MoboCop · 01-01-2000 · Category: Tech-planations

The motherboard has one or more sockets or slots into which the processor is inserted. The type of processor that can be used is defined by the type of socket or slot present on the motherboard. Intel has historically defined the processor socket standards, but competing chip makers have been able to use the same standards quite successfully.

Socket Specifications

Slot 1

Developed by Intel to replace their Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) sockets. Using Slot 1, the CPU is packaged in a 242-contact Single-Edge Contact Cartridge. The cartridge may contain up to two CPUs and an L2 cache. Intel's Pentium II, Pentium III, and some Celeron processors use the Slot 1 configuration.

Slot 2

Essentially a 330-contact version of SLot 1. The Slot 2 cartridge may house as many as four processors and an L2 cache. Intel's Xeon processor uses Slot 2.

Slot A

Developed by AMD, Slot A is mechanically similar to Intel's Slot 1. However, the electrical requirements are different from Slot 1. AMD's Athlon processor uses Slot A.

Socket 7

Socket 7 is a ZIF socket used by Pentium chips. Intel has moved to Slot 1 and Slot 2, but this socket is also used by AMD K5 and K6, as well as Cyrix 6x86 processors.

Socket 8

Socket 8 is designed for Intel's Pentium Pro processor.

Socket 370

Originally designed for use with Celeron processors, this Plastic Pin Grid Array (PPGA) socket is a much more economical configuration for board and chip makers to design around than the Slot 1 layout.

Socket 423

Intel is expected to launch a 1GHz processor using the Socket 423 architecture around Q3 2000.