What is the main circuit board in a computer called?

The main circuit board in a computer is referred to as the motherboard. This essential component acts as the backbone of the computer, connecting all other parts together, such as the CPU, RAM, hard drive, and various peripherals. The motherboard facilitates communication among these components, allowing them to work together as a cohesive system.

It hosts the CPU socket, memory slots for RAM, and expansion slots for additional cards like graphics or sound cards. Additionally, the motherboard contains firmware (usually the BIOS or UEFI) that initializes hardware during the booting process and provides runtime services for operating systems and programs. Its design and layout can greatly influence the performance and capabilities of the computer, making it a critical element of computing architecture.