Stupid question time...

[Jonski]

I *think* I know what the North bridge & South bridge do, but can
someone explain it please? Why is it North & South, and why is it a
Bridge?

The only definitions I could find relate to networks, eg "A bridge is
any device that connects two physically distinct network segments,
usually at a lower network layer than would a router. " Googling
""north bridge" "south bridge"" only brings up specs, not
descriptions.

I'm guessing that the N & S bridges work seperately from each other on
the Mobo?

Just trying to work out specs on mobos that I'm looking at. Can
someone point me to a good website perhaps?

Thanks in advance
Jon

 

[Will Dormann]

I *think* I know what the North bridge & South bridge do, but can
someone explain it please? Why is it North & South, and why is it a
Bridge?

Here's your answer in a simple picture:
http://www-tus.csx.cam.ac.uk/techlink/workshops/2001-11-21_inside_the_pc/sld021.htm

Basically the northbridge is for high speed communication, and the
southbridge for low speed.

Many modern boards, however, use a single chip design. This makes the
northbridge/southbridge distinction a bit of a dated topic.


-WD

 

[Jonski]

Here's your answer in a simple picture:
http://www-tus.csx.cam.ac.uk/techlink/workshops/2001-11-21_inside_the_pc/sld021.htm

<confucius voice>
aaahhhhhh!!!!!!
</confucius>

Thanks, that cleared it up. I have the pdf of a gigabyte board
(8s655tx), which was interesting but not that helpful with its block
layout of the subsystems.

Cheers
Jon