Socket 370
Socket 370
Socket 370 is a zero insertion force (ZIF) socket used for Intel’s Pentium III and Celeron processors, featuring 370 physical contacts and a 24×24 matrix grid. It supports a front side bus (FSB) of 66/100/133 MHz and is compatible with both SDRAM and DDR SDRAM memory.
What does Socket 370 mean?
Socket 370, also known as Socket PPGA370 or PGA370, is a zero insertion force (ZIF) socket designed by Intel for its Pentium III and Celeron processors. It features 370 contact pins arranged in a 19×19 grid and is intended for mounting processors with a 1.5 volt core voltage. The socket design allows for easy processor installation and removal without the need for excessive force.
Socket 370 provides a direct connection between the processor and the motherboard, facilitating the transfer of data, instructions, and power. It serves as a physical interface between the processor and the motherboard’s Chipset, which controls the flow of data and communication between various components.
Applications
Socket 370 was primarily used in Desktop and laptop computers from 1999 to 2003, offering a cost-effective and upgradeable platform for personal computing. It was particularly popular in budget-friendly systems, entry-level workstations, and small form factor devices.
The socket’s flexibility allowed for the use of different processor speeds and Cache configurations, enabling users to customize their systems based on their performance and budget requirements. Its prevalence in the market contributed to the widespread adoption of the Pentium III and Celeron processors, solidifying Intel’s dominance in the PC industry at the time.
History
Socket 370 was introduced in 1999 as a replacement for Socket 370, which was designed for the Pentium II processor. It incorporated several improvements over its predecessor, including the use of a ZIF mechanism, increased pin count, and support for a lower core voltage.
The socket’s release coincided with the launch of the Pentium III processor, which offered significant performance enhancements over the Pentium II. Socket 370 quickly became the standard socket for Pentium III and Celeron processors, enabling the development of a wide range of motherboards and system configurations.
Throughout its lifespan, Socket 370 underwent several revisions, including Socket 370A and Socket 370B, which introduced minor changes to improve stability and compatibility with newer processors. The socket remained popular until 2003, when it was succeeded by Socket 478, which was designed for the Pentium 4 processor.