Which CPU manufacturer is known for using a Pin Grid Array (PGA) socket type?

The correct answer pertains to AMD, which is known for using the Pin Grid Array (PGA) socket type in many of its CPU designs. PGA sockets feature pins on the underside of the CPU that fit into corresponding holes in the socket on the motherboard. This design allows for a more secure connection and is particularly useful for processors that require a reliable and stable platform for performance.

AMD has historically utilized PGA for various processor families, facilitating easy installations and upgrades. In contrast, other CPU manufacturers like Intel predominantly use LGA (Land Grid Array) sockets in many of their modern processors, which have pads on the CPU and pins in the socket, offering different mechanical and electrical properties.

While IBM and Apple also produce processors, they do not typically use PGA socket types in the same way AMD does, focusing instead on different architectures and socket designs tailored for their specific hardware ecosystems. Understanding these distinctions helps in grasping how CPU manufacturers approach design and installation in computing systems.