Mainly referenced to older
computer systems.
Chip creep refers to the problem of
chips that, over
time, would work their way out of the
socket. Chip
creep occurred due to thermal expansion; the contracting and expanding during
system heat up and cool down. While chip creep was most common with older
memory modules it was a problem with other main chips
that were inserted into sockets. 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 systems are not affected so much by chip creep since chips
are mainly soldered into place or are more securely held by various types of
retainer clips.
