I got a great score on an exotic DMM from the 80s where the only problem was a weak ROM socket. Machine pin sockets might be OK (if you're always inserting a b

I got a great score on an exotic DMM from the 80s where the only problem was a weak ROM socket. Machine pin sockets might be OK (if you're always inserting a brand new IC) but dual wipe definitely wears out. Gold plating only works for expensive parts, and only if you have the same plating on both parts. The 10u gold alloys on flashy audio equipment looks great but they aren't likely to be any more reliable than tin. A gold socket can't save a tin balled CPU: http://www.te.com/documentation/whitepapers/pdf/p316-90.pdf http://www.te.com/documentation/whitepapers/pdf/p316-90.pdf