Socket 478 motherboards use Intel CPUs.
Intel introduced its Socket 478 format in August of 2001. It is succeeded by Socket 775, also known as LGA775. This platform was used in both desktop computers and laptops. These motherboards support a wide variety of both Intel Celeron and Intel Pentium CPUs. As of May 2011, these motherboards and parts for them can still be purchased.
Motherboard Socket Specifications
The socket into which CPUs are placed on Socket 478 motherboards is an Intel Netburst architecture Pin Grid Array socket. It replaces the previous socket, Socket 423. These sockets measure 1.38 inches long by 1.38 inches wide. Pins on this socket grid are arranged in a single grid pattern. This grid is 26 pins long by 26 pins wide with a 14-pin by 14-pin center section missing for the center of the CPU. There are 478 pins in total.
Motherboard Socket Assembly Specifications
Motherboards assembled to use the Socket 478 architecture must conform to requirements set forth by Intel. Motherboards must support a maximum temperature of 240 degrees celsius for its Reflow Profile Characteristics. Motherboards must also fall within the Critical to Function guidelines. These include a minimum socket height beneath the package of 3.8 mm, a nominal height of 4.0 mm and a maximum height of 4.2 mm. Sockets must be no smaller than 36.8 mm wide and no larger than 37.2 mm. Overall length cannot exceed 45 mm.
Manufacturing Specifications
Intel requires motherboard manufacturers interested in making boards using this socket to conform to their standards. These include a base material for the socket itself of a high strength copper alloy. Plating in the contact area must be 0.762 mm minimum gold plating over a 1.27 mm minimum nickel underplate in all areas of the socket where CPU pins contact socket contacts. Solder must be kept clear of the area. Solder ball material must be Tin/Lead in either 63/37 or 60/40 ratios. Sockets must be incorporated into the board in a surfance mount socket type.
Supported CPUs
Socket 478 motherboards can fit one of eight different Intel-based CPUs. These include the Willamette Celeron CPUs operating between 1.5 GHz to 2 GHz, the Northwood Celeron CPUs operating at 1.5 GHz to 2.8 GHz, the Celeron D CPUs operating between 2.13 GHz and 3.2 GHz and the Mobile Celeron CPUs operating between 1.2 GHz to 2.5 GHz. They also include the Mobile Pentium 4 CPUs operating between 2.4 GHz to 3.46 GHz, the Mobile Pentium 4-M CPUs operating at 1.4 GHz to 2.6 GHz, the Pentium 4 CPUs operating between 1.4 GHz to 3.4 GHz and the Pentium 4 Extreme Edition CPUs operating at 3.2 GHz to 3.4 GHz.
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