Google IT Support Professional Certification Practice Test

The correct answer is based on the traditional architecture of motherboards, where the chipset consists of two primary components: the northbridge and the southbridge. The northbridge is responsible for handling high-speed connections, specifically between the CPU and memory, as well as communication with high-performance graphics cards. It plays a crucial role in ensuring optimal data transfer rates between these components.

The southbridge, on the other hand, manages lower-speed interfaces including USB ports, audio controllers, and the system's chipset for other peripherals. It serves as a communication hub that connects the CPU and memory to the various input/output devices and storage.

Together, these two chips form a cohesive system that enables effective communication throughout the motherboard, facilitating the smooth functioning of a computer. This distinction in roles and functions underscores why the correct answer identifies the northbridge and southbridge as the essential components of chipset architecture.