not used very often anymore. We might see it in
some older motherboards but it’s not likely to encounter it with newer motherboards.
NLX is an older form factor used for slimline desktop-style computers. NLX is an
improvement over an even earlier LPX form factor. Notice that this motherboard has no
expansion slots for the PCI or ISA bus. The NLX form factor is used in slim line cases that
are very short.
In order to accommodate expansion cards, we use a tab on the edge of the motherboard.
We insert a Riser Card on the end of the motherboard. Riser Card is then used for
expansion cads, so that now expansion cards lay flat rather than being perpendicular to the
motherboard. The riser card does not have built-in ports for audio, joystick,USB network or
modem.
PARTS OF A MOTHERBOARD
BIOS or Basic Input Output System is where all the information and settings for the
motherboard are stored. It can be accessed, updated and modified via the BIOS mode.
The CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semi-Conductor) battery is what’s responsible for
keeping all the information intact when the entire system is shutdown.
The CMOS battery can be removed to reset the BIOS after a failed update or if you
overclock your RAM beyond its capabilities.
2. Input/output Ports
It’s an interface or a point of connection between the computer and its peripheral devices.
Some of the common peripherals are mouse, keyboard, monitor or display unit, printer,
speaker, flash drive etc.
The internal storage device connectors are where you will connect your storage devices,
such as mechanical hard drives and solid- state drives. These storage devices need to be
connected to the motherboard for data to be submitted and retrieved.
Don’t forget while HDDs and SDDs do the same thing ( store data), there is a big difference
between how HHDs and SDDs accomplish this.
IDE, or Integrated Drive Electronics, is used to hook up disk drives, floppy disks, HDDs. This
is a 40-pin male connector that connects the HDD.
As technology advance , IDE connectors became obsolete. Now the SATA connector (Serial
Advanced Technology Attachment) is the standard connector with a 7-pin interface. Despite
having 33 fewer pins, this is faster than the IDE connectors.
4. Power Connectors
The SMPS ( switched-mode power supply) then utilizes this power to keep the motherboard
running.
This is where you connect the Power Switch, LED power indicator, Reset Switch and the
HDD LED cables. The front audio port and front USB are also connected here. These
connections are usually located at the bottom part of the motherboard.
6. CPU Socket
The CPU socket is where your CPY (processor) is installed. This is where the processing
and transfer of data happens. Your CPU is one of the most important parts of your computer,
so you often choose your motherboard based on compatibility with the CPU you intend to
use. The CPU needs to be 100% compatible with the motherboard socket for it work.
The video card slot lets you install a dedicated GPU and boost the graphical performance of
your computer further than an AMD APU or Intel CPU would. This goes to the high data
slots, like the PCIe slot or AGP slot. Ports include, but are not limited to, (depends on the
card):
HDMI
DVI
DisplayPort
USB-C
The network card slot is where you put the Network Interface Card (NIC). This allows you to
connect to other computer networks via LAN or the internet. It has an RJ-45 port at the
back.
This is where you connect your network card so you can connect to the internet through the
telephone line. Obviously, this is an older technology than the above NIC. This typically has
2 RJ -11 connectors to connect to the telephone.
This is where audio cards fit. They convert electrical signals to the audio signals or sounds
that we can hear. Depending on the type of audio, there will be different types of ports found
at the back. But it usually has several 3.5mm ports used for the following:
Microphone
Speaker
Recorder
Gaming Joystick
RAM or Random Access Memory, slots are one of the important parts on a motherboard.
The RAM slots are, unsurprisingly, where you place the RAM modules. There is the SIMM
slot ( Single in-line memory module) that only supports a 32-bits bus and there is the DIMM
slot (Dual inline memory module) that can simultaneously run with a 64-bit bus.
9. M.2 Slot
The northbridge chip is connected directly to the CPU and handles fast communication
between the CPU and performance-sensitive components such as the graphics card and
system memory.
It is also connected to the southbridge chip that acts as a communications hub too.
