What is chipset: What is Chipset? — Definition from Techopedia

6 сентября, 2023

What is a Chipset driver and how do you update Chipset drivers?

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In computer terminology, a device driver is a set of files that tells a piece of hardware how to function by communicating with a computer’s operating system. In this post, we discuss what is a Chipset driver and how do you update Chipset drivers on Windows 11 or Windows 10 system.

All pieces of hardware require a driver, from your internal computer components, such as your graphics card, to your external peripherals, like a printer. In all versions of Windows the drivers are stored in the C:\WINDOWS\inf and C:\Windows\System32 folder in the sub-folders Drivers, DriverStore and if your installation has one, the DRVSTORE directory. These folders contain all the hardware drivers for your operating system. In the folder location, C represents the drive on which you have Windows installed, this may be a different letter on your system.

What is a Chipset driver?

In Device Manager, you’ll find the chipset device drivers under the System devices section.

Chipset drivers are software instructions that tell Windows how to properly communicate and work with your motherboard and the small subsystems on it, and are based on the processor family you are able to use on that motherboard. Chipset drivers have a significant impact and play an important role in controlling the communication between different components including the hard drives, system memory, etc.

How to update Chipset drivers?

The outdated chipset drivers on your Windows 11/10 computer will slow down your system performance. To improve your system performance, it is necessary to update chipset drivers timely. You can update or download the Chipset drivers in the following ways:

1] Update Chipset drivers via Manufacturer’s website

Prior to installing/updating the chipset drivers, you can check your motherboard manual for the motherboard model and serial number.  Then you can visit the official website of your motherboard manufacturer to download the drivers for the chipsets and MOBOs that support your Windows OS. Alternatively, PC manufacturers have special driver download software for their brands that you can use.

2] Update Chipset drivers via Windows Optional Update

Microsoft has introduced a new. an intuitive and easier way for PC users to discover the available Windows 11/10 feature updates, monthly non-security quality updates, and driver updates. You can get the chipset driver updates (if available) under the Optional Updates section in Windows Update.

3] Update Chipset drivers via Command Prompt

Microsoft offers a built-in utility PnPUtil.exe that allows an administrator to add a driver package, install or update and delete a driver package from the driver store.  The utility also enables PC users to view the list of driver packages currently installed in the driver store.

You can update chipset drivers via the Command Prompt. With this method, you will first have to download the package from the OEM website or copy it from USB or storage media, and copy it to the computer; then run the utility to update the driver.

4] Update Chipset drivers using Driver Update Software

 

Another option available for you is to automatically update your chipset drivers using any of the free Driver Update Software for Windows 11/10 PC. These third-party software lets you update the device drivers easily, and is especially handy for PC users who don’t want to visit the manufacturer’s website to download the driver.

However, one must be careful while using these software and create a system restore point first before using it.

5] Update Chipset drivers using INF file in Device Manager

You can manually update chipset drivers via Device Manager if you have already downloaded the .inf or .sys file for the driver. An INF file or Setup Information file is a plain-text file used by Microsoft Windows for the installation of software and drivers. INF files are most commonly used for installing device drivers for hardware components. A SYS file often contains device drivers or hardware configurations for the system. The .sys files are real-mode device drivers and are not the same as .inf files.

Hope this post is informative enough for you.

Related post: PCI device driver missing; Where do I download it?

Should you update chipset drivers?

You probably don’t need to update the chipset drivers. If there was anything critical needed, it would probably appear through Windows Update, if you haven’t disabled driver updates.

Why is chipset important?

An electronic chipset manages the flow of data between components on a motherboard. It’s the traffic controller between the CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, and peripherals. Experts have referred to it as the “glue” of the motherboard.

What is difference between chipset and processor?

In a nutshell, the CPU is the main processor in the computer that does all of the calculations, whereas the chipset is the bits that connect the CPU to the rest of the computer. The chipset is also the bit that can dictate which CPU the motherboard can support.

Is chipset same as SoC?

Chipsets are usually comprised of one to four chips and feature controllers for commonly used peripherals, like the keyboard, mouse or monitor. A System-on-a-Chip (SoC), integrates almost all of these components (chipset features) into a single silicon chip.

