Socket SP3 is a system in a package socket - that means most features required to make the system fully functional (such as memory, PCI Express, SATA controllers etc.) are fully integrated into the processor package, eliminating the need for a chipset to be placed on a motherboard. Variants for desktop platforms (as said below) are, eventually, requiring an additional chipset to unlock the functionality of the CPU. A processor using socket SP3 is mounted by inserting the CPU into a slide and fixing the slide assembly by tightening three screws using the torque wrenches normally provided alongside the motherboard. Automated processor mounting tools in OEMs do not use the slide, instead relying upon the precision movement of the robot arm.
Socket TR4, also known as Socket SP3r2, is used for high-end desktop CPUs. It is physically identical to a normal SP3 socket with some connections disabled.[4] A TR4 socket will prevent the use of CPUs designed for Socket SP3 with an ID pin.[5]
Socket sTRX4, also known as Socket SP3r3, used for third-generation Ryzen Threadripper (Threadripper 3000X) high-end desktop CPUs, is physically identical to the normal SP3 socket with some connections disabled, and is the successor to Socket TR4 (SP3r2).[6]
Socket sWRX8, also known as Socket SP3r4, is used for Ryzen Threadripper Pro 3000WX and Ryzen Threadripper Pro 5000WX workstation desktop CPUs. It is physically identical to the normal SP3 socket, with some connections repurposed.[7]
