Motherboard is the most important component of a system. It is printed circuit board (PCB) where all the components of a system are connected. The Central Processing Unit (CPU), hard drivers, memory and every other part of a system is connected to the motherboard by means of slots, connectors and sockets, The motherboard chipset is a series of chips that are a part of the motherboard. The chipset is very important to the operation of the system.
Types of Motherboard
Motherboard and the capacity and efficiency of motherboard are differ according to the type of system you use. Motherboard are classified as Integrated and Non-Integrated devices depending on the devices they support. Motherboard which have all the ports for connection various devices on board are known as Integrated motherboards. All the latest desktop, server and laptop boards are of the integrated type. Motherboard which do not support connection devices are known as Non-Integrated motherboards. Older boards were of Non Integrated types.
Integrated Motherboards
Integrated motherboard have all the peripheral devices slots, input output ports, serial and parallel ports are mounted on the board. The connector for the various devices such as the hard drive connector and floppy disk drive connector are installed directly on to the motherboard. This arrangement saves a lot of space inside the system. Integrated boards are cheaper in cost as compared to non-integrated motherboards. The major disadvantage of these type of motherboards are that if an individual components of the motherboard fails, the whole board may need to be replaced.
Non-integrated Motherboard
Non-integrated
motherboards have RAM slots integrated on the board. All the
input-output ports for devices such as the serial and parallel port
connectors, other controllers such as connectors for hard drive and
floppy disk drives are attached to the system using expansion boards.
Expansion boards use more space of the cabinet. If any one of the
expansion boards fails, only those particular expansions boards to be
replaced and not the whole board. This type of board is more costly as
compared to integrated boards as all the devices and ports, and other
connectors for the devices need to be installed individually.
Desktop Motherboard
Desktop
Motherboard is used in personal computers and desktops. As it is used
for applications at home and in office, this type of motherboard is the
most basic type. Figure shows a desktop motherboard.
Server Motherboard
Server
Motherboard are more advanced than desktop motherboard and are designed
to office high-end services. These motherboards support expansion and
future upgrades and can handle major applications. Server motherboard
also offer improved graphics and can support different type of
technology. figure shows a server motherboard.
Laptop Motherboard
Laptop
motherboard is connected to different parts of a laptop system. It is
most important part of a laptop. These motherboard generally have very
advanced features as compared to the desktop motherboard. figure shows a laptop motherboard.