passaCPUsokk

passaCPUsokk is a proposed CPU socket standard intended to enable modular central processing units across desktop, workstation, and embedded platforms. The specification envisions CPU modules that host the processor core and a minimal set of subsystem components, which can be plugged into a motherboard via a dedicated high-density socket. The goal is to improve upgradeability, repairability, and lifecycle management by decoupling the processor from other motherboard functions.

The design centers on a high-density interconnect that carries power, clock, PCIe lanes, and control signals between the motherboard and the CPU module. The CPU module houses the processor core and essential onboard circuitry, and includes its own heat spreader or cooler; the motherboard supplies voltage regulation and the rest of the system’s I/O routing. The interface is designed to support safe hot-plug operation within defined thermal envelopes and includes safeguards against misalignment or electrical misconfiguration. Memory interfaces and other subsystems are exposed through the motherboard’s chipset or through dedicated on-board interfaces, preserving compatibility with standard motherboard components.

Compatibility and adoption considerations are central to passaCPUsokk. As a new standard, it requires compatible motherboards and processor modules, and backward compatibility with existing sockets is not a feature. Adoption has been limited to pilot platforms and research prototypes, with proponents citing longer device lifecycles and easier recycling, while critics point to higher initial costs and increased thermal and mechanical complexity.

Developed under the Passa Consortium, the specification was introduced in 2023 with a published v1.0 draft and demonstrations in 2024. The project aims to establish an open interface with defined electrical characteristics and mechanical tolerances to encourage third-party module designs. Future work includes refining thermal management, standardizing PCIe and memory interfaces, and evaluating reliability over multiple plug cycles.