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Purpose and Perspective of the Module 2

The purpose of this module is to learn to configure, maintain, install, and replace
motherboards, as well as about connectors, expansion slots, sockets, onboard ports,
and chipsets.

Module 2 Objectives
The following objectives are addressed in this module:
1. Describe and contrast various types and features of motherboards
2. Configure a motherboard using BIOS/UEFI firmware
3. Maintain a motherboard by updating drivers and firmware, using jumpers to
clear BIOS/UEFI settings, and replacing the CMOS battery
4. Select, install, and replace a desktop motherboard

MOTHERBOARD TYPES AND FEATURES

Mention that when selecting a motherboard, students should pay attention to the
form factor, processor socket, chipset, expansion slots, and other connectors, slots,
and ports.

Motherboard Form Factors

1. Review the types of motherboard form factors that are available:

a. ATX
b. MicroATX
c. Extended ATX
d. MiniITX (commonly referred to as an ITX board)

2. Students should be aware of the intended use of the individual motherboard

form factor designs. For example, ITX is typically used in smaller computers,
while ATX is designed for larger, full-size computers. Use Table 2-1 in your
discussion.

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Intel And AMD Chipsets and Processor Sockets

1. Define the chipset as chips that exist on the motherboard that control various
system resources such as memory, buses, and peripherals.

2. Explain that a socket is rectangular with pins or pads to connect the

processor to the motherboard and a mechanism to hold the processor in
place. Point out that the chipset and socket determine which processors a
board can support.

Intel Chipsets

1. Review the following Intel chipsets with your students:

a. 600 Series Desktop Chipsets
b. 400 and 500 Series Desktop Chipsets
c. 300 Series Desktop Chipsets
d. 200 Series Desktop Chipsets

2. Mention to students that since the release of the 2nd generation Intel Core
family of processors, you can know which generation a processor fits in by
the four or five digits in the model number. Example: The Core i5-11500
processor is a 11th generation processor.

Sockets for Intel Processors

1. Explain that the Intel name for a socket includes the number of pins the
socket has. Further, mention that Intel uses a land grid array (LGA) for all its
current sockets.

2. Review and compare the following Intel sockets:

a. LGA1700
b. LGA1200
c. LGA1151
d. LGA2066
e. LGA2011

3. Emphasize the importance of caution when handling a processor during

install and explain how to use a zero insertion force (ZIF) socket.

AMD Chipsets and Sockets

1. Discuss the four chipset and socket categories currently offered by AMD:
a. TR4 (Threadripper 4)
b. AM4
c. AM3+

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d. FM2+

Match a Processor to the Socket and Motherboard

1. Stress the importance of checking documentation when building a computer

or replacing processors on an existing computer. Students should understand
that the processor and motherboard socket must match, and the
motherboard should also list compatibility with the processor.

Pro Tip

At one point, Intel and AMD processors used the same socket (such
as Socket 5) and were interchangeable.

Buses and Expansion Slots

1. Familiarize students with how a motherboard physically facilitates access to

devices connected to it, via traces.

2. Define a bus as a system of pathways used for communication throughout a

computer and describe how protocols dictate the way communication will
take place.

3. Use Table 2-2 to discuss details of some of the expansion slots found on
today’s motherboards.

PCI Express

1. Introduce students to the PCI Express (PCIe) expansion slot. Discuss how the
PCIe slots use lanes to transfer data. Discuss the characteristics of the
following slots:
a. PCIe x1
b. PCIe x4
c. PCIe x8
d. PCIe x16

2. Discuss the possible power connection options that are needed for the
various expansion slots. Use Figure 2-14 to illustrate the difference between a
Molex-style connector and a SATA-style power connector.

PCI

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1. Point out that conventional PCI slots are slower than those of PCI Express, but
they are still found on most motherboards to support Ethernet network cards,
wireless cards, and sound cards.

Pro Tip

Many electrical components and motherboards include test points

on the motherboard itself, connected by traces. A multimeter can
be used with these points to determine continuity or system
voltages.

