Datasheet

16 Chapter 1
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Hardware
FIGURE 1.4 A typical system board
RAM
CPU
Ports Expansion slots
Integrated Components
Some motherboards have some of the peripheral devices built in, such as video, sound,
and/or networking. These are referred to as integrated system boards. Such boards are
cost-effective because they don’t require a separate video card, sound card, and so on. The
built-in components can be disabled through BIOS Setup if they should ever malfunction or
need to be replaced by newer models.
System Board Components
Motherboards include components that provide basic functionality to the computer. The
following components are found on a typical motherboard:
Expansion slots (AGP, PCI, etc.)
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Memory (RAM) slots
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CPU slot or socket
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Power connector
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Floppy and IDE drive connectors
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Keyboard and mouse connectors
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Peripheral port connectors (COM, LPT, USB)
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BIOS chip
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Battery
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Figure 1.5 illustrates many of the components found on a typical motherboard. Many of
these components are discussed elsewhere in this chapter as they relate to other objectives.
Next let’s look at those that are important to focus on.
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