Intel, a cornerstone in the world of computing, has a rich history of developing CPU sockets. Each socket marks a step in the evolution of technology, reflecting changes in demands, capabilities, and design philosophies. Let’s take a journey through the complete history of Intel CPU sockets.
Intel Socket Release Chart (Desktop Processors)
| CPU Socket | Release Date | Processor Generation | Compatible Processors |
|---|---|---|---|
| PGA 132 | 1989 | 80486 | 80486SX, 80486DX |
| Socket 7 | 1995 | Pentium, Pentium II, Pentium III, Celeron | Pentium Classic, Pentium Pro, Pentium II, Pentium III, Celeron |
| Socket 370 | 1999 | Celeron, Pentium III | Celeron 300A, Pentium III 450 |
| Socket 478 | 2000 | Pentium 4, Celeron | Pentium 4 1.3 GHz, Celeron 1.1 GHz |
| LGA 775 | April 2004 | Pentium 4, Pentium D, Core 2 Duo, Core 2 Quad, Celeron D, Celeron 4 | Pentium 4 505, Pentium D 925, Core 2 Duo E6300, Core 2 Quad Q6600, Celeron D 341, Celeron 4 530 |
| LGA 1156 | May 2009 | Core i3, Core i5, Core i7 | Core i3-530, Core i5-750, Core i7-870 |
| LGA 1155 | January 2011 | Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, Pentium, Celeron | Core i3-2100, Core i5-2500, Core i7-2600, Pentium G840, Celeron G1100 |
| LGA 1150 | June 2013 | Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, Pentium, Celeron | Core i3-4130, Core i5-4440, Core i7-4770, Pentium G3220, Celeron G1820 |
| LGA 1151 | September 2015 | Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, Pentium, Celeron | Core i3-6100, Core i5-6500, Core i7-6700, Pentium G4400, Celeron G3900 |
| LGA 1200 | May 2020 | Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, Pentium, Celeron | Core i3-10100, Core i5-10400, Core i7-10700, Pentium G4620, Celeron G5900 |
| LGA 1700 | November 2021 | Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, Core i9 | Core i3-12100, Core i5-12600, Core i7-12700, Core i9-12900 |
| LGA 1851 | Late 2024 | Intel ‘Arrow Lake’ Processors | To be announced |
The Dawn of Intel Sockets
Early Beginnings: 1970s-1980s
The story begins in the late 1970s and early 1980s with sockets like the DIP (Dual In-line Package) used in the Intel 8086 and 8088 processors. These early sockets set the stage for more complex designs to come.
The 486 Era: Socket 1 to Socket 3
The 486 processors introduced a range of sockets from Socket 1 to Socket 3 in the early 1990s. These sockets started the trend of pin-grid array (PGA) designs in Intel’s history.
Entering the Pentium Era
Socket 4: The Pentium Introduction
Socket 4, introduced for the first Pentium processors, marked a significant leap in processing power and technology. This period in the early to mid-1990s saw rapid advancements in computing capabilities.
Socket 5 and Socket 7
Intel continued to innovate with Socket 5 and Socket 7, catering to Pentium and Pentium with MMX processors. Socket 7 was particularly notable for its longevity and compatibility with various CPUs.
The Rise of Slot-Based Sockets
Slot 1 and Slot 2
In a significant shift, Intel introduced Slot 1 and Slot 2 in the late 1990s. These weren’t traditional sockets but rather slot-based designs, a unique approach for accommodating the Pentium II and Pentium III processors.
The New Millennium: A Return to Sockets
Socket 370 and Socket 423
As the new millennium dawned, Intel returned to socket-based designs with Socket 370 for Pentium III and Celeron processors and Socket 423 for early Pentium 4 models.
Socket 478: The Pentium 4 Mainstay
Socket 478 became a mainstay for Pentium 4 and Celeron processors, offering improved power delivery and support for hyper-threading technology.
The LGA Era Begins
LGA 775: A Major Shift
The mid-2000s saw the introduction of LGA 775, a significant shift from PGA to Land Grid Array (LGA). This socket supported a wide range of Intel processors, from Pentium 4 to Core 2 series.
LGA 1156, LGA 1155, LGA 1150, and LGA 1151
These sockets, introduced between 2009 and 2015, marked the era of the Intel Core processor family. Each socket brought enhancements in performance, power efficiency, and supported technologies.
LGA 2011 and Its Variants
The LGA 2011 socket and its variants, including LGA 2011-3, were designed for high-end desktops and servers, supporting the Core i7 and Xeon processors.
Recent Developments and Future Directions
LGA 1200 and LGA 1700
LGA 1200, used for 10th and 11th Gen Intel Core processors, and LGA 1700, introduced for the 12th Gen Intel Core processors, represent the latest in a long line of innovations, offering support for DDR4 and DDR5 memory, PCIe 4.0, and enhanced overall performance.
The Future: LGA 1851 and Beyond
The upcoming LGA 1851 socket, set for release in 2024, promises to continue this legacy, supporting the 15th Gen Arrow Lake S CPU and other future processors.
Conclusion
The history of Intel CPU sockets is a testament to the company’s innovation and adaptability. From the early days of simple pin layouts to the complex, high-performance sockets of today, Intel has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in processor technology.
This history is not just about the sockets themselves but the story of the computing revolution, mirroring the growth and evolution of the technology industry as a whole. As we look towards the future with sockets like LGA 1851, it’s clear that Intel will continue to be at the forefront of this ever-evolving landscape.
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