Onboard Ports and Connectors

1. Onboard ports should be explained as components that exist directly on the

motherboard, such as USB ports, network or video ports, or eSATA ports.

2. Explain the purpose of the I/O shield in covering up excess space around the
on-board ports exposed at the back of a computer case.

3. List some common internal connectors that might exist on the motherboard,
and stress that the motherboard’s manual is the best source for identifying
the connectors.

Pro Tip

Many different form factors exist, all with different intended uses.
MiniITX motherboards, for example, are designed to be extremely
low power, and are typically used in small form factor computers.

SATA

1. Discuss the SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment or Serial ATA)

interface standard that is used mostly by storage devices. Discuss the
following versions of SATA:
a. SATA Express (SATAe)
b. SATA Revision 3.x
c. SATA Revision 2.x

SAS

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1. Describe the SAS () interface standard that is more expensive, more durable,
and faster than SATA. Point out that it is well suited for a server setting where
many users will be accessing the data at the same time.

M.2

1. Introduce students to the M.2 connector, formerly known as the Next

Generation Form Factor (NGFF). Point out that the M.2 connector was first
used in laptops but is now common on desktop motherboards.

2. Be sure to point out that there are multiple M.2 standards and M.2 slots and
students should make sure an M.2 card matches the M.2 slot and uses an
interface standard the slot supports.

USB

1. Explain to students that USB header is used to connect a cable from the
motherboard to USB ports on the front of the computer case. Use Figure 2-22
to discuss USB connectors.

USING BIOS/UEFI SETUP TO CONFIGURE A MOTHERBOARD

1. Discuss how firmware on the motherboard is used to:
a. Enable or disable a connector, port, or component
b. Control the frequency and other features of the CPU
c. Manage security features
d. Control what happens when the PC first boots
e. Monitor and log various activities of the board

2. Point out that motherboards made after 2012 use BIOS/UEFI firmware and
prior to 2012 all motherboards used BIOS firmware.

3. Explain that UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) improves on BIOS

but includes BIOS for backward compatibility with older devices. Discuss the
facts that students should know about UEFI that are found in the text.

Accessing the BIOS/UEFI Setup Program

1. Demonstrate how to access the BIOS/UEFI setup program, and list some of
the more common keystrokes necessary for gaining access at computer
startup.

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Viewing and Monitoring Information

1. Familiarize students with navigation and changing settings within the

BIOS/UEFI setup screen, pointing out what options are available. Students
should understand that different BIOS/UEFI versions will have different
capabilities and settings available for change.

2. Use Figure 2-26 to illustrate a BIOS/UEFI screen with a graphical interface.

Changing Boot Options

1. Explain how to change a computer’s BIOS boot priority order or boot

sequence, then demonstrate how this is done.

Boot Priority Order

1. Discuss some examples of where students might want to change the boot
priority order.

Manage Secure Boot

1. Introduce students to Secure Boot, which was invented to help prevent

malware from launching before the OS and anti-malware software are
launched.

2. Explain to students that the Platform Key (PK) is a digital signature that
belongs to the motherboard or computer manufacturer and that it authorizes
turning Secure boot on or off.

3. Review how Secure boot operates when it is enabled.

Manage CSM and UEFI Boot

1. Introduce students to CSM (Compatibility Support Module), also called Legacy

Support. Point out that CSM should be used for backward compatibility with
older BIOS devices and drivers and MBR hard drives.

Configuring Onboard Devices

1. Show how onboard devices, such as a wireless LAN, a network port, USB
ports, or video ports can be configured using BIOS/UEFI setup.

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Processor and Clock Speeds

1. Discuss the practice of overclocking a computer’s components and note how

this can be done within some BIOS/UEFI setup screens.

Configuring Security Features

1. List the Security features available in addition to Secure Boot, such as power-
on passwords, drive password protection, the TPM chip, HSMs, and drive
encryption.

