Like other computers, each Mac computer -- which could be a MacBook laptop, Mac mini small form factor desktop, iMac all-in-one computer or Mac Pro desktop tower -- has a chipset, which consists of two integrated circuits, or chips. One of such chips is called the northbridge.
Chipset
The chipset, which includes the northbridge, is integrated into the Mac's motherboard, which holds the computer's main components. This includes the processor, or central processing unit, which is fastened to a CPU socket; random access memory; Peripheral Component Interconnect Express expansion port; audio and video connectors; and USB ports. The chipset is responsible for connecting the CPU, which carries out the instructions of the Mac's computer program, with such aforementioned components.
Northbridge Function
The northbridge is the high-speed part of a Mac chipset, responsible for the faster capabilities of the motherboard. It connects the CPU to the RAM via the front-side bus for data transfer. The rate at which the processor performs this activity is referred to as FSB speed. The northbridge also connects the CPU to the PCI-E, which are designed for fitting expansion ports such as sound cards, graphics processing units and wireless network adapters.
Northbridge vs. Southbridge
The northbridge is contrasted with the other part of the Mac's chipset, the southbridge, which handles the slower capabilities of the motherboard. The southbridge connects the Mac's CPU to the other inputs/outputs of the motherboard, which include the audio, video and USB ports; Serial Advanced Technology Attachment hard drive connector; Ethernet port for wired networking; and serial and parallel ports.
Mac Chipsets
Each Mac comes with a processor from semiconductor company Intel Corp. and the CPU is paired with a chipset from the Intel Express brand. The type of chipset, however, varies according the type of Mac computer. For instance, the Intel Core i-series CPUs choices for the MacBook Pro laptop are compatible with Mobile Intel Express Chipset entries such as HM65, HM67 and QM67.
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