Socket type determines what processors a motherboard can use.
The connectors for Intel (and AMD) processors are referred to as "sockets." The socket type of a processor is determined based on the number of pins the processor uses and their configuration. Modern Intel processors used in desktop computers come in several varieties. Each type of socket supports specific families of processors that have a wide range of capabilities. Intel processors are specifically designed for use in a single socket and are not interchangeable with other brands of processor or types of socket. However, one socket will typically support several types of processor.
LGA 775
The Intel LGA 775 socket type is an older model of socket that supports a wide array of processors including newer models. The LGA 775 socket supports families of processors including the Xeon, Pentium 4 and Celeron chip-sets. The various processors that use this standard range from 1.6 GHz to 3.73 GHz in speed and are available in single, double and quad core configurations. Processors labeled LF-LGA 775 are merely the RoHS-compliant (RoHS stands for Restriction of Hazardous Substances) versions of their less green counterparts.
LGA 1156
This is a newer type of socket that supports Intel I5 and I7 processors. This type of socket supports the P55 chipset and only supports motherboards that uses DD3 memory architecture in a dual-channel configuration. This type of socket is considered the mid- to upper-line of newer multi-core Intel processors.
LGA 1366
The LGA 1366 socket is designed for use with the newest high performance i7 chips from Intel. This socket is designed for use with processors in the i7-900 series. The LGA 1366 socket is designed for use with 130-watt processors and requires a processor chassis that is compliant with either ATX 2.2 or MicroATX 1.0 specifications. These requirements are designed to ensure that motherboards using processors designed for this type of socket are capable of meeting the electrical and thermal requirements of the processor.
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