What is chipset

A chipset is a group of interdependent motherboard chips or integrated circuits that control the flow of data and instructions between the central processing unit CPU or microprocessor and external devices. A chipset controls external buses, memory cache and some peripherals. A CPU is unable to function without impeccable chipset timing.

Varieties include microprocessors and modem card chipsets. In addition, a CPU has several different chipsets that vary according to architecture. A chipset is specifically designed for a motherboard. The chipset and motherboard must be compatible with the CPU to prevent system failover. Most chipset drivers are manually updated and installed. A chipset has two sections — southbridge and northbridge — with specific sets of functions that communicate between the CPU and external devices.

The northbridge connects the southbridge to the CPU and is commonly known as the memory controller hub. The CPU uses the northbridge frequency as a baseline for determining its operating frequency. A chipset and device drivers are compatible when an operating system is initially installed. The chipset is an integrated part of the motherboard, so it cannot be removed or upgraded.

This means that not only must the motherboard's socket fit the CPU, the motherboard's chipset must work optimally with the CPU. Sign up for our Newsletter! Mobile Newsletter banner close. Mobile Newsletter chat close. Mobile Newsletter chat dots. Mobile Newsletter chat avatar. Mobile Newsletter chat subscribe. While early chipsets had as many as five chips, modern chipsets often contain only two: a northbridge that manages memory and is directly connected to the CPU, and a southbridge connected to the northbridge that handles other components.

A chipset can also provide special functionality for some devices. An audio version, whether part of a sound card or built into a PC motherboard , converts digital signals into analog sound. The complexity and unique requirements of these chips make their design and manufacture a highly specialized field, with only a handful of companies taking on the challenge. These few companies sell their designs to many different hardware vendors.

This means that competing hardware from different manufacturers might be powered by the same set of microchips. This has advantages for end users as the same chipset drivers can sometimes be utilized across different hardware.