The motherboard (system board) is the main element of a modern personal computer. The motherboard is the link between all the other devices that make up the PC.
The main purpose of the motherboard is to ensure the joint operation of the central processor, RAM, hard disk, video card and other devices. It is through individual sectors of the motherboard that all of the above devices exchange information. The choice of the rest of the elements of a personal computer depends on the motherboard. Modern motherboards consist of the most multilayer plate, a group of transistors and capacitors, a microcontroller and slots for connecting RAM, a video card, a processor and other devices. A chipset (microcontroller) combines two "bridges", information between which passes through the internal bus. The north bridge is required to provide communication between the processor, video card and RAM cards. The south bridge connects external devices, PCI slots, and a hard drive. Motherboards are distinguished by form factor. This makes it easier to create new models of motherboards. The form factor includes the following characteristics: the presence or absence of certain slots, the location of these slots, options for attaching the board to the case of the system unit, board dimensions and types of connectors for connecting the power supply. It is noteworthy that manufacturers are trying not to deviate from the generally accepted types of motherboards in order to ensure their products are widespread. It is worth noting that the choice of most other equipment depends on the motherboard. Video cards and memory cards have different connectors for connecting to the motherboard. Having a specific socket for installing the CPU makes it impossible to connect other CPU types. Thus, the motherboard is not only a connecting link between the elements of the PC, but also prevents the possibility of simultaneous connection of incompatible equipment.
