The motherboard chipset is a critical part of your computer. It's a collection of microchips and circuits within your computer that handles a lot of tasks. For instance:
CPU COMMUNICATION:
Your computer's chipset facilitates the communication between your CPU (Central Processing Unit, the brain of your computer), and the rest of the components.
RAM COMMUNICATION:
Your computer's chipset allows your computer's memory (RAM, Random Access Storage) to communicate with other components such as your network controller, CPU, and storage.
MEMORY SUPPORT:
Your chipset determines what kind of RAM, and how much RAM, your computer supports.
EXPANSION CAPABILITIES:
Your computer's chipset determines how many PCIe slots your motherboard can support and their speed.
OVERCLOCKING:
If your computer is capable of being overclocked so it will run faster than intended, it will be your chipset that allows you to do so.
Chipsets are traditionally divided into two main parts:
NORTHBRIDGE:
The northbridge of the chipset connects directly to the high-speed components of your computer such as your CPU and graphics card allowing them to communicate as fast as possible.
SOUTHBRIDGE:
The southbridge of your chipset connects lower-speed devices such as your USB ports, your SATA hard drive, and audio devices. It also handles the input/output operations of your computer.
