Knowing Your System Part I - The Motherboard

Knowing your system is one of the most important things that you can do to make sure that your computer stays free of trouble and runs at its optimal performance level. Just like keeping an eye on the level of oil in your car or how much air is in your tires, knowing your computer system will let you prevent smaller problems from turning into larger ones.

In this article, we will discuss the major and most important parts of your computer system. We will tell you where to find out what they are, and what that might mean to you. In order to help out, we've developed this handy System Data Sheet that you can download and print out to record all of your system information on. This way, if you need to call Technical Support, either EVGA.com's or another company's, you will be well prepared in advance.

Your motherboard is the most important piece of equipment in your computer system, and it is the most complicated. The motherboard acts as the skeleton upon which your computer is built. It connects to your processor, your memory, your AGP card, your PCI cards, your mouse, your keyboard, your USB, and every single other component in your computer system. For this reason, it is extremely important to know both who made your motherboard, and some other specific information about it.

Not all motherboards are equal, some are better designed and built than others, and many problems in a computer system (even graphics problems) can be traced back to a problem that has its roots on the motherboard. The main information that you will want to know about your motherboard is: the name of the manufacturer, the model number of the motherboard (as used by the manufacturer), the BIOS version that is on your motherboard, and the location of the motherboard manufacturer's website - in case you need to get support or updated files from them.

In some cases though, the motherboard manufacturer chooses not to include their name in any of the materials. There can be a variety of reasons for this and it does not automatically mean that they have a bad motherboard. But it does mean that you will have a little work ahead of you. Here are some handy ways that you can help to determine your motherboard manufacturer if it is not immediately evident:

• Contact your vendor. Call the person or store that sold you the computer. If anyone should know who made the motherboard it's them. If they don't know or tell you that it doesn't matter - push them. You paid good money for that motherboard and you deserve to at least know where it came from.

• Use the internet. The internet has been growing by leaps and bounds and it tends to create communities of like minded people. The problem of finding out information about a motherboard is nothing new - and as a matter of fact it is a big enough problem that some good folks have set up a website to specifically help you do just that. The website is Motherboard Homeworld (http://www.motherboards.org) and it is the best of its kind that we have seen.

• Look Again. If you didn't find anything in the manual or in the packaging about who made the motherboard - take a look one more time. Sometimes we get in a rush and miss small things. Also, take a look at any readme files on any disks that came with the motherboard. It may not tell you who made it, but it might give you some clues or other important information.

Getting your motherboard model is very easy - as a matter of fact, you will be able to get your motherboard model information at the same time and in the same manner that you get the motherboard manufacturer's name. Everything that applies to finding the motherboard manufacturer (from above) applies to getting the model number.

One very important thing to remember is that motherboard BIOS is not interchangeable. Every single motherboard model from every single motherboard manufacturer has its own BIOS that was written for it - and these BIOS programs will not work on any other type of motherboard, even different models from the same manufacturer. So, if you need to upgrade your motherboard BIOS, you need to make sure that you get the BIOS program that is for your motherboard specifically, otherwise you can render your motherboard inoperable.

You can determine your motherboard BIOS version by watching when your computer boots up. Usually it will display the BIOS version and date just above the area where the memory is counted at boot up.

If you are having trouble finding the BIOS version this way, there are several helpful programs and tips that can help you located on the website we mentioned above, Motherboard Homeworld. You can also contact your vendor or manufacturer for assistance in locating your BIOS version.

You should look at your motherboard manufacturer's website at least once in a while as it may contain important information about upgrades, drivers, new BIOS, and important problem solving FAQs.

Knowing Your System Part II: The Motherboard Chipset

Knowing Your System Part III: The Operating System

Knowing Your System Part IV: The Video Card