Computer Hard Ware
Chip Set
PCI ISA IDE Xcelerator
Computer Hard Ware
Chip Set
Why is it called a chipset? Because there are two or more of these on a motherboard. Chipsets are kinda like the motherboard's traffic cops. They direct the flow of data from one point to the other. Each chip in the chipset has its own particular job. This is chip 2 of 2 chips in the 440BX Chipset. It is slightly less important than the other chip, but of all the motherboard's components, it is still one of the most important. Without it, the computer could not operate. Above is a picture of the 440BX Chipset.
The second chip in the chipset is refried to as the "Intel 82371EB PCI ISA IDE Xcelerator, (PIIX4E for short). The PIIX4E chip controls the data traffic between the ISA slots, USB ports, IDE ports, and the BIOS. Both chips share the task of controlling the PCI and memory data flow. In the diagram below you can see the data flow paths mapped out for the chipset. Notice the paths managed by chip 2 are blue.
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Optional CaseFan | 3.5 Inch Drive | 5.25 Inch Drive | IDE Cable | I/O Ports
Panel Connector Cable | PCI Slot One | PCI Slot Two | PCI Slot Three
ISA Slot Two | Shared PCI/ISA Slot | Expansion Slot | AGP Expansion Slot
IDE & Panel Connectors | Case Speaker | Case Front Panel