Term paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Term - Research Paper Example It is firmly attached using screws through already drilled holes. Its front usually contains ports used to connect all the other internal components. In this case, one slot contains the central processing unit (CPU), while multiple slots allow for attachment of more memory modules. Other ports found on the motherboard allows for optical drive, floppy drive, and hard drive to connect through a ribbon cable. In addition, the computer case has some small wires that connect to the motherboard allowing for reset, power and LED lights to function. There is also a specially designed port on the motherboard through which power is supplied2. Part of the motherboard facing the back end of the case also has some ports. These ports are said to allow most external peripherals of the computer to connect to the monitor, keyboard, printer, mouse, phone lines, speakers and other external devices. Majority of motherboards also has FireWire and USB ports to enable compatible devices such as video camer as to connect to the computer when needed3. In fact, on the front side of the motherboard also exists quite a number of card slots. It is reported that these slots are where sound cards, video cards, and other expansion cards are connected to the motherboard. Functions of the motherboard System communication: It is through the motherboard that all forms of communication between the PC, its peripherals and other PCs plus the user go through4. Organization of devices: Is it has been elaborated everything within the computer are connected to the motherboard. In this way, its design dictates how the entire computer system is to be organized. Processor support: It is the motherboard socket that dictates the choice of processor that can be used in the system. Device control: The BIOS and chipset programs are usually built into the motherboard, which controls most data flow throughout the computer system. Support of peripherals: The motherboard components have a powerful function in determ ining the type of peripherals that a user can use in the PC of the computer. For instance, one cannot use AGP cards if the motherboard only has PCI slots. Upgradability: With the advancement in technology which see the emergence of new motherboards, it is a mater of fact that newer processors may experience compatibility problems with the hardware due to limitations of circuitry built-in to the board, which may not allow them to function. As a result, one may look for an upgrade at the manufacturer’s website or do upgrading5. System performance: The motherboard determines a great deal the performance of the computer since it dictates the type of memory, processors, system buses as well as hard disk interface speed that a computer system can have via BIOS settings or connectors. It is for this reason that in case a user upgrades after several years it is advisable to replace CPU, board and the memory6. 2. Central processing Unit (CPU) The CPU is arguably the brain of the compu ter, which is responsible for fetching, decoding, executing programs and performing mathematical and logical calculations7. In fact, without the CPU, the computer is just a nutshell. The CPU is made of numerous thin layers of transistors. The transistors are extremely tiny that blocks weak electricity when the charge is weak, but allows the same electricity to pass through when the power is strong enough. Since CPUs are small in size, they are sometimes referred to as microprocessors. Modern CPUs are