Southbridge

Southbridge, in computing, refers to the southbridge or input/output controller hub of a computer motherboard. Historically paired with a northbridge, the southbridge manages lower‑speed peripherals and interfaces, including PCI or PCIe lanes, USB, and storage controllers such as IDE and SATA, as well as legacy ports and network interfaces. It handles direct connections to peripheral devices and coordinates data flow between the CPU, memory, and peripheral buses. In many modern systems, the functions of the traditional southbridge have been absorbed into the processor package or a platform controller hub, reducing the number of distinct chips while preserving the same general roles for I/O and peripheral management.

Southbridge, Massachusetts, is a town in Worcester County, United States. Located in the Blackstone Valley region, it has a history connected to early American industry and river transportation. Today it features historic districts and a mix of residential and commercial areas, with local institutions and cultural sites that reflect its heritage.

Southbridge is also the name of other places, including a rural locality in Canterbury, New Zealand, illustrating the common toponym's use in English-speaking countries.

Originating as a descriptive term for a bridge on the southern edge of a settlement, the name Southbridge has been adopted as a place name in multiple communities.