Shop by Processor Type

Shop by Bus Speed

The Ins and Outs of Socket 478 CPUs

Intel developed Socket 478 for its Pentium and Celeron processors that were based on the Northwood core. Socket 478 CPUs have a 35-by-35-millimeter die size and are designed to be used in all manner of desktop PC applications. If you need a replacement CPU or a new processor to serve as the basis of a custom build, you_x001A_re sure to find cheap socket 478 CPUs in new and pre-owned condition right here on eBay.

What is a Socket 478 CPU?

A CPU socket or slot is the mechanical aspect of the processor and motherboard that facilitates mating those components. Socket 478 was developed by Intel and named such because the CPU has 478 pins that link to 478 contacts on the mainboard. This socket specification was designed specifically for the Intel Pentium and Intel Celeron processors based on the Northwood core. The series of processors made by Intel that support this socket are the following:

  • Pentium 4 - Ranges from 1.4 to 3.4 GHz
  • Pentium 4 Extreme Edition - Available at 3.2 and 3.4 GHz
  • Celeron - Ranges from 1.7 to 2.8 GHz
  • Celeron D - Ranges from 2.13 to 3.2 GHz
How do you determine CPU and motherboard compatibility?

Be mindful that both the CPU and the mainboard must support the socket in question. Note also that Socket 478 goes by two other names: mPGA478 and mPGA478B. It_x001A_s also important to recognize that just because a motherboard has a Socket 478 slot, this does not mean that it works with all Socket 478 CPUs. A product may seek to take full advantage of the Pentium 4 and be incompatible with Celeron. Other boards, on the other hand, will explicitly state support for either, so be sure to check the supported CPU list for that board.

How do you ensure CPU and heatsink/fan compatibility?

Note that many retail Socket 478 processors will include a CPU heatsink and/or fan as applicable. If yours does not include an HSF or you want to upgrade to a more powerful solution, then you need to ensure that the product specifically supports Socket 478. Be mindful that many HFSs support multiple sockets and are mounted by choosing the appropriate bracket.

Are Socket 478 CPUs compatible with Windows 10?

Yes. The minimum system requirement for Windows 10 in terms of a processor or SoC is 1 GHz. All available Socket 478 CPUs run faster than that and are compatible.

Content provided for informational purposes only. eBay is not affiliated with or endorsed by Intel.