However, the southbridge communicates with less performance-sensitive components susch
as USB ports, storage devices, onboard nteworks and audio chips.
Nowadays modern CPUs have the northbridge inside of them, which is why you can’t find a
northbridge on modern motherboards., This is a faster, more responsive system and has
reduced latency when compared to the older, on-board northbridge.
The southbridge chip, however in on the physical motherboard but is usually covered with a
heatsink that’s engraved with the logo of the motherboard’s brand.
Since the introduction of the Intel 5 series, Intel calls the southbridge the Platform Controller
Hub, or PCH, while AMD still calls it the southbridge.
ROM CHIP
ROM is where critical information needed to start a computer is stored. It’s very hard ( if not
impossible) to modify the content of ROM.
Unlike RAM , where information is lost when power is turned off, ROM retains the content
even the computer is turned off. This is why RAM is considered ‘’ volatile ‘’ while ROM in
non’volatile.’’
VRM also called a processor power module (PPM) is a component that acts very similar to a
computer power supply unit (PSU). It cuts down the voltage, a process that actually happens
several times before the electricity even reaches your home, to provide the CPU with the
exact amount of voltage it needs.
ASRock
Asus
Biostar
EVGA Corporation
Gigabyte Technology
I Do
Note to the teacher: At this point, I will identify types and parts or the motherboard.
Mobile ITX It is the smallest form factor with the size of 2.4’’ x 2.4’’
( 6cm x 6 cm).
SSI CEB SSI form factors were developed by SSI ( Server System
Infrastructure ) forum, and are intended for dual or multi-
processor motherboards used in servers and or even
workstations. SSI form factors were derived from ATX
specification, so they have the same rear panel, IO connectors
are larger than ATX, so SSI motherboards will not fit cases
designed for standard ATX. The computer case has to be
designed for larger than standard ATX form factor.
BTX Form Factor The faceplate is on the opposite end. The hole positions
are different. Also, the processor socket is slightly rotated
so that it is at an angle to the system board.
NLX Form Factor Is an older style form factor that is not used very often
anymore. We might see it in some older motherboards
but it’s not likely to encounter it with newer motherboards.
BIOS And CMOS Is where all the information and settings for the
motherboard are stored. It can be accessed, updated and
modified via the BIOS mode.
IDE and SATA Connector The internal storage device connectors are where you will
( Storage Device Connectors) connect your storage devices, such as mechanical hard
drives and solid- state drives. These storage devices
need to be connected to the motherboard for data to be
submitted and retrieved.
Front I/O Connectors This is where you connect the Power Switch, LED power
indicator, Reset Switch and the HDD LED cables. The
front audio port and front USB are also connected here.
These connections are usually located at the bottom part
of the motherboard.
Expansion Card Slots This is where you add extra components such as video
card, network card, audio card, or PCIe SSD. The slots
are located in the bottom half of the motherboard below
the CPU socket.
Modem Card Slot This is where you connect your network card so you can connect to the internet
through the telephone line. Obviously, this is an older technology than the
above NIC. This typically has 2 RJ -11 connectors to connect to the telephone .
Network Card Slot This is where you put the Network Interface Card (NIC).
This allows you to connect to other computer networks
via LAN or the internet. It has an RJ-45 port at the back.
Video Card Slot This is where you install a dedicated GPU and boost the
graphical performance of your computer further than an
AMD APU or Intel CPU would. This goes to the high data
slots, like the PCIe slot or AGP slot. Ports include, but are
not limited to, (depends on the card):
Audio Card Slot This is where audio cards fit. They convert electrical
signals to the audio signals or sounds that we can hear.
RAM (Memory) Slots This slots are one of the important parts on a
motherboard.
We Do:
The teacher together with the students will identify types and parts of the
motherboard.
