Page 20 - HARDWARE BOOK-merged

⚡Power Connectors:
Motherboards require specific connectors to receive power from the PSU:

● 24-pin ATX Connector: Main power supply for the board
● 8-pin (or 4+4-pin) CPU Connector: Delivers power directly to the CPU
● Additional Connectors: High-end boards may include extra power inputs for GPUs or
other components

➕Expansion Slots:

Expansion slots allow you to add functionality via cards:
● PCIe: Modern standard for graphics, sound, and network cards
● PCI: Legacy standard still used in some older systems

Front Panel Connectors:

Small wires that connect the case’s power button, reset button, USB ports, and LED indicators to
the motherboard.

CMOS Battery:

A small battery that preserves BIOS/UEFI settings (like time and hardware configuration) when
the system is powered off.

Reset Methods:
● Remove the battery for 5–10 minutes
● Use “Load Default Settings” in BIOS
● Use the Clear CMOS jumper on the board

Overclocking:

Overclocking pushes your CPU, GPU, or RAM beyond factory settings for extra performance.
● Done via BIOS/UEFI or software tools
● Increases heat and power consumption
● Requires strong cooling and a stable PSU
● Must be manually enabled; not active by default

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