Power-On Passwords

1. Power-on passwords should be explained as a way to limit or prevent a

computer’s ability to boot without providing a password during the startup
process. Note that this can be reset using a jumper on the motherboard.

Drive Password Protection

1. Explain that some laptop BIOS/UEFI utilities offer the option to set a hard
drive password, which does not encrypt all the data on the drive but encrypts
only a few organizational sectors.

2. Discuss options for password protection.

The TPM Chip, HSMs, and Hard Drive Encryption

1. Discuss options for hard drive encryption. Note that the Trusted Platform
Module (TPM) chip can help secure data in the event that a device is stolen
by preventing the use of a hard drive in a different computer. Point out that
the BitLocker Encryption tool in Windows is designed to work with the TPM
chip.

2. Review how to initialize a TPM chip in Windows.

3. Describe the hardware security module (HSM) as an encryption device that

can be installed in a computer that does not have a TPM chip or the chip is
not working.

BIOS Support for Virtualization

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1. Explain the use of virtualization technology and show what settings (if
available) in the BIOS/UEFI enable built-in virtualization.

Exiting the BIOS/UEFI Setup Menus

1. Demonstrate how to exit the BIOS screen and save any changes that have
been made, or discard changes.

UPDATING MOTHERBOARD DRIVERS AND BIOS/UEFI

1. Using a new OS or hardware device can sometimes resolve issues with the
motherboard

2. The purpose of the CMOS battery should be covered, as well as how to

determine if the battery requires replacement.

3. Discuss the steps that should be followed when replacing the CMOS battery.

Pro Tip

CMOS batteries can often be found in drug stores. However,

students should be aware that they should match the battery
specifications of the currently installed battery. Server
motherboards sometimes use different type of CMOS battery than
standard desktop motherboards.

Installing or Updating Motherboard Drivers

1. Describe device drivers as small programs stored on the hard drive that an
OS uses to communicate with a specific hardware device. Further explain that
motherboards typically come with a CD or DVD containing drivers for using
on-board devices.

2. Use Figure 2-36 to illustrate to show students how to obtain updated drivers
from a manufacturer’s website.

Updating Firmware

1. Provide information on what might warrant updating, or flashing the

BIOS/UEFI, such as system issues or malfunctioning motherboard features.

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2. List the different methods for updating the BIOS/UEFI:
a. Download and update from within BIOS/UEFI setup
b. Update from a USB flash drive using BIOS/UEFI setup
c. Run an express BIOS/UEFI update

3. Discuss the potential cautions involved when updating the motherboard

BIOS/UEFI software. Students should be aware that interrupted updates could
result in motherboard failure.

4. Review the possible options if the BIOS update is interrupted or creates

errors:
a. Back flash
b. Bootable media and restore defaults

Pro Tip

Some motherboards have a recovery BIOS/UEFI that can be used in

the event that a BIOS/UEFI update fails. This is typically a feature
present on mid-range to high-end motherboards.

Using Jumpers to Clear BIOS/UEFI Settings

1. Define a jumper as two small posts or metal pins that stick up on the
motherboard that is used to hold configuration information.

2. Demonstrate how to use jumpers to clear BIOS settings or forgotten

passwords.

INSTALLING OR REPLACING A MOTHERBOARD

1. Stress to students the importance of being able to replace a motherboard
when needed, since a motherboard is considered a field replaceable unit.

How to Select a Desktop Motherboard

1. Discuss with students how to select a motherboard. Make students aware of

the different factors involved in motherboard selection, such as form factor,
chipset, and processors supported.

2. Because motherboards may have integrated components, explain to students

what benefits or drawbacks motherboards with integrated components may
have.

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3. Demonstrate how to disable an integrated component within the BIOS setup
screen.

How to Install or Replace a Motherboard

1. Review information from Module 1 regarding safety when working inside of a

computer case.

2. List steps involved in the replacement of a motherboard, starting with making

sure that the replacement motherboard will work with the case, uses the
correct socket, and is compatible with the same RAM.

