Hello everyone,

In part 1 of this series I talked about the seven major hardware components of a computer and in part 2 I talked about software basics. In upcoming posts I would like to talk specifically, and more in-depth about each of the seven major hardware components. Today: The Motherboard.

Whenever you build a new system or upgrade an old one, you had better think motherboard first. Without doubt the motherboard is the #1 key piece to your system, so please spend a lot of time considering which one you’re going to get and why. Consider the following essential facts:

1) The motherboard is the largest single component that is in your machine.

2) The motherboard contains the motherboard chipset which will dictate the type of CPU that you can use.

3) The type of motherboard and motherboard chipset will dictate the kind of memory that you can use.

4) The controller circuitry built into the motherboard will dictate the type of Hard Drive that will be used.

Just a few years ago you were stuck with the motherboard and CPU that came in your computer. If you wanted to upgrade, you had to change the entire computer. Modern day mobo processor sockets can now handle many different CPUs. For example: Ivy Bridge Core i3 (cheaper), Core i5 (medium priced), Core i7 (expensive) will all fit in the same socket and all will work just fine in the same compatible motherboard! Just pop out one CPU and put in another one and you’re “good to go”!

Two of my favorite motherboards at the moment are the ASRock Z77 Extreme4 (Intel), and the ASUS M5A97 (AMD). Both of these boards are a great value and will easily do what most users need to do with their systems. Match up these great motherboards with the appropriate CPU type and you’ll be “one happy camper”!!

Professor Randy says: Build or upgrade your system from the ground up! The #1 foundational piece of your system is the motherboard. Consider your needs and put a lot of time and effort into choosing the appropriate board.