Computer development are moving by leaps and bounds, and it is very difficult to keep track of changes in the structure of the same chipsets, in this article, we will try to deal with the main chipset model of modern motherboards, and point out some differences in new developments.
In the early stages of development computer technology dozens of chips were used to organize the interaction between the main components of the computer, which caused a number of inconveniences that the chipset had to fix.
The first in the field of chipset manufacturing can be called the developers of the Amiga series computers, the OCS chipset, who created their project back in the mid-80s. A little later, Chips & Technologies introduced the CS8220 chipset for IBM PC/AT-compatible systems.
What is this chipset? A chipset (PC) is a set of microcircuits (located on motherboard), which links memory, processor (Intel or AMD), video adapter, I/O devices and other PC elements to perform joint functions. That is, it is a very important element motherboard. In fact, 90% of the functionality of the motherboard depends on the choice of chipset. The chipset determines the type of processor, the type of memory that will be installed in the system, and the ability to connect certain peripherals.
Now let's move on to the chipset structure. The chipset consists of the North Bridge and the South Bridge. Sometimes the north and south bridges are combined into one microcircuit, such a solution is called a single-chip solution, the classic structure with two microcircuits is called a two-bridge circuit.
The North Bridge contains a memory controller, a graphics bus controller, an interface for interacting with the south bridge and the processor. That is, the north bridge is the central node of the motherboard, which connects the video adapter, memory, processor and elements controlled by the south bridge.
South Bridge (South Bridge) organizes the interaction between input output devices (keyboard, mouse, Printer etc.). It contains controllers hard drives(SATA / PATA), USB - controller (for controlling I / O devices that are connected via USB port), network controller, sound controller. The southbridge also connects to BIOS chip, and Super I / O chip responsible for serial and parallel ports.
Fig.1 An example of the structure of the Nvidia chipset
To connect the north and south bridge, a special bus is used, different manufacturers chipsets use different buses: Intel (QPI, DMI bus), AMD (Hyper Transport, PCI Express), Nvidia (Hyper Transport).
For the current 2011, the two-bridge chipset construction scheme (when there is a division into the south and north bridges) is gradually becoming a thing of the past. Increasingly, manufacturers are integrating a memory controller onto a processor chip, for example, this is implemented in the structure of some processors. Intel Core ix, and in a number of AMD lines.
The motherboard is the brain and heart of the computer, tying together all the key elements of the system. This is done using a chipset that regulates all incoming and outgoing signals, distributing them along the necessary routes. What is a chipset and how to find it in the motherboard, we will understand below.
Chipset - a set of chips assembled together for the interaction of a computer processor with other modules. Without it, such interaction is impossible, since the processor is not able to transmit commands to other elements directly. Thus, the chipset acts as a regulator. It indicates the direction, but does not affect the operation. When choosing a motherboard for your computer, pay attention not only to the socket, but also to the chipset.
Chipset Features
The main function is the control and redistribution of signals. Depending on the model of the chip unit, the following characteristics are determined:
- Number of slots for memory cards;
- The number of processors that can be installed on the motherboard (MP);
- The number of graphic elements possible for connection;
- Determines the possibility of improving the system by increasing the operating frequency of the processor;
- Modern models support the work of such technological innovations as: teamwork several graphic data processing devices (video cards), the technology of dual operation of memory elements, the use of solid state drives, creating a clipboard for hard drives;
- Support for working with outdated modifications of controllers, or with their specialized models;
Summing up the above, we conclude that the chipset allows the system to work:
- Fast;
- Without crashing;
- Leaves the possibility of overclocking MP components and the entire PC as a whole;
So, in general terms, we figured out what a motherboard is and why it needs a chipset. But how it works is still unclear. Let's fix this oversight. Starting a conversation about the device of the chipset, first of all, decide which model is in question - old or new. This is of fundamental importance.
Older models are built on the interaction of two separate chips. They were called the North and South Bridges. The name reflects their location on the MP, relative to other elements. The North Bridge performs the following functions:
- Ensuring the interaction of the processor with the graphics device;
- Ensuring the interaction of elements random access memory and processor;
In turn, the South Bridge allows:
- Transmit signals from the CPU to storage drives personal computer;
- Coordinate the work of the sound card;
- Manage optical drives;
- Work with other peripheral devices through controllers: USB, PCI, SATA and IDE;
Note! Work with various elements of each bridge is implemented through system buses with different bandwidth.