3. Elaborate on how students can test to see if a motherboard replacement is

functioning properly after install by entering the BIOS setup and verifying
settings.

Key Terms
AM3+: A type of pin grid array CPU socket used with AMD Piledriver and Bulldozer
processors and the 9 series chipset; AM3+ is typically used in high-end gaming
systems.
AM4: A type of CPU socket used with AMD Ryzen and Athlon processors and the
AM4 family of chipsets, including the 970, 980G, and 990X chipsets.AM4 is typically
used in mainstream desktop systems. The socket has 1331 pins in a pin grid array.
ATX: The most common form factor for desktop computer cases, motherboards,
and power supplies; It was originally introduced by Intel in 1995. ATX motherboards
and cases make better use of space and resources than the earlier AT form factor.
back flash: To revert to an earlier version of BIOS/UEFI after flashing BIOS/UEFI.
BitLocker Encryption: A Windows utility that works with the TPM chip to lock
down a hard drive by encrypting the entire Windows volume on the drive.
bus: A system of pathways used for communication and the protocol and methods
used for transmission.
chipset: A group of chips on the motherboard that controls the timing and flow of
data and instructions to and from the CPU.
Compatibility Support Module (CSM): A feature of UEFI that allows UEFI to be
backward compatible with legacy BIOS devices and drivers.
device driver: A small program stored on the hard drive and installed in Windows
that tells Windows how to communicate with a specific hardware device such as a
printer, network, port on a motherboard, or scanner.

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Extended ATX (E-ATX): A larger version of ATX motherboard form factors.
flashing BIOS (or flashing BIOS/UEFI): The process of upgrading or refreshing
the programming and data stored on the firmware chip.
flashing BIOS/UEFI: See flashing BIOS
GUID Partition Table (GPT): A method for partitioning hard drives that allows for
drives of any size, greater that 2 TB. For windows, a drive that uses this method can
have up to 128 partitions. The GPT partitioning system is required to use a secure
boot with UEFI firmware.
hardware security module (HSM): A hard drive encryption device that can be
installed.
header: An internal connector on a motherboard that consists of a group of pins
that stick up on the board.
I/O shield: A plate installed on the rear of a computer case that provides holes for
I/O ports coming off the motherboard.
ITX: See Mini-ITX
Jumper: Two small posts or metal pins that stick up side by side on a motherboard
or other device and are used to hold configuration information. The jumper is
considered closed if a cover is over the wires and open if the cover is missing.
land grid array (LGA): A socket that has blunt protruding pins in uniform rows
that connect with lands or pads on the bottom of the processor.
LGA1151: A CPU socket for Intel processors that uses a land grid array and 1151
pins. This socket was released in 2015.
LGA1200: A CPU socket for Intel processors that uses a land grid array and 1200
pins. This socket was released in 2020 and works with the 10th and 11th generation
processors and chipsets.
LGA1700: A larger CPU socket (also called Socket V) for Intel processors that uses
a land grid array and 1700 pins. This socket was released in 2021 and works with
12th generation (Alder Lake) processors.
M.2 connector: A motherboard or expansion card slot that connects to a mini add-
on card. The slot uses a PCIe, USB, or SATA interface with the motherboard chipset,
and several variations of the slot exist.
Master Boot Record (MBR): a method for partitioning a hard drive that allows for
four partitions, and a drive capacity limit of 2 TB. On an MBR hard drive, the first
sector is called the MBR; it contains the partition table and a program motherboard
that firmware uses to boot an OS from the drive.
Mini-ITX (or ITX or mITX): A motherboard form factor which is a smaller version
of microATX.