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Obinna has completed B.Tech in Information & Communication Technology. He has worked as a System Support Engineer, primarily on User Endpoint Administration, as well as a Technical Analyst, primarily on Server/System Administration. He also has experience as a Network and Communications Officer. He has been a Windows Insider MVP (2020) and currently owns and runs a Computer Clinic.

What Is a Chipset? Here’s the Chipset Definition for You

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  • What Is a Chipset? Here’s the Chipset Definition for You

A computer consists of multiple small components such as graphics card, monitor, flash memory, Central Processing Unit (CPU), chipset and so on. In a word, the component of a computer is complex and various.

What is a chipset? MiniTool will explain the chipset definition in this post thoroughly.

What Is a Chipset

Chipset is a set of electronic components in the integrated circuit that is famous as a Data Flow Management System. The chipset takes the data flow between the processor, memory and peripherals under control.

Tip: The chipset is usually found on the motherboard. Given to that fact, chipset is also called motherboard chipset. Chipsets are built for working with a specific family of microprocessors.

In other words, the chipset acts like the communication center and traffic controller, which controls the communication between the processor and external devices. Therefore, chipset plays a vital role in deciding the system performance.

Attention:

You should also note that the chipset and motherboard must be compatible with CPU. Otherwise, you may suffer a system failover. Generally speaking, most chipset drivers are required to be updated and installed manually.

-image form intel.com

More importantly, it determines the components that can compatible with the motherboard including CPU, RAM, hard drives and so forth. The chipset can also decide the future expansion options of your computer and when the system can be overlocked.

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The Evolution of Chipset

The chipset also has taken many changes since from its release. In the early days, computer motherboards were made from numerous discrete integrated circuits. Under this mode, you are required to get a separate chip or chips to manage each system component like mouse, keyboard, graphics, sounds and other items.

It is imaginable that scattering these multiple chips is efficiency-consuming. To handle this issue, developers created a better system and started integrating these disparate chips into fewer chips. The appearance of bridges improved the situation.

Thanks to bridges, motherboards came with a northbridge and a southbridge rather than a bunch of chips. The two chips can deal with the specific duties and improve the efficiency to a great extent.

Tip: The northbridge chip is located at the top of the motherboard, while the southbridge chip located at the bottom of the motherboard. The northbridge chip is connected to the CPU directly and acts like a communication middleman for RAM, PCI Express controller, AGP controller, as well as previous motherboard designs. The southbridge copes with lower performing components like PCI buss slots, SATA and IDE connectors, USB ports, onboard audio and networking, etc.

If these small components want to get in touch with CPU, they need to go through the southbridge and northbridge one after another and then reach the CPU. Gradually, these chips are known as chipset as indicated by its literally meaning – a set of chips.

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Main Chipset Models

Computer chipset are mainly designed by Intel and AMD, which are found on various third-party motherboard vendors like MSI, Asus and ASRock. Different chipsets support different CPUs. Hence, you need to take the compatibility of the motherboard into account when purchasing a CPU.

Besides, a chipset may only allow for a specific feature. For example, some chipsets can support up to 10 USB ports, but the specific motherboard only supports 4 to 8 USB ports. In this case, this feature cannot work with your computer neither.

The following table will show you the main chipset models of AMD and Intel.

CPU Brand Chipset Name CPU Market
Intel Z490 10th Gen Comet Lake Enthusiast
Intel h570 10th Gen Comet Lake Enthusiast
Intel h510 10th Gen Comet Lake Mainstream
Intel B460 10th Gen Comet Lake Budget
Intel Z390 9th Gen Comet Lake Enthusiast
Intel Z370 9th Gen Comet Lake Enthusiast
Intel h470 9th Gen Comet Lake Mainstream
Intel B365 9th Gen Comet Lake Budget
Intel B360 9th Gen Comet Lake Budget
AMD TRX40 Ryzen 3000 and Athlon processors High-end desktop (HEDT)
AMD X570 AMD 2nd Gen Ryzen Enthusiast
AMD B550 Threadripper 2000 and 1000 Mainstream
AMD A520 2nd Gen Ryzen Budget
AMD X470 AMD 2nd Gen Ryzen Enthusiast
AMD X399 Threadripper 2000 and 1000 High-end desktop (HEDT)
AMD B450 2nd Gen Ryzen Mainstream
AMD X300 1st Gen Ryzen Enthusiast small form factor
AMD A300 1st Gen Ryzen Mainstream small form factor

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What is chipset? You may find the answer from the post. In addition, you can obtain some extra information about motherboard chipset as well.

