VRWM

The Northbrige Chipset is what your mother uses to communicate between your CPU, RAM,Graphics Ports,Southbridge and Expansion Slots, but is mainly used for RAM and Graphics Ports. The Southbridge likewise is used by your mother board to communicate with the CPU, Ram Northbridge, and Expansion Slots, but is mainly used for the Expansion Slots. The Northbridge also determines the type, speed,and number of processors being used and also the type of RAM that can be used plus it controls voltages. Without proper cooling Northbridge temperatures can effect the statabilty of your rig or even your overclock. With an upgraded Northbridge heatsink you may achieve a higher overclock and protect yourself from burning up your motherboard. The Southbridge won't heat up as much as the Northbridge, but it would still be a good idea to put or upgrade a heatsink. You can never have too much cooling because you will also be protecting a big investment. Hope this was helpful. -VRWM

Chozart

I would add that the southbridge also is used for communication with the hard drives, including RAID. Many modern boards offer functionality to increase voltages on the Northbridge and the Southbridge, making aftermarket cooling even more interesting for these parts.

Also, a simple replacement of the stock thermal gunk with AS5 might help quite a bit.

VRWM

Thanks for the add info. :D

alk

can I also add that the northbridge isnt used for transfer of memory data between CPU and Memory in AMD systems because amd 64s have built in memory controllers.

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