15.01.2024 Views

CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide

  • No tags were found...

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

see some of the traces on the board, but every motherboard is four or more

layers thick. The layers contain a veritable highway of wires, carrying data

and commands back and forth between the CPU, RAM, and peripherals.

The layered structure enables multiple wires to send data without their

signals interfering with each other. The layered approach allows the

manufacturer to add complexity and additional components to the board

without extending the overall length and width of the board. Shorter traces

also allow signals to travel faster than they would if the wires were longer,

as would be necessary if motherboards did not use layers. The multiple

layers also add strength to the board itself, so it doesn’t bend easily

Historical/Conceptual

How Motherboards Work

Three variable and interrelated characteristics define modern motherboards:

form factor, chipset, and components. The form factor determines the

physical size of the motherboard as well as the general location of

components and ports. The chipset defines the type of processor and RAM

the motherboard requires and determines to a degree the built-in devices the

motherboard supports, including the expansion slots. Finally, the built-in

components determine the core functionality of the system.

Almost all chipsets used in desktops and laptops are made by either Intel

or AMD. It’s fitting that the two biggest CPU manufacturers for Windows-,

macOS-, and Linux-based computers would also produce the essential

supporting chipsets.

Any good tech should be able to make a recommendation to a client about

a particular motherboard simply by perusing the specs. Because the

motherboard determines function, expansion, and stability for the whole PC,

it’s essential that you know your motherboards!

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!