What is the difference between a chipset and a CPU

[zero6251]

hey guys I'm new to building computers, and so far it's good, but then the other day I went to the intell, and maybe I clicked the wrong link or something ,but anyways I clicked the chipsets and it came up with all of these letters and numbers like Z77 and H77. and so my question is what is the difference between a chipset and a cpu. help meeeee!

 

[rolli59]

CPU is a processing unit, the chipset is on the motherboard and handles its features and the communication between all components.

 

[pauls3743]

Simply put, the cpu is the main processor in the computer (does all of the calculations) whereas the chipset is the bits that connect the cpu to the rest of the computer. The chipset is also the bit that can dictate which cpus the motherboard can support.