Difference between North bridge and South bridge Last Updated : 15 Jul, 2025 Comments Improve Suggest changes Like Article Like Report When it comes to computer architecture there is two significant parts of a motherboard called chipset and its components called North Bridge and South Bridge. These bridges are supposed to control the flow of messages between the CPU and the rest of the components within the computers. For those with an interest in computers where the various hardware components are involved, it is possible to have improved understanding of the huge portion that is created by the North Bridge and the South Bridge. In the course of this article, it will be useful to understand what each of the bridges does, how they can be different, and what kind of pros and cons are inherent to each of the tools.North BridgeNorth bridge is one of the two chips located in the direction towards North in the motherboard. The main function of North bridge is to manage the communications between the Central Processing Unit and parts of motherboard. North bridge is directly towards Front Side Bus (FSB). Other names for North bridge are host bridge and Memory Controller Hub (MCH). Functions of North Bridge CPU to Memory Communication: It controls the movement of data between the CPU and the memory of the entire system; an important enhancement in the rate of the computer. High-Speed Graphics: It deals with communication with high–speed graphical cards through AGP or PCIe slots; therefore, it is relevant to gaming and other graphical chores. Bus Speed: The performance of the North Bridge determines the bus speed of the system and therefore the rate at which data can be transferred within the CPU, memory and the graphics. Advantages of North Bridge High Performance: This makes the communication between the CPU and the memory to be directed and hence the handling of data at a faster rate and an improvement of the system performance. Efficient Graphics Handling: It offers a separate channel for graphics so as to help games and other graphic-related applications to run smoothly. Disadvantages of North Bridge Heat Generation: Because of the high bandwidth data control of the North Bridge, it becomes rather hot at the times, and must be cooled effectively. Complexity: It is also important to note that including the North Bridge as a part of the motherboard design and directly integrating it with the manufacture process may complicate the production and expense in making the motherboard. South BridgeSouth bridge is the another chip of the logical chipset architecture. It is located to the South of Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus in the motherboard. The main function of South bridge is to control the IO functioning. The North bridge is the medium that connects South bridge and Central Processing Unit. IO Controller Hub is the other name given to South bridge for its functionality. Functions of South Bridge Peripheral Management: The South Bridge is also responsible for managing the data flow of all devices like USBs, SATA drives and audio controllers. Legacy Support: The older I/O ports such as the PS/2, serial, and parallel ports are also supported by it in the systems. System Management: The South Bridge is also involved in the management of some of the systems such as the power system, clock and Basic Input/ Output System. Advantages of South Bridge Versatile Connectivity: In terms of interfaces, South Bridge provides the options of numerous peripherals connectivity. Cost-Effective: It is relatively shorter than the North Bridge, thus easy to implement and relatively cheaper in implementation to manufacturers of motherboards. Disadvantages of South Bridge Slower Data Transfer: While it has got the capability to manage low speed data throughput, South Bridge sometimes proves to form a bottleneck for some jobs. Dependent on North Bridge: Depending its connection with the CPU and memory, the South Bridge can have some high latencies which affects its performance . Difference between North Bridge and South BridgeS.NONorth BridgeSouth Bridge1.North bridge is located towards the north of motherboard.South bridge is located towards South of PCI bus of the motherboard.2.North bridge is directly connected to the CPU.South bridge is connected via North bridge to the CPU.3.It manages the communications between the CPU and other parts of the motherboard.It manages the Input and Output functions.4.The North bridge is placed near to processor for easy access.The South bridge is placed near PCI.5.North bridge communicates faster.South bridge communicates slower.6.Other names for North bridge include Memory Controller Hub, host bridge.IO Controller Hub is the other name for South bridge.7.The North bridge is hub for memory control.The South bridge is a hub for input and output functioning.8.The North bridge connects the buses that work faster like the AGP bus.The South bridge connects the buses that work slower like ISA.9.North bridge looks bigger.South bridge looks smaller.10.North bridge connects components like RAM, AGP.South bridge connects components like PCI, USB.Conclusion The North Bridge and South Bridge are required for any kind of chipset set up in a mother board and each of them have their own functions of facilitating the communication between the processor and your other peripherals. The North Bridge is responsible for processing high bandwidth data transfer between the CPU, memory and graphics while the South Bridge handles the data transfer with other peripherals and the old I/O system adapters. In gaining practical knowledge about these two bridges, it is easier to make a proper decision about which motherboard system is the best and where its performance is the best fit for specific requirements. 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