Topic: Hardware

RAM on Your Motherboard Explained

Upgrades

If you have a higher amount of RAM, you can run more programs and applications at the same time. Upgrading your RAM can be an easy way to make your computer run faster. But before you upgrade, make sure your motherboard can allow a faster RAM.

Usage

Older style computers with 32-bit processors can allow four gigabytes of RAM maximum. Newer computers with 64-bit processors can allow up to 16 gigabytes of RAM.

RAM Sticks

The RAM sticks are thin chips that you insert into a specific slot in the motherboard. It connects with two clamps on either edge and a small hook in the middle. The hook locks it into place and prevents you from inserting it the wrong way.

If you are changing your RAM but are only using one stick, it's best to use the slot closest to the processor since that is the primary source.

It is also important to be careful when handling your RAM sticks because they can be easily damaged.

updated 2011-06-10 18:05:00

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Processor on Your Motherboard Explained

The processor is the central processing unit of the motherboard, so everything the computer does goes through the processor. It can also be the main bottleneck if it's the slowest component of the computer.

Here are some things to know about the processor:

There are two main types of processor manufacturers: AMD and Intel.

You can have a 32-bit processor or a 64-bit processor. A 64-bit processor has a wider capacity and can process data faster.

The processor always has a heatsink and a fan on it. This is because it heats up and needs to be cooled adequately.

You can identify your type of processor by looking at it on the socket.

updated 2011-06-10 16:49:15

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Battery on Your Motherboard Explained

You can purchase a new motherboard battery at an electronics store. Remove the old one by using a small screwdriver to pop out the teeth that lock in the battery. When inserting a new battery, the text section goes on the top.

If a computer's BIOS chip has a password that blocks other users from accessing the computer, removing the battery is a way to bypass this password. This will reset the computer's password and other settings. You can protect your computer from being accessed by ensuring that your battery is reliable and keeping your computer case locked.

updated 2011-06-13 17:17:25

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SATA on Your Motherboard Explained

SATA is a newer technology than IDE and it offers higher connection speeds.

Most new computers have around six SATA connections, which is more than the number of IDE connections. Each SATA cable can connect only one drive, although you can have multiple connections at once.

updated 2011-06-10 22:17:56

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Computer Motherboard Simplified

Sean Hewitt introduces Mahalo's series about the ins and outs of your computer's motherboard. He'll explain what it does, break down the components and show you how they work together.

You can click on the components in the video screen or choose the related pages on the right to learn more about each part of your motherboard.

updated 2011-06-10 01:46:18

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Add Fans to Your Computer Explained

The side of your motherboard will have several three or four-pin connections that are meant for attaching fans to the computer. There is a CPU fan connection, a CHA fan connection and several more depending on your computer. These connections will provide power for the fans to cool off the parts in your computer.

If you have a large computer case and need multiple fans, the motherboard will have various spots to connect these fans. You can also connect the fans at different speeds. For example, you can have a processor fan set to one speed and a case fan set to a different speed.

Make sure that the top fan is always running when your computer is on. If it stops running, your processor may overheat and become damaged.

updated 2011-06-16 01:20:19

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North Bridge and South Bridge on Your Motherboard Explained

The north bridge and south bridge act as the "middle management" in your computer's system. If you're unsure which is which, the north bridge is usually closer to the processor than the south bridge because they communicate more.

There is commonly a heat sink located on both the north bridge and south bridge because they can become hot. Always be careful when touching either bridge. The north bridge can become especially hot if you're overworking your computer because it is one of the first points of communication in processing data.

When looking for a new north bridge or south bridge, be aware that the technologies are changing. For example, Intel is developing a new architecture in which the processor takes over most of the control of the north bridge.

updated 2011-06-10 23:40:10

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Video Card on Your Motherboard Explained

In some cases, you can run two video cards at once to make a dual video. This is called a CrossFire or SLI and works by connecting the two cards together with an expansion port. To do this your computer must have two video card slots.

updated 2011-06-10 18:54:26

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BIOS on Your Motherboard Explained

The BIOS (basic input/output system) chip on your computer fits into the motherboard and acts as software for just your motherboard.

Startup

When the computer is first powered on, the BIOS inspects the system to make sure everything is functioning correctly. This action is the first lines of text that appear when you start up your computer.

Accessing BIOS

You can also access the BIOS by pressing a function key, which varies by your computer's manufacturer. Usually the keys F2, F10, F11 or Delete will enter your BIOS setup screen. Once there, you can control different features such as the time, date and other information.

System Speaker

The system speaker is connected to the BIOS. The speaker only plays beeps and serves as an air code to inform you if something is wrong with the computer. You can look up the air codes in your manual or online to find out what they mean about your system.

updated 2011-06-11 00:27:46

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