CPUs have pins which slip into holes in the processor socket.
Since their inception, microprocessors and central processing units (CPUs) have either been soldered directly to an integrated circuit board or mounted in a socket on the circuit board. Advantages of using a socket include no risk of heat damage to the processor during assembly and the ability to upgrade the CPU with one that is newer and faster. Current model processor sockets differ, depending on whether you are using an Intel or an AMD processor.
Socket 1156
Socket 1156 is one of Intel's new processor socket standards. This socket features 1156 pins that connect the CPU to circuitry on the motherboard. CPUs that use the Socket 1156 standard are the Intel Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, Pentium Dual-Core and Xeon processors. This socket can operate at a range of frequencies between 1867 and 3467 megahertz (MHz). This socket type is sometimes listed as Land Grid Array 1156 or LGA1156. Socket 1156 is installed both in server- and workstation-class systems.
Socket 1336
Some of the fastest, most advanced processors from Intel use the Socket 1366 to mount the CPU on the motherboard. Some versions of the Intel Core i7 use this socket standard. In addition, the Core i7 Extreme Edition, Xeon 3500 Series, and Xeon 5500 Series also use this socket type. Socket 1336 has 1336 pins and supports frequencies between 1667 and 333 MHz. It also supports bus frequencies between 2400 and 3200 MHz. This socket, sometimes called LGA1336, is usually installed in server-class systems.
Socket AM2
Socket AM2 is the socket used by many recent and current model AMD processors, including the Athalon 64, Athalon 64 FX, Athalon 64 X2, Mobile Athalon 64 X2, K8 Sempron, Penom X3, Phenom X4 and second-generation Opteron processors. The AM2 socket has 940 pins that connect the CPU to the motherboard circuitry. It operates at between 1000 and 3200 MHz. Introduced in 2006, this socket supports dual-channel DDR2 memory and a single, 1000-MHz hypertransport link.
Socket AM3
Socket AM3, sometimes called Socket AM2+, is an upgrade to Socket AM2 architecture. Although Socket AM2 devices work in Socket AM3 boards, CPUs designed for Socket AM3 do not work in the earlier socket AM2 boards. Socket AM3 extends support for both DDR2 and DDR3 memory. Bandwidth on these sockets has also increased from the 2 gigatransfers-per-second of the AM2 to a potential 5.2 gigatransfers-per-second on the AM3. Processors using AM3 include the Phenom II and Athalon II.
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