CPU socket

This provides superior mechanical retention while avoiding the risk of bending pins when inserting the chip into the socket.

Certain devices use Ball Grid Array (BGA) sockets, although these require soldering and are generally not considered user replaceable.

Modern CPU sockets are almost always designed in conjunction with a heat sink mounting system, or in lower power devices, other thermal considerations.

CPUs with a PGA (pin grid array) package are inserted into the socket and, if included, the latch is closed.

CPUs with an LGA (land grid array) package are inserted into the socket, the latch plate is flipped into position atop the CPU, and the lever is lowered and locked into place, pressing the CPU's contacts firmly against the socket's lands and ensuring a good connection, as well as increased mechanical stability.

AMD Ryzen 5000 series Intel Raptor Lake (14th gen) Slotkets are special adapters for using socket processors in bus-compatible slot motherboards.