AT Motherboard

Quick Navigation:

• AT Motherboard Definition
• AT Motherboard Explained Easy
• AT Motherboard Origin
• AT Motherboard Etymology
• AT Motherboard Usage Trends
• AT Motherboard Usage
• AT Motherboard Examples in Context
• AT Motherboard FAQ
• AT Motherboard Related Words

AT Motherboard Definition

An AT (Advanced Technology) motherboard is a type of computer motherboard introduced by IBM in the early 1980s. It was a standard in desktop computing for many years, featuring a form factor of 12 x 13.8 inches. AT motherboards use the AT power connector, a 20-pin dual-inline connector, and are notable for their larger size, which often required spacious computer cases. These motherboards laid the foundation for modern computing but were eventually succeeded by ATX motherboards due to better design efficiency and user convenience.

AT Motherboard Explained Easy

Imagine your computer is like a city, and the motherboard is the central highway system. It connects all the different parts of the city, like factories (CPU), power plants (power supply), and homes (RAM/storage). An AT motherboard is like an older highway system—it was big and useful but not designed for modern, high-speed traffic.

AT Motherboard Origin

The AT motherboard originated with IBM's launch of the IBM PC/AT in 1984. This innovation introduced a standardized architecture, allowing third-party hardware manufacturers to design compatible components, which played a significant role in the personal computing revolution.

AT Motherboard Etymology

The "AT" in AT motherboard stands for "Advanced Technology," reflecting the state-of-the-art design introduced by IBM in the 1980s.

AT Motherboard Usage Trends

During the 1980s and early 1990s, AT motherboards were widely used in personal computers. However, their popularity declined with the advent of ATX motherboards in 1995, which offered improved layouts for airflow and cable management, better power connectors, and support for newer technologies.

AT Motherboard Usage

• Formal/Technical Tagging:
  - IBM PC Standard
  - Legacy Hardware
  - Computer Architecture
• Typical Collocations:
  - "AT power supply"
  - "Legacy AT motherboard"
  - "Standard AT form factor"

AT Motherboard Examples in Context

• "Upgrading an old AT motherboard requires compatibility with a legacy AT power supply."
• "Early personal computers, like the IBM PC/AT, featured the AT motherboard standard."
• "Switching from an AT motherboard to an ATX motherboard required new cases and power supplies."

AT Motherboard FAQ

• What is an AT motherboard?
  An AT motherboard is a legacy computer motherboard standard introduced by IBM in the 1980s.
• Why were AT motherboards phased out?
  They were replaced by ATX motherboards, which are more efficient and user-friendly.
• What does the "AT" in AT motherboard stand for?
  Advanced Technology.
• What kind of power supply does an AT motherboard use?
  It uses an AT power supply with a 20-pin connector.
• Are AT motherboards still used today?
  Rarely, as they are considered obsolete in modern computing.
• What are the key features of an AT motherboard?
  Large size, 20-pin power connector, and legacy compatibility.
• Can you use an AT motherboard in modern cases?
  No, they require specific cases designed for the AT form factor.
• How does an AT motherboard differ from an ATX motherboard?
  AT motherboards are larger and have less efficient layouts and connectors.
• What were AT motherboards primarily used for?
  Personal computers and early IBM-compatible systems.
• What made the AT motherboard significant?
  It standardized PC architecture, fostering growth in the computing industry.

AT Motherboard Related Words

• Categories/Topics:
  - Legacy Computing
  - Hardware Standards
  - IBM PC/AT

Did you know?
The introduction of the AT motherboard marked a turning point in the personal computer industry by establishing a standardized platform that allowed for widespread hardware compatibility, fueling the growth of third-party components and peripherals.