CPU sockets
1 CPU Sockets and Form Factors
Understanding CPU sockets and form factors is crucial for anyone working with computer hardware. This document provides an overview of CPU sockets and form factors for both Intel and AMD processors, covering the last 10 years. This information is essential for ensuring compatibility when building or upgrading computer systems.
1.1 CPU Sockets and Form Factors: An Overview
- CPU Socket: The physical interface on the motherboard that connects to the CPU. Sockets are specific to CPU manufacturers and generations.
- Form Factor: The physical size and shape of the motherboard, which dictates what size case it will fit in. Common form factors include ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX.
1.2 Intel CPU Sockets (Past 10 Years)
Note: Dates are approximate and may vary.
1.2.1 Current Generation
- LGA 1700 (2021-Present)
- Supported CPUs: 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel Core processors
- Chipsets: Intel 600 and 700 series chipsets
- Image:
- Form Factors: ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
- Key Features: Support for DDR5 and DDR4 memory (depending on the motherboard), PCIe 5.0
- LGA 1851 (2024)
- Supported CPUs: Arrow Lake desktop processors
- Chipsets: Intel 800 series chipsets (expected)
- Image:
ZMASLO, CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons - Form Factors: ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
- Key Features: Successor to LGA 1700, expected to support newer technologies
1.2.2 Previous Generations
- LGA 1200 (2020-2021)
- Supported CPUs: 10th and 11th Gen Intel Core processors
- Chipsets: Intel 400 and 500 series chipsets
- Image:
- Form Factors: ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
- Key Features: Successor to LGA 1151, increased pin count for better power delivery
- LGA 1151 (2015-2020)
- Supported CPUs: 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th Gen Intel Core processors
- Chipsets: Intel 100, 200, and 300 series chipsets
- Image:
- Form Factors: ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
- Key Features: Wide range of chipset options, support for DDR4 memory
- LGA 2066 (2017-2020)
- Supported CPUs: High-end desktop (HEDT) CPUs (Core X-series)
- Chipsets: Intel X299 chipset
- Image:
- Form Factors: ATX, E-ATX
- Key Features: High memory capacity, multiple PCIe lanes for expansion cards
- LGA 2011-v3 (2014-2016)
- Supported CPUs: HEDT CPUs (Core i7 X-series)
- Chipsets: Intel X99 chipset
- Image:
- Form Factors: ATX, E-ATX
- Key Features: Support for DDR4 memory, high core count CPUs
1.3 AMD CPU Sockets (Past 10 Years)
Note: Dates are approximate and may vary.
1.3.1 Current Generation
- AM5 (2022-Present)
- Supported CPUs: Ryzen 7000 and 8000 series processors
- Chipsets: AMD 600 series chipsets
- Image:
- Form Factors: ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
- Key Features: Support for DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0, and integrated graphics on some models
1.3.2 Previous Generations
-
- Supported CPUs: Ryzen 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, and 5000 series processors
- Chipsets: AMD 300, 400, and 500 series chipsets
- Form Factors: ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
- Key Features: Long-lived socket, wide compatibility across Ryzen generations, affordable
TR4/sTRX4 (2017-2020)
- Supported CPUs: High-end desktop (HEDT) CPUs (Ryzen Threadripper)
- Chipsets: AMD X399 and TRX40 chipsets
- Form Factors: ATX, E-ATX
- Key Features: High core count CPUs, quad-channel memory, large number of PCIe lanes
AM3+ (2011-2017)
- Supported CPUs: AMD FX series processors
- Chipsets: AMD 900 series chipsets
- Form Factors: ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
- Key Features: Older socket, but still relevant for some older systems
1.4 Key Considerations
- Compatibility:
- Always ensure that the CPU socket on the motherboard matches the CPU you intend to use. Using the wrong CPU with a motherboard can cause permanent damage to both.
- Check the motherboard manufacturer’s website for a list of supported CPUs. Sometimes a BIOS update is required to support newer CPUs on older motherboards.
- Form Factor:
- Choose a form factor that fits your computer case. ATX is the most common, but smaller form factors like Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX are useful for compact builds.
- Consider the number of expansion slots you need. If you plan to use multiple graphics cards or other expansion cards, you’ll need a motherboard with enough PCIe slots.
- Chipset Features:
- The chipset determines many of the features available on the motherboard, such as the number of USB ports, SATA ports, and PCIe lanes. Choose a chipset that meets your needs.
1.5 Conclusion
Selecting the right CPU and motherboard combination requires careful consideration of CPU sockets, form factors, and chipset features. By understanding these key aspects, you can ensure compatibility and build a system that meets your specific needs.
1.6 📚 Citations
LGA 1700: “LGA 1700 socket with Intel Core i5-12600K CPU installed” by Famartin, Wikimedia Commons, (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:LGA_1700_socket_with_Intel_Core_i5-12600K_CPU_installed.jpg)
LGA 1851: “Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360L Core ARGB Review” by Tarun Kumar, TechPowerUp, (https://www.techpowerup.com/review/cooler-master-masterliquid-360l-core-argb/images/intel-lga-1851-socket.jpg)
LGA 1200: “LGA 1200” by Leo Waldock, KitGuru, (https://www.kitguru.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Intel-LGA-1200-Socket.jpg)
LGA 1151: “LGA 1151” by Gamers Nexus, (https://www.gamersnexus.net/images/media/2015/news/lga-1151-skylake-socket.jpg)
LGA 2066: “LGA 2066” by Leo Waldock, KitGuru, (https://www.kitguru.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/DSC_2559.jpg)
LGA 2011-v3: “LGA 2011-v3” by TechPowerUp, (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/14-08-29/42a.jpg)
AMD AM5: “AMD AM5” by Daniel Schmidt, Notebookcheck, (https://www.notebookcheck.net/fileadmin/Notebooks/News/_nc3/AM5_Teaser_AMD.png)
AMD TR4: “AMD TR4” by TechPowerUp, (https://www.techpowerup.com/img/17-08-09/94a.jpg)
**AMD AM3+“:**”AMD AM3+” by eBay, (https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/Z6kAAOSwB9FjO0RG/s-l1600.jpg)