Chip creep refers to the problem of an
integrated circuit (chip) working its way out of its socket over time. This was mainly an issue in early PCs.
Chip creep occurs due to thermal expansion, which is expansion and contraction as the system heats up and cools down. It can also occur due to vibration. While chip creep was most common with older memory modules, it was also a problem with
CPUs and other main chips that were inserted into sockets. An example is the
Apple III
The Apple III (styled as apple ///) is a business-oriented personal computer produced by Apple Computer and released in 1980. Running the Apple SOS operating system, it was intended as the successor to the Apple II series, but was largely consi ...
, where its CPU would be dislodged and the user would need to reseat the chips.
To fix chip creep, users of older systems would often have to remove the case cover and push the loose chip back into the socket. Today's
computer systems
A computer is a machine that can be programmed to carry out sequences of arithmetic or logical operations (computation) automatically. Modern digital electronic computers can perform generic sets of operations known as programs. These program ...
are not as affected by chip creep, since chips are more securely held, either by various types of retainer clips or by being
soldered
Solder (; NA: ) is a fusible metal alloy used to create a permanent bond between metal workpieces. Solder is melted in order to wet the parts of the joint, where it adheres to and connects the pieces after cooling. Metals or alloys suitable ...
into place, and since system cooling has improved.
References
* {{cite book , last1=Meyers , first1=M. , last2=Jernigan , first2=S. , title=Mike Meyers' A+ Guide to PC Hardware , publisher=McGraw-Hill Technology Education , series=Mike Meyers' A+ Guide Series , year=2004 , isbn=978-0-07-223119-9 , url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mvo5rpAX3RsC , access-date=2022-07-11
Integrated circuits