I am a high school student looking to get into computer hardware.

[Mercur3]

I am a high school student whose school greatly encourages students to find a field that they are interested in to become an expert in. I am working on becoming an expert in computer hardware. More specifically, I am becoming an expert in circuitry and computer parts. To prove that I have a base level of expertise in my field, I will completely design and build a computer motherboard. The requirements for the motherboard are as follows: the motherboard must work with commercially available pc parts, the computer built using the motherboard must be able to run some form of operating software, and the motherboard must work consistently.
The reason I have chosen a motherboard for my final project is it proves an extremely strong foundation in the core elements of computer hardware. Rather than immediately specializing in one type of hardware such as keyboards, iPhones, or VR, a motherboard is a common, necessary, and complex piece of hardware that can demonstrate a very high level of knowledge. After proving my knowledge with the motherboard, I can then specialize.
To complete this project, I plan to do a lot of reading, hands-on work, and online classes. When I have questions I plan to ask on platforms like this. If necessary, I can also try to contact experts in my area.
Does this sound reasonable? Does anybody have any suggestions? Are there any projects you would suggest that fall under this area? Are there any additional or specific resources you would suggest?

 

[Eximo]

You want to BUILD a motherboard? That works with contemporary CPUs and other hardware? Not really that feasible. Technical knowledge and software to even design one would be expensive, would likely involve joining partner programs with AMD or Intel. You could get a lot out of white papers, but the audience is generally industry insiders. Getting a parts list and purchasing it in low volumes will also probably set you back hundreds of dollars. And then paying a fab shop to make you a single board or two will run in the thousands, if not more.

You could maybe build an old motherboard for an early processor like a 6502. (Nintendo NES, Commodore 64, Atari, Acorn, ZX Spectrum, pretty much all the 80s home computers)

And still though, designing a PCB and getting it made, pretty challenging. Nice thing about 6502 and all that is discrete memory chips and stuff that will help you learn how a computer actually functions internally.

Plenty of hobbyist information out there as well. Even 6502 reproduction boards for various home computers out there.


As an alternative, you could perhaps look at an FPGA, a programmable chip, and make it do something interesting. Control other devices, some form of automation with sensors, sky's the limit there. Arduino might be an option.

 

[Rogue Leader]

Welcome,

You've chosen a great path, however I believe you are putting the cart before the horse. Building a functional motherboard is VERY HARD. Like something even with 4 years of college and a bachelors in Computer Engineering and still have a very hard time doing.

You should instead decide what direction you want to go (looks like you selected hardware, so Computer Engineering) and then work through the classes to see what your final "project" could be. Now mind you you will if you go through a college bachelors program be assigned such a project.

In terms of learning on your own before tackling school, there are two commonly available cheap pieces of hardware that you can learn about in terms of programming, building, etc that will give you a good head start. One is the Raspberry Pi, the other is the Arduino. I suggest doing some research on both and come up with some sort of home project you want to do with them, and then just read and learn.

Go from there.

 

[Eximo]

Interesting, a line of videos and products to follow along:

https://eater.net/6502

A nice simple computer with a manual programming input:

6502 Microprocessor Kit – Retro Computing

retro.hansotten.nl

These will probably help you achieve your goal if you want to build something.

 

[Eximo]

I should add that physically populating a modern motherboard would be nearly impossible with home soldering equipment. That itself would be a huge investment and you would need to train yourself to do surface mount soldering. I've seen people do repairs to motherboard CPU sockets, that alone is daunting.

Older computers basically use through hole components and 2/3 layer boards for the most part. So a standard soldering iron is all you need.

 

[Mercur3]

Thank you both for the help and the suggestions, I really appreciate it. I didn't realize how much is actually in a finished motherboard. Also, thank you so much for the suggestions and the resources, they're a big help!