Northbridge/Southbridge Architecture

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Northbridge/Southbridge Architecture

• Josh Ruggiero
• CSE 420 April 23rd 2007

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Northbridge

• MCH Memory Controller Hub
• Bridges connection from CPU to RAM and Video Bus
  (AGP/PCI-X)
• Connects to South Bridge
• A Northbridge with integrated video is called a
  GMCH Graphics and Memory Controller Hub

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Southbridge

• ICH I/O Controller Hub
• Bridge connection from Memory Controller Hub to
  slower devices like USB devices, PCI-X,
  IDE(SATA/PATA), Real Time Clock, BIOS, onboard
  sound and more

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Organization
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Organization
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Intel965 Chipset

• Originally codenamed Broadwater
• Set out to be the first chipset to support Core
  2 Duo processors
• Coupled with ICH8 to provide next generation I/O
  support
• Supports 533/800/1066 FSB
• Next generation of IntelIntegrated Graphics

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Intel ICH8

• Features
• 6 Serial ATA ports
• PCI Express
• Intel High Definition Audio
• 10 USB ports
• BIOS loaded on SPI or FWH
• Integrated Gigabit Ethernet

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Sources

• http//download.intel.com/design/chipsets/datashts
  /31305302.pdf
• http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southbridge_28comput
  ing29
• http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northbridge
• http//download.intel.com/design/chipsets/datashts
  /31305602.pdf