What Is A CPU Socket?
A CPU socket is a small plastic box that is shaped like a circle with a lever on one side. This is used to insert the CPU into a computer. The processor is then secured in place by the lever. The processor is then pushed into the socket using its pins. Some processor sockets have a line-up feature that prevents incorrect insertion. The other type of socket is a pinned type, which uses hundreds of tiny pin holes to connect the CPU to the motherboard.
The first kind of CPU socket is the PGA or Ball Grid Array type, which requires soldering to change processors. However, this type of processor socket is more difficult to change because it requires the replacement of the motherboard. The lifespan of a CPU socket is the same as that of a motherboard. As long as the CPU is in perfect condition, it can perform for as long as the motherboard. Therefore, replacing a damaged CPU socket is a necessity.
The next type of CPU socket is the ball-grid array type. It resembles a checkerboard with lots of squares, which is meant to hold a CPU chip. A BGA socket, on the other hand, is a land-grid array type. This type of socket is usually found in notebook computers and high-end desktop systems. This type of processor socket requires soldering, which is more difficult than with a PGA socket.
The third type of CPU socket is the PGA. This one is used for processors with pointing pins. A PGA socket uses a handle to apply compression and prevent the pin from bending. These processors are not compatible with the PGA type of CPU socket, as the processor’s pins cannot be interchanged without the replacement of the ball grid array. You can, however, prolong the lifespan of your CPU socket by being careful when changing your processor.
The socket of a microprocessor is the physical connector that connects the microprocessor to the motherboard. A socket has hundreds of metal pins that enable power and data to pass from processor to motherboard. Generally, the socket of a processor is located on the motherboard. For example, a CPU is used by a PC if it contains more than one CPU. A multiprocessor PC is called a dual-socket machine.
Another type of CPU socket is the Ball Grid Array (BGA) type. This type of CPU socket is more fragile, and requires a lot of soldering when changing processors. Besides being fragile, the PGA socket is also very fragile. A ZIF-style socket eliminates the need to apply pressure when mounting the processor. It has a slider or lever that locks the CPU into place. Unlike the PGA-type, BGA is not compatible with other chips.
What Are The Intel CPU Sockets?
The first question that arises is what are the differences between Intel and AMD CPU sockets. Both the AMD and Intel architectures utilize the same standard CPU sockets. These two types are categorized into 11 categories. Here’s a brief overview of each type. The Intel CPU socket is designed to allow more expansion options. The AMD socket, on the other hand, uses a single retention lever.
The PGA socket contains processors with pointing pins and uses a handle to apply compressive force and prevent the pin from bending. It is one of the oldest types of CPU sockets, but the difference between PGA and DIP sockets is in the number of pins. Using a PGA socket can cause the pin to break, which will render the processor useless. However, if you have a CPU with a PGA socket, you can remove it without losing its pins.
The socket was created by Intel and was a replacement for the earlier LGA 1156. The LGA 1155 supported Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge CPUs. It was followed by Socket H3 in 2013. LGA 3747 is the latest server and desktop socket. All sockets are named according to their pin count. The most common type is LGA 775. You can find more information about Intel CPU sockets in the following sections.
LGA 1200
The LGA 1200 is Intel’s most recent socket revision. This is the new socket design for 400-series motherboards that were announced in 2020 designed for Intel’s 10th-generation processors, and it has 49 more pins than the previous socket design. These Comet Lake-S processors are more energy efficient than their predecessors and can support up to 10 cores. They also support a number of other technologies, such as HEVC, HDR, and VP9 10-bit encoding. This socket is a significant architectural change, and it is not backward compatible with prior 300-series chipsets. Intel’s 11th-generation processors will also use the LGA 1200 socket. Although they share the same socket, these processors use Intel’s new 500-series chipsets. H410, B460, H470, Q470, Z490, and W480 chipsets use the LGA 1200 socket. The 500-series chipsets are on the way, and they’ll most likely use the same naming scheme as the 400-series chipsets (we already know about Z590, at least). Despite the fact that they use the same socket, motherboards in the 500 series have some enhancements. For example, Z590 motherboards enable PCIe 4.0 and have additional PCIe lanes to the CPU.
