CPUSockel

CPUSockel, or CPU socket, is the physical and electrical interface on a computer motherboard that accepts a central processing unit (CPU). It provides the mechanical support to mount the processor and the electrical contacts for power delivery and signal communication between the CPU and the motherboard’s chipset and other controllers.

Socket designs determine processor compatibility. They arrange pins or contacts in a layout that matches the CPU package and require matching electrical standards. There are two broad families: pin grid array (PGA), where pins are on the CPU, and land grid array (LGA), where the pins are in the socket. A locking mechanism, such as a lever, secures the CPU in place.

Modern CPUs often require newer sockets, and compatibility is limited to specific generations. Intel and AMD have moved through multiple generations, with AMD transitioning from PGA-based AM4 to LGA-based AM5, while Intel has primarily used LGA sockets in recent years. The socket, the motherboard’s chipset, and the BIOS together determine which processors can boot and operate correctly.

Beyond compatibility, the CPUSockel affects power delivery, memory support, PCIe lanes, and thermal considerations. Socket designs are part of motherboard form factors and influence upgrade paths, system reliability, and pricing. When selecting a motherboard or CPU, users typically check the processor list and BIOS version to ensure support for a given socket.