What is a Motherboard on a Computer? (Is It Really Like a Mother)?

If you are an average computer user, you will find the motherboard on a computer to be a complex thing with its intricate design. That is precisely why I thought of letting you understand everything about the motherboard and how it works. 

What is Motherboard on Computer?

A motherboard is the main printed circuit board on a computer and acts as the central communication backbone connectivity point. A motherboard is a single platform on a computer that is used to connect all the parts of a computer. It is used to connect the CPU, RAM, hard drives, graphics card, and many other parts together. 

You would find a motherboard on practically every computing piece of equipment – whether it is a desktop or a laptop. Along with the internal components, the motherboard also lets you connect with the other external components such as WiFi, Ethernet and other parts that are connected to the computer. 

What Does a Motherboard Do?

As we have already understood, a motherboard is the heart of almost every modern-day device. It works by connecting all the components of a computing device and lets them work with one another. 

The motherboard alone does not do anything as such, as it has NO COMPUTING POWER. The major purpose and functionality of the motherboard lie in acting as the building block of the entire computing system.  I would consider the motherboard to be a highway on which all the transport of the information is handled for completing the task. 

Motherboard Form Factors and Types

A motherboard comes in different types and form factors. The four primary form factors of the motherboard would include:

Mini ITX

The Mini ITX motherboard has a physical size of 17 cm x 17 cm. It can be the right size for smaller and space-saving desktops. It will feature all the major components that include DIMM slots for RAM, multiple USB slots, and PCIe lanes, to name a few. 

Even with a small size, you would find support for all components. It doubles up as a great asset for the small and mighty PC. 

A few good choices for the Mini ITX motherboards that you can go with can include GIGABYTE Z690I AORUS DDR4 Motherboard. 

Micro ATX

The Micro ATX motherboards are slightly larger than the Mini ITX motherboard. They are best suited for the smaller builds and can be a good option for any budget that you can think of. You would have access to practically all the basic functionalities and features. 

You will have only one GPU slot, and you will find it a great option to help you fit properly inside a full tower case. The smaller size of the motherboard ensures that you can achieve a better airflow and an efficient cooling. 

If you are looking for a powerful Micro ATX motherboard, you will find the ASUS TUF B550M PLUS Motherboard a great choice. 

ATX

The next motherboard form factor – ATX – has the typical measurement of 30.5cm x 24.4cm, and you can fit it properly inside a mid or full-tower case. The best part that I found with this motherboard form factor is multiple PCIe lanes and multiple GPU support. 

These ATX motherboards are best suited to work with the gaming enthusiasts and can take advantage of the latest gaming hardware. You can have a higher gaming capability and RAM capacity on the ATX motherboards. 

If you are looking for the best ATX motherboards, we would recommend checking out ROG Gaming 10th Gen Motherboard.

E-ATX

If you have been checking out the best high-end motherboard, the E-ATX motherboard to be a great choice. It is an extended form factor for the ATX motherboard. The motherboard has the physical dimensions that read 30.48cm x 33.02cm!  You would gain access to a tremendous optimal airflow and the best overclocking capability on the E-ATX motherboards. 

You can make use of the multi GPU set up. The higher RAM capacity makes it all the more unique in its own right. If you are a competitive gamer or a content creator, you would want to go with the E-ATX motherboards. 

Are you looking for the best E-ATX motherboard? You can perhaps choose GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Thunderbolt Motherboard. 

How Many Connections, Ports, or Slots Are on a Motherboard?

The ports, slots, and connections on a motherboard are most important for plugging into different devices. You can check out the ports on the rear and front sides of the computer. If you are wondering how many connections, ports, and slots are there on a motherboard, there is no specific standard that defines the number.

If you are wondering how many slots or connections your motherboard has, it is wise enough to look for the relevant information in the motherboard documentation. If you do not have the documentation with you, it would be practical to download the documentation in PDF form.

Where is the Motherboard Located?

The motherboard of a computer generally resides inside the case that you have chosen for the computer that you are looking to build. Your motherboard is generally screwed securely to the case through the pre-drilled holes. 

The motherboard contains the ports for all of the internal components. A computer motherboard is located in a computer case, and this is where most of the parts and components inside your peripherals connect. In the case of tower computers, the motherboard will be located either on the left or right side of the case. 

How Do Motherboards Work?

Based on the primary definition of a motherboard that we just went through, a motherboard is the main Printed circuit board on your computer. It is the primary piece of circuit board that all the other pieces plug into one single interface or option. 

The motherboard simply ties the components of the computer together and thus lets the different components communicate with each other. Without the motherboard, none of the components, viz CPU, GPU, or hard drive, or any other component for that matter, will not be able to communicate with one another. A complete motherboard functionality is essential to help all the components on the computer to work properly. If the motherboard fails, even when the other components are working fine, you will end up facing performance issues with your computer. 

How Can I tell if My Motherboard is Dead?

Even when made with powerful technology, it is always possible to find your motherboard die or even become unusable. It should be quite easy to find that your motherboard has gone dead. 

A few of the symptoms that should indicate that your motherboard has gone dead can include:

These symptoms may also be indicative of other common PC problems. It may not be sure because of the motherboard failure. That is why we would recommend trying different troubleshooting solutions before reaching the conclusion that the motherboard has failed. 

In most of cases, the Motherboard BIOS may be an issue. Flashing the BIOS can be helpful in letting you solve the issue more effectively and efficiently. 

Where Did the Motherboard Get Its Name?

The exact information on why it is called a motherboard may not be that easy. One assumption is that it is called a motherboard because of the fact that it is the main circuit board on your computer. The term Mother in the name primarily denotes the essential nature of the motherboard in terms of the normal functionality of the component. 

It is quite similar to the word -Mothership. You would also find it unique to know that the other circuit boards connected to your motherboard are termed as a daughterboard. That would perhaps stand as proof to the fact that it again signifies the essential nature of the primary or secondary circuit boards. 

So, Since there is a motherboard, is there a fatherboard? No, definitely. There is no fatherboard or any concept on those lines. However, you do have a daughterboard which should make it evident of the importance of womenkind. 

Is There a Motherboard in a Laptop, Smartphone, and Tablet?

Just like your computer or laptop has a motherboard, you also have a smartphone or tablet having its own motherboard. In general terms, the motherboard on a smartphone is referred to as the logic board, but the functionality of the logic board is on similar lines as the motherboard. 

However, there is a difference between a laptop motherboard and a smartphone motherboard. The size requirements of the smartphones and tablets make it obvious to go with the soldered components on the smartphone motherboards. Also, you would find no slots or sockets as the smartphone or tablet motherboards do not offer any upgrade options. 

The Parting Thoughts

A motherboard is the most essential part of the computer ecosystem. It is an equally tricky part to diagnose or repair. Given the fact that the motherboard is the central hub of your entire PC build, it is always quite important to have a proper understanding of the details and infrastructure of your motherboard. 

Of course, the motherboards are everywhere – in your phones, in your computers, in your microwaves and even in your smart TVs. It is what creates a cohesive environment for your components and assists you in handling your computer components more efficiently.