LGA 2066
The LGA 2066 socket is an improved version of the LGA 2011-3 socket, which was introduced in the last few years. It is designed to accommodate higher-end CPUs, with bigger VRMs and RAM slots. These chips cannot house the same CPU as their predecessors, as the motherboards are designed to accommodate the larger LGA 2011-3 processors. LGA 2066 supports both DDR4 and PCIe 4.0.
LGA2066 is a more advanced version of the LGA 1151 socket, with 2066 pin contacts. This is a better option for people who want to upgrade their current motherboards, but it’s not necessary for everyone. If you’re a casual gamer, a LGA 1151 motherboard will do just fine. LGA 2066 is a more powerful and capable platform for the most demanding gamers, but you don’t need it unless you’re a professional.
The LGA 2066 motherboard socket has been around for a while, but Intel is now introducing new models that are more advanced than the previous generation. These include the Pentium 4 and the Xeon E5-2600. They are both excellent choices for performance platforms, and you should definitely consider purchasing an Intel chip for your PC if you’re a regular user. You can also install the latest BIOS for your motherboard in order to make sure that it supports the latest version of the LGA-2066 CPUs.
If you’re looking for a higher-end motherboard, you can’t go wrong with the Intel X299 motherboard. It features 16 memory slots, 4 USB 2.0 ports, and bridging for SLI graphics cards. Thermal Radar 3 helps keep your system stable, Pro clock II fine-tunes overclocking, and T-Topology enhances memory stability. This motherboard supports the Intel Core X series LGA 2066 processors.
LGA 3647
LGA 3647 is a particular type of socket designed for Xeon and Skylake-SP CPUs that supports a six-channel memory controller, non-volatile 3D XPoint memory, and Intel’s UPI. It was released in 2016. Depending on whether the chip was designed for a Skylake or Xeon processor, there are a few distinct designs. These are mostly found in server configurations.
LGA 1151
The new Skylake class of 14-nanometer processors, the sixth-generation Core designs with product names in the 6000 series, were announced in 2015, and LGA 1151 was designed to accept them.
From the lowest power to the highest, the design supports six distinct chipsets: H110, B150, Q150, H170, Q170, and the most performance-oriented, Z170. All of them feature more USB 3.0 connections, faster DDR4 RAM DIMMs (though some motherboards can also be installed with older and cheaper DDR3 RAM), and for the low-end chipsets, more SATA 3.0 connectors, compared to the similar chipsets on the slightly older LGA 1150 range.
Except for the Z170, all LGA 1151 compatible chipsets limit overclocking to the GPU alone; if you want to overclock your CPU or RAM, you’ll need to get the high-end chipset. Only the H170, Q170, and Z170 chipsets offer SATA RAID, and only the Q170 adds support for Intel Active Management, Trusted Execution, VT-d, and Vpro. A suitable sixth-generation Core CPU is required for these technologies to work.
LGA 1150
Haswell (fourth-generation Intel Core) CPUs are supported by the LGA 1150 socket. This socket also works with the few fifth-generation Core desktop CPUs that have been released.
It can be found on six different chipsets, including the H81, B85, Q85, Q87, H87, and Z87, as well as additional Intel sockets. The first three models (H81, B85, and Q85) are the entry-level models. Intel’s most advanced technologies, such as Intel Rapid Storage and Smart Response, are not supported by any of them.
For a closer look, we’ve gathered all of the LGA 1150 processors on Newegg. These chips also include Devil’s Canyon CPUs, a line that has since been phased out (which is why you won’t hear about it as often as Skylake, etc.).
LGA 1155
An LGA 1155 socket is used in laptops and other computers with an Intel microprocessor. It is the most common type of motherboard that supports a 3.5GHz DDR3 memory. It is also compatible with DDR4 memory. Although the LGA 1155 is an old motherboard, it is still very popular among laptop users. Its fast speed makes it ideal for heavy-duty computing needs. It is available in a wide variety of price ranges, and you can buy a low-cost, high-performance model.
The LGA 1155 socket features 1155 protruding pins in a 40×40 array, with a void of twenty-four pins in the center. It also includes 61 omitted pins. It is not compatible with the LGA 1156 socket, which uses the same pin pattern. The LGA format was introduced as part of the secure boot process, and processors based on it are not compatible with one another.
When choosing a CPU for your system, consider the number of CPUs. The single-core version uses one CPU; dual-core models contain two. Quad-core models use four CPUs. The more CPUs your system has, the faster it can run games and applications. Fortunately, LGA 1155 is compatible with a wide range of motherboards. The LGA-1155 socket is also widely used in mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets.
