The motherboard is the main circuit board that connects the components of a desktop or laptop computer. It connects the microprocessor, RAM, expansion slots, and other devices. It is mounted within the computer case and includes connectors for external devices and BIOS firmware that allows basic functions like booting. RAM is used to temporarily store data and instructions and loses data when powered off, but has very high transmission speeds. Different RAM types include DRAM, SRAM, and virtual memory. The CPU processes data and interprets instructions, located under a heatsink and fan on the motherboard due to heat production.