Understanding the difference between different types of processor sockets is key to choosing a motherboard or processor with the features you need. Processor sockets are the part of the motherboard that connects the CPU to the motherboard. Socket type determines which processors the motherboard is compatible with, the type of front side bus it supports and the type of RAM it uses.
AMD
Motherboards and processors designed for Socket 939 use AMD design standards. This socket supports processors from six different families of AMD processor. This socket supports processors from the Sempron and Sempron 64 families and Athlon 64, Athlon 64 X2 and Athlon 64 FX processors. Socket 939 also supports two types of Opteron processors designed for use in servers. This socket includes single-core Opteron processors with model numbers between 144 and 156 and dual-core Opterons with model numbers between 165 and 185.
Intel
Motherboards and processors using Socket LGA775 are compatible with several types of Intel brand processors. This socket supports processors from the Celeron, Core 2, Pentium and Xeon processor families. Processors from the Celeron family supported by this socket include models from the Celeron 400, Celeron D and Celeron Dual-Core CPU famlies. The LGA775 socket also supports many types of Pentium processors, including models from the Pentium 4, Pentium D, Pentium 4 Extreme Edition, Pentium Extreme Edition and Pentium Dual-Core families. The latest processors supported by this socket include processors based on Core microarchitecture from the Core 2 Duo, Core 2 Quad and Core 2 Extreme families. Although most of the processors supported by this socket are designed for desktop computers, it also supports several processors from the Xeon 3000 series designed for use in servers.
Construction
Socket 939 and LGA775 use different construction principles that are apparent in their design. Socket 775 uses a configuration of 775 gold-plated contacts arranged in a square grid pattern with pins missing in the center, in one corner and on two sides. This configuration is specific to this socket and physically prevents the use of incompatible processors in this socket. Socket 939 motherboards and processors uses a 939-pin configuration that is incompatible with all other socket types. Several other types of AMD processors use a 940-pin configuration--sockets AM2, AM2+ and 940--that is similar in appearance to, but not compatible with, Socket 939.
Features
Both Socket 939 and Socket 775 are designed to support several types of features specific to the processors they are compatible with. Socket 939 provides support for processors using a single HyperTransport link and dual-channel DDR RAM modules. This socket also supports solitary DDR DIMM modules rated between DDR 200 and DDR 400. Socket 775 supports significantly newer technologies, including dual-channel DDR3 memory modules and front side bus speeds up to 1,600 megahertz.
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