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Socket 370

CPU socket

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Socket 370, also known as PGA370, is a CPU socket first used by Intel for Pentium III and Celeron processors to first complement and later replace the older Slot 1 CPU interface on personal computers. The "370" refers to the number of pin holes in the socket for CPU pins.

Socket 370 has an unusually long life span, lasting 6 years until the last processors supporting it ceased production in 2004. It was replaced by Socket 423 in 2000.

01Overview

Socket 370 started out as a budget-oriented platform for 66 MHz FSB PPGA Mendocino Celeron CPUs in late 1998, as the move to on-die L2 cache eliminated the need for a PCB design as seen on Slot 1.

Socket 370 then became Intel's main desktop socket from late 1999 to late 2000 for 100/133 MHz FSB FC-PGA Coppermine Pentium IIIs. In 2001, the FC-PGA2 Tualatin Pentium III processors brought changes to the infrastructure which required dedicated Tualatin-compatible motherboards; some manufacturers would indicate this with a blue (instead of white) socket. These late sockets were typically compatible with Coppermine processors, but not the older Mendocino Celerons. The VIA Cyrix III, later renamed the VIA C3, also used Socket 370.

Some motherboards that used Socket 370 support Intel processors in dual CPU configurations (e. g. ABIT BP6). Other motherboards allowed the use of a Socket 370 or a Slot 1 CPU, but not at the same time.

Slotkets are available that allows Socket 370 CPUs to be used on Slot 1 based motherboards. These devices are equipped with their own voltage regulator modules, in order to supply the new CPU with a lower core voltage, which the motherboard would not otherwise allow.

Underside of a Mendocino-core Socket 370 Celeron, 333 MHz
Underside of a Mendocino-core Socket 370 Celeron, 333 MHz

02Socket 370 Intel processors mechanical load limits

The weight of a Socket 370 CPU cooler should not exceed 180 grams (6.3 ounces). Heavier coolers may result in damage to the die when the system is improperly handled.

Most Intel Socket 370 processors (Pentium III and Celeron) had mechanical maximum load limits which were designed not be exceeded during heat sink assembly, shipping conditions, or standard use. They came with a warning that load above those limits would crack the processor die and make it unusable. The limits are included in the table below.

Location Dynamic Static
Die Surface 890 N (200 lbf) 222 N (50 lbf)
Die Edge 667 N (100 lbf) 53 N (12 lbf)
A VIA C3 1.2 GHz Nehemiah C5XL CPGA socket-370 microprocessor
A VIA C3 1.2 GHz Nehemiah C5XL CPGA socket-370 microprocessor

03Socket 370 Intel processors with integrated heat sink mechanical load limits

All Intel Socket 370 processors with integrated heat sink (Pentium III and Celeron 1.13-1.4 GHz) had mechanical maximum load limits which were designed not be exceeded during heat sink assembly, shipping conditions, or standard use. They came with a warning that load above those limits would crack the processor die and make it unusable. The limits are included in the table below.

Location of integrated heat sink Dynamic Static
surface 890 N (200 lbf) 667 N (100 lbf)
edge 556 N (125 lbf) N/A
corner 334 N (75 lbf) N/A
Socket 370 slotket adapter
Socket 370 slotket adapter
Watch videos about Socket 370Explainers and documentaries on YouTube (opens in a new tab)

Sources and credits

This article is adapted from the Wikipedia article Socket 370, written by its contributors and licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Fathomly has changed the layout, removed citation markers, navigation and maintenance notices, and adjusted punctuation. This adapted version is shared under the same license. For references, see the original article.

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