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What is the chipset on the motherboard and how to determine its version

The chipset is a set of connectors that are usually found on the motherboard or expansion card of a PC, mainly under the control of the processor. The main purpose they serve is to communicate the processor with other components, including external peripherals.

How to correctly determine the chipset version on the motherboard.

What is the motherboard chipset

What is the chipset? In computing, the term «chipset» usually refers to a set of specialized chips on a computer, motherboard, or expansion cards. On a PC, the first chipset for the IBM PC AT 1984 is the NEAT chipset developed by Chips and Technologies for the Intel 80286 processor. In home PCs, video game consoles, and arcade gaming hardware in the 1980s and 1990s, the term was used for audio and graphics chips. The purpose of a chipset often refers to a particular pair of chips on the main board: the northbridge and southbridge. The northbridge connects the CPU to high-speed devices, including RAM and graphics card, while the southbridge connects to slower peripheral buses (such as PCI or ISA). In many modern chips, the southbridge already contains built-in peripherals such as Ethernet, USB, and audio out.

Motherboards and their chips often come from different manufacturers. By 2018, chip manufacturers for x86 PCs and laptops are represented by AMD, Broadcom, Intel, NVIDIA, SiS and VIA Technologies. Apple and Unix computers have traditionally used specially designed chips. Large servers need their own powerful chipset, so some manufacturers develop unique boards for their products that meet certain requirements. In the 1980s, Chips and Technologies pioneered PC-compatible chips. Computer systems built since then often use the same motherboard chipsets. For example, NCR 53C9x, an inexpensive chipset that implements the SCSI interface, can be found in Unix computers such as the MIPS Magnum.

How and where the chipset is located

The chipset consists of a system for connecting the processor to RAM, a hard drive, and even to external devices that you use with a PC, through ports (USB, RAM slot, etc.) on the motherboard. The chip is located on the motherboard and is associated with the type of processor you are going to use. Accordingly, there are different options for different classes and types of processors, but basically they all do the same thing. Chips are the main factor in controlling system performance. Therefore, they are more important than you think.

How to determine the chipset model on a computer or laptop

The quickest and easiest way to find out which chipset is used on your motherboard is to read the instruction manual. If you have documentation that came with your motherboard, it’s a good idea to refer to it first.

Determining the chipset version without third-party programs

If you are looking for which motherboard chipset is used in Windows, you can find the chipset information under System Devices in Device Manager. This is most likely ALI, AMD, Intel, NVidia, VIA or SIS. However, this information can only be seen if the chipset drivers are properly installed on the computer.

IMPORTANT. If you’re trying to identify your chipset because you need to install drivers, most motherboards come with a CD that contains them. If you don’t have the CD, continue to the next step to identify the chipset and find the drivers to download from the developer’s official page.

If you don’t have the documentation, the next best way to identify the chipset on which the motherboard is installed is to identify the motherboard installed in the computer. After the motherboard and its model are identified, you can visit the motherboard manufacturer’s page and look at the instructions or download utilities to determine the chipset.

Identify chipset in Everest and Aida64

EVEREST is a portable, free system information tool for Windows that allows you to view and identify all major hardware components of your computer or laptop. EVEREST collects information about the motherboard, multimedia devices, processor, network, storage devices, display, memory and basic details of the operating system. Works with Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP.

Pros:

  • scans fast;
  • creation of a partial or complete report;
  • easy navigation;
  • summary page;
  • portable (no installation required).

Cons:

  • not as detailed as similar software.

EVEREST is portable, easy to use and displays all basic equipment information. The Report Wizard simplifies the creation of a log file. You can create a report for whatever you want. Unfortunately, EVEREST is no longer updated by the developers. This means that at some point in the future, if this program is still not updated, devices that are installed on new PCs will not be supported and therefore cannot be read and identified.

