BYOB Episode 9

This week we will discus “Motherboards and RAM”.  We also weigh in on wiring and SATA connectors. It’s a slow hardware news week so we’re going to Dive right into our feature. Listen to the show for more information.  We hope you enjoy this episode and remember to post your comments and questions on the forums.

Motherboards

The motherboard is what ties the whole PC together. The motherboard is where the CPU, RAM, cables, expansion cards, BIOS, video cards and chipset all reside. While we consider the CPU the “core” or “brain” of a system, the motherboard is the foundation to which all is attached. The case is like the walls and roof by the way.

Motherboard Criteria

CPU TYPE, SOCKET and FORM FACTOR

1. Decide on if you need either AMD or Intel
2. Match your socket type
3. Find the motherboard that fits your case and slot needs.

Socket Types

Intel has three current mainstream socket types and AMD has three. Each socket has specific sizes and pin configurations.

Intel 775 or T

This was the follow on to the old 478 (which was flip-chip). The 775 has pins that touch the CPU socket hence no socket holes. You may also see LGA with this socket name. It stands for Land Grid Array and just means the pins are on the socket and NOT the chip. AMD sockets are PGA or Pin Grid Array. 775 is the biggest choice of processors like Pentium 4, Celeron, Core 2 (and extreme) and Quad Xeon.

Intel 1156 or H (uses DDR3)

This socket is the follow on to the 775. The big difference is that 775s were connected to a Northbridge where the 1156 has the Northbridge integrated into the processor. 1156 supports Lynnfield Core i5 7, i7 8 series and Xeon L and X34 series. 1156 also supports Clarkdale Celeron G1, Pentium G6, Core i3 5 and i5 6. The Desktop chipsets that support LGA 1156 are Intel's H55, H57, P55, and Q57. Server chipsets supporting the socket are Intel's 3400, 3420 and 3450.

Intel 1366 or B

This is the high-end follow-on for the 775 and the 771 server socket. Of course, this has 1366 pins and uses DDR3 too. This socket has a limited Northbridge that acts like a PCI-E controller. The main difference with the 1366 and the 1156 is that the 1366 does not have the PCI-E controller on the chip.

AMD AM2 was the replacement for the 939

AMD AM2+ processors do not work on AM3 motherboards due to the processor's lack of a DDR3 memory controller

AMD AM3 Socket

This socket started in 2009 so that AMD motherboard could support DDR3. AM3 processors work on AM2+ motherboards due to the presence of both the DDR2 and DDR3 memory controller.

Motherboard Sizes / Form Factors

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_form_factor

Typical are the ATX, mATX & ITX

Hardware Picks of the Week

Buffalo 802.11n mini USB WiFi dongle

http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/15/buffalos-802-11n-wifi-dongle-small-in-size-tiny-in-price/

Microsoft Rear Type prototype 

http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/10/microsoft-research-reveals-reartype-puts-qwerty-back-where-it-b/

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