COMPONENTS OF A WINDOWS DESKTOP

This introduction to computer bus article covers all of them, including the new types. The Computer Chipsets

A chipset is a group of small circuits that coordinate the flow of data to and from a PC's key components. These key components include the CPU itself, the main memory, the secondary cache, and any devices located on the buses.

A chipset also controls data flow to and from hard disks and other devices connected to the IDE channels.

A computer has got two main chipsets:

•        The NorthBridge (also called the memory controller) is in charge of controlling transfers between the processor and the RAM, which is why it is located physically near the processor. It is sometimes called the GMCH for Graphic and Memory Controller Hub.

•        The SouthBridge (also called the input/output controller or expansion controller) handles communications between slower peripheral devices. It is also called the ICH (I/O Controller Hub). The term "bridge" is generally used to designate a component that connects two buses.

Chipset manufacturers include SIS, VIA, ALI, and OPTI.