Basics of Computer Motherboards

When purchasing or learning about computer motherboards there are three main characteristics which define a motherboard:

1) Form Factor
- Refers to the shape, size and positioning of ports and components on the motherboard.
- Motherboard form factors are the AT, ATX, BTX and proprietary form factors.

2) Chipset
- Determines the type of  processor, RAM, and the type of devices the motherboard supports.
- Most modern chipsets consists of two primary chips which are the Northbridge and Southbridge.
- A third chip called the Super I/O chip may also be part of the chipset.
- Intel-based motherboards refer to the Northbridge as Memory Controller Hub (MCH), and refer to the Southbridge as I/O Controller Hub (ICH)

3) Components
- The computer components and connections motherboards can support including USB ports, Firewire ports, hard drive RAID controllers, network cards, built-in sound, etc...