Computer 101: What is a Computer Motherboard Really Part 2?

Let’s go back so far several items have been mentioned as being connected to the motherboard, they are the following hard disk drive which connect via the older IDE or the newer SATA interface cable, then the memory or RAM which is connected via the memory slot and then there’s the graphics card which is generally built-in or is connected via the graphics card slot which could be the now phase-out AGP slot or the newer PCIE slot. All the three system mentioned previously communicates with each other via the motherboard and also communicates with the central processing unit or CPU. The motherboard also serves as the manager of all different systems connected on it. The motherboard also facilitates the proper flow of data from one point to another. One important function of the motherboard is to regulate the flow of current from the power supply unit to all the different components that needs them. The power supply unit is also connected via the motherboard using several color coded wire where in each wire color correspond to a specific value of power that flows thru it.

Also other additional system that interacts with the motherboard are the sound card which processes information to be converted to sound and is play out via a speaker system. Another expansion system is the NIC controller which comes in two configurations. The first type is built-in NIC controller and the second is add-in card. The NIC stand for network interface card or controller, this system allows the computer to be connected to a network, or to the internet. The expansion NIC is also connected via the PCIE slot located next to the graphics card. Also all motherboard have external connector for external devices such the printer, mp3 player, Smartphone, external drive, flash drive, microphone, speaker and many other devices. As we can see the motherboard is the host for all the devices that can connected to the computer. Other devices can also use the external ports of a motherboard to charge their battery. This feature was not available before, but as technology evolves and develops the computer allows other devices such as smart phone and mp3 player to charge their battery via the usb ports.

Motherboard Chips

Memory

One important feature of the computer motherboard is that there are no moving parts. All different systems are electronic there is no wear unlike parts that has a clear movable parts where the continuous movement through constant usage at a long period of time will eventually result in that parts succumbing to wear and tear. But since all components are small, to be exact micro in size or even smaller that power they consume less power compare to conventional devices which would eat a considerable amount of power. While wear and tear is not common to electronic component, power surges are common. These small electronic component when feed with the right amount of power will function correctly but if the power being feed increases dramatically at a given time then that electronic component is very susceptible power burn-out which will cause the main system to malfunction and eventually failure. Just like what I posted a couple of days ago regarding motherboard failure cause by blown-out capacitor, the same is true with IC based components.

CPU

Integrated circuit is the main components of all type of motherboard and much other electronic system. All integrated circuit consume certain amount of very low power from 4 volts DC to 15 volts DC. So if there is a power surge on the motherboard system most IC would not be able to withstand such a sudden increase in power and will always burn-out once the power flowing through is suddenly increased instantly. The main benefit of very small circuits is that a lot of system can be built and compacted which in turns would produce smaller system and greater efficiency in operation. Also the cost of building such system is very chip as well since free made smaller system is already working and linking them together is the only problem. A problem that be easily solve by proper design and configuration. So whenever we are giving importance to other components of the computer the motherboard should also be at the top or near the top of your list because it plays a very important function in your computer over-all performance.

Computer 101: What is a Sound Card?

A sound card basically is a system in which it sole function is to process sound and output them through the speaker. There are two types of sound card, the built in type and the expansion type card. But There is no difference in there function, the only difference is the characteristics of each type. Then what is a built-in sound. This type of sound processor is usually found embedded in the motherboard of main board of the computer. If you buy a motherboard and it indicate on the label by this sign SVL, the S stand for Sound while the V for video and the L stand for LAN or network card.

Most standard motherboard has a built sound card for standard listening of music and sound from a streaming video, internet chat and any other type of application. However every one has the option of getting a separate sound card with better sound processing hardware and software. A high end sound card usually cost more and is better able to handle and process better sound output. Another things is they have more output port in them for connections to a wider range if speakers. Also speaking of speaker all sound card needs to have matching speaker for one to have a more enjoyable music listening appreciation.

Beside speaker port a sound card also process input sound or a microphone can be connected to it, this port is called a line-in port or microphone port while a speaker port is usually called a line-out port. But to truly enjoy the experience of listening to music or it enhances the playing of games. A quality sound card and speaker should be use to have an enjoyable experience. Another function of the sound card is the recording of sound, whether it is a voice or music being saves in to the computer for editing and manipulation.

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Together with a quality microphone and editing software, one creates his/her own distinct sound or records his own voice while singing with her favorite band or singer. A computer will work without a sound card or sound processing system but it has become an essential part of today’s latest multimedia components to enhance the overall appeal of a computer. Also the function of a computer has be upgraded with the addition of a sound card. The computer can now become your home video theater and home surround system. We did not need to purchase a separate sound system or video system. A high end computer with quality sound card and speakers can replace both video and sound system in our home, office, schools and many other places.

Computer 101: What is a Video Card?

A video card or video graphics adapter is a computer hardware device that processes all the things that can be seen via the monitor or LCD device. It processes all those binary information and output them through the monitor of LCD which the user can see. Back in the early days of the computer the video cards cannot completely process all those information that need to be seen by the user. The main processing is still done via the CPU or the Central Processing Unit of the computer. All the video could do is to output the data via the monitor and with the help of the bigger memory built in them it can make the output a lot nicer compare to a standard size memory amount of a built in video card.

In those early days most stand alone video card can have a memory capacity of 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 megabytes of memory while the high end video card can have as much as 128 or 256 megabytes of memory. Also early types of video cards do not have a GPU or Graphics Processor Unit. This early GPU comes only with the high end type and since they have GPU, it has its own cooling fan attach on top of it.

The same is still true for today’s latest video card, most of them have those GPU for faster processing and they can also have a large amount of memory installed. This is the standard video of today they can have up to 1 gigabytes of memory. For high end graphics application such CAD/CAM processing and video rendering, CGI rendering and all other professional application the video has evolve in such a manner those they can be compare to a regular desktop computer in terms of pricing and characteristics. Objects that need to be manipulated and edited via software that requires the video card to let the editor see and work on the finer detail of the images, they can response faster and better to the application that uses them. They let the graphics editor or designer to see all the aspect of the image that they are working on.

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High end video card has more power and characteristics to offer compare to conventional video cards that has a standard GPU and amount of memory installed in them. Another application of a high end video card is in gaming. People who plays games that uses heavy graphics processing needs high end video cards or else they would not be able to appreciate the game they are playing. There will be a lot of contortions and graphics folding and drag which would lead to hardware crashes because the hardware cannot handle the needed amount of graphics they the software is trying to feed it. LAN games which would require several computers link together would slow down because the video cards cannot cope up with the intense amount of bits being use by the software.

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Okay which choosing the right video for your need make sure to read the box and information that pertains to that video card. Gone are the days that only large amount of memory and a GPU is the main requirement in buying a Video Card for your system. Remember every hardware in your computer must work together for you to have an enjoyable use of your computer. You may buy the very latest in this video card but if it will not cooperate with the rest of the hardware and software in your computer than that video card is called trash become it wasted money and time. So read and check all the information before your buy one for upgrade or replacement.