We have reported previously that Sandy Bridge, the next generation 32nm hybrid-monolithic CPU/GPU processor supports Intel's LGA 1155 socket. Today, however, we are able to confirm that this socket is slightly different than LGA 1156 Socket H1. In perspective, Socket LGA1156, or H1, is the socket of choice for all Core 2010 processors - Lynnfield, Clarkdale and second-generation Nehalem.

Intel's new socket, in contrast, is designed specifically for Sandy Bridge CPUs and it is simply called H2. In its future plans, Intel sees this socket as a separate entity from LGA 1156 socket H1. The new socket H2 is also mentioned as LGA 1155, and the apparent absence of a single pin might make all the difference.

Due in part to the fact that Sandy Bridge processors require a new 6-series chipset, socket H1 and H2 won't be compatible with each other and in good old Intel's transition philosophy, you will need to swap out and upgrade your motherboard in order to make your new 32nm desktop CPU work.

Intel's LGA 1155 H2 socket is expected to take a whopping 9-percent of total socket transition guide in Q1 2011 and it will only grow from that point.