Socket to Me, Baby!
Aug 21 '01
The Bottom Line If you are looking for new components, I recommend a socket configuration. If you are looking for an inexpensive setup, go with a slot configuration.
Assuming your in the market for a motherboard, you will face many options. One of these options is whether or not to have a slot or socket configuration. You will need to determine this before you buy your processor, otherwise, your processor has already determined this for you.
What you'll be looking for:
SLOT
Pentium II/III - Slot I
AMD Athlon - Slot A
SOCKET
Pentium III/Celeron - Socket 370
Pentium IV - Socket 423
AMD Athlon - Socket A
Pentium I, AMD K5/K6-2/K6-3, and Cyrix - Socket 7
WHAT THIS MEANS
This configuration is how a processor (aka CPU) is seated in the motherboard. In a slot configuration, the processor, contained within a plastic cartridge of sorts, is seated perpendicular to the motherboard in a slot- much like a PCI or AGP slot. In a socket configuration, the processor, embedded in porcelain, is seated parallel to the motherboard with its pins lined up and inside what is called a socket where all these pins fit in.
ADVANTAGES
Slot - cheaper than socket. It's easier to remove and put in because the heatsink does not need to be removed in order to remove the processor.
Socket - this is the current standard with higher processing speeds. It's easier to cool because the airflow is not inhibited. Because they are the current standard, they're also easier to purchase.
DISADVANTAGES
Slot - this configuration is now outdated and not supported by any current motherboards. These processors do not reach the higher processing speeds of current processors. The size and placement inhibits airflow and is thus harder to cool and harder to purchase as they're far and few between.
Socket - more expensive than slot. Harder to remove because of strong retention clips for their accompanying heatsinks that must be removed in order to remove the processor.
EXCEPTIONS
Socket 7 is very much outdated. You'll be hard pressed to find both a motherboard and a processor that will fit this configuration type.
FINAL RECOMMENDATION
If you are looking for new components that will offer/deliver support, I highly recommend a socket configuration. If you are looking for an inexpensive solution for a computer's motherboard and processor, go with a slot configuration.
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mobomofo
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Location: tha 'noth ; )
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Mobomofo has a great knowledge of electronic components. So great, he thought to share it!
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