Intel Core 5 120U socket: BGA 1744
The Intel Core 5 120U uses BGA 1744, a 50 by 25 mm soldered BGA for Raptor Lake-U thin laptops with LPDDR5, DDR5 or DDR4 and 20 PCIe lanes. The 10-core chip at 15 W cannot be replaced.
- Socket
- BGA 1744
- Launched
- January 8, 2024
- Cores and threads
- 10 and 12
- Base power
- 15 W
- Codename
- Raptor Lake-U
- Segment
- Mobile (soldered)
- Family
- Intel Core 5
- Clocks
- 1.4 / 5.0 GHz
Intel Core 5 120U specifications
| Cores | 10 (2 Performance-cores plus 8 Efficient-cores) |
|---|---|
| Threads | 12 |
| Core architecture | Raptor Cove P-cores and Gracemont E-cores |
| Clocks | 1.4 GHz base, up to 5.0 GHz boost |
| Cache | 12 MB Intel Smart Cache |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 15 W |
| Manufacturing process | Intel 7 (10 nm) |
| Memory support | LPDDR5X-5200, DDR5-5200, LPDDR4X-4267 or DDR4-3200, 2 channels, up to 96 GB |
| PCI Express | PCIe Gen4 CPU plus Gen3 PCH (20 lanes) |
| Integrated graphics | Intel Graphics |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | FCBGA1744 (50 by 25 mm, soldered) |
Motherboard compatibility
Intel Core 5 120U needs a motherboard with a BGA 1744 socket. Chipset by chipset data for this codename is not recorded yet. See the BGA 1744 chipset list and the board maker's CPU support list.
BGA 1744 at a glance
| Type | BGA, 1,744 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 50 × 25 mm |
| Introduced | December 2024 |
| Memory | DDR4-3200 and DDR5-5200 to DDR5-6400 SODIMM or soldered LPDDR4X-4267 and LPDDR5X-5200 to LPDDR5X-6400, two channels, up to 96 GB |
| Cooler mounting holes | Not applicable (soldered) |
What the Core 5 120U is
The Core 5 120U is a 10-core and 12-thread mobile processor that Intel launched on January 8, 2024 for thin mainstream laptops. Two Performance-cores with 4 threads plus 8 Efficient-cores give 12 threads at 1.4 GHz P-core base and up to 5.0 GHz P-core turbo. Cache is 12 MB of Smart Cache. Base power is 15 W with turbo headroom for bursts, which balances office pace with battery life.
Iris-class Intel Graphics from shared memory handle office animation and light creation. The E-heavy 10-core layout keeps background services off the P-cores during calls. Board memory options span LPDDR5X down to DDR4 per laptop design, so the same silicon can appear in premium thin bodies or value SODIMM machines.
Students and office travelers with heavy browser loads fit here. Ten cores keep 20 tabs plus calls smooth where 6-core U parts queue. Buyers who need faster bursts for creation should take the Intel Core 7 150U with 5.4 GHz turbo instead, since this 120U prioritizes balanced throughput.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 120U solders to BGA 1744 at 50 by 25 mm with board memory. Cooling covers the 15 W base with turbo peaks in thin fans. No socket and no CPU swap exist, so core count is permanent.
Boards choose soldered LPDDR for battery or SODIMM DDR for serviceability. Both feed the same 10-core die through two channels. Wireless, NVMe and displays attach through Gen4 plus PCH lanes.
U-series shoppers compare 6-core versus 10-core inside BGA 1744. The 120U doubles E-cores over the Intel Core 3 100U for multitasking. The LGA, PGA and BGA: CPU package types explained guide covers the soldered tradeoff.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
LPDDR5X-5200, DDR5-5200, LPDDR4X or DDR4-3200 in two channels up to 96 GB is the board menu. Shared graphics favor dual-channel population. Soldered 16 GB covers office use, while SODIMM 32 GB helps large projects.
PCIe gives 20 lanes with Gen4 CPU plus Gen3 PCH for SSD and radios. One NVMe plus Wi-Fi is standard. Fixed splits mean second-SSD support varies by model.
Cooling is thin-body 15 W with turbo peaks. No retail cooler ships with soldered U. Clean vents preserve the 5.0 GHz burst feel.
Upgrade paths
No CPU upgrade exists. The choice is 6-core versus 10-core at order time. SODIMM RAM and NVMe can grow where fitted.
The next step is a whole laptop on Core Ultra platforms. A working 120U lasts years with storage care.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Core 5 120U use?
It uses BGA 1744, soldered at 50 by 25 mm. The chip cannot be replaced.
How fast is the Core 5 120U?
Ten cores and 12 threads at 1.4 GHz base and up to 5.0 GHz boost, with 12 MB of cache at 15 W.
What memory does the Core 5 120U support?
LPDDR5X, DDR5, LPDDR4X or DDR4 in two channels. Soldered size is fixed at order time.
Can the Core 5 120U be upgraded?
No. CPU solders at the factory. SODIMM and NVMe can change where the board allows.
Sources and verification
- Intel Core 3 processor 100U 10M Cache up to 4.70GHz FCBGA1744 platform pattern (Intel ARK)
- Intel Core 3 100U Raptor Lake-U BGA1744 6 cores benchmarks (Notebookcheck)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .