When you are building or updating your computer system, it is very important for you to understand the CPU sockets. It is important because the socket connects the CPU to the motherboard. If you do not have knowledge about the CPU sockets, then you can not properly connect the CPU to the motherboard. You should have knowledge of CPU sockets types. In this blog we will discuss the two common types of CPU sockets.
Table of contents
Two common types of CPU sockets.
There are two kinds of CPU sockets that are very common. We will discuss each of them one by one below:-
Land Grid Array (LGA) socket: One of the common types of CPU sockets
The Land Grid Array (LGA) socket is widely use by Intel processors. Land Grid Array sockets have pins on the motherboard instead of CPU. The CPU has points that align the pins on the socket. This guarantees a safe connection.
Key features
Below are some key features of Land Grid Array Socket:-
- Pin free CPU:- It is stated before that the pins are located at the socket instead of CPU. It eliminates the chance of a socket damaging the processor while installation.
- Broad use of Intel chips:- LGA sockets are widely use in Intel processors. It includes the famous models such as Intel core i3, i5, i7, i9 etc.
- High pin density:- LGA sockets usually feature a high pin density. It enables more power and data connections.This is very important for modern high performance CPUs.
Advantages
Below are some advantages of Land Grid Array socket:-
- Longevity:- The biggest advantage of the Land Grid Array socket is that this socket is highly durable. This is because the pins are on the motherboard. Due to this there are less chances of damaging the CPU.
- Better power handling:- It is another advantage of the Land Grid Array socket. They are best for high performance CPUs. This makes them sufficient for gaming, productivity and server applications.
Disadvantages
Below are some disadvantages of Land Grid Array socket.
- Expensive motherboards:- The motherboards that are compatible with Land Grid Array sockets are expensive. They are expensive because of the complexity of the socket.
- Complete Replacement:- If the socket is slightly damaged from one point it is difficult to replace them. Users have to completely change the socket.
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Pin Grid Array (PGA) socket: One of the common types of CPU sockets
Pin Grid Array processors are broadly used in AMD processors. PGA sockets are also known as AM Sockets. In this socket, pins are located at the CPU. Pin Grid Array sockets are famous in Ryzen and old FX series.
Key features
Below are some key features of Pin Grid Array socket:-
- Pins on the CPU:- The Pin Grid Array socket has the pins located on the CPU. Then it is plugged in the holes to connect the CPU to the motherboard.
- Affordable option:- Pin Grid Array socket usually provides a variety of features at different prices. This makes them sufficient for budget conscious users.
Advantages
Below are some advantages of Pin Grid Array socket:-
- Cost effective:- Pin Grid Array socket usually provides a good balance between performance and price. This makes Pin Grid Array socket a good choice for the budget conscious users.
- Upgrade path:- AMD is famous for keeping compatibility with older versions of socket. This provides a better upgrade path.
Disadvantages
Below are some disadvantages of the Pin Grid Array socket.
- Breakable CPU pins:- This is a disadvantage of Pin Grid Array socket. The pins are located at the CPU. Due to this there are chances of pins to break while installing or removing.
- No proper alignment:- There are various holes in the Pin Grid Array socket. But there is no proper alignment due to which there are more chances of pins on the CPU to get damaged.
Which of the common types of CPU sockets is better?
The selection between Land Grid Array socket and Pin Grid Array socket completely depends on the processor you are using. Also it depends on the requirements of the performance. Usually Intel users opt for Land Grid Array Socket and AMD users usually opt for Pin Grid Array processor. Both the sockets have their advantages. It relies on the choice of preference of the ease of installation, motherboard complexity and CPU handling.
Conclusion
The CPU socket is an important factor while selecting a processor or a motherboard. The Land Grid Array socket is widely used in Intel processors and Pin Grid Array processor is greatly used in AMD processors. LGA and PGA are the two common types of CPU sockets. It is must to have understanding about the sockets while building or upgrading your computer system.
