Motherboard and CPU Repair

A motherboard refers to the main circuit board of any electronic device that incorporates one or more printed control boards (PCBs). Traditionally, the motherboard facilitates communication between the various components of the device, passing inputs from peripherals through the CPU, or Central Processing Unit, to be processed and transmitted as output to the speakers, motors, screens, or other components that might make use of them. In some computers, the CPU is able to be plugged directly into the motherboard with a multi-pin interface. However, newer designs integrate the CPU into the motherboard, so that it may not be easily removed.

The CPU is the electrical circuitry responsible for actually processing input. It is capable of performing basic arithmetic and logic operations according to the set of instructions laid out by the program. It commonly works in tandem with RAM, or Random Access Memory, in order to quickly access the information it needs to keep processing efficiently without the bottleneck of data transfer. CPUs can be identified by their square shape, with several pins sticking out of one side if it is removable.

In computing, the motherboard form factor defines dimensions, power supply type, mounting holes, and back panel ports. Smaller form factors optimize space, offer flexibility, reduce material usage, and facilitate easier transportation, but come with higher costs and limited expansion options compared to larger ones.

Advanced Technology Extended (ATX), a motherboard and power supply configuration patented by David Dent in 1995 at Intel. This form factor has become one of the most popular motherboard form factors.

• Originated: Intel
• Year Created: 1995
• Dimensions: 12 in x 9.6 in (305 mm x 244 mm)

MicroATX also known as μATX, uATX or mATX, is a motherboard form factor that was introduced by Intel a year after the Standard-ATX form facotor was introduced, and was explicitly deisgened to be backwards compatable with the ATX form factor while being 25% shorter. Generally speaking, this means that MicroATX boards can fit into full-sized ATX cases, as well as full-sized ATX power supplies. The trade off is that because of their smaller size MicroATX boards will feature fewer expansion slots.

• Originated: Intel
• Year Created: 1996
• Dimensions: 9.6 in x 9.6 in (244 mm x 244 mm)

Mini-ITX is a smaller form factor motherboard developed by VIA Technologies in 2001. This form factor is ideal for fanless, low-power builds, including home theater PCs.

• Originated: VIA Technologies
• Year Created: 2001
• Dimensions: 6.7 in x 6.7 in (170 mm x 170 mm)

Nano-ITX, a computer motherboard form factor first proposed by VIA Technologies at CeBIT in March 2003 and implemented in late 2005, and offer very low power consumption. These boards have numerous applications, but they are primarily targeted at smart digital entertainment devices like DVRs, set-top boxes, media centers, car PCs, and thin devices.

• Originated: VIA Technologies
• Year Created: 2003
• Dimensions: 4.7 in x 4.7 in (120 mm × 120 mm)

The Pico-ITX, a PC motherboard form factor unveiled by VIA Technologies in January 2007 and showcased later that same year at CeBIT. Notably, the Pico-ITX size encompass half the area of its Nano-ITX counterpart.

• Originated: VIA Technologies
• Year Created: 2007
• Dimensions: 3.9 in x 2.8 in (100 mm x 72 mm)

• Wikipedia - Motherboard
• Wikipedia - Motherboard Form Factor
• Wikipedia - Central Processing Unit