PCI
PCI is a 32 bit wide bus. However, the problem with PCI is that it’s faster to send 32 pieces of data on one wire (called serial) than it is to send on 32 wires, the same piece of data (called parallel). The reason for the delay is that the receiving device needs to wait for all data to be received when it is sent in parallel.
PCIe
PCIe is an upgrade to PCI.
PCIe are expansion slots. You can plug in an expansion card to add functions that were not originally included with your computer.
PCIe is a type of expansion bus that basically uses serial connections. It sends data on one wire and receives data on one wire.
To insert an expansion card, just insert the card into the PCIe slot until the card clicks into place. To remove an expansion card from a PCIe slot, press the tab down and gently work out the expansion card.
Smaller PCIe expansions cards can be plugged into a bigger lane PCIe slot. PCIe comes in different lane amounts, such as 16 lanes (knowns as x16) for graphics card or it could be a single lane (known as 1x). A four lane PCIe is called an x4. A PCIe 3.0 x1 means 1,000 MBps bi-directionally. So really it is 2 GBps/2,000 MBps because it’s both directions at the same time. PCIe comes in x2, x4, x8, and x16 lanes
Riser card
Riser cards have expansion slots like a motherboard. The riser card mounts in a dedicated slot on a specially designed motherboard. Expansion cards are mounted in the riser card so that they sit parallel to the motherboard, rather than perpendicular to it.
These are usually used in slim profile cases.
Socket types
CPU sockets are the mount where a CPU connects to the motherboard.
The CPU socket is usually the largest thing on the motherboard, and is usually in the center of everything. CPUs are matched specifically to the motherboard. The motherboard is specifically engineered for a certain type of CPU. Therefore, CPUs are not easily upgradeable, and most often you won’t even have the option to upgrade the CPU without changing out the whole motherboard.
ZIF socket
ZIF stands for Zero Insertion Force socket. A ZIF socket is comprised of many little holes. Pins on a CPU are inserted into the little holes in the ZIF socket. The ZIF socket has an arm that you lift up in order to place the CPU in, and then you push the arm back down to secure the CPU.
PGA
PGA stands for Pin Grid Array. PGA CPUs have a bunch of pins sticking out of the bottom of them. Each of the pins match with the holes in a ZIF socket.
LGA
LGA stands for Land Grid Array. LGA is the reverse of the PGA. With LGA, the pins are on the motherboard instead of the CPU. The CPU is flat on the bottom. Copper connectors on the CPU match up with the pins on the motherboard.
SATA
SATA connectors are for storage drive interfaces.
IDE
An IDE connector is also known as a PATA connector. PATA connectors are also used for storage devices.
Front panel connector
The motherboard will also have small pin connectors to connect front panel interfaces. The front panel connector will be pre installed with wires that will then connect to the motherboard. Most computer cases will label the end of the wires so that you know where to plug into the motherboard. For example, the wires may be labeled with Reset SW (switch), Power LED, HDD LED, etc.
Internal USB connector
Your motherboard may have USB connectors directly integrated as part of the motherboard. These may be used for keyboard, mouse, and printer connections.
There may also be USB connectors on the computer case. There should be wires from the USB computer case connector. Find the location on the motherboard where these USB interfaces can be connected.