What is a Socket A CPU?
A CPU, also known as a microprocessor, fits into the CPU socket on the motherboard of a computer. Most desktop and server computers make use of the socket technology as opposed to the slot technology, which was popular until the 1990s.
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Types
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The Socket A, also called Socket 462, is the technology used by AMD for the K7 range of processors, which include: AMD Athlon, AMD Duron, AMD Athlon XP, AMD Athlon XP-M, AMD Athlon MP, AMD Sempron, Mobile Athlon 4, Geode NX, Mobile Athlon XP-M and Mobile Duron. These different processors have different speeds and bus frequencies, but they make use of the same computer architecture.
Features
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There are 462 pins in Socket A, which is why it is also called Socket 462. There are no Intel or VIA processors that are compatible with Socket A. The Socket A (5.59 cm by 6.55 cm) has the same dimensions as Socket 7, or Super Socket 7.
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History
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Introduced in 2000, the Socket A technology seriously challenged Intel's hold on its market share. The production of the Socket A technology was discontinued in late 2005 as AMD wanted customers to move to Socket 754, which had come out in 2003. Socket A processors were not manufactured after 2005, but are still available in the market. An AMD Athlon XP 2200+ 266MHz 256KB Socket A processor runs about $30.
Function
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The structure of a CPU socket depends on the kind of CPU that is meant to be used with it. The presence of a CPU socket allows anyone to easily replace the processor. But if you wish to change the type of processor from the Socket A to a Socket 478, for instance, you would have to buy a motherboard that has the Socket 478. That is to say, a motherboard with Socket A can only hold processors of the Socket A type. Laptops don't have sockets because they have built-in CPUs.
Significance
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One of the most successful Socket A processors was the AMD Athlon Thunderbird, which came out on June 5, 2000. It was introduced as a rival to the Intel Pentium III, which accounted for a majority of the market share at the time. The Thunderbird not only outperformed the Pentium III but also the early Pentium IV. It was the first time that a faster and cheaper alternative to the Intel Pentium series was available. The Thunderbird spurred Intel to dramatically improve its technology.
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