Integrated socket for microprocessor package and cache memory

A socket comprising:

• a socket body;
• a first interface on the socket body, through which a processor can be coupled to the socket;
• and
• a second interface through which a cache memory, for use by the processor, can be coupled to the socket.

A socket comprising:

• a socket body;
• a first electrical interface on the socket body, at which a package having a processor can be coupled to the socket;
• and
• a second electrical interface at which a first circuit card having cache memory, for use by the processor, can be removably coupled to the socket.

A socket comprising:

• a socket body;
• first interface means for coupling a processor to the socket body;
• and
• second interface means for removably coupling a cache memory, for use by the processor, to the socket.

A socket comprising:

• a socket body having a first surface at which the socket can be mounted to a circuit board;
• a second surface parallel to the first surface;
• and a third surface perpendicular to the first surface and the second surface;
• an electrical interface o n the second surface, at which a package containing a microprocessor can be coupled to the socket;
• and
• a slot in the third surface, the slot including an electrical interface at which a first circuit card having cache memory for use by the microprocessor can be removably inserted edgewise into the socket body, to electrically couple the cache memory to the microprocessor.

A socket comprising:

• a socket body having a first surface at which the socket can be mounted to a first circuit board;
• a second surface parallel to the first surface;
• and, a third surface and a fourth surface, each perpendicular to the first surface and the second surface;
• a first electrical interface on the second surface, at which a package containing a microprocessor can be coupled to the socket;
• a slot in the third surface, including an electrical interface at which a first circuit card can be removably inserted into the socket body and disposed parallel to the first circuit board, the first circuit card having cache memory for use by the microprocessor;
• and
• a slot in the fourth surface, including an electrical interface at which a second circuit card can be removably inserted into the socket body and disposed parallel to the first circuit board, the second circuit card having cache memory for use by the microprocessor.

An apparatus comprising:

• a package including a microprocessor;
• a circuit board;
• and
• a socket coupled to the package and to the circuit board, the socket including
• a socket body having a first surface coupled to the circuit board, a second surface parallel to the first surface and coupled to the package, and a third surface not parallel to the first surface, and
• a slot in the third surface, including an electrical interface at which a first circuit card can be removably inserted into the socket body and disposed parallel to the circuit board.