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CPU socket Last modified: Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Motherboards are subcategorized by the type of processor socket they have. The processor socket (also called a CPU socket) is the connector on the motherboard that houses a CPU and forms the electrical interface and contact with the CPU. Processor sockets use a pin grid array (PGA) where pins on the underside of the processor connect to holes in the processor socket. Computers based on the Intel x86 architecture include socket processors. See "What You Need to Know About Motherboards" in the Quick Reference section of Webopedia.

CPU Sockets Chart Chart detailing types of sockets and processors. Hardware Central Detailed test reports on the latest desktop and laptop computers. Plus news on trend-setting products just coming into the pipeline. Sharky Extreme Reporting on the latest hardware and software technology for the PC enthusiast. SysOpt A system optimization community. News and forums for technology professionals who are obsessed with achieving maximum performance. Webopedia's "Did You Know...?" Section Use this Webopedia knowledge section for an in-depth overview of specific technologies and occurrences in the areas of Computer Science, The Internet, and Computer Hardware and Software. What You Need to Know About Motherboards You can think of the motherboard as a communications center. The purpose of the motherboard is to provide the means for all the other components and peripherals to talk to each other.