Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
Intel then realized that it made both processors
and
chipsets, which were 90% of the components on a
typical motherboard. What better way to ensure that motherboards were available for its Pentium
processor when it was introduced than by making its own motherboards as well and having these
boards ready on the new processor's introduction date? When the first Pentium processor debuted in
1993, Intel also debuted the 430LX chipset as well as a fully finished motherboard. Now, besides the
chipset companies being upset, the motherboard companies weren't too happy, either. Not only was
Intel the major supplier of parts needed to build finished boards (processors and chipsets), but it was
now building and selling the finished boards as well. By 1994, Intel dominated the processor and
chipset markets and had cornered the motherboard market as well.
Since then, as Intel develops new processors, it develops chipsets and motherboards simultaneously,
which means they can be announced and shipped in unison. This eliminates the delay between
introducing new processors and waiting for motherboards and systems capable of using them, which
was common in the industry's early days. For the consumer, this means no waiting for new systems.
Since the original Pentium processor in 1993, we have been able to purchase ready-made systems on
the same day a new processor is released.
Intel Chipset Model Numbers
Starting with the 486 in 1989, Intel began a pattern of numbering its chipsets as shown in
Table 4.8
.
Table 4.8. Intel Chipset Model Numbers
The chipset numbers listed here are abbreviations of the actual chipset numbers stamped on the
individual chips. For example, one of the popular Pentium II/III chipsets was the Intel 440BX chipset,
which consisted of two components: the 82443BX North Bridge and the 82371EB South Bridge.
Likewise, the 865G chipset supports the Pentium 4 and consists of two main parts: the 82865G
graphics memory controller hub (GMCH; replaces the North Bridge and includes integrated video)
and an 82801EB or 82801EBR I/O controller hub (ICH5 or ICH5R; replaces the South Bridge).
Finally, the Z68 chipset supports Socket LGA1155 versions of the second-generation Core i7 and i5
Series processors. The Z68 uses the 82Z68 chip; like other 6-series chipsets, it is a single-chip
chipset.
Intel has used three distinct chipset architectures:
• North/South Bridge (used by 400-series chipsets)
• Hub (used by 800-series, 900-series, 3x, 4x, and 5x chipsets)
