The motherboard is the computing component on which the rest of the computer hardware is installed. One of the components that is installed on the motherboard is the processor and this requires a specific system that is called a socket. There are several types of socket, depending on the manufacturer and the type of mounting.
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What is a socket
Is physical space on a motherboard where the processor is installed and anchors to it.
It should be noted that the socket determines the manufacturer and processor family that we can install (chipset can also play a role). Intel and AMD, the two main manufacturers of processors, they use very different sockets. So on an Intel motherboard you cannot install an AMD processor and vice versa.
In the past, sockets, although they lasted several generations, only supported one generation of processors. The arrival of AMD Ryzen processors has changed this trend, supporting the same socket for several generations of processors. Note that at this point the limitation is given by the chipset, not by the socket.
In the case of Intel, the first generation with backward compatibility is the 11th Generation, known as Comet Lake-S. LGA 1200 socket motherboards for Comet Lake-S processors, with a BIOS update, will be able to support Rocket Lake-S processors.
What is a socket for?
Basically it's a space where the processor "attaches" to the motherboard. Through the socket, the processor can communicate with the other components. Additionally, they have a special anchoring system to prevent the processor from moving from its position.
Install the processor in the socket of the motherboard (if we are talking about a desktop computer) it is a very simple task. Of course, we must first see what the installation position is. The Processors often have a design or notches that only allow installation in one position.. If we misplace it, we may damage the processor and motherboard.
Most common socket types
There are basically three major socket groups:
LGA (Land Grid Array)
Format developed by Intel for its processors that is valid from the LGA775 model. This design is characterized by have no pins on the processor, these pins are on the motherboard. The contact part of the processor with the motherboard has a series of electrical contacts.
PGA (Pin Grid Array)
Initial design on which the processors are based which is currently still used by AMD. He processor at its bottom has a series of pins that mate with the socket on the motherboard. You have to be careful when installing, as they are relatively easy to bend.
BGA (Ball Grid Array)
It is a specific design in which the processor is soldered to the motherboard. Typically this is the design used in laptops, embedded computers or compact computers, among others, such as an Intel NUC. Replacing the processor, in this case, is not feasible.
