The secondary chip in a traditional core logic chipset architecture, responsible for managing I/O interfaces like USB, SATA, audio, and legacy buses. It connects to the CPU indirectly through the faster northbridge chip. In newer architectures, its functions are largely integrated directly into the CPU or a single platform controller hub.
The USB ports keep dropping out, which usually points to a failing southbridge or a cracked solder ball underneath it.
Do not mix it up with
- Northbridge: The northbridge connects directly to the CPU and handles high-speed components like RAM and graphics, while the southbridge handles slower peripherals.
Related terms
Northbridge
The historic motherboard chip that managed high-speed communication between the CPU, memory, and graphics.
Motherboard
The main printed circuit board in a computer or complex electronic system routes power and data between major components.
System bus
A shared communication pathway that links the CPU, memory, and peripherals in a computer.
IO
The abbreviation for input and output, referring to communication between a system and external devices.