_____1. Is where all the information and settings for the motherboard are stored. It can be
accessed, updated and modified via the BIOS mode. Expected Answer: BIOS And CMOS
_____2. It is a socket is where your CPU (processor) is installed. Expected Answer: CPU
Socket
____3. This is where audio cards fit. They convert electrical signals to the audio signals or
sounds that we can hear. Expected Answer: Audio Card Slot
____4. This is where you install a dedicated GPU and boost the graphical performance of
your computer further than an AMD APU or Intel CPU would. This goes to the high data
slots, like the PCIe slot or AGP slot. Ports include, but are not limited to, (depends on the
card):
Expected Answer: Video Card Slot
____5. It is the most common form factor for motherboards is the ATX form factor. The
board is approximately 12’’ x 9.6” (30cm x 24cm). Expected Answer: ATX Form Factor
(Full ATX)
____6. Is an older style form factor that is not used very often anymore. We might see it in
some older motherboards but it’s not likely to encounter it with newer motherboards.
____7. The size is 16.2’’ x 13’’ ( 41,1 cm x 33cm). It is longer in order to provide space for
two additional CPU sockets.
Expected Answer: SSI MEB
____8. The measure of ITX are 4.7’’ x 4.7’’ ( 12 cm x 12 cm). It is used with smaller devices
like set-top boxes, car PC’s, media centers, and other embedded devices.
____9. The size is 9’’ x 7.5’’ (22.9cm x 19.1cm). It is derived from Micro ATX and is used in
small computer cases.
____10. Is an even smaller version of the ATX standard, with a maximum size of 9.6’’ x 9.6’’
(24cm x 24cm). The faceplate line up to the exact same position as in all other versions of
ATX
Note to the teacher: The teacher will show the actual motherboard if available.
If the students answer correctly give him/her positive praise, like “Very Good”, Good Job”
you got the correct answer!
You Do:
Pick and Tell
Note to the teacher: The teacher will show a mystery box, and call students to pick one
inside the mystery box then let them identify what type or parts of the motherboard.
Expected Answer:
Network Card Slot This is where you put the Network Interface Card (NIC).
This allows you to connect to other computer networks via LAN or the internet. It
has an RJ-45 port at the back.
Power Connectors The ATX ( Advanced Technology eXtended )
connector ( found in more recent motherboards) has 20 or 24-pin female connectors.
This is the largest connector on the motherboards, as this draws out the needed
power directly from the power supply.
ATX Form Factor (Full ATX) Probably the most common form factor for
motherboards is the ATX form factor. The board is approximately 12’’ x 9.6” (30cm x
24cm).
Learning Episode 3
a. Guided Practice
Note to the Teacher: Give this activity with an activity sheet and distribute it by group)
Teacher says: Go to your group and identify the types and parts of the motherboard.
1. This is where you add extra components such as video card, network card, audio
card, or PCIe SSD. The slots are located in the bottom half of the motherboard
below the CPU socket.
a.. Modem Card Slot b. Expansion Card slots c. Video card slots d. Network
card slots 1._________
2. Is an even smaller version of the ATX standard, with a maximum size of 9.6’’ x 9.6’’
(24cm x 24cm). The faceplate line up to the exact same position as in all other
versions of ATX
a. Mini ATX b. Micro ATX c. ATX Form Factor d. Flex ATX 2._________
5. Is an older style form factor that is not used very often anymore. We might see it in
some older motherboards but it’s not likely to encounter it with newer motherboards.
a. NLX Form Factor b. BTX Form Factor c. Mobile ITC d. Mini DTX 5.________
Directions: Identify the parts of the motherboard. Choose your answer inside the box.
HEATSINK BACK PANEL AND I/O CONNECTORS CPU SOCKET
b. Independent practice:
Note to the teacher: The students are given another activity sheet.
Teacher says: Individual, identify types of the motherboard according to function and task.
Learning Episode 4
Evaluation
Independent practice will serve as an evaluation itself.
Prepared by:
MARICEL O. MAÑABO
Sub-Teacher 1
Checked by:
EMMA BATOY
MASTER TEACHER-1