For the correct functioning of the computer, users must have the required hardware device and its corresponding driver. One of the most commonly used programs for this is AIDA64. This utility can help users identify missing hardware devices, as well as provide advance control over device updates, Bluetooth PAN support, and scanner file filtering. For most daily problems, users can download AIDA64 free version for free. For more complex issues, you may need to purchase a shareware version.

AIDA64 (formerly Everest) is software that can be used to identify hardware devices and find the correct drivers. Whether you’ve reinstalled Windows or replaced your motherboard or other device, AIDA64 is exactly the tool you need. It gives complete information about all the components of your PC (eg temperature data, exact brand and model name). Since AIDA64 is derived from Everest, the utilities have a similar interface and navigation. You can determine the chip model on the same tab. So, run the AIDA64 or Everest program, find «Motherboard» in the tree on the left, open the list and select «Chipset». The value next to «North Bridge» will be the name of your chip.

Get chipset information in CPU-Z utility

CPU-Z is a free PC system check and test utility that you can use to get information about your hardware devices, processor, RAM, motherboard and graphics card. The software is very easy to use and gives quite detailed information. The program consists of 8 separate tabs, each of which performs its own function. The CPU tab displays information about the processor installed in your computer, such as code name, socket type, core speed, and cache. For the average user, most of this information is meaningless.

The Cache tab displays processor information. On the Board tab, you will find the brand and model of the motherboard, chipset information, and detailed information about your BIOS (manufacturer, version, and date). The Memory tab displays information about the type of installed memory, as well as the amount of installed RAM, its timing and frequency. The SPD tab is an extension of the Memory tab and shows information such as the amount of RAM, occupied and free slots, and how much memory is on the motherboard in total. Here you can also get information about the manufacturer and serial number, which simplifies the selection of identical memory sticks.

The Graphics tab displays information about the GPU, its timing, and memory. Finally, on the About tab, you get a little more information about your system and several options for saving it — as a report in a text file or in HTML. Here, finding the motherboard chipset model is as easy as in the previous example. Open the program, go to the Board tab and look for the Chipset option. He points to the name of the chipset.

Terminology — Chipset — AlterBit.ru

The chipset is a specific set of chips arranged for the purpose of working together, aimed at performing various functions and processes. In the case of a PC, the chipset installed on the motherboard plays the role of a link that ensures the correct functioning of various subsystems: memory, central processing unit (CPU), input-output systems, and others. Also, chipsets are widely used in other devices. Particularly in mobile phones.

History

The first chipsets came out in the mid-80s. The first examples of the introduction of chipsets into PCs were the Amiga series computers equipped with the OCS chipset. Shortly thereafter, Chips & Technologies introduced the CS8220 chipset (main chip 82C206) to IBM PC/AT compatible systems. Around the same time, the Atari ST series computers came out, which also used the chipset. Since then, chipsets have become widespread and very relevant in a relatively short time.

Chipsets in modern PCs

In modern computers, the motherboard chipset includes two key microcircuits, sometimes combined into one chip. This chip is called System Controller Hub SCH (System Controller Hub). The first chip is the Memory Controller Hub (MCH), also called northbridge ( northbridge ). It is responsible for the interaction of the central processor with memory. Some modern CPUs (eg Opteron, Itanium, Nehalem, UltraSPARC T1) have an integrated memory controller. Some chipsets may have an integrated GPU.

The second chip is the I/O Controller Hub (ICH), also called the southbridge ( southbridge ). Its functions include providing interaction between the central processor and other devices (HDD, PCI cards, devices operating on PCI-E, IDE, SATA, USB interfaces, etc.).

Some chipsets have an integrated Super I/O chip connected to the southbridge via the Low Pin Count bus. The department of this microcircuit includes low-speed ports (RS232, LPT, PS / 2).

There are also a number of chipsets built on a non-standard scheme. For example, CPUs with an LGA 1156 socket are designed so that the northbridge functionality is fully integrated into the CPU itself. Thus, the LGA 1156 chipset consists of a southbridge connected to the processor via the DMI bus.

