Motherboard Sockets and Slots

Motherboard sockets and slots are where all the hardware connect themselves to. Different hardware requires different sockets/slots. You can’t simply insert a CPU into a RAM slot.

Let’s look at the list of sockets and slots found in a motherboard.

Processor Socket

If only all the CPUs use the same socket, then choosing the motherboard is just a breeze. Unfortunately, it is not. Both AMD and Intel use different sockets for their processors. Even within the same brand, CPUs of different model also use different type of sockets. This makes selection even more difficult.

For Intel:

• Socket 370 – for older Intel Pentium and Celeron processors
• Socket 478 – for Intel Pentium 4 processors
• Socket 775 – for later Intel Pentium 4 and Pentium D dual core processors. The current dual core and quad core processors also use this socket.

For AMD:

• Socket A – for older AMD Athlon processors
• Socket 754 – for AMD Sempron and some AMD Athlon processors
• Socket 939 – for newer and faster AMD Athlon processors
• Socket AM2 – meant as a replacement for socket 754 and 939. It is actually the same as socket 939. The only difference is that it supports DDR2 while socket 939 don’t
• Socket AM2+ – This is the immediate successor to socket AM2. It is a mid-migration between socket AM2 and AM3 and is fully compatible with socket AM2. The main differences is that it supports HyperTransport 3.0 and split power plane that can improve power saving.

If you have an AMD processor, you will not be able to use it on an Intel based motherboard since they are using totally different socket. As such, when choosing the motherboard, it is important to get one that matches the processor you use.