The new models are based on a different architecture, in which the Northbridge is integrated into the processor and only the Southbridge remains as an independent element. This technology allows you to increase the speed of processing and transmission of information, increasing the speed. In addition, the use of integrated bridge technology makes it possible to:
- Reduce the cost of MP production;
- Free up the space occupied by the North Bridge for other components;
- CPU cooling elements help keep the chipset operating temperature in a comfortable range, which affects performance and durability;
- By integrating the bridge into the processor, the overall power consumption is reduced;
Where is
The location of the chipset is easy to determine by the name of its bridges. The northbridge is located at the top of the MP, in close proximity to the processor. It looks like a large microcircuit equipped with a cooling system in the form of a radiator, or a radiator and a cooler. This is necessary due to constant overheating. New MP models may not have a separate Northbridge, as it is integrated into the processor.
The southbridge is located at the bottom of the motherboard, and its chip is also equipped with a cooling system. The load on the southbridge is not so significant, therefore, in most models, one radiator acts as cooling. Some manufacturers do not equip the microcircuit with personal cooling elements at all.
Temperature
Due to the increased loads on the chipset, especially on its Northbridge, microcircuits constantly overheat. To maintain the operating temperature of the chipset, as well as to prevent overheating, a cooling system is installed on the chipset. When working intensively on a PC, the user is advised to check the temperature of key nodes from time to time to prevent force majeure situations.
normal temperature
The normal temperature range is 55 - 70o. Individual indicators for each motherboard are different and it all depends on the manufacturer. If you need to know the operating temperature, contact the official manufacturer for help. The information you are interested in is on his website, in the device description section. In extreme cases, contact technical support.
Users who are wondering how to find out the temperature of the chipset can find out in the following ways:
- With help special utilities, showing the current temperature of the processor and other elements;
- Using devices that measure the temperature of the surface they come into contact with;
Suitable programs are:
- EVEREST;
- Speed Fan;
- Speccy;
They read the data received by the thermal sensor of the device and display it on the screen. The disadvantage of this method is that the programs do not work with all sensors.
Manual check algorithm:
- We take a device that reads the surface temperature;
- We apply the device detector to the lower part of the radiator grill located on the chipset;
- We add 5o to the result;
- We go to the manufacturer's website and compare our indicators with acceptable ones;
- If the temperature is higher than expected, change the thermal paste that is between the heatsink and the device;
Important! Actions are taken after the system is de-energized. Do not touch the microchips with a probe if the PC is connected to a power outlet.
After replacing the thermal paste, re-measure. If the temperature has not dropped, install additional cooling in the form of a cooler on the radiator.
Cooling
Cooling is implemented by two devices:
- Radiator grill, which is fixed on the surface of the microcircuit with thermal paste;
- A cooler mounted on top of a radiator;
The Northbridge is equipped with both devices, and the Southbridge is equipped with only a radiator.
How to find out the motherboard chipset on a laptop
The definition of the classification of the motherboard chipset on a laptop is as follows:
- Using the "Device Manager". To do this, go to the tab system devices. A line that includes the word Chipset contains the required information;
- Install the AIDA64 program on the laptop. With its help, it is easy to find out all the necessary information;
- AIDA64 is distributed for a fee, and if you do not want to spend money, CPU-Z will come to the rescue. It is freely available and easy to learn;
- The official website of the laptop manufacturer should store information with a list specifications devices;
Hello, dear guests and regular readers of our technoblog. Today we will consider what a chipset is on a computer motherboard. Surely, everyone has repeatedly heard about the concept of "chipset", but did not really think about what it is and why some of its versions greatly affect the final cost of motherboards.
In this article, you will learn what south bridges are, how high-speed and relatively slow interfaces are interconnected, and also understand which one is better. At the same time, we will advise the optimal motherboards for socket 1151 (Intel) and AM4 (AMD).
More about the term
A chipset is a microchip that controls all ports, expansion slots, sound, networking, and even processor capabilities. It is the chipset that determines the performance limit of your system. This integrated circuit connects 2 blocks of data:
- northbridge (processor, memory, video cards);
- southbridge (low-speed interfaces, rear panel connectors, audio subsystem, Network Controller, SATA).
The simplest thing remains - to choose this very set of system logic for the future PC.
How to find out the model and characteristics of the chipset
If you purchase a motherboard, you should already have a processor in your asset, or a firm confidence in its purchase. Depending on how powerful the chip has and how strong its overclocking potential is, the appropriate chipset is selected. 
This table shows the current this moment 1151v2, 2066 (Intel), AM4 and TR4 (AMD) platforms.
