Specifications

Computer Architecture and Maintenance (G-Scheme-2014)
the type and placement of ports and connectors. Generally, you should choose
the case to fit the mobo, not vice-versa. But if there is a case that you
simply mustuse (either because it's the one you happen to have or because you
really, really like that case), then make sure the motherboard you choose is of a
compatible form factor.
• Processor support. You must select a mobo that supports the type and speed
of processor you want to use and has the correct type of socket for that processor.
• RAM support. Make sure that the motherboard you select supports
enough RAM of the type (DDR-SDRAM, DDR2-SDRAM, RDRAM, etc.) that you
want to use. Most motherboards manufactured as of this writing can support at
least 4 Gig of RAM, with DDR2 being the most popular type because of its speed
and relatively low cost. Most DDR motherboards also support dual channelDDR,
which can further improve performance. But to take advantage of dual-channel,
the RAM sticks must be installed in matched pairs, and the mobo must support
it.
• Chipset. The chipset pretty much runs the show on the motherboard, and some
chipsets are better than others. The chipset cannot be replaced, so the only way to
solve problems caused by a bad chipset is to replace the mobo. Read the reviews
of other motherboards using the same chipset as the one you are considering to
see if a lot of people have reported problems with it.
• SATA support. There's really very little reason not to use SATA drives these
days. They're priced comparably to EIDE drives, but deliver much higher data
transfer. But to use SATA, your motherboard must have SATA support. (Well,
you can actually install aftermarket SATA expansion cards, but why do that on a
new computer?)
• Expansion Slots and Ports. How many of each type of expansion slot are
included? Will they be enough to meet your current and future needs? How
about Firewire support? And does it have enough USB slots for all the
peripherals you want to dangle off of it?
• Reputation. Search the newsgroups to see if others have found the board you are
considering to be a lemon. One excellent Web resource for motherboard research
is Motherboards.org. When choosing a motherboard, reliability is the most
important factor. Replacing a failed motherboard requires essentially
disassembling the entire computer, and may also require reinstalling the
operating system and applications from scratch.
• Compatibility. Most motherboards include drivers for all recent Windows
versions, but check the documentation just to be sure. If you plan to use the
board for a computer running another operating system (Linux, UNIX, BSD, etc.)
Prepared By – Prof. Manoj.kavedia (9860174297 – 9324258878 ) (www.kavediasir.yolasite.com)
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