Chipsets for modern x86-processors

Large-scale production of chipsets supporting new series of processors is beneficial, first of all, to the manufacturers of these processors. This is why leading manufacturers (Intel and AMD) produce so-called trial chipset kits for motherboard manufacturers. After being tested, these chipsets are released in new series of motherboards. Licenses for the release of these chipsets are issued to various manufacturers, and sometimes subcontractors of motherboard manufacturers, as new chipsets are introduced to the market.

Key manufacturers of x86 chipsets:

  • Intel;
  • NVidia;
  • ATI/AMD;
  • Via;
  • SiS.

ARM chipsets

Systems running on ARM processors also have their own personal chipsets created specifically for their algorithm. The first samples of such chipsets were very similar to the IBM PC chipsets. Modern chipsets, due to their sharpness for mobile devices, are very different from others both in structure and technically.

Chipsets by manufacturer

Brief description of lines and models.

Intel

Intel chipsets support only branded processors:

  • P965 nuclear) with a system bus frequency of 533/800/1066 MHz. In addition, Core 2 Duo/Extreme processors are also supported. The chipsets feature an integrated dual-channel DDR2-533/667/800 memory controller that supports up to 4 DIMMs (up to 8 GB total, non-ECC). Supports PCI Express x16 bus, up to ten USB ports, and High Definition Audio (7.1) audio specification.
  • 975X — support all major Intel processors (including Core2 Extreme and Intel Core2 Duo), DDR2 533/667 memory (up to 8 GB in total). There is also support for the PCI Express x16 bus (one slot — 16 lines, or 2 slots — 8 lines each), 4 PCI Express x1 devices, 6 PCI, 8 USB ports and a High Definition Audio interface. ATI CrossFire technology is also available.
  • G965. Difference between G965 and P965 is that the first one has integrated GMA X3000 graphics. The graphics controller has support for Clear Video technology, which allows you to implement hardware-accelerated video playback (including HDMI). It is also possible to use digital video interfaces (including HDMI). It is possible to work with the Aero interface in Windows Vista.

The Intel 3-Series chipsets are based on 65nm technology and support the new Intel Core 2 Duo and Intel Core 2 Quad processors, as well as 1333MHz FSB. The Core2 Extreme series of processors is supported by the X38 and P35 chipsets.

  • G31. Low cost chipset. It is an updated version of the 945G chipset. It has support for Core 2 Duo processors and DDR2-800 memory in the specification. Includes integrated Intel GMA 3100 core.
  • G33. This chipset is similar in functionality to the P35 model. Equipped with a built-in graphics core GMA 3100, which has hardware-accelerated video playback (even HD-format). In addition, the core has support for digital video interfaces (including HDMI). The specification notes support for HD DVD and Blu-ray, as well as compatibility with the Aero interface in Windows Vista.
  • G35. This chipset is equipped with a more advanced graphics core GMA X3500 with support for DirectX 10. It has a lot in common with the G965 chipset. It also has support for the new Core 2 Duo processors with a FSB frequency of 1333 MHz.
  • P31. This chipset is similar to the G31 chipset. However, unlike its counterpart, it does not have integrated graphics. It has support for DDR2-800 memory (total capacity — up to 4 GB), external graphics with PCI Express x16 interface. Used mainly in budget systems.
  • P35 . This chipset is one of the five most popular Intel chipsets. With its release, it replaced the fairly common P965. It supports DDR2 and DDR3 memory, as well as CrossFire mode (simultaneous operation of two video cards) in PCI-E x16 + PCI-E x4 mode. Work with the new generation of Celeron and Pentium processors is acceptable. Core 2 Duo/Quad processors available. Does not support Core 2 Extreme series processors, especially quad-core processors. Equipped with 2-channel DDR2-533/667/800 or DDR3-800/1067 memory controller. Supports up to 4 DIMMs (total capacity up to 8 GB, non-ECC), supports PCI Express x16 interface in graphics.
  • P45. This chipset acts as a logical continuation of the P35 series. The main differences from its predecessor are: support for the FSB1600 bus and the ability to install two PCI Express 2.0 x8 slots.
  • Q33 and Q35. These chipsets are aimed primarily at the business environment. They are good at executing all sorts of business decisions. They have an integrated graphics core GMA 3100, with support for Direct X9.
  • X38. This chipset entered the market in autumn 2007. The technical characteristics are similar to the P35 chipset. It has support for the PCI Express 2.0 bus for video cards, as well as the CrossFire function in PCI-E x16 + PCI-E x16 mode. Supports up to 12 USB ports in the southbridge and can also be activated with Intel Turbo Memory Technology. This chipset is mainly used in high-end motherboards.
  • X48. This chipset is in many ways similar to its «younger brother» X38, differing from it only in support for a system bus (FSB) of 1600 MHz, as well as DDR3-800/1066/1333/1600 memory.
  • 945P. The chipset supports Intel Pentium 4, Pentium 4 Extreme Edition, Pentium D and Pentium Extreme Edition, Core 2 Duo processors with a system bus frequency of 800/1066 MHz. Availability of PCIEx16 GUI. Equipped with built-in DDR2-400/533/667 memory controller. It has support for the High Definition Audio sound interface.
  • 945G . This chipset differs from its «little brother» 945P, consisting solely in the presence of an integrated graphics core GMA 950.

