Socket A

Socket A also supports AMD Geode NX embedded processors (derived from the Mobile Athlon XP).

It compliments (and later supersedes) the prior Slot A CPU interface used in some Athlon Thunderbird processors.

However, clock, timing, BIOS and voltage differences restrict compatibility between older chipsets and later processors.

AMD recommends that the mass of a Socket A CPU cooler to not exceed 300 grams (10.6 ounces).

All Socket A processors (Athlon, Sempron, Duron and Geode NX) have the following mechanical maximum load limits[3] which should not be exceeded during heatsink assembly, shipping conditions, or standard use.

They came with a warning that load above those limits may crack the processor die and make it unusable.

Socket 462 of an 800 MHz Athlon CPU
The corners of the exposed CPU dies were susceptible to damage like shown here when coolers were installed incorrectly or systems were handled roughly.