Chipset
The controller chip on a motherboard that manages communication between CPU, storage, USB, and expansion slots. Determines which features your motherboard supports.
What is a chipset?
The chipset is the controller hub on your motherboard that manages I/O traffic between the CPU and everything else: SATA ports, USB ports, additional PCIe lanes for expansion slots and M.2 SSDs. Think of it as a traffic controller — the CPU handles computation, but the chipset handles the wiring.
AMD current chipsets: B650 (budget), X670 (mid-range), X870E (high-end). All support AM5 socket. Main differences: number of USB ports, PCIe lanes for additional M.2 slots, and overclocking granularity.
Intel current chipsets: B860 (budget), Z890 (mid-range/enthusiast). Z890 supports overclocking; B860 does not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which chipset should I buy?
For most gaming builds: B650 (AMD) or B860 (Intel). These cover 90% of users' needs. Step up to X670/X870E if you need extra M.2 slots, more USB ports, or better VRM for high-end CPU overclocking. Z890 if you want to overclock an Intel K-series CPU.