New Intel processors built on Socket 1156 are made in a slightly different architecture. This series is different in that all the vital functions of the north bridge migrated directly to the processors. Thus, chipsets that support such processors are, in fact, exclusively southbridges, and are responsible only for peripheral devices.

  • P55. This chipset supports the Core i3, i5, i7 (8xx) family of processors. Intel has clearly separated the lines for full-speed PCIe 2.0 controllers for all processors on the LGA 1156 socket, in combination with the P55 chipset. This is done so that any processor has support for video cards of the user’s choice: one card — in x16 mode; or two cards — in x8 mode.
  • Q57 , H57 and H55. These chipsets differ from the P55 in that they do not support split lanes for the onboard PCIe controller.
  • X58. This chipset is the only «desktop» chipset for Intel processors built on socket LGA 1366 (Core i7 9xx). It is the fastest and most expensive chipset. Designed to work with the fastest and most modern processors.
  • P67. This chipset supports Core i3, i5, i7 processors with Sandy Bridge cores. Excludes the use of the integrated graphics system, but at the same time allows you to significantly overclock the graphics memory, as well as build configurations consisting of several video cards.
  • H67. This chipset supports Core i3, i5, i7 processors with Sandy Bridge cores. Allows you to use the video core built into the processor, but at the same time limits the possibilities for overclocking graphics, and also excludes the installation of several video cards.
  • Z68. This chipset supports Core i3, i5, i7 processors with Sandy Bridge cores. Allows the use of the integrated graphics core, and also allows dynamic switching from the core to a discrete graphics card. Motherboards equipped with the Z68 chipset show a very high potential for overclocking.

NVIDIA

  • nForce 650i SLI . This chipset belongs to the middle class in the nForce 600 chipset line. It supports the following processors: Intel Celeron D, Pentium 4, Pentium D, Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Quad (including Extreme versions). Also supports DDR2 800MHz memory and 1333MHz system bus. Available for use with NVIDIA SLI 2×8 technology (allows two video cards to work together). Support for the High Definition Audio sound standard.
  • nForce 680i SLI . This chipset is the most advanced and expensive product in the 600 series line. Along with the nForce 650i SLI, this chipset is designed to work with Intel processors of the Celeron D and Pentium families (including dual-core ones). Supports dual-channel DDR2-800 memory with EPP (Enhanced Performance Profile), which allows you to set the optimal modes of its operation. Video cards work with two PCIEx16 interfaces, and work in SLI mode (x16 + x16) is also supported. It is also possible to activate an additional PCIE x8 interface. So, the chipset allows you to install a third video card, and, accordingly, increase the speed of graphics processing (3-Way SLI mode). The chipset also supports a dual port gigabit adapter.

The NVIDIA 7-series chipsets, designed to run on the Intel platform, are capable of supporting DDR2-1200 and higher memory, as well as accepting new PCI Express 2.0 device processors on the board.

