[SOLVED] Question about LGA1150 socket layout - not related to 1150 pins, but center section

[bking60]

I'm in the market for a replacement Z97-based MB for a computer until I can swing the "big" upgrade, and when I look at available used boards I see some differences in the socket that confuse me. Specifically, what are the contacts in the center of the socket? They seem to be laid out in 3 rows of 9 contacts, but not all the MBs I look at show all 27 contacts, but they all seem to show all 27 on the bottom of the MB.

For example, the first picture is the socket for a ASUS Z97-Deluxe, which I have compared to some others and they all match. The 2nd picture is for a ASUS Z97-WS.

Z97-Deluxe

Z97-WS

First off, what are these contacts used for? Second, is there something wrong with the Z97-WS "missing" a contact?

 

[thx1138v2]

Those are not contacts. They are surface mount capacitors. There are none missing.

BTW, the first link gives a 404 error.

 

[bking60]

Those are not contacts. They are surface mount capacitors. There are none missing.

BTW, the first link gives a 404 error.

So any differences between MBs are just part of the MB design, not anything to do with the socket itself. Thanks!

FIxed the link. BTW.