10

TLE-ICT-CSS
Quarter 1 – Module 3:
ASSEMBLE COMPUTER HARDWARE
(Motherboard)
English – Grade 10
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 1 – Module 3: Assemble Computer Hardware (Motherboard)
First Edition, 2020

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Published by the Department of Education

Secretary: Leonor Magtolis Briones
Undersecretary: Diosdado M. San Antonio

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Reynald M. Manzano
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Typesetter: Mark Joeben L. Casal
Layout Artist:
Management Team: Senen Priscillo P. Paulin, CESO V Rosela R. Abiera
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Nilita L. Ragay, Ed. D.
Antonio B. Baguio, Jr., Ed. D.

Printed in the Philippines by ________________________

Department of Education –Region VII Schools Division of Negros Oriental

Office Address: Kagawasan, Ave., Daro, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental

Tele #: (035) 225 2376 / 541 1117
E-mail Address: negros.oriental@deped.gov.ph
 10

TLE
Quarter 1 – Module 3:
INSTALLING AND CONFIGURING
COMPUTER SYSTEM (ICCS)
(Motherboard)
 What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to
help you master the nature of Biology. The scope of this module permits it to
be used in many different learning situations. The language used recognizes
the diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged to follow
the standard sequence of the course. But the order in which you read them
can be changed to correspond with the textbook you are now using.

The module contains lesson in Motherboard.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Identify materials necessary to complete the work in accordance with
established procedures and check against system requirements.
2. Obtain materials necessary to complete the work in accordance with
established procedures and check against system requirements.
3. Assemble computer hardware in accordance with established
procedures and system requirements.

1
 What I Know

A.
Multiple choice: Write the letter of the correct answer into your notebook.
1. It is a slightly smaller variation of the full ATX size that measures 11.2″ x
8.2″ (28cm x 21cm).
a. Micro ATX c. Mini ITX
b. Mini ATX d. Flex ATX
2. It is derived from Micro ATX and is used in small computer cases.
a. Micro ATX c. Mini ITX
b. Mini ATX d. Flex ATX
3. It is an even smaller version of the ATX standard, with a maximum
size of 9.6″ x 9.6″ (24cm x 24cm).
a. Micro ATX c. Mini ITX
b. Mini ATX d. Flex ATX
4. It is a single expansion slot and the motherboard itself is considerably
smaller than the ATX and even the micro ATX.
a. Micro ATX c. Mini ITX
b. Mini ATX d. Flex ATX
5. It is used with smaller devices like set-top boxes, car PCs, media
centers, and other embedded devices.
a. Nano ITX c. Pico ITX
b. Mobile ITX d. DTX Form Factor
6. It is intended for small form factor PCs, and is backward compatible
with ATX form factor cases.
a. Nano ITX c. Pico ITX
b. Mobile ITX d. DTX Form Factor
7. The size of this motherboard is 3.9” x 2.8” (10 cm X 7,2 cm).
a. Nano ITX c. Pico ITX
b. Mobile ITX d. DTX Form Factor
8. It is the smallest form factor with the size of 2.4” x 2.4” (6 cm x 6 cm).
a. Nano ITX c. Pico ITX
b. Mobile ITX d. DTX Form Factor

B. Name the parts of the motherboard. Write your answer in your notebook.

2
6

5
2
 Lesson

1 MOTHERBOARD

The motherboard is the main circuit board of your computer and is also
known as the mainboard or logic board. If you ever open your computer, the biggest
piece of silicon you see is the motherboard. Attached to the motherboard, you'll find
the CPU, ROM, memory RAM expansion slots, PCI slots, and USB ports. It also
includes controllers for devices like the hard drive, DVD drive, keyboard, and mouse.
Basically, the motherboard is what makes everything in your computer work
together.

What’s In

Disassemble Computer is to break down a device into separate parts. A device

may be disassembled to help determine a problem, to replace a part, or take the parts
and use them in another device or sell them individually.

In this module you will learn the parts of the motherboard and its functions.

