chipset inside a card module
chipset inside a card module
has anyone explored this before or identified any obstacles? if you're considering using an old Southbridge and building a PCIe card for it, would it function properly like a PCIe+SATA+USB+NIC+audio device? it's just a thought—no idea who might find it useful, but it could be interesting. from what I understand, the CPU is typically housed in the Northbridge, not the Southbridge.
I don't feel confident about it, but perhaps. The main issue would be finding a method to switch from north-to-southbridge communication to PCIe. If that's feasible, then it might work.
Yes, I made an error in my thinking. I believed Southbridges used PCIe for communication, but only the latest chipsets do. That might work, though it could clash with the motherboard. Also, only AMD seems compatible since Intel uses a different bus to the chipset.
Not a mainboard, but a similar approach is possible. For instance, use a PCI-E X4 switch chip that transforms the X4 into four X1 lanes. Then link: one PCI-E X1 audio chip/sound card, one PCI-E X1 USB 3.0 2 port 5Gbps controller, and another PCI-E X1 network controller (such as Realtek 8111H or Realtek 8125). Add a PCI-E X1 SATA controller (up to six ports). The challenge is the expense — the bridge chip alone can cost $5–10. If other parts add $2–3 each, the total comes to about $15–20 for components. That puts the card price near $30–40, which is high for most buyers and limits demand to around 40–50 dollars.