What is a chipset and how does it affect the computer?

[Flanker]

I'm looking for someone to explain to me what a chipset is and how it affects the computer.

 

[DoomUK]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chipset



I'll just add one thing: Performance-wise, the chipset can often be a dominating factor on the overclocking capability of your system.

 

[HAVOC]

Chipset

aka Northbridge & Southbridge

SHORT QUICK ANSWER:

Northbridge = Closest to CPU - between CPU and RAM.
Responsible for communication of Data between HDD, RAM and CPU - plus other things.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northbridge_(computing)

Southbridge = controls all onboard devices including the IDE bus and PCI bus.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southbridge_(computing)
CPU & NORTHBRIDGE & SOUTHBRIDGE are all one big happy family...

 

[Flanker]

You know what? I've used Wikipedia so much in the last week I'm surprised I didn't think of that, lol. Sorry to bother you guys, and thanks.