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mITX: See Mini-ITX
onboard port: A port that is directly on the motherboard, such as a built-in
keyboard port or onboard network port.
overclocking: Running a processor at a higher frequency than that recommended
by the manufacturer. Overclocking can result in an unstable system, but it is a
popular practice when a computer is used for gaming.
PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect): A bus common to personal
computers that uses a 32-bit wide or 64-bit data path. Several variations of PCI
exist. On desktop systems, one or more notches on a PCI slot keep the wrong PCI
cards from being entered into the slot.
pin grid array (PGA): A socket that has holes aligned in uniform rows around it to
receive the pins on the bottom of the processor. Compare with land grid array
(LGA).
Platform Key (PK): A digital signature that belongs to the motherboard or
computer manufacturer. The PK authorized turning Secure boot on or off and
updating the KEK database.
Preboot eXecution Environment or Pre-Execution Environment (PXE):
Programming contained in the BIOS/UEFI code on the motherboard that is used to
start up the computer and search for a server on the network to provide a bootable
operating system.
protocol: A set of rules and standards that two entities use for communication. For
example, TCP/IP is a suite or group of protocols that define many types of
communication on a TCP/IP network.
SAS (Serial Attached SCSI): An interface standard used mostly by storage
devices—typically in servers and workstations— and the successor of SCSI.
Secure Boot: A UEFI and OS feature that prevents a system from booting up with
drivers or an OS that is not digitally signed and trusted by the motherboard or
computer manufacturer.
small form factor (SFF): A motherboard used in low-end computers and home
theater systems. An SFF is often used with an Intel Atom processor and sometimes
purchased as a motherboard-processor combo unit.
S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology): A
BIOS/UEFI and hard drive feature that monitors hard drive performance, disk spin-
up time, temperature, distance between the head and the disk, and other
mechanical activities of the drive in order to predict when it is likely to fail.
socket: A rectangular device with pins or pads to connect the processor to the
motherboard and hold the processor in place.

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sTRX4 socket: A land grid array (LGA) socket that supports 3rd generation
Threadripper processors and uses the TRX40 chipset.
TPM (Trusted Platform Module) chip: A chip that stores the startup key, that
you can be used with encryption software to prevent unauthorized access.
TR4 (Threadripper 4) socket: An LGA socket that supports Threadripper
processors and uses the AMD X399 chipset.
Trace: Circuits or paths that enable data, instructions, timing signals, and power to
move from component to component on the board.
USB (Universal Serial Bus): Multipurpose bus and connector standards used for
internal and external ports for a variety of devices.
USB power share: A setting which enables you to charge a USB device even when
the computer is turned off.
USB wake support: A setting which allows a USB device to wake a computer on
action.
virtualization: Allows your computer system to run as unique computer system
with full access to all hardware for individual applications.
virtual machine (VM): Software managed by a hypervisor that simulates the
hardware of a physical computer, creating one or more logical machines within one
physical machine.
zero insertion force (ZIF) socket: A processor socket with one or two levers on
the sides that are used to move the processor out of or into the socket so that equal
force is applied over the entire socket housing.

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Additional Resources

Internet Resources
 Gigabyte Factory Tour – How Motherboards are Made:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwdQhv6WOfM

 We Built the CHEAPEST PC on Amazon! (But are the parts compatible?):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkK_n5Q8M38

 How Motherboards Work:

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/motherboard1.htm

 How to Choose a Motherboard - A Guide for 2021:
https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/motherboard-buying-
guide,5682.html

 How to Enter BIOS/UEFI Utility on all PCs: https://fossbytes.com/enter-bios-

utility-uefi-settings-all-pc-boot-from-usb/

 What is UEFI, and How is It Different from BIOS?:

https://www.howtogeek.com/56958/htg-explains-how-uefi-will-replace-the-
bios/

 How to Update Your BIOS: https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/how-to/pc-

upgrades/how-update-bios-3428662/

 Boot to UEFI Mode or Legacy BIOS Mode:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/
boot-to-uefi-mode-or-legacy-bios-mode

 BIOS/UEFI Flashing: https://www.pcworld.com/article/187437/how-to-update-

your-bios.html

 PXE Booting: https://www.howtogeek.com/57601/what-is-network-booting-

pxe-and-how-can-you-use-it/

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