[ The PC Guide | Systems and Components Reference Guide | The Processor | Processor Physical Characteristics | Processor Packaging ]

Dual Inline Package (DIP)

The first Intel and compatible processors, used on the original PC, XT and clones, used standard dual inline or DIP packaging. "Dual inline" refers to two parallel sets of pins. DIP packaging is in fact the standard packaging used for most regular integrated circuits. The DRAM chips on your memory modules, and many of the support chips on your motherboard most likely use DIP packaging.

DIP packaging quickly became inadequate for use for processors when the number of signals going to and from them grew large. Modern processors have literally hundreds of signals that go to and from the motherboard, and since the DIP package only allows for two rows of pins this would have made for a really looooong package. :^)

Next: Pin Grid Array and Variations (PGA / SPGA / CPGA / PPGA)

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