The document provides information about different types of motherboards including AT, ATX, and NLX motherboards. It discusses the key components and features of motherboards such as the CPU socket, memory slots, expansion slots, and power connectors. The steps for building a PC from individual components are outlined, with an emphasis on proper electrostatic discharge prevention procedures when handling components.

2.  Motherboard aka (system board, planar
board, main board, logic board)
 Motherboard: is the main circuit
board of a microcomputer.

3.  The following is some of the ways in determining
if your motherboard is an AT motherboard or
an ATX motherboard.
The Keyboard:
AT Motherboard = DIN/5 connector
ATX Motherboard = PS/2 connector

4.  AT Motherboard = Single Row two connectors
5v & 12v
ATX Motherboard = Double row single
connector 5v, 12v, and 3.3v
In this section, you learned that the
motherboard holds all the components of the
computer that serves as their main attachment
point.

5.  CPU type: CPU socket or CPU slot
Memory slots: SIMM slots, DIMM slots or RIMM slots
Cache memory: Internal or External Cache found on the
CPU and as support chips
Chipsets: Northbridge, Southbridge, Cache, Heatsink,
MCC, sound and video chipsets
System BIOS: ROM usually a DIPP chip and
complemented by the CMOS battery
Expansion slots: AGP, ISA, PCI, AMR and CNR
Motherboard connectors: FDC, IDE Controllers, Fan
Controllers, CD/DVD and sound controllers
Motherboard settings: Jumpers and Switches
Power connectors: AT socket vs. ATX socket

6.  old school)
AT (Full vs. Baby)
XT (rip)
LPX (rip)
 (newer)
ATX
NLX

7.  Full-AT (12" wide x 13.8" deep) Matches the
original IBM AT motherboard design, which only
fits into full size AT or tower cases only, not
being produced much any more if any. This form
factor is no longer produced because it cannot
be placed into the popular Baby-AT chassis.

8.  Baby- AT (8.57" wide x 13.04" deep) Almost
the same as the original IBM XT motherboard
with modifications in the screw hole position to
fit into AT style case, with connections built
onto the motherboard to fit the holes in the
case

10.  A. Primary and Secondary IIDE Controllers
B. ROM/BIOS
C. ISA slots
D. CMOS Battery
E. PCI slots
F. DIN/5 Keyboard Connector
G. AT Socket
H. ATX Socket
I. DIMM Slots

11.  . SIMM Slots
K. Chipset
L. L2 Cache
M.CPU Socket
N. Floppy Drive Controller
O.LPT Connector
P.COM Connector

12. Full-ATX - (12" wide x 9.6" deep) / Mini-ATX - (11.2" wide
x 8.2" deep) The official specifications were released by
Intel in 1995 and was revised to version 2.01 in February
1997.The ATX form factor is an advancement over
previous AT style motherboards. Therefore requires a new
case design. ATX is not a abbreviation however is actually
a trademark, which belongs to Intel.
On a socket 7 ATX motherboard the socket has been
placed a further distance from the expansion slots
allowing for long boards to be placed in easier.
Relocation of the memory and the CPU creating better
ventilation and easier upgrade
Power management possible with proper BIOS support.

13.  Micro ATX - A smaller version of Full ATX
Flex ATX - Another version of the ATX
motherboard

14.  NLX (Supports motherboards with overall
dimensions of 9.0" x 13.6" [maximum] to 8.0" x 10.0"
[minimum]) Implemented in 1998 by Intel this form
factor is gaining popularity the last couple of years
because there found on most clone computers
Support for the Pentium II
Support for AGP
Support for USB.
Support for DIMM.
Easier Access to internal components
Support for motherboards that can be removed
without using tools

17.  A. Audio Ports
B. USB Ports
C. Fire wire Ports
D. RJ45/Ethernet Ports
E. TV Tuner
F. PS2 Mouse and Keyboard Ports
G. P4 Socket
H. Cooling Tube Pipes
I. LGA CPU Socket
J. Memory (DIMM Slots)
K. Floppy Drive Controller
L. ATX 24pin Socket
M. Serial ATA Sockets
N. Northbridge Chipset
O. Southbridge Chipset
P. IDE Controller
Q. PCI-express X1
R. AGP
S. PCI
T. PCI-express X16
U. CMOS Battery
V. BIOS
W. Front Panel Connectors
 Special Thanks to ASUS, GB, Intel and Shuttle