If we consider older versions (1151v1, AM3), then consider the following types:
Information about the chipset marking is on the box with motherboard. What this or that abbreviation means is indicated on the manufacturer's website. 
We also recommend that you read the description of each set of logic to get an idea of what it supports:
- number of PCI-E lanes;
- number of USB connectors;
- number of SATA ports;
- wireless technologies;
- overclocking the processor / memory / video card;
- additional expansion ports, etc.
- maximum heating temperature (relevant for old chipsets that are not soldered on the processor chip);
- type .
What chipset to choose a motherboard?
Is it worth overpaying for a top-end set of system logic if it is not particularly useful to you in the future? No. Not everyone buys powerful processor with an unlocked multiplier, and if it does, it is content with automatic overclocking in the turbo boost, which is typical for Intel Core i5 and i7 of all generations.
We always recommend our users the version from the "golden mean" series. Those. this is no longer an ultra-budget H310, but quite an interesting B360 or H370. The latter has almost all the advantages of the Z370, but is not able to overclock the CPU by a multiplier. Otherwise, this is one of the most optimal platforms on the market, if viewed through the prism of Intel.
ASUS boards Prime B360M-A, Gigabyte B360M D3H and MSI H370M Bazooka are some of the best budget 1151 solutions you can find at the moment. If we consider solutions from AMD, then the B350, which is a transitional link from A320 to X370/X470, rules the ball here. The list of boards for this platform is as follows:
- ASUS Prime B350 Plus;
- Gigabyte GA-AB350-Gaming 3;
- MSI B350M PRO-VD Plus.
We hope our article helped you decide on the choice of a future platform for your PC. Of course, do not forget to share with your friends in social network. Bye.
Each owner of a personal computer periodically encounters specific terms from the field A striking example is the “motherboard chipset”. Although understanding the meaning of this term is not necessary for the daily use of a computer, this information expands the user's horizons. the chipset makes it easy to classify motherboards by generation, which makes it possible to exclude fraudulent attempts by dishonest sellers.
Everyone is familiar with the main components of a computer. These are a video card, RAM modules, a motherboard, etc. All these components are sold in the respective stores, so visitors have at least a general idea, which cannot be said about the chipset. No wonder the question "what is a chipset" is asked so often on the Internet. In this case, there is nothing difficult to understand. To better understand this issue, let's start from afar.
As you know, almost all components are connected to the motherboard. It is the basis through which it is possible to tie all the knots together. Obviously, the banal placement of connectors on a rectangular PCB plate is not enough. The processor must have access to all ports and connectors for peripheral devices. In this case, you can not do without an intermediary. Although, in fairness, it should be noted that there was a special VESA bus, many of the lines of which were connected directly to the processor stages, but such a solution had a number of limitations. You can answer the question of what a chipset is as follows - this is a node that combines all the main data lines of the motherboard.
Physically, motherboard chipsets are represented by one or more microcircuits. More recently, there were two of them, bearing the names of the North and South Bridges. Such unusual names are due to the peculiarity of placement on the board - one microcircuit (chip) at the top and the other at the bottom. Accordingly, the first is Bridge), and the second is South. In the light of the foregoing, the answer to the question of what a chipset is can be this - it is a set of integrated circuits that ensure the smooth operation of all components.
The north bridge is the connecting link between the central processor, RAM (the controller is located here) and the video adapter bus. The speed of operation is relatively high, therefore, due to heat dissipation, a cooling system is often located on this microcircuit.
Performs more functions, but at lower speeds. Interaction with BIOS chips, support for an audio codec, synchronization with microcircuits additional features(USB 3.0, iTE) - this is an incomplete list of tasks performed. In addition, the South Bridge contains controllers for USB, SATA ports, and the common one connects the bridge and CPU.
In order to reduce signal transmission delays and improve overall performance, all major CPU manufacturers integrate memory and video controllers directly into the processor die in their latest models. In fact, this means the abolition of the classic concept of the "North Bridge", since now its functions are assigned to the processor. That is why on all modern motherboards there is only one large microcircuit (except for the processor) - the South Bridge. The instructions for the board always have a sheet with a block diagram. It schematically indicates the communication lines of all components among themselves. It is enough to at least get acquainted with it so that some questions about the chipset disappear by themselves.
Hello, dear readers of the blog site. Something I have not said anything about computer hardware for a long time. Today we will talk about the chipset. A chipset (from the English Chipset) is a set of chips that exists in any computer, whether it is a laptop or a stationary PC, and with the help of which all devices currently connected to the motherboard interact. The chipset, one might say, is the central connecting node on the .
