The motherboard is the computer component on which the rest of the computer's hardware is installed. One of the components installed on the motherboard is the processor, and this requires a specific system called a socket. There are several types of sockets, depending on the manufacturer and the mounting method.
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What is a socket
It is the physical space on a motherboard where the processor is installed and attached to it.
It's important to note that the socket determines the processor manufacturer and family you can install (the chipset can also be a factor). Intel and AMD, the two main processor manufacturers, use very different sockets. Therefore, you cannot install an AMD processor on an Intel motherboard, 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.
👉 Connectivity on motherboards 👈
What is a socket for?
Basically, it's the space where the processor connects to the motherboard. The processor communicates with the other components via the socket. Additionally, they have a special locking system to prevent the processor from moving out of position.
Installing the processor in the motherboard socket (if we're talking about a desktop computer) is a very simple task. However, we must first determine the correct installation orientation. Processors usually have a design or notches that only allow installation in one position . If we install it incorrectly, we could damage both the processor and the motherboard.
Most common socket types
There are basically three major socket groups:
LGA (Land Grid Array)
This is a form factor developed by Intel for its processors, which has been in use since the LGA775 model. This design is characterized by the absence of pins on the processor itself; these pins are located on the motherboard . The contact point between the processor and the motherboard consists of a series of electrical contacts.
PGA (Pin Grid Array)
This is the initial design on which the processors still used by AMD are based. The processor has a series of pins on its underside that fit into the motherboard socket. Care must be taken during installation, as these pins are relatively easy to bend.
BGA (Ball Grid Array)
It's a specific design where the processor is soldered to the motherboard. This is typically the design used in laptops, embedded computers, and compact computers, among others, such as an Intel NUC. Replacing the processor in this case is not feasible.