Also known as the Input/Output Controller Hub (ICH). The chipset that allows the CPU to communicate with PCI slots, PCI-Ex1, SATA connectors, USB ports, Ethernet ports, and on-board audio. Normally located near the expansion slots.

a standard for auto-detecting connected devices. It should be set to "Yes" if your computer and operating system both support it

This is where the RAM (Memory) is inserted.

Allow the computer to close an electrical circuit and allowing the electricity to flow certain sections of the circuit board. Consist of a set of small pins that can be covered with a small plastic box (jumper block).

Supplies power to store BIOS settings and keep the real-time clock running. Responsible for keeping all the information intact when the entire system is shut down

One of the primary functions of BIOS

This is where your CPU (processor) is installed

This is where all the information and settings for the motherboard are stored

Alternatively known as expansion bus. It provides an installation point for a hardware expansion card to be connected.

Allow additional USB connections to be added to the computer.

Connects to the 4-pin power cable of a power supply unit which supplies power to the CPU

It connects a power supply to an ATX style motherboard. It has 20 or 24-pin female connectors