FC-PGA vs. PPGA

  • Thread starter Thread starter Frank
  • Start date Start date
Frank said:
Hello,
I have a P3 Coppermine SL4MB 800EB/133 mhz cpu with a PPGA pin array
(according to Intel's spec page:
http://processorfinder.intel.com/sc...ocFam=25&PkgType=ALL&SysBusSpd=ALL&CorSpd=ALL).
Unless the manuel's specs specifically states otherwise, can a mainboard
that accepts FC-PGA Coppermines also work with the PPGA chips?
Click to expand...
Unfortunately, the Intel processor website was recently redesigned and it
now contradicts my knowledge of Intel's technology. As far as I'm concerned
the web designers got it completely wrong by confusing PPGA with FC-PGA. I'm
surprised Intel haven't corrected it yet.

PPGA or Plastic Pin Grid Array was used for the first socket 370 Celerons.
Bonding wires are used to connect the chip's pads to the carrier's tracks.

FC-PGA or Flip Chip Pin Grid Array was used for the first socket 370 Pentium
3s. The chip is mounted upside down on the carrier, no bonding wires are
used, the chips contact pads touching the carrier's pads directly. The
heatsink now contacts the bulk side of the chip resulting in a better heat
transfer.

FC-PGA2 is like its predecessor but has some of its pins electrically
redefined, making the CPU incompatible with earlier mobos, and the chip is
covered by a heat spreader which also stops clumsy hands from damaging it.

So your SL4MB is FC-PGA and NOT PPGA as the Intel site now says and will
work on any mobo that is FC-PGA compliant. Obviously requires 133MHz FSB
capable board but it will work on a 100MHz board at a reduced clock
frequency.

I'm looking forward to reading other knowledgeable folk's opinions on this
matter.
 
Alien said:
http://processorfinder.intel.com/scripts/details.asp?sSpec=SL4MB&ProcFam=25&
PkgType=ALL&SysBusSpd=ALL&CorSpd=ALL).
Unfortunately, the Intel processor website was recently redesigned
and it now contradicts my knowledge of Intel's technology. As far as
I'm concerned the web designers got it completely wrong by confusing
PPGA with FC-PGA. I'm surprised Intel haven't corrected it yet.

PPGA or Plastic Pin Grid Array was used for the first socket 370
Celerons. Bonding wires are used to connect the chip's pads to the
carrier's tracks.

FC-PGA or Flip Chip Pin Grid Array was used for the first socket 370
Pentium 3s. The chip is mounted upside down on the carrier, no
bonding wires are used, the chips contact pads touching the carrier's
pads directly. The heatsink now contacts the bulk side of the chip
resulting in a better heat transfer.

FC-PGA2 is like its predecessor but has some of its pins electrically
redefined, making the CPU incompatible with earlier mobos, and the
chip is covered by a heat spreader which also stops clumsy hands from
damaging it.

So your SL4MB is FC-PGA and NOT PPGA as the Intel site now says and
will work on any mobo that is FC-PGA compliant. Obviously requires
133MHz FSB capable board but it will work on a 100MHz board at a
reduced clock frequency.

I'm looking forward to reading other knowledgeable folk's opinions on
this matter.
Click to expand...

Yep, you got it right AZ. Spot-on.
 
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