Chipset

A chipset may refer to any of the following:

1. A chipset is a set of electronic components on an integrated circuit that manages data transfer between the CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random-Access Memory), storage, and I/O devices. The first chipset, the 82C206, was introduced in 1986 by Chips and Technologies. The original 82C206 chipset included the 82284 clock generator functions, 82288 bus controller, 8254 system timer, dual 8259 interrupt controllers, dual 8237 DMA (Direct Memory Access) controllers, and the MC146818 clock. Four of the 82C206 chips were later replaced by CS8221 or NEAT (New Enhanced Advanced Technology) chipset that contained only three chips. This chipset was then replaced by the 82C836 SCAT (Single-Chip Advanced Technology) chipset that combined all the chips in the set into one chip.

Examples of chipset manufacturers include ALi, AMD, Intel, NVIDIA, SiS, and VIA. These chipsets can include instructions that help control the CPU, PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect), ISA (Industry Standard Architecture), or USB (Universal Serial Bus) hardware. They are often divided into a multitiered architecture called a North bridge and South bridge, and a Super I/O chip. An example of a recent Intel chipset is the i820 or the Intel 820 chipset.

Chipset drivers

After reinstalling Microsoft Windows or another operating system, it may be necessary to install the motherboard chipset drivers for all components to work properly. These drivers are included on your motherboard drivers CD (Compact Disc) or can be downloaded from the motherboard or computer manufacturer.

2. Chips or Chips and Technologies is also a computer company. See the Chips company information page for additional information about this company.

ASIC, Hardware terms, Motherboard, Motherboard terms, Northbridge, Southbridge