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Intel Socket 8 Specification

Designation: Socket 8

Number of Pins: 387

Pin Rows: 5 (dual pattern)

Voltage: 3.1 volts / 3.3 volts

Motherboard Class: Pentium Pro

Supported Processors: Pentium Pro, Pentium Pro OverDrive, Pentium II OverDrive

Description: Socket 8 is socket for the Pentium Pro processor, specially designed to handle its unusual dual-cavity, rectangular package. Since Intel has already decided to move away from the Pentium Pro design for future processors, existing Socket 8 motherboards can only be upgraded through OverDrive chips. Intel has pledged to make available both higher-speed Pentium Pro OverDrives and also Pentium II OverDrive chips.

Socket 8 is the only one that supports the Pentium Pro. Since it is in essence a "dead end" technologically given Intel's decision to move to SEC (daughtercard) packaging starting with the Pentium II, some motherboard manufacturers have created a clever design for their newer boards that will support the Pentium Pro in a Pentium II slot. The Socket 8 is itself mounted into an SEC daughtercard similar to the one used by the Pentium II, which is inserted into a Slot 1 on the motherboard. Later, this card can be replaced by a Pentium II or later processor. This gives Pentium Pro buyers flexibility for future upgrades.

Next: Intel Slot 1 Specification

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