What does CPU/motherboard SOCKET mean?

[garfield]

I read the term "SOCKET" many times in the CPU or motherboard ads. What does that mean? Is it a system architecture or what? Anybody can elaborate a little bit about the technical details?

Thanks,

[bassman]

Hey Garfield,
The "Socket" is the attachment for the CPU. Over the years they have changed to accomidate the dimensions and pin count of CPUs. You have probably also seen "Slot" in these adds as well. Some CPUs use a Single Edge Contact Cartrage that fits into a Slot type connection.
Try a search on Google for "CPU socket" and see what you find.
Good luck

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[garfield]

Thanks for quick reply. It helps.

[Paleo Pete]

I guess this goes onto my list of things to get pictures of...but maybe I can clear up bassman's info even more.

The CPU was once a square IC chip with LOTS of pins underneath. Now they're starting to go with slots such as bassman described a lot more. The socket is a square plastic socket, (literally) mounted onto the motherboard with holes in a square pattern for the pins of the CPU to fit into. The ZIF part you may have also seen means Zero Insertion Force. It has a locking lever on the side to allow the CPU to drop in with no pressure needed then lock in place.

Many of the chips on motherboards and other components are plugged into sockets of various shapes sizes and styles, the CPU is just the one you hear about most often. On very early motherboards the memory chips were about 1" long and 3/8" wide, and plugged into sockets to match, with pins down each side. (DIPP or Dual Inline Pin Package). Keyboard controllers are usually DIPP also but larger, about 2" x 1/2". BIOS chips are usually DIPP also, a bit shorter than keyboard controller chips, 1 1/2" x 1/2" or so. But all plug into a socket...at least the ones that aren't soldered on...

To see what a socket looks like, check out CSO (http://www.computersurplusoutlet.com) or some of the other online vendors, look up AT motherboards and many will have a picture of the board posted. The CPU socket will be the largest white square thingy in the picture. (yeah, they put thingies on motherboards too...been doing it for years...) http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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[mjc]

And to add a litle to what Pete said, it has basically come full circle back to sockets...the latest chips from both Intel and AMD look to be "socket chips" for years to come...has mainly to do with it easier to mount a haetsink and fan and still have room for everything else you need on a socket based platform...

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mjc
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Celts are the men that heaven made mad, For all their battles are merry and their songs are all sad.

[rond36]

Garfield, You might also want to read this thread (http://www.pcguide.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/000812.html) it does a prety good job of explaining the difference between socket 370 and slot 1 procesors

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Alright who messed it up this time!

[This message has been edited by rond36 (edited 12-15-2001).]