  • nForce 780i SLI. This chipset is designed to work with Intel Penryn (Yorkfield and Wolfdale), Core 2 Extreme, Core 2 Quad, Core 2 Duo, Pentium processors. Supports DDR2 800/667/533 memory. It has support for 3-way SLI mode (three video cards simultaneously, in «x16 + x16 + x16» mode), PCI Express 2.0, HDA sound. Up to 10 USB 2.0 ports are available, the ability to connect two Gigabit network interfaces, six Serial ATA (3 Gb / s), supports up to two devices working in the PATA interface.
  • nForce 750i SLI . This chipset, unlike nForce 780i SLI, supports only 2 video adapters in SLI mode («x16 + x8» scheme). Also, like the «brother» in the line, it has support for the PCI Express 2.0 standard. The number of SATA ports has been reduced from 6 to 4, supports up to 8 USB 2.0 ports. But up to 4 PATA drives are available for operation.
  • nForce 790i Ultra SLI. This chipset allows you to activate up to three video cards in x16 mode (or up to seven cards in x8 mode). It supports bus speeds up to FSB-1600, as well as DDR3 memory up to 2000 MHz. Equipped with two built-in gigabit network controllers.
  • nForce 790i SLI. This chipset only supports DDR3 up to 1333 MHz.
  • GeForce 6100. This chipset supports AMD Athlon 64 X2/Athlon 64 FX/Athlon 64/Sempron processors. Equipped with an integrated graphics core that runs at 425 MHz. Supports HDA.
  • GeForce 6150 . This chipset is one of the older models of the GeForce 6100/6150 line. The graphics core runs at 475 MHz. Supports a PCI Express x16 port and two PCI Express x1 slots. Support HDA, DVI, hardware accelerated HD Video decoding. The younger 6100 lacks all these advantages.
  • GeForce 7050 PV. This chipset allows the motherboard to work on AMD processors (including Athlon 64), has support for DDR2 memory. The chipset is equipped with an integrated graphics core that runs at 425 MHz and supports HDMI and HDCP. There is also support for the PCI Express x16 interface (one) for the video card, as well as 4x PCI Express x1. Only HDA is available, AC’97 is not available.
  • GeForce 8300. This chipset is designed to work with AMD Athlon and Phenom processors. It is single component. Has support for integrated graphics. One PCIe graphics card is available for use. Often, with such a chipset, an inexpensive GeForce video card is installed, which is subsequently tied to the integrated graphics core in order to increase performance.
  • GeForce 8200. This chipset is a light modification of GeForce 8300 with lower performance.
  • GeForce 8100. This chipset is a lightweight modification of the GeForce 8300 chipset. It has reduced functionality: there is no possibility of parallel operation of an additional video card.
  • nForce 750a SLI. The chipset is based on the GeForce 8300 and has an SLI function that supports two discrete graphics cards (x8 mode).
  • nForce 780a SLI. Chipset that largely repeats the functionality of the 750a. In addition to it, SLI introduced support for two video cards operating in full x16 mode.
  • nForce 980a SLI. Chipset equipped with a second integrated network controller. Also, it implements DDR3 support for the integrated graphics core.

AMD

  • 690G. This chipset supports Athlon 64/Athlon 64 FX/Athlon 64 X2/Sempron processors. DDR2 memory available for use. Chipset-integrated graphics include DVI, HDMI with HDCP copy protection, and DirectX 9 digital interfaces.0. The chipset is equipped with a 4-port SATA-II controller. Implemented HD Audio subsystem. Supports up to 10 USB 2.0 ports.
  • 790FX. This chipset not only embodies the implementation of Athlon 64 processors, it also implements support for Phenom processors. Both DDR2 and DDR3 are available. The PCI Express 2.0 bus standard is available, allowing you to install up to 4 graphics adapters, and in CrossFireX mode.
  • 790X. This chipset, like its «brother» in the line (790FX), provides the motherboard with the ability to install Phenom processors. Often used to build a CrossFire system.
  • 790GX. This chipset, unlike the 790X, has an integrated graphics system.
  • 780G and 780V . These chipsets are a more budget version of the 79 chipset.0GX, which has simultaneous support for one AMD video card along with integrated graphics. Such a tandem allows you to work with multiple displays at the same time.
  • 785G. This chipset is an upgraded version of the 780G chipset that supports DirectX 10.1 and HDMI 1.3.
  • 770. This chipset, unlike the 780G, does not have integrated graphics.