| Release date | 1998-05 |
|---|---|
| Type | ZIF |
| Chip form factors | SPGA |
| Contacts | 321 |
| FSB protocol | P5 |
| FSB frequency | 66.7, 68.5, 75, 83.3, 95, 97, 100 MHz |
| Voltage range | 1.6–2.4 V |
| Processors | |
| Predecessor | Socket 7 |
| Successor | Slot A |
| Memory support | EDO DRAM or/& SDRAM |
This article is part of theCPU socket series | |
Super Socket 7, also referred to asSuper 7, is a hardware-level extension of theSocket 7ZIF socket specification for x86 processors. It was released in May 1998.[1] Compatible motherboards and chipsets use a standard Socket 7 connection for the CPU, while adding certain features including a maximum 100 MHzfront-side bus and support forAGP graphics cards.
Super Socket 7 was used byAMDK6-2 andK6-III processors, some of the finalCyrix M-II processors, some of the finalIDTWinChip 2 processors, andRisemP6 processors. It isbackward compatible with Socket 7 CPUs, meaning a Socket 7 CPU can be used with a Super Socket 7 motherboard, but a Super Socket 7 CPU cannot operate at full speed in a Socket 7 motherboard.Socket 5 CPUs are pin-compatible with Super Socket 7, but not all motherboards designed for Super Socket 7 supported the voltages or bus speeds needed for Socket 5 CPUs.
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While AMD had previously always usedIntel sockets for their processors, Socket 7 was the last one for which AMD retained legal rights. Intel had hoped by discontinuing Socket 7 development and moving toSlot 1 that AMD would be left with an outdated platform, making their processors non-competitive.[citation needed] By extending the FSB from 66 to 100 MHz, Super Socket 7 gave AMD the stopgap solution they needed while developing their own independentmotherboard infrastructure,Slot A.[2]
While the architecture was cheap, and served the intended purpose, many of the third party chipsets provided byVIA,SiS,ALi, and others, were of low quality, especially with regard to the AGP implementations.[citation needed] The reputation AMD gained for buggy, incompatible motherboards lingered, and though an internal program byVIA to raise standards for their chipsets had begun to show results in theK6-III andPentium III era, AMD put in place aquality assurance program for theAthlon processor.