In computing, a northbridge is a microchip that comprises the core logic chipset architecture on motherboards to handle high-performance tasks, especially for older personal computers. It is connected directly to a CPU via the front-side bus (FSB), and is usually used in conjunction with a slower southbridge to manage communication between the CPU and other parts of the motherboard.
A Kodiak chip: an implementation of IBM's CPC945 northbridge in an iMac G5, a PowerPC-architecture system.
A part of an IBM T42 laptop motherboard
In a computer system, a chipset is a set of electronic components on one or more integrated circuits that manages the data flow between the processor, memory and peripherals. The chipset is usually found on the motherboard of computers. Chipsets are usually designed to work with a specific family of microprocessors. Because it controls communications between the processor and external devices, the chipset plays a crucial role in determining performance.
Intel i945GC Northbridge with Intel Pentium Dual-Core E2220 2.40 GHz on an Intel D945GCCR motherboard (c. 2007)
Part of an IBM ThinkPad T42 laptop motherboard showing the CPU, GPU, Northbridge (NB), and Southbridge (SB)
Intel Cannon Lake Platform Controller Hub (PCH) die