Chipset of a Motherboard

The main element on the motherboard is the chipset, which has evolved over time from many individual blocks to a few large-scale integrated circuits. The chipset is the link between the individual components of a motherboard. Chipset ensures that all components of a computer can communicate with each other through their interfaces. chipset from different brands can vary in performance up to 10%. It is the chipset which determines which components can be used in the computer system. Chipset usually available from processor vendors whose target is to create the optimal environment for their processors. Either they sell the motherboard as it is or sell the chipset to a third party vendor who resells to the end consumer.

Architecture of a Chipset

Bridge Architecture

We have previously published articles on Northbridge and Southbridge of a Motherboard. With increasing integration density of important and frequently used parts they has been integrated into the chipset. Thus, the division was created in to two parts – Northbridge and Southbridge.

Hub Architecture

Hub architecture is quite similar to the bridge architecture, although some parts are different. The basic allocation of at least two chips has remained essentially the same. The Memory Controller Hub (MCH) has the function of the Northbridge. Hub architecture is an extension of Bridge architecture.

Extended Hub Architecture

In the extended hub architecture, the chipset is slowly becoming more important. The integration of graphics card and memory (RAM) are always the bottleneck of a computer. The steadily increasing importance of graphics performance of a computer leads to the effect that the graphics card is connected directly to the processor.

To Summarize the topic Chipset of a Motherboard

• Chipset are usually manufactured by the Processor manufacturer.
• Chipsets are integrated in to Motherboard and sold to the end user either by the original Processor manufacturer or a third party brand.
• Performance depends on the Chipset as well the brand which is assembling and selling them.