LGA (Land Grid Array) and PGA (Pin Grid Array) are the two different types of processor sockets on the motherboard. They are essentially array-like surfaces.
LGA, as the name suggests, acts as a land on which your processor is placed. It has pins on the surface that connect to pads on the CPU. PGA, on the other hand, has vertical sockets on its surface that connect to pins on the CPU.
The basic difference between LGA and PGA sockets lies in their form factor. The computer processor manufacturing giants Intel use LGA sockets while its close rival AMD uses PGA ones.
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LGA vs PGA: Quick Comparison
A CPU that sits on an LGA has pads on its underside whereas a CPU that sits on PGA has pins on it. Quickly look at some of the most important differentiating factors:
Factors | LGA CPU Socket | PGA CPU Socket |
---|---|---|
Compatibility | Intel Processors | AMD Processors |
Sturdiness | More | Less |
Installation | Little Tough | Easy |
Efficiency | More | Less |
Frequency of replacing | Less | More |
Price | Less | More |
Land Grid Array vs Pin Grid Array: Compared
Both sets of processors have their own pros and cons (I’ll discuss them later) but it’s the trends of the CPU manufacturers that dictate the battle between LGA and PGA.
AMD leaning towards LGA has made it the obvious choice. But not all of us use the latest generation of CPUs. The previous generation of CPUs and motherboards are still doing well in the market.
You can pick your choice of sockets based on ease, risk, and convenience of installation and their robustness.
With that out, I shall now explain both the processor socket types along with their Pros and Cons to help you make an informed call.
LGA (Land Grid Array)
LGA works well with Intel chipsets. Intel motherboards and processors have LGA-compatible sockets. The pins are placed on the LGA surface. The pins are on the surface hence it can be reused for other compatible CPUs as well.
The CPUs for LGA have contact pads that connect to the pins on the LGA surface. Comparing LGA with PGA in terms of pins, I realized that pins are denser in LGA. Hence it offers more reliability.
Pros and Cons of Using LGA Socket Types:
Pros
- Space: LGA pins are smaller in size yet denser. Hence they offer more space efficiency.
- Connection: Since the pins are on a surface that is mounted, the connection is firm and does not wobble a bit.
- Durable: Pins are the most vulnerable to breakage. Since the pins are on a mounted surface, they are more durable and less likely to break.
Cons
- Repairs: Despite being durable, in case a pin breaks, it is very difficult to repair. You might have to replace the whole array.
- Alignment: Due to many components surrounding the motherboard, it is slightly difficult to align the LGA surface pins to the pads on the CPU making it susceptible to breakage.
PGA (Pin Grid Array)
PGA works well with AMD chipsets. All AMD motherboards and processors have pins that slot right into the sockets on the array surface. They are accident-prone because often users do not know how much pressure to apply while slotting the CPU pins against the surface sockets.
The installation is easy but delicate. Typically, PGA sockets give better contact than LGA sockets. It is like pushing a regular plug against a wall socket but instead of the 3-pin plug, you have an array of pins on the CPU.
Pros and Cons of Using PGA Socket Types:
Pros
- Plugging: It is very easy to plug a CPU into the PGA surface. The only thing you have to take care of is the pressure you apply to slot the CPU into the motherboard sockets.
- Repairs: You can damage the processor pins at max. Most of these pins get bent with misalignment and are easily repairable.
- Safe: There are no chances of any damage on the motherboard as the pins are mounted on the back of the processor.
Cons
- Older: PGA is an older phenomenon and modern-day AMD processors like Ryzen use an LGA socket.
- Accident-Prone: PGAs are infamous for their accident-prone architecture as average users have no idea about how much pressure to apply to fit the CPU into the socket.
Frequently Asked Questions
LGA ensures that even force is applied to fit the CPU. This concept is known as ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) installation. You only have to align the CPU into its place and secure it with a latch.
It matters if you have already decided upon the make of the motherboard and processor of your new PC. It also matters if you already have a PC and wish to upgrade the socket. Because both leading brands of CPUs and motherboards AMD and Intel use different socket types.
PGA is easy to install and repair. You can repair a pin on the back of the CPU if it is bent. Hence it costs less in case of an accident. The cost battle of Pin Grid Array vs Land Grid Array has a clear winner.
BGA stands for Ball Grid Array and instead of pins that are used in both LGA and PGA, BGA uses solder balls that slot into what they call bellies.
Older generations of processors from AMD used PGA. However, newer generations of AMD processors like Ryzen with Zen 4 microarchitecture come with LGA 1718 sockets.
Interesting Read: How long do CPUs last?
Conclusion
The verdict depends on the type of processor you either have or have shortlisted to purchase. But if you were to consider one for a longer future and to keep upgrades in mind, opt for LGA as they seem to incorporate a wider range of processors on them, including the latest AMD ones.
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