Functions
No matter how simple or elaborate the chipset in a modern computer, it has three chief functions. It must act as a system controller that holds together the entire computer, giving all the support the microprocessor needs to be a true computer system. As a memory controller, it links the microprocessor to the memory system, establishes the main memory and cache architectures, and ensures the reliability of the data stashed away in RAM chips. And to extend the reach of the microprocessor to other system components, it must act as a peripheral controller and operate input/output ports and disk interfaces.
How these functions get divided among silicon chips and the terminology describing the chips has itself evolved.
When computers first ...
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