Motherboard

Motherboard is the most vital component of a system. It is a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) where all the components of a system are connected. The Central Processing Unit (CPU), memory, hard drives and every other part of a system is connected to the motherboard by means of socket, slots and connectors.

Types of Motherboards

Integrated

Non – Integrated

 

 

Motherboards which have all the ports for connecting various devices on board are known 

as Integrated Motherboards. All the latest desktop, server and laptop boards are of the integrated type. Motherboards which do not support connecting device are known as non integrated motherboards. Older desktop and server motherboards were of Non Integrated types.

Motherboards are classified on the basis where it is used:

Desktop Motherboards
Server Motherboards

Laptop Motherboards 

Motherboard’s manufacturers:

Motherboards are available in various sizes and configurations. Some motherboards support 32 and 64 bit processor as well as operating systems. It is manufactured by many companies such as Asus, Intel, MSI and Gigabyte.

Chip-set is a group of IC (Integrated Circuits). Generally a motherboard chip-set controls the features and abilities of the motherboard. Chip-sets provide interface for the devices such as the CPU, memory and I/O devices. The chip-set controls the data transfer between every component of the system. Different chip-set manufacturers are such as the Nvidia, Intel, AMD, VIA and SIS.

North-bridge: A North-bridge or host bridge is one of the two chips in the core logic chip-set architecture on a PC motherboard, the other being the South-bridge. Unlike the South-bridge, North-bridge is connected directly to the CPU via the front-side bus (FSB) and is thus responsible for tasks that require the highest performance.

South-bridge: It is an Intel chip-set that manages the basic forms of input/output ( I/O ) such as Universal Serial Bus ( USB ), serial , audio, Integrated Drive Electronics ( IDE ), and Industry Standard Architecture ( ISA ) I/O in a computer.

Troubleshooting of Motherboard:

Problem: If your system crashes repeatedly. 

Cause: It is possible due to motherboard failure. However, actual motherboard failure is very rare. It is possible that some other problems like a loose connection, power failure overheating may cause system failure.

Solution: Turn off the system and remove the power cord from the power supply.

Check connection the motherboard.

Restore the BIOS settings to default setting.

Ensure that the motherboard is not touching the system case.

Precautions: Wear anti-static wristband. Place the remove components in an anti-static bag.

Checking CMOS battery

Remove the CMOS battery from the motherboard.

Set the multimeter in DC voltage mode.

Put the red probe on +ve side (mentioned on the CMOS battery) and black probe on opposite side of the CMOS battery.

If the output voltage is greater than 2.5 volts on multimeter then it is OK otherwise replace the battery.

Checking Motherboard

Check motherboard for cracks on account of overheating of equipments.

Physically observe any scratches or discontinuity in PCB paths.

Check for burnt ICs or components.

Check the VGA connector for dry soldering or loose connection or replace the connector.

Check north and south bridge ICs physically for loose connection or dry soldering.

Check north and south bridge ICs whether they are getting heated by putting your index finger on them.

Check the processor whether it is gradually heating up or not by putting your index finger on top of the processor.

If the processor is cool then check the voltage regulator ICs whether short or open or measuring voltage across the leads using multimeter in diode mode.

Update BIOS from motherboard driver CD or you can download from the Internet.

Replace BIOS and check.

Use the debugging card to know the source of the problem.    

 

Rishav Sharma

Author & Editor

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