Computers: A chipset typically refers to a collection of specialized chips found on a computer’s motherboard. Initially, chipsets were developed for the IBM PC AT in 1984, with the NEAT chipset by Chips and Technologies being one of the first. In earlier home computers, game consoles, and arcade hardware, the term ‘chipset’ often denoted custom audio and graphics chips. In x86-based personal computers, the chipset commonly consists of the northbridge and southbridge chips, with manufacturers like AMD, Intel, VIA Technologies, and Zhaoxin producing chipsets for x86 motherboards.
Move toward processor integration in PCs: Traditionally, the processor was connected to high-speed devices through the northbridge on the motherboard. However, advancements like the integration of the memory controller in processors, as seen in AMD’s Athlon 64 series in 2003 and Intel’s Core i series CPUs in 2008, have led to a shift towards integrating primary PCIe controllers and graphics directly onto the CPU. Chipset vendors have adapted by combining the functionalities of the northbridge and southbridge into a single chip, exemplified by Intel’s Platform Controller Hub (PCH).
For further exploration: Interested readers can delve into resources like Patrick Schmid’s article on Chipset Basics: Meaning And Functions, the introduction of AMD’s Athlon 64 processor in 2003, Anand Lal Shimpi’s review of the Haswell Ultrabook, as well as technical details on chipsets like the RSX Reality Synthesizer for PlayStation 3. Additionally, references to manufacturers like Acer Laboratories Incorporated, Nvidia nForce chipsets, and listings of AMD, ATI, and Intel chipsets can provide a comprehensive understanding of the evolution and significance of chipsets in computing.