What’s New

2 Pics 1 Word Puzzles

What is the answer to the puzzle?
1 word (11 letters)

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____

3
 What is It

Different types of motherboard

ATX Form Factor (Full ATX)

Probably the most common form factor for a

motherboard is the ATX form factor. The board is
approximately 12″ x 9.6″ (30cm x 24cm).

Image 113.6 – ATX Form Factor

Mini ATX

A mini-ATX motherboard is a slightly smaller variation of the full ATX size that
measures 11.2″ x 8.2″ (28cm x 21cm). The main difference between ATX and mini-
ATX is the number of buses and possibly memory slots on the motherboard.
Mounting holes for both are located in the same place, making them interchangeable
in most cases. A case that supports an ATX motherboard can also support mini-ATX
motherboard.

Micro ATX

The micro-ATX form factor is an even

smaller version of the ATX standard, with a
maximum size of 9.6″ x 9.6″ (24cm x 24cm). The
faceplate line up to the exact same position as in
all other versions of ATX. System case that can
hold an ATX motherboard can also hold micro
ATX motherboard. The smaller mid or mini tower
cases would likely be too small for a full ATX
motherboard but should accommodate micro ATX
motherboard. The terms mini-ATX and micro-ATX Image 113.7 – Micro ATX Form
are often used interchangeably. Factor

Flex ATX

The size of Flex ATX is 9” x 7.5” (22,9 cm x 19,1

cm). It is derived from Micro ATX and is used in
small computer cases.

4
 Flex ATX Form Factor

Mini ITX

Going down in size we have a mini ITX

motherboard with a maximum size of 6.7″ x
6.7″ (17cm x 17cm). Notice that there is a
single expansion slot and the motherboard
itself is considerably smaller than the ATX and
even the micro ATX. Also notice that the
faceplate still line-up and the hole positions
still match the ATX hole positions.
Theoretically we could take this micro ITX
motherboard and place it inside a full tower Image 113.8 – Mini ITX Form
case. However, we usually use a small form Factor
factor case for this motherboard.

Em ITX

Em ITX dimensions are 17 cm x 12 cm.

Em ITX Form Factor

Nano ITX

Measures of Nano ITX are 4.7″ x 4.7″ (12

cm x 12 cm). It is used with smaller devices like
set-top boxes, car PCs, media centers, and other
embedded devices.

Nano ITX Form Factor

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Pico ITX
The size of the Pico ITX is 3.9” x 2.8” (10
cm X 7,2 cm).

Pico ITX Form Factor

Mobile ITX

Mobile ITX is the smallest form factor with

the size of 2.4” x 2.4” (6 cm x 6 cm).

Mobile ITX Form Factor

DTX Form Factor

DTX form factor is intended for small form

factor PCs, and is backward compatible with ATX
form factor cases. Dimensions are 8” x 9.6” (20,3 cm
x 24,4 cm).

DTX Form Factor

Mini DTX

Mini DTX is a shorter version of DTX

form factor. Dimensions are 8” x 6.7” (20,3 cm
x 170 cm).

Mini DTX Form Factor

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SSI CEB

SSI form factors were developed by SSI

(Server System Infrastructure) forum, and are
intended for dual or multi-processor
motherboards used in servers and or even
workstations. SSI form factors were derived from
ATX specification, so they have the same rear
panel, IO connector area, and mounting holes.
But, SSI form factors are larger than ATX, so SSI
motherboards will not fit cases designed for
standard ATX. The computer case has to be
SSI CEB Form Factor
designed for larger than standard ATX form factor.
Three SSI form factors are CEB (Compact
Electronics Bay), EEB (Enterprise Electronics Bay), and MEB (Midrange Electronics
Bay). The smallest of them is SSI CEB, and the size is 12” x 10.5” (30,5 cm x 26,7cm).

SSI EEB (also called Extended ATX or E-ATX)

SSI EEB dimensions are 12” x 13” (30,5 cm x 33
cm).

SSI EEB Form Factor

SSI MEB
The SSI MEB size is 16.2” x 13” (41,1 cm x 33
cm). It is longer in order to provide space for two
additional CPU sockets.

SSI MEB Form Factor

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BTX Form Factor

There are a few main differences with the

BTX form factor. Notice that the faceplate is on the
opposite end. Another difference is that the hole
positions are different. Also, the processor socket is
slightly rotated so that it is at an angle to the system
board. This rotation is to aid in the airflow across
the processor to assist in cooling the processor. The
BTX motherboard will only fit within a system case
that is designed for a BTX motherboard. In many
cases this means that an ATX system case will not
work with a BTX system board, although there are
system cases that are able to accommodate both the
ATX and the BTX form factors. The BTX form factor
has not been widely adopted despite its Image 113.9 – BTX Form
Factor
improvements over ATX and related standards. As a
result, the availability and variety of BTX-
compatible components is limited.

NLX Form Factor

The NLX is an older style form factor
that is not used very often anymore. We might
see it in some older motherboards but it’s not
likely to encounter it with newer
motherboards.

Image 113.10 – NLX Form Factor

NLX is an older form factor used for

slimline desktop-style computers. NLX is an
improvement over an even earlier LPX form
factor. Notice that this motherboard has no
expansion slots for the PCI or ISA bus. The
NLX form factor is used in slim line cases that
are very short.

Image 113.11 – NLX With Riser

Card

In order to accommodate expansion cards, we use a tab on the edge of the

motherboard. We insert a Riser Card on the end of the motherboard. Riser Card is
then used for expansion cards, so that now expansion cards lay flat rather than being
perpendicular to the motherboard. The riser card does not have built-in ports for
audio, joystick, USB, network or modem.

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Parts of A Motherboard

1. BIOS And CMOS

BIOS or Basic Input Output System is where all the information and settings
for the motherboard are stored. It can be accessed, updated, and modified via the
BIOS mode.

The CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semi-Conductor) battery is what’s

responsible for keeping all the information intact when the entire system is shut
down.

The CMOS battery can be removed to reset the BIOS after a failed update or
if you overclock your RAM beyond its capabilities.
2. Input/output Ports
It’s an interface or a point of connection between the computer and its
peripheral devices. Some of the common peripherals are mouse, keyboard, monitor
or display unit, printer, speaker, flash drive etc.
3. IDE and SATA Connector (Storage Device Connectors)
The internal storage device connectors are where you will connect your storage
devices, such as mechanical hard drives and solid-state drives. These storage
devices need to be connected to the motherboard for data to be submitted and
retrieved.

Don’t forget: while HDDs and SSDs do the same thing (store data), there is a big
difference between how HDDs and SSDs accomplish this.

IDE, or Integrated Drive Electronics, is used to hook up disk drives, floppy disks,
and HDDs. This is a 40-pin male connector that connects the HDD.
As technology advanced, IDE connectors became obsolete. Now the SATA connector
(Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) is the standard connector with a 7-pin
interface. Despite having 33 fewer pins, this is faster than the IDE connectors.

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4. Power Connectors
The ATX (Advanced Technology eXtended) connector (found in more recent
motherboards) has 20 or 24-pin female connectors. This is the largest connector on
the motherboard, as this draws out the needed power directly from the power supply.
The SMPS (switched-mode power supply) then utilizes this power to keep the
motherboard running.

5. Front I/O Connectors

This is where you connect the Power Switch, LED power indicator, Reset
Switch, and the HDD LED cables. The front audio port and front USB are also
connected here. These connections are usually located at the bottom part of the
motherboard.

6. CPU Socket

The CPU socket is where your CPU (processor) is installed. This is where the
processing and transfer of data happens. Your CPU is one of the most important
parts of your computer, so you often choose your motherboard based on
compatibility with the CPU you intend to use. The CPU needs to be 100% compatible
with the motherboard socket for it to work.

7. Expansion Card Slots

The expansion card slots are where you add extra components such as a video
card, network card, audio card, or PCIe SSD. The slots are located in the bottom half
of the motherboard below the CPU socket.

Video Card Slot

The video card slot lets you install a dedicated GPU and boost the graphical
performance of your computer further than an AMD APU or Intel CPU would. This
goes to the high data slots, like the PCIe slot or AGP slot. Ports include, but are not
limited to, (depends on the card):

• HDMI
• DVI
• DisplayPort
• USB-C

Network Card Slot

The network card slot is where you put the Network Interface Card (NIC). This
allows you to connect to other computer networks via LAN or the internet. It has an
RJ-45 port at the back.

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Modem Card Slot
This is where you connect your network card so you can connect to the
internet through the telephone line. Obviously, this is an older technology than the
above NIC. This typically has 2 RJ-11 connectors to connect to the telephone.

Audio Card Slot

This is where audio cards fit. They convert electrical signals to the audio signals
or sound that we can hear. Depending on the type of audio, there will be different
types of ports found at the back. But it usually has several 3.5mm ports used for the
following:

• Microphone
• Speaker
• Recorder
• Gaming Joystick

8. RAM (Memory) Slots

RAM, or Random Access Memory, slots are one of the most important parts
on a motherboard.

The RAM slots are, unsurprisingly, where you place the RAM modules. There is the
SIMM slot (Single in-line memory module) that only supports a 32-bit bus, and there
is the DIMM slot (Dual inline memory module) that can simultaneously run with a
64-bit bus.

DDR3 (Double Data Rate 3rd Generation) was once the standard with RAM,
but this has slowly been replaced with DDR4 (Double Data Rate 4th Generation).
While DDR3 is still surprisingly effective, DDR4 is the new standard.

When it comes to gaming, there’s still an active debate whether you need 8GB
or 16GB of DDR4.
This is where you connect your M.2 SSD. The M.2 slot is regarded as the
replacement for mSATA standard and was formerly known as Next Generation Form
Factor (NGFF).

When M.2 devices use the PCI bus instead of the SATA bus, they can transfer
data six times faster than a standard SSD.

M.2 SSDs were designed to enable high-performance storage in compact

devices, such as laptops and tablets. M.2 devices are widely accepted as being the
best types of storage, as we see them becoming a standard feature in desktop PCs
too.
We have covered the different sections of a motherboard you are likely to
interact with during your PC build. Of course, there is much more at work on a
motherboard that plays a major role in the operation of your various components.

11
 Other parts, such as chipsets, act as a communications hub or a traffic
control center, and they manage the flow of data between the processor, memory,
and peripherals. It’s essentially the backbone of a PC.

Since this is an article to help educate PC builders/gamers, new or

experienced, let’s take a look at these parts and their functions:
Northbridge and Southbridge Chip

9. M.2 Slot

The northbridge chip is connected directly to the CPU and handles fast
communication between the CPU and performance-sensitive components such as
the graphics card and system memory.
It is also connected to the southbridge chip that acts as a communications
hub too. However, the southbridge communicates with less performance-sensitive
components such as USB ports, storage devices, onboard networks, and audio chips.
Nowadays, modern CPUs have the northbridge inside of them, which is why
you can’t find a northbridge on modern motherboards. This is a faster, more
responsive system and has reduced latency when compared to the older, on-board
northbridge.

The southbridge chip, however, is on the physical motherboard but is usually

covered with a heatsink that’s engraved with the logo of the motherboard’s brand.

Other Parts of a Motherboard And Their Functions

Since the introduction of the Intel 5 series, Intel calls the southbridge
the Platform Controller Hub, or PCH, while AMD still calls it the southbridge.

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ROM Chip

ROM or Read Only Memory is where critical information needed to start a

computer is stored. It’s very hard (if not impossible) to modify the contents of ROM.

Unlike RAM, where information is lost when power is turned off, ROM retains
the contents even when the computer is turned off. This is why RAM is considered
"volatile," while ROM is "non-volatile."

VRMs (Voltage Regulator Module)

VRM also called a processor power module (PPM), is a component that acts
very similar to a computer power supply unit (PSU). It cuts down the voltage, a
process that actually happens several times before the electricity even reaches your
home, to provide the CPU with the exact amount of voltage it needs.

Top motherboard manufacturers:

ASRock. Asus

Click this link for parts and other info: Optional only Click this link for parts and other info:
Optional only
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/
File:AsRock_H97_Fatal1ty_Sockel_1150.png https://www.asus.com/Motherboards/PR
IME-B365M-A/

Biostar EVGA Corporation

Click this link for parts and other info: Optional only Click this link for parts and other info:
Optional only
http://www.biostar-
usa.com/app/enus/mb/introduction.php?S_ID=865 https://asia.evga.com/articles/01386/ev
ga-sr-3-dark/

File:AsRock_H97_Fatal1ty_Sockel_1150.png us/mb/introduction.php?S_ID=865

13 File:AsRock_H97_Fatal1ty_Sockel_1150.p
ng
 Gigabyte Technology MSI (Micro-Star International)

Click this link for parts and other info: Click this link for parts and other info:

https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/GA- https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/short-guide-
MA78LMT-S2-rev-3x#ov motherboard-parts/

What’s More

Complete the crossword by filling in a word that fits each clue. Write your answer in
your notebook.

14
Across

1where all the information and settings for the motherboard are stored.
3. card slot is where you put the Network Interface Card (NIC).
4. has 20 or 24-pin female connectors.
Down
2. Also commonly referred to as I/O ports for short.

What I Have Learned

I have learned that ____________________________________________

I have realized that ____________________________________________
I will apply ___________________________________________________

What I Can Do

Instruction: Draw a motherboard and label the part of it.

Assessment

Instruction: Identify the following parts of the motherboard and its functions (5pts
each)

15
 Additional Activities

For the preparation of the next lesson read about power-on self-test and
beep codes.

16
 17
Assessment
1. BIOS and CMOS - BIOS or Basic Input Output System is where all the information and
settings for the motherboard are stored.
CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semi-Conductor) battery is what’s responsible for
keeping all the information intact when the entire system is shut down.
2. Input/output Ports - is an interface or a point of connection between the computer and
its peripheral devices. Some of the common peripherals are mouse, keyboard, monitor
or display unit, printer, speaker, flash drive etc.
3. IDE and SATA Connector (Storage Device Connectors) - where you will connect your
storage devices
4. Power Connectors - as this draws out the needed power directly from the power supply
5. Front I/O Connectors- where you connect the Power Switch, LED power indicator, Reset
Switch, and the HDD LED cables.
6. CPU Socket - is where your CPU (processor) is installed
7. Expansion Card Slots - where you add extra components such as a video card, network
card, audio card, or PCIe SSD
5. Power Connectors
What's New What's More
Ports
Motherboard 1. 1. Bios
4. Input/Output
2. 2. Input/Output Slots
Ports 3. RAM (Memory)
3. 3. Network Card 2. North bridge
Slot
4. 4. Power
1. South Bridge
Connectors B.
B 8.
C 7.
D 6.
A 5.
C 4.
A 3.
D 2.
B 1.
A.
What I Know
Answer Key
 References
Content

Christensson, Per. “Motherboard Definition.” techterms.com, December 8, 2008.

https://techterms.com/definition/motherboard#:~:text=The%20motherboard%20is%20the%2
0main.
cicnavi. “Types of Computer Cases and Motherboard Factors - Utilize Windows.” Utilize Windows,
November 30, 2010. https://www.utilizewindows.com/types-of-computer-cases-and-
motherboard-factors/.
Conroy, Shaun. “List of Computer Hardware Manufacturers.” Wikipedia, September 7, 2009.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_computer_hardware_manufacturers.
Juzel Albert Padilla. “How Are Motherboards Made: Understanding the Process of Motherboard
Manufacturing.” WePC.com. WePC.com, September 11, 2018.
https://www.wepc.com/tips/how-are-motherboards-made-manufacturing/.

Image

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:AsRock_H97_Fatal1ty_Sockel_1150.png
https://www.asus.com/Motherboards/PRIME-B365M-A/

http://www.biostar-usa.com/app/en-us/mb/introduction.php?S_ID=865

https://asia.evga.com/articles/01386/evga-sr-3-dark/
https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/GA-MA78LMT-S2-rev-3x#ov

https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/short-guide-motherboard-parts/

https://freesvg.org/img/publicdomainq-mommy_baby1.png

https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2018/09/03/18/26/blackboard-
3651948_960_720.png
For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – Schools Division of Negros Oriental

Kagawasan, Avenue, Daro, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental

Tel #: (035) 225 2376 / 541 1117

Email Address: negros.oriental@deped.gov.ph
Website: lrmds.depednodis.net