Does the FSB connect the CPU northbridge or the northbridge to RAM?

[Tig2575]

Trying to read up on Wikipedia to learn more about computer architecture in my spare time, and I'm a bit confused about what exactly the FSB is:

Here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chipset#Recent_Developments Wikipedia says: "The lanes connecting the processor and system memory are known as the front side bus (FSB)"

While here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Front-side_bus Wikipedia says: "It typically carries data between the central processing unit (CPU) and a memory controller hub, known as the northbridge."

Later on in that page, it also says: "The memory bus connects the northbridge and RAM, just as the front-side bus connects the CPU and northbridge"


Can someone clarify exactly what the FSB is, and why wikipedia seems to describe it as two totally different things? Thanks!

 

[jsc]

#1 is a simplification that is kind of true for everyday use.

#2 and #3 are accurate. The CPU cannot talk directly to the memory.

If you think this is bad, wait until you encounter bus and clock cycles.

 

[unksol]

technically we don't really has a front side bus anymore as the memory controller has been moved onto the CPU in modern processors. It has been replaced by newer interconnects

 

[Guest]

does this help?

 

[Tig2575]

Yup! Thanks, all. Looking forward to delving into all of this jazz in more detail. While I'm here, does anyone know of a good beginner's reference to consult when trying to learn the basics of computer architecture and CPU microarchitecture? Often the articles I read (and the articles on wiki) are written in a way that expects the reader already has a solid understanding of the basics..

 

[Guest]

the tutorials on hardware secrets are pretty good, some are a little old but still useful for someone just starting out like you:
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/type/1
they also cover a large variety of topics- audio, cameras . .ect.

 

[Tig2575]

Thank you, sir