Paul Schreiber wrote:
> How about this factoid:
> I have shipped over 100,000 (yep, 100,000) ICs/transistors/semiconductors.
> Exactly ∗2 parts∗ in ∗7 years∗ have "gone bad".
>
> If IC sockets are all that great, then where are they? They are for EPROMS and
> expensive ICs. They are not for 20 cent parts.
>
> If any MOTM user wants me to replace a "bad IC" I'll do it for $5.
>
> There are 100s of documented reports showing the IC socket ∗reduces system
> reliability∗ by a HUGE number (like 10 TIMES).
>
> Again, Apple III disaster........
And Apple II, II+, and IIe (when companies like Tandy had already figured out in
1977 that sockets reduced reliability).
My experience echoes Paul's. I also own/operate an arcade, and the boards we
consistently have more problems with are ones with socketed ICs.
He's also right in that replacing an IC is easy. One does not have to "desolder"
the chip - instead, just cut it out with some snips and heat/desolder the holes.
It's easier than attempting to desolder a chip, and no traces get lifted, either.
-->Neil