CompTIA exam study guide presentations by instructor Brian Ferrill, PACE-IT (Progressive, Accelerated Certifications for Employment in Information Technology) "Funded by the Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Grant #TC-23745-12-60-A-53" Learn more about the PACE-IT Online program: www.edcc.edu/pace-it

1. Introduction to the
motherboard.

2. Page 2
Instructor, PACE-IT Program – Edmonds Community College
Areas of Expertise Industry Certifications
 PC Hardware
 Network Administration
 IT Project Management
 Network Design
 User Training
 IT Troubleshooting
Qualifications Summary
Education
 M.B.A., IT Management, Western Governor’s University
 B.S., IT Security, Western Governor’s University
Entrepreneur, executive leader, and proven manger
with 10+ years of experience turning complex issues
into efficient and effective solutions.
Strengths include developing and mentoring diverse
workforces, improving processes, analyzing
business needs and creating the solutions
required— with a focus on technology.

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– Introducing the motherboard.
– Different form factors.
– Common factors of the motherboard.
PACE-IT.

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Introduction to the motherboard.

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The motherboard is the
physical foundation layer
for every system.
The motherboard is also known by other names: the
system board, the base board, the MB, the MoBo.
The motherboard, along with the BIOS, establishes
what the system is and what components may be
present. Some motherboards are very simple and
some are very complex, but they all do basically the
same thing—lay the foundation of the system.
Introduction to the motherboard.

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Introduction to the motherboard.

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– ATX
» The basic form factor for a full size, full power PC.
» 305 mm X 244 mm.
– Micro-ATX
» More compact, usually a little less capable than the ATX.
» Sizes may vary within a range.
» 244 mm X 244 mm down to 171.45 mm X 171.45 mm.
– ITX (Mini-ITX)
» Low power consumption, but even more compact.
» Often doesn’t require the use of fan for system cooling.
» 170 mm X 170 mm.
– Nano-ITX and Pico-ITX
» 120 mm X 120 mm & 10 mm X 7.2 mm.
» Tend to be used for specialty applications, very low
power consumption capabilities.
Introduction to the motherboard.

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Introduction to the motherboard.

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– Disclaimer.
» As a general rule, these factors are present on all ATX
and most ITX motherboards, but it is up to the
manufacturer to decide what is present and what is not.
– Common factors.
» CPU sockets.
» RAM slots.
» Chipsets (North Bridge, South Bridge, and BIOS).
» Power connections (main power and CPU power).
» Fan connections.
» Expansion slots.
» Back panel connections.
» Front panel connections (USB, audio, power button,
power light, hdd activity light, reset button).
Introduction to the motherboard.

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Introduction to the motherboard.
The motherboard is the physical foundation layer of any computer system.
In conjunction with the BIOS it determines what components may or may
not connect to the PC. Also known as: the system board, the base board,
the MoBo, the MB.
Topic
Introducing the motherboard.
Summary
ATX: Full size, full power. Mini-ATX: more compact than the ATX and the
size can vary. ITX: smaller, lower power consumption option; good for
situations where a fan is not desired for cooling.
Different form factors.
Designated spots for: CPU, RAM, chipsets, power, expansion slots, back
panel connectors, front panel connectors, and—in most cases—fans.
Common factors of the
motherboard.

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THANK YOU!

12. This workforce solution was 100 percent funded by a $3 million grant awarded by the
U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. The solution was
created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S.
Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or
assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including
any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the
information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability
or ownership. Funded by the Department of Labor, Employment and Training
Administration, Grant #TC-23745-12-60-A-53.
PACE-IT is an equal opportunity employer/program and auxiliary aids and services are
available upon request to individuals with disabilities. For those that are hearing
impaired, a video phone is available at the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD)
office in Mountlake Terrace Hall 159. Check www.edcc.edu/ssd for office hours. Call
425.354.3113 on a video phone for more information about the PACE-IT program. For
any additional special accommodations needed, call the SSD office at 425.640.1814.
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