The chipset, in turn, consists of two main components - north and south bridges. The northbridge includes a RAM controller, video processor, DMI and FSB bus controllers. The south bridge is responsible for the "input-output" ports - that is, for the operation of all kinds of peripheral devices (printer, scanner, flash drives, external hard drives, etc.), as well as for the operation of the basic "input-output" system (BIOS ).
The northbridge determines the type of processor that will be installed in the processor socket on the motherboard, determines its frequency, number of cores and other parameters. It cannot be that a modern processor model will be installed in the socket, and the chipset will be outdated and will not be able to support this processor, there must be a clear match for this parameter.
By the way, the words "northern" and "southern" in the names of the bridges are there for a reason, they carry important function- indicate the location of these bridges relative to the upper and lower edges of the board (from above, as it were, north, from below, south). In the image above, you can see that the north bridge is located exactly between the RAM and video card slots (blue connector), and the south bridge, in turn, is as close as possible to the ports for connecting external devices.
The fact is that the closer the chipset chips are to other components of the motherboard, the faster the interaction between them is carried out, roughly speaking, the speed of data exchange increases with decreasing distance. It turns out that there are no trifles here, everything makes sense. In addition, this layout allows you to create motherboards of the smallest sizes, including for laptops and netbooks.
You may have noticed that on modern motherboards northbridge may be missing as such. Now more and more often one can come across a situation in which the northbridge is structurally moved to the central processor, which significantly saves space on the motherboard, and just as significantly complicates the design of this board itself, which ultimately cannot but affect its cost, and not for the better.
So, as mentioned earlier, the motherboard chipset consists of two parts, the north bridge and the south bridge. Between themselves, they exchange data via the DMI (Direct Media Interface) bus, which is clearly visible in the diagram (Figure 2 from the beginning of the article). The FSB (Front-Side Bus) bus is responsible for connecting the processor to the north bridge, the higher its operating frequency, the faster the computer will work.
By the way, Intel has developed a new QPI bus, which has come to replace the outdated FSB. Intel developed it in response to AMD's new HT (Hiper Transport) bus. Bandwidth QPI bus (25.6 GB / s) has increased compared to the outdated FSB (8 GB / s). Previously, AMD had LDT (Like Data Transport) instead of the HT bus.
Please note that the chipset is equipped with cooling radiators, because during operation it can get very hot, especially under peak load. Usually, the more expensive the motherboard, the more attention is paid to all cooling elements (more radiators, larger radiators themselves and better metal from which they are made).
Another interesting point is that the chipset and, for which the motherboard is designed, are manufactured by the same company. In other words, if your processor, for example, is from AMD, then the chipset of the motherboard was made by the same company. In fact, there are not two of these companies, as is commonly believed (Intel and AMD), but as many as six, or even more. It turns out that ATI and Nvidia make not only excellent chipsets, but also chipsets.
There are two more manufacturers that have been completely ignored by fame and general recognition, these are SIS and VIA, as far as I know, these two companies are engaged only in the production of chipsets and their chipsets are extremely rare on sale. And yes, there are two much less well-known chipset manufacturers, to be honest, I don’t remember what they are called, but they mainly produce chipsets for server motherboards.
So, I propose to summarize all of the above:
- The chipset affects everything that depends on it, namely, the type of RAM, the type of processor, the versions of USB, SATA and other ports, which BIOS will be on the motherboard, etc. Therefore, the question "What is the most important component in the motherboard ?", you can safely answer - "Chipset" and no one can reproach you for the incorrectness of the answer.
- Keep in mind that the more expensive the motherboard, the cooler the chipset will be in it. It also depends on the chipset what level the built-in sound and network card. On more expensive models of boards, the sound chip plays music much better ("cleaner", basses are deeper and richer), in comparison with budget models.
- There is everything two types of chipsets: in the first case, it is presented in the form of a south and north bridge, in the second case, only the south bridge can be observed on the motherboard, and the north bridge is hidden in the processor (a more modern version).
If you do not know what chipset is on your motherboard, and you do not have paper documentation for it at hand, you can use free program CPU-Z. In it, on the "Mainboard" tab in the "Chipset" column, the manufacturer and model of your chipset will be displayed. By the way, if it seems to you that your chipset is already outdated and you suddenly want to change it, then with all your desire you will not be able to do this, because these chips are "tightly" soldered into the motherboard. I hope I was able to explain to you what is a chipset. Thank you.
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