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CPU/PPU Testing Socket

There are a few sockets on the market that fit the Super Nintendo's CPUs/PPUs, which can make testing these ICs easier. These sockets can be soldered onto a working motherboard and used to isolate and test ICs that you suspect have problem…

2 min readUpdated Oct 9, 2026

There are a few sockets on the market that fit the Super Nintendo's CPUs/PPUs, which can make testing these ICs easier. These sockets can be soldered onto a working motherboard and used to isolate and test ICs that you suspect have problems.

These sockets will work for either the SNES CPU or either one of its PPUs as they use the same package size.

Yamaichi IC149-100-014-B5

Though a bit pricey, this socket has been used successfully as-is by several people in the community.

PunkNDisordelyGamer has two videos that show it in use: 1 2

It can be purchased from Mouser.

Altera PL-SKT/Q100 Development Socket

This socket is intended to be used for Altera 100-Pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP) chips which conform to the ANSI Y14.5M – 1994 spec tolerances and dimensions. It just so happens that this spec's pitch, pin count and spacing fits the SNES CPU/PPU package spec as well.

This alternative was found to work by using a 3D printed adapter made by manadream. It aligns the SNES chip in the socket properly and allows for the stock, snap-on piece to apply pressure on the chip. You must use this adapter for this socket to work as the SNES CPU does not fit properly on its own.

Another example of this socket being used can be seen on DogP's Nintendo Super System Repair Logs if you scroll down a bit. It's not 100% clear if this is the exact same socket but it sure looks like it is.

The socket can be purchased from this eBay listing (at the time of writing, 02/05/2025, you get 3 sockets for the price listed).