LGA 2011
After 1155, Intel released the LGA 2011 socket, which served as the company’s extreme high-end chipset for Sandy Bridge-E/EP and Ivy Bridge-E/EP processors. The socket is compatible with Intel’s whole family of enterprise CPUs as well as six-core processors (the Xeon series).
There are six chipsets available for this socket, but only the X79 is significant to consumers. The Sandy Bridge-E and Ivy Bridge-E processors are supported by this chipset. Other chipsets are designed for Xeon CPUs, which are nearly invariably overkill for household users.
LGA 775
A motherboard socket that supports the various Intel Pentium and Core 2 processors has a receptacle called the LGA (or, in some cases, “LGA socket”). It is also known as a socket T. These are personal-use-only processors, so the contacts are not very important. However, if you need a processor for your work or school computer, you will need an LGA 775.
A CPU with the LGA 775 socket is not very common today, but it’s perfect for those who don’t need the latest performance or graphics cards. It’s also one of the cheapest processors available, making it a great choice for users who don’t plan to do heavy work. The LGA 775 socket can support up to 2.4GHz processors, which is sufficient for many general-purpose tasks and older games.
Sockets with this chipet support Pentium D and dual-core Pentium 4-based processors. For those who want to upgrade to a 65nm Core-based CPU, you’ll need to buy a motherboard that uses the Q45 chipset. The Q45 chipset is not compatible with Pentium-based CPUs. Hence, it’s essential to check compatibility before purchasing a CPU with this socket.
The Intel Xeon X5460 is the most powerful XEO LGA 775 CPU. Even though it’s an older processor, it offers four cores and four threads. Its base clock rate is 3.16 GHz. Its processors don’t support Turbo Boost technology, but they can be overclocked if your motherboard supports it. There are no other processors that support the LGA 775 motherboard in this socket.
LGA 1156
The LGA 1156 was released in 2008, along with the launch of a new processor series. The 1156 was designed to replace the LGA 775 and usher in a new era of cooling technologies. It’s worth noting that the LGA 1156 was retired in 2011, and there are no upgrade pathways available for this socket, which is obsolete by today’s standards.
LGA 1366
LGA 1366 motherboards are the latest standard for high-end desktop and workstation PCs and servers. This form factor is compatible with a variety of processors and supports multiple processors. Intel’s X58 platform and the 4300 and 3420 chipsets are compatible with LGA 1366. This type of socket has two different static and dynamic load limits: 890 Newtons and 266 Newtons.
Socket LGA 1366 is an industry standard for desktops, laptops, and servers. It uses the same form factor as LGA 775, but with more protruding pins. Socket LGA 1366 is used for the latest Intel Core i7 and high-end gaming processors. The socket supports up to three channels of DDR3 memory. Its name has remained relatively unchanged since its introduction in 2008.
Socket LGA 1366, sometimes known as Socket B, is a standard for high-end desktops and servers. These processors require an external northbridge, known as an I/O hub, in order to function. The LGA socket uses a land grid array (LGA), where pins are arranged on the socket. As you can see in the figure above, the pins are placed directly on the socket. In addition to the socket, the CPU and other hardware components are connected to the motherboard via a connector called the Quick Path Interconnect, or QPI. This interface transfers two bytes per cycle. This technology allows for speeds of up to 12.8 or 9.6 GB/s.
Socket LGA 1366 is a central processing unit (CPU) socket that was developed by the world’s largest semiconductor manufacturer, Intel Corporation. It supports three different brands of CPUs. It has a 1366 pin count, making it the first C-style processor socket. It was first released in 2008 and is still widely used. Besides being commonly used, LGA 1366 is also known as “Socket B”.
What Are The AMD CPU Sockets?
Unlike Intel, AMD has three main types of CPU sockets available for purchase. Each type has its own unique characteristics, and can be used with a wide range of processors. If you’re unsure of the difference between an AMD socket and an Intel one, check out this article. It’ll give you the details you need to choose the right CPU for your needs. Fortunately, AMD’s website makes it easy to navigate.
