Motherboards identify the differnt parts easily
Motherboard Connectors | Expansion Slots
Processor Socket | Memory Slots | IDE Ports | Pin Outs
Motherboard connector's close-up
The block of connectors on the motherboard which include the Ethernet, USB, serial, com and mouse/keyboard ports is often referred to as the I/O Panel, the often silver surround which sits between the panel and the outer edge of your system case is called the I/O shield.
Usually PCI to allow for other devices to be installed, AGP cards are used solely for video cards. Newer versions including PCI-Express functions still remain the same.
Here your processor (CPU) is connected to the motherboard. Usually they have a socket design with a lever on one edge once lifted you can insert the processor. Normally a small notch or marked corner indicates the only way that the processor can fit the socket. Once secured the heat sink and thermal paste is installed over the processor and secured into place.
Also known as memory banks as each slot on the motherboard is termed a bank of memory. You will need to check that you are using the right type of memory for you board. They will only fit into the slots one way by noting the notch in the middle of the module and the number of pins on each side. Once the clips at either end have been opened the module can then be pressed firmly into the slot and the clips secured to hold the module in place.
These connect to your IDE devices of either hard drives or CD/DVD Drives or a combination of both. A smaller IDE connector is also used for Floppy disk drives.
Every switch on the front panel of your case including the power switch, reset, power led, hdd led, and any USB ports all need to be connected to the pin outs on the motherboard to function.
Others
Other connectors on your motherboard include additional pins to connect fans to. If you have built-in sound you will also see AUX and CD-in which connect to the DVD drive to allow for playback directly from the drive.
Motherboard Connectors | Expansion Slots
Processor Socket | Memory Slots | IDE Ports | Pin Outs
