Back to Contents PageSystem BoardA system board is a printed circuit board that forms the central part of computers. All other devices connect to the system board to be able to interact witheach other. The system board holds various controllers and connectors that help in exchange of data among various components of the computer.Some important components of a system board are:Processor socket(s) — Provides slot(s) to install processor(s).Memory-module connector(s) — Provides slot(s) to install memory module(s).Expansion card slot(s) — Provides slot(s) to install expansion card(s).Chipset — Provides an interface between the processor's front-side bus, main memory, and peripheral buses.Flash memory — Contains the system memory or BIOS program.Power connectors — Provide power to the system board from the computer power supply.Additionally, a system board may have integrated graphics, sound, and network capabilities.The figure below lists the basic components of a desktop system board.NOTE: Size, shape, and location of components may vary based on the type of system board and the computer it is designed for.1 battery socket2 PCI-Express x1 connector3 PCI-Express x16 connector4 eSATA connector5 processor6 processor socket7 memory-module connector8 power connectorRelated InformationProcessorVideo CardsMemory ModulesCoin-Cell Battery
