Socket 754 is a particular type of central processing unit (CPU) socket that was introduced in 2003 and was initially intended for mid-range desktop and laptop computers. The socket was developed by AMD® and was intended for use with a number of different CPUs also produced by that company. It was introduced as the first socket for the AMD64® series of microprocessors, though it was replaced relatively quickly by socket 939 for most desktop applications. Socket 754 was still used for some Sempron® series processors and in laptops, until being replaced by the S1 socket for laptop applications.
The name “Socket 754” stems from the number of connections on the socket itself, into which a CPU can be connected for use on a motherboard. A computer’s motherboard is essentially the hub of the computer, and all other components either directly or indirectly connect to that motherboard through different ports and connections. The socket is used to connect a CPU to a motherboard, and numerical designations such as socket 754 often refer to the number of connection terminals used on the socket itself. In this instance, the socket had 754 connection terminals into which 754 pins on the CPU can be inserted to make a connection.
This socket was designed as a 29x29 grid of terminals, with a 9x9 grid in the middle of the socket removed. Another six terminals were covered at the corners of the socket, leaving 754 available connections. Socket 754 was designed as the first CPU socket for use with the AMD64® series of CPUs in 2003, but it only supported single channel random access memory (RAM). With the development of multi-channel memory, it became less desirable and was quickly replaced by sockets that could support such memory, such as socket 939 and then socket AM2.
Even after the development of socket 939, socket 754 was still used in some mid-range applications, as it was typically more affordable than some other sockets. It was typically used with the Sempron® series of CPUs from AMD®, however, rather than the Athalon® series typically used in higher end computers. Socket 754 also remained in use for laptops and other mobile devices for some time, due to its support of 64-bit processors and relatively low price. It was eventually replaced in most mobile devices, however, typically by the S1 socket that supported dual-channel memory and dual core processors.