Sockets are the basic part of PC motherboards, and you’ll need to know which type your motherboard uses in order to buy the correct processor. Whether you’re upgrading a processor or a complete system, knowing the different sockets can make the process easier. These sockets are divided into two categories, which will help you determine which type of processor is best for your needs.
Sockets differ by manufacturer. For example, Intel’s LGA 1366 uses a 1,366-pin LGA package. AMD adopted this design as a stopgap until it was able to get licensing for their own sockets. However, the newer models of the CPUs utilize the LGA socket, which is more compatible with older systems. Despite the differences, the AMD LGA 1366 is still the most popular CPU socket.
Socket A
AMD CPUs ranging from the Athlon Thunderbird through the Athlon XP/MP 3200+, as well as AMD budget processors such as the Duron and Sempron, employ Socket A (also known as Socket 462). AMD Geode NX embedded processors are also supported by Socket A. (derived from the Mobile Athlon XP). With 462 pins, the socket is a pin grid array type with zero insertion force (nine pins are blocked in the socket to prevent accidental insertion of Socket 370 CPUs, hence the number 462). The AMD Athlon XP and Sempron support front-side bus frequencies of 133 MHz, 166 MHz, and 200 MHz. Only 32-bit CPUs are supported by Socket A. Except for use with Geode NX CPUs, Socket A was replaced by Socket 754 and Socket 939 in 2003 and 2004, respectively.
Socket 734
The AMD socket 734 was introduced to PCs in the mid-2000s. This design is still in use but was recently revised. It features a small chiplet design and PCIe 4.0. Its replacement, the Socket 939, will be available for desktops in 2022. The socket 754 remains an important part of AMD’s product lineup and should be used in a PC for a long time.
The Socket 734 is the last of the original Socket A, but it’s a popular choice for AMD CPUs. Unlike the earlier sockets, it’s designed to support multiple cores, and is based on the AM4 socket. The size of the socket is 5.59 cm by 6.55 cm without the lever. This processor has a 1.7-inch TDP, making it suitable for a wide range of CPUs.
Socket 754
Socket 754 was announced as a socket for workstation-class desktop and mobile microprocessors in September 2003, five months following socket 940. The Athlon 64 range of microprocessors was converted to Socket 939 in the middle of 2004, which featured a dual-channel memory controller and a faster HyperTransport interface. The socket 754 was mostly used for Sempron processors and mobile CPUs after that. All desktop microprocessors were eventually replaced with socket 939 and socket AM2, and all mobile microprocessors were eventually replaced with socket S1.
Desktop processors with rates up to 3700+ or 2.4 GHz, as well as mobile CPUs with frequencies up to 4000+ or 2.6 GHz, can use the socket 754. One 800 MHz HyperTransport link and a single-channel DDR SDRAM memory controller are supported by the socket.
Socket 939
The Socket 939 platform was announced on February 20. The new chipset supports up to 16GB of memory, and is expected to boost the performance of Athlon 64 processors. The AMD company will also be shipping new CPUs with the Winchester core, a 90 nanometer process that should make it compatible with future processor upgrades. This is the first CPU platform to feature this chip. However, it will likely be phased out in the near future.
AMD Socket 939 is the next step up from the Socket 754 processors. AMD is now offering Socket 939 CPUs in Athlon and Sempron formats. These processors are fast and support the K8 Microarchitecture. While most people are familiar with AMD desktop PC Processors, the company is also developing Mobile and Server Processors. The company is primarily focused on cloud computing and provides devices for virtualization.
AM3
The socket used by AMD’s socket AM3 processors contains ninety-one pins. Each of these pins makes electrical contact with an equal number of pins on the processor’s socket. Because of the risk of damaging the pins, you should always handle an AM3 processor carefully. The oils on your fingers can cause the pins to bend out of shape or be broken off. Therefore, if you want to get the most out of your AMD AM3 processor, make sure to buy a motherboard that supports the socket.
FM1
AMD introduced the FM1 socket for their accelerated processing units (APUs) in the A-series. They continue with the FM2+ sockets. Both FM1 and AM1 processors use a 100 MHz front side bus. This article will compare the best AMD FM1 CPUs and provide reviews of the best models. For a full list of the best FM1 CPUs, read the rest of this article.
The AMD FM1 processor package is smaller than AM3+. In addition, the FM1 uses pin-grid array technology, which reduces the number of transistors per chip. The FM1 supports DDR3 memory, which is the fastest type of memory on the market today. The Llano APU is expected to hit the market in May. While the FM1 is not yet ready for prime time, it’s still capable of handling many demanding applications.
