 |
September 07, 2008 |
| SHOP: computers & software | electronics |   |
Glossary of Terms for Motherboards
Controller Type
The controller is a circuit board that manages the flow of information between computers and peripheral devices.
Back to topInstalled Memory
Installed memory, measured in megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB), regulates the amount of data a device can store.
Back to topLevel 2 Cache
Level 2 Cache is the fastest type of RAM available, located on a separate chip from the computer’s microprocessor for easier and quicker accessibility.
Back to topMaximum Cache Supported
The maximum cache supported by a laptop refers to the largest amount of high-speed RAM allotted to a computer.
Back to topMaximum Supported RAM
Maximum supported RAM is the maximum upgradable memory supported by the motherboard.
Back to topMotherboard Chipset
The motherboard chipset regulates processor and RAM compatibility and the speed at which they function.
Types
Intel: This type of chipset offers compatibility with Intel Pentium and Intel Celeron processors.
Via: This type of chipset offers compatibility with Pentium 4, AMD Athlon XP, and AMD Duron processors.
nVidia: This type of chipset offers compatibility with AMD XP and AMD Duron processors.
SiS: This type of chipset offers compatibility with Pentium 4, AMD Athlon XP, and AMD Duron processors.
Motherboard Form Factor
The form factor refers to the physical size and shape of the device.
Types:
Baby AT: This small motherboard is used in 386, 486, and other early PCs.
ATX: Measuring 9.5” x 12”, this motherboard allows for longer card slots and allows proper airflow for the processor.
Mini ATX: Measuring 8.2" x 11.2", this smaller version of the ATX motherboard offers fewer expansion slots.
Micro ATX: Measuring 9.6" x 9.6”, this motherboard from Intel is designed for more compact computers.
Flex ATX: Measuring 9" x 7.5", this smaller version of the Flex ATX allows for more custom case designs.
LPX: Measuring 9” x 8”, this motherboard designed by Wester Digital offers a riser card for parallel expansion boards.
NLX: Measuring 9” x 8”, this motherboard features a more flexible design than the LPX.
Networking Type
A networking connection is a link between two or more computers to facilitate file transfer.
Types
Ethernet: This 10BaseT connection transfers data at a rate of 10Mbps.
Fast Ethernet: This 100BaseT connection transfers data at a rate of 100Mbps.
Gigabit Ethernet: This 1000BaseT connection transfers data at a rate of 1Gbps.
IEEE 1394: This connection transfers data at a rate ranging from 800Mpbs to 3,200Mbps and offers compatibility with glass, fiber, and cat5 cable.
Bluetooth: This wireless connection transfers data at a rate of 720 Kbps at a range of 10-100 meters.
802.11b: This wireless connection transfers data at a rate of 11Mbps in a 2.4GHz band.
802.11a: This wireless connection transfers data at a rate of 54Mbps in a 5GHz band.
Number of CNR Slots
The number of Communication and Networking Riser slots refers to the PC bus architecture that supports modem, network, and audio interfaces.
Back to topNumber of ISA slots
The number of Industry Standard Architecture slots refers to the original PC bus architecture that controls sound, video, and other cards.
Back to topProcessor Type
The processor, short for Central Processing Unit (CPU), serves as the brains of a computer.
Back to topRAM Type
RAM is the Random Access Memory, or the memory compatible with the motherboard, available in a device.
Types
DDR: Double Data Rate RAM transfers data on both sides of the clock signal, doubling the transmission rate.
RDRAM: Rambus Dynamic RAM, designed by Rambus, features a bandwidth of 1.6 GB/s.
SDRAM: Synchronous Dynamic RAM synchronizes with the CPU bus for data transfer of up to 133 MHz.
DRAM: Dynamic RAM stores each bit of memory in a different capacitor.
EDO: Extended Data Out Dynamic RAM, rather than transferring data one block at a time, is capable of transferring multiple blocks at once.
Video Card Interface Type
A video card interface is a connector that facilitates file transfer between a video card and a computer.
Types
AGP: The Accelerated Graphics Port, developed by Intel, uses a 32-bit bus to provide direct connection between card and memory.
AGP 1x: The Accelerated Graphics Port 1x transfers data at a rate of 264Mbps.
AGP 2x: The Accelerated Graphics Port 2x transfers data at a rate of 528Mbps.
AGP 4x: The Accelerated Graphics Port 4x transfers data at a rate of 1Gbps.
AGP 8x: The Accelerated Graphics Port 8x transfers data at a rate of 2Gbps.
PCI: The Peripheral Component Interconnect, which requires three to five slots on the motherboard, supports both 32-bit and 64-bit data paths and runs at a speed of 33MHz or 66MHz.
ISA: The Industry Standard Architecture refers to the original PC bus architecture.
Video Memory
Amount of RAM installed on the video card which enhances refresh rate of the screen and 3D image processing.
Back to top
See the 2007 Circle of Excellence Winners!
