Specifications

101
Motherboard Types and Features
3
PROCESSOR SOCKETS
Another important feature of a motherboard is the processor socket. This socket and the
chipset determine which processors a board can support. A socket will hold either an Intel or
AMD processor. Some older processors were installed on the motherboard in a long narrow
slot, but all processors sold today use sockets. Table 3-1 lists the sockets currently used by
Intel processors for desktop systems. The types of memory listed in the table that are used
with these sockets are explained in detail in Chapter 5. Also know that Intel makes several
Itanium and Xeon processors designed for servers. These server processors use different
sockets than those listed in the table.
PCIe x 16 slot
Two PCI slots
North Bridge
Two DDR2
DIMM slots
Socket AM2+
Figure 3-2 This MicroATX motherboard by Biostar has an AM2 socket that supports an AMD processor
Courtesy: Course Technology/Cengage Learning
Socket 775
Figure 3-3 A BTX motherboard with an LGA 775 Land socket that supports an Intel processor
Courtesy of Intel Corporation
A+ Exam Tip
The A+ 220-701 Essentials exam expects you to know about the ATX, BTX, MicroATX,
and NLX form factors.
A+
220-701
1.2
A+ 220-701
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