Intel Core i3-2100 socket: LGA 1155
The Intel Core i3-2100 uses the LGA 1155 socket. It is a 65 W dual core Sandy Bridge desktop part at 3.1 GHz with Hyper-Threading for office towers.
- Socket
- LGA 1155
- Launched
- February 2011
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 4
- Base power
- 65 W
- Codename
- Sandy Bridge
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- Intel Core i3
- Clocks
- 3.1 GHz
Intel Core i3-2100 specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 4 |
| Core architecture | Sandy Bridge cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 3.1 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 3 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 65 W |
| Manufacturing process | 32 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 32 GB |
| PCI Express | 16 lanes from the CPU, PCIe 2.0 |
| Integrated graphics | Intel HD Graphics 2000 (850 MHz to 1100 MHz) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | FCLGA1155 (37.5 × 37.5 mm) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Core i3-2100 needs a motherboard with a LGA 1155 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 7 series | Z77, Z75, H77, B75, Q77, Q75 | Works out of the box |
| 6 series: H61, H67, P67, Z68 | Z68, P67, H67, H61 | Works out of the box |
| 6 series business: B65, Q65, Q67 | Q67, Q65, B65 | Works out of the box |
Board makers publish a CPU support list for every model. Check it for your exact board before buying. Chipset details for LGA 1155.
LGA 1155 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 1,155 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 37.5 × 37.5 mm |
| Introduced | January 2011 |
| Memory | DDR3 |
| Cooler mounting holes | 75 × 75 mm |
What the Core i3-2100 is
Intel Core i3-2100 is a dual core Sandy Bridge desktop processor that Intel released in February 2011 for office towers. It runs at a fixed 3.1 GHz with no turbo and includes Hyper-Threading, so 2 cores give 4 threads. Cache is 3 MB Intel Smart Cache. Power is 65 W on a 32 nm process with 504 million transistors.
The i3-2100 became a common office choice because threaded performance stayed strong while the price sat below Core i5. Browser based apps, spreadsheets and playback run smoothly. It lacks turbo, so clocks never rise above the rated 3.1 GHz.
Graphics are Intel HD Graphics 2000 at 850 MHz to 1100 MHz. The block runs office monitors at native resolution. A boxed cooler ships with retail stock.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Core i3-2100 fits LGA 1155 in FCLGA1155 form. Every 6 series and 7 series board boots Sandy Bridge directly, including H61, H67, P67, Z68, B75 and H77. No BIOS step is needed for this chip.
P67 boards cannot use the integrated graphics, while H61, H67, Z68 and 7 series boards can. Pick a board with the outputs the monitors need. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide maps these splits.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 32 GB. Intel lists 21 GB/s bandwidth with DDR3-1333. ECC is not supported.
PCI Express is 16 lanes from the CPU at PCIe 2.0. A single x16 slot takes a low profile card where office graphics need help.
Cooling is the standard 65 W push pin heatsink on 75 × 75 mm spacing. Stock paste and a clean fan hold rated clocks.
Upgrade paths
On LGA 1155 the i3-2100 can move to the i3-2120 or i3-2130 for higher clocks, or to a Core i5 2300 for quad cores. The same board and DDR3 carry over. A Pentium based comparison on the same socket is Intel Pentium G620.
A move to LGA 1200 or another DDR4 platform needs a new board and RAM. Retire the i3-2100 board to lab duty.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Core i3-2100 use?
It uses LGA 1155. All 6 series and 7 series boards boot it directly.
Does the Core i3-2100 have Hyper-Threading?
Yes. Two cores give 4 threads.
What memory does the Core i3-2100 use?
DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 32 GB.
Is the Core i3-2100 unlocked?
No. The multiplier is locked.
Sources and verification
- Intel Core i3-2100 Processor (Intel ARK, 3.1 GHz, 4 threads, 65 W, HD2000 850 to 1100)
- Intel Core i3-2100 Specs (TechPowerUp, 3.1 GHz, 65 W, February 2011, HD2000)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .