Mainboards
Also known as the Motherboard, this is the part of the computer that most determines its character.
This is the part that all the other parts plug into. It brings all of the various components together into a unified whole, and gives the all-important Processor, or CPU a support system from which to run.
Most modern mainboards use the ATX standard, which standardizes many factors including size, mounting arrangements and power connectors. This allows one to assemble a computer from parts and be reasonably sure the parts will work together.
Mainboards traditionally did little other than provide the CPU with power and connect it to various other parts which fit into various connectors such as expansion slots and a keyboard connector.
Nowdays many components are actually built into the mainboard that used to be seperate such as:
Memory Slots and Controller.
Floppy and Hard Disk Controllers.
Sound Card.
Serial, Parallel, Mouse and USB Ports.
Other devices are often included such as: Onboard Video, Firewire Controllers and SATA Controllers.
The Mainboard is an extrememly complex assembly that is vital to the operation of the computer. A well-designed one can make the computer operate extremely well and be a joy to use, and a poorly executed one can be a non-stop heartache.
Unfortunately, paying more for a Mainboard doesn't always get you a better one! Always research this part extensively before deciding which one you want.
Mainboard Vendors that I've had extremely good luck with: (in order of preference)
ABIT (Particularly the AG-8). Great support from this company as well.
DFI. Really well executed products, "iffy" support.
Intel. Good products, Great Support. Best Documentation.
MSI. Good product, Low Price, poor support.
Mainboard Vendors that I've had poor luck with: (not necessarily their fault)
AOpen. Innovative, well made and documented product. Poor quality accessory (heatsink). Poor support.
TYAN. Ugh. I used to call this the Crash-O-Matic. Nice documentation though.
SOYO. Forget it. Never again. They somehow managed to make reputable parts NOT work. Nice Packaging.