18.  There are many reasons for wanting to build
your own PC. Building your own PC can be an
enjoyable learning experience (especially when it
works first go!) and greatly improve your
understanding of hardware systems. In addition,
building your own system may be the only option if
you've sourced the individual components from
different supplies, or if you're building a machine from
parts that have been lying around. Further, building
your own PC can help your gain skills in PC
troubleshooting as well.

19.  This article describes the general procedure for
building a PC from individual components, rather
than focus on any specific type of hardware. In
which case, it is important to always consult the
installation guide for each piece of hardware in
your system before commencing the build. This
article assumes you have a basic understanding of
computer hardware terminology.

20.  Perhaps the greatest threat facing system builders is
electrostatic discharge (ESD). ESD is the sudden
discharge of static electricity causing a momentary
current flow that can weaken or permanently damage
semiconductor components (such as the processor,
memory, motherboard, and video card). Therefore it
is imperative that you follow the correct ESD storage
and handling procedures.

21.  All components that are susceptible to ESD
damage are shipped in antistatic bags. Always keep
these components in their correct packaging until
you need to use them. You'll also need to purchase
an antistatic wrist strap. This device ensures that
your body has not built up a static charge that can
damage sensitive components when you handle
them. When handling sensitive components, always
handle them by the edges. Never allow your fingers
to touch any electrical connectors or electronic
components.

22.  To build a working system, you'll need the following
minimum components:
 » Computer case and power supply
» Motherboard (mainboard) and mounting hardware
» Processor (or central processing unit - CPU)
» Processor heatsink and fan assembly
» Memory module (RAM)
» Hard disk drive
» CD or DVD ROM drive
» Video card (optional if not integrated on
motherboard)
» Network card (optional)
» Floppy disk drive (optional)

23.  Data cables for connecting drives
» Installation guides for each component
» Monitor
» Keyboard
» Mouse
» Operating system installation disks
» Any additional driver software shipped with
hardware components
 The starting point is to decide on the type and speed
of processor your system will be based on. Once this
has been decided, choose a motherboard that can
support that type of processor. You can now choose a
type of memory module that is supported by the
motherboard. be sure to also choose a hard disk drive
that the motherboard can support. Finally, choose a
case that's big enough for your build and that suits the
form factor (physical dimensions) of your
motherboard.

24.  At the very least you'll need the following
tools and equipment:
 » Selection of flat-head screwdrivers
» Selection of Phillips head screwdrivers
» Long-nose pliers
» Torch (flashlight)
» Antistatic wrist strap
» Clean static-free workbench

25.  1.Familiarise yourself with the
motherboard layout.Read the
motherboard installation guide and
familiarise yourself with the motherboard
layout. A typical arrangement is shown in
the diagram below:

27.  Install the motherboard.Install any plastic
spacers that came with the case in the correct
positions to support the motherboard. Ensure
there case is not plugged in to the mains power
outlet. Following the correct ESD prevention
procedures, carefully remove the motherboard
from its antistatic bag and correctly position it in
the case. Use the screws supplied to firmly
mount the motherboard.

28.  Consult the documentation that came with your
case (or do some clever tracing!) to locate
connections to the case front panel. These will
include the power light and switch, reset switch,
hard disk light, loudspeaker and so on. Connect
these to the appropriate connectors on the
motherboard (consult the motherboard

29.  Following the correct ESD prevention
procedures, carefully remove the memory
module(s) from their antistatic bag and correctly
insert them in the memory module sockets,
begging with Slot 1. Push the clips on each side of
the slots inwards so that the memory modules
are firmly in place.

30.  Most processors are installed using a ZIF (zero
insertion force) socket. Lift the ZIF socket's
leaver fully upwards, and, following the correct
ESD prevention procedures, carefully install the
processor. Most processors are keyed (should
only go in one way) and should not require any
force (see picture below).