The FM1 socket contains 905 tiny gold pins on its underside. These pins are supposed to make electrical contact with the pin-holes in the processor’s socket. Using your hands to handle the processor can cause damage to these electrical contacts. The oils on your hands can bend the pins, and careless handling can cause a static electric charge. If the pins are damaged, the integrated circuit at the heart of the processor package will get fried.
Socket FM1 is intended for low-power and energy-efficient CPUs. It will compete with Intel’s LGA1155/LGA1156 CPUs. The AMD FM1 features a quad-core x86-64 processor, a dual-channel DDR3 memory controller, and a PCI-Express 2.0 hub. Its pin-grid design allows AMD to create long-term support for the FM1 platform.
AM1
If you are searching for a budget notebook, then the AMD AM1 is the right choice for you. It’s a dual-core processor that includes AMD Radeon R3 graphics, and is ideal for everyday computing. It has two DDR3 memory modules and a 320GB hard drive, which makes it an affordable option for many consumers. The APU also supports dual-channel DDR3 memory, so it can handle most of your daily tasks.
The AMD AM1 isn’t targeting the traditional desktop computing market. Instead, it’s targeting the pseudo-desktop market. As the desktop segment continues to shrink as Android-based media players and set-top boxes take its share, AMD hopes to keep this growing market by offering low-cost alternatives. It’s important to remember that a CPU is much more expensive than the rest of the system. Hard drives, memory, and the operating system all cost extra, so AMD hopes that the AM1 will allow manufacturers to lower their costs by up to 60%.
AM4
There are two types of sockets, the AM4 and AM5. Both have 1331 pins, while the AM4 socket has a large hole in the center. The AMD AM4 socket is better for overclocking and has fewer pin bending problems than the LGA socket. The AMD AM4 has more power than the LGA socket, but it is less versatile than the LGA. For these reasons, the AMD AM4 is a better choice for people who want a powerful processor.
The AM4 socket is the most advanced of the two. It has dual PCIe 3.0 x16 slots and supports up to eight DDR4 sticks in a dual-channel configuration. It has 20 PCIe lanes, making it ideal for multi-GPU systems. Other platforms, however, do not support AMD’s multi-GPU architecture. The AM4 socket is the best choice for most people. This newer processor is more power-efficient than previous models, making it ideal for gaming and other high-end systems.
There are two different sockets for the AMD AM4 CPUs. The first one is the LGA. This socket is used in desktop computers and laptops. It is the most advanced version of the socket, and it has 1331 pins. Compared to the LGA socket, the AM4 socket is the most powerful. The AM4 socket is used for gaming and video applications. The AM4 socket also supports two PCIe 3.0 x8 slots, and it is the most versatile of the two.
TR4
The AMD TR4 socket is the first step towards an all-new generation of CPUs. Threadripper uses a 4,094-pin socket and is paired with the X399 chipset. While this is an upgrade from Intel’s 2,066-pin socket, it is also a large change for motherboard manufacturers. A snug fit is important for reliable communication between processor and motherboard. MSI’s video below provides more information about the new processor’s mounting procedure.
The TR4 socket is physically identical to AMD’s server Socket SP3r1, and is designed to accommodate a Zen-based Ryzen Threadripper desktop processor. The socket is identical to the Socket SP3 but has an ID pin that cannot be used by CPUs designed for the SP3 socket. Because the AMD TR4 processor socket requires a chipset for functionality, it is not compatible with AMD server CPUs.
Unlike the AMD TR3 socket, the TR4 socket is designed with future compatibility in mind. The upcoming Threadripper chip will come with up to 16 cores and a massive, giant TR4 socket. With these features in mind, the AMD TR4 socket is one of the most versatile and popular sockets for computers today. In fact, the AMD Threadripper sTRX4 processors are expected to feature a unique pin layout and make them very easy to use.
While the TR3 socket is designed for LGA (Land Grid Array) CPUs, the TR4 socket is optimized for HEDT workstations. The TR4 socket supports up to 64 PCI Express lanes. A good example is the AMD Ryzen Threadripper processor, which is compatible with the X399 chipset. The X399 processor is an excellent choice for a gaming PC.