CPU Socket
A CPU socket is a connector built into the motherboard where the CPU (central processing unit) goes. Most motherboards use the PGA (Pin Grid Array) architecture which means that there is a grid of holes, in which a particular CPU's pins will fit into.
The majority of CPUs also have a latch. This means that the CPU slides in easily and then it grips the pins tightly when the latch is placed down. Several of the recent LGA (land grid array) motherboards now have pins in the socket while the CPU has contact pads that match the pins.
A computer motherboard connects with the CPU and forms an electrical interface with it. There are many different sockets so it is important when purchasing a motherboard and CPU to make sure that the CPU will fit inside the socket.
| CPU Sockets | ||||
| Socket | Pin Count | CPU Families | Frequency Mhz) | BusFrequency (Mhz) |
| Slot 1 | 242 | Intel Celeron, Pentium II,Pentium III | 233-1133 | 66-133 |
| Socket 7 | 321 | AMD K5 / K6 / K6-2 / K6-III Cyrix 6x86, 6x86L, 6x86MX, MII Intel Pentium, Pentium MMX | 75-570 | 50-100 |
| Socket 370 | 370 | Intel Celeron, Pentium III VIA C3 | 300-1400 | 66-133 |
| Socket 462 / Socket A | 462 | AMD Duron, Sempron,Athlon, Athlon XP, Athlon MP, Mobile Duron, Mobile Athlon, Athlon 4,Athlon XP-M | 550-3200 | 200-400 |
| Socket 423 | 423 | Intel Pentium 4 | 1300-2000 | 400 |
| Socket 478 | 478 | Intel Celeron, Celeron D,Pentium 4, Mobile Pentium 4-M, Mobile Pentium 4 | 1400-3466 | 400-800 |
| Socket 775 | 775 | Intel Celeron D, PentiumDual-Core, Pentium 4, Pentium 4 Extreme Edition, Pentium D, Core 2 Duo,Core 2 Quad, Core 2 Extreme | 1600-3800 | 533-1333 |
| Socket 939 | 939 | AMD Sempron, Athlon 64,Athlon 64 X2, Athlon 64 FX, Opteron, Dual-Core Opteron | 1800-3000 | |
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