Intel Core i3-8121U socket: BGA 1440
The Intel Core i3-8121U uses BGA 1440 as a soldered BGA package. It is the only shipped Cannon Lake 10 nm part, and its graphics are factory disabled so a discrete GPU is required.
- Socket
- BGA 1440
- Launched
- May 2018
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 4
- Base power
- 15 W
- Codename
- Cannon Lake
- Segment
- Mobile (soldered)
- Family
- Intel Core i3
- Clocks
- 2.2 / 3.2 GHz
Intel Core i3-8121U specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 4 |
| Core architecture | Cannon Lake |
| Clocks | 2.2 GHz base, up to 3.2 GHz turbo |
| Cache | 4 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 15 W |
| Manufacturing process | 10 nm |
| Memory support | DDR4-2400 and LPDDR4/x-2400, two channels, up to 32 GB |
| PCI Express | PCIe 3.0, 16 lanes from the CPU |
| Integrated graphics | None (GT2 slice factory disabled); a discrete GPU is required |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | BGA 1440 (soldered, 45 by 24 mm) |
Motherboard compatibility
Intel Core i3-8121U needs a motherboard with a BGA 1440 socket. Chipset by chipset data for this codename is not recorded yet. See the BGA 1440 chipset list and the board maker's CPU support list.
BGA 1440 at a glance
| Type | BGA, 1,440 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 42 × 28 mm |
| Introduced | April 2018 |
| Memory | DDR4-2933 on Comet Lake-H and DDR4-2666 on Coffee Lake-H, two channels, up to 128 GB |
| Cooler mounting holes | Not applicable (soldered) |
What the Core i3-8121U is
The Core i3-8121U is a two core, four thread mobile processor with a 2.2 GHz base and up to 3.2 GHz turbo. It carries 4 MB of Smart Cache and a 15 W TDP on the 10 nm process. Intel ARK lists it under code name Cannon Lake with a second quarter 2018 launch, and the database gives part number SRCVC.
It is the only Cannon Lake processor Intel ever shipped in volume, after repeated 10 nm delays pushed the rest of the family into Ice Lake. Two cores with Hyper-Threading cover basic laptop work from 2018. Cannon Lake cores are also the first mainstream Intel cores with AVX-512 vector extensions, which this SKU carries.
The graphics story defines the SKU: the GT2 slice sits on the die but Intel disabled it during factory binning, so no display output comes from the chip. Laptops pair it with an AMD discrete GPU for screens. Later operating systems even dropped its graphics driver code, since no shipped chip ever enabled it.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 8121U is soldered to the board in the BGA 1440 package and cannot be replaced. The database and Wikipedia both place it on BGA 1440, while current ARK quotes only the 45 by 24 mm package size without a socket name line. Board choice fixes the processor for the life of the laptop.
It appeared in a small set of 2018 laptops with discrete graphics, since the disabled engine cannot drive displays. Buyers today meet it only on the used market in those specific models. There is no socket retention or cooler choice beyond the maker design.
Service follows the laptop maker manual. The Intel Core i5-8300H is a nearby 45 W Coffee Lake-H alternative on the same package with working UHD graphics and wider laptop listings.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support covers DDR4-2400 or LPDDR4 and LPDDR4X at 2400 in two channels up to 32 GB, with up to 37.5 GB per sec of bandwidth. ECC is not supported. Two channel operation matters more than usual here, since the discrete GPU traffic shares board power and thermals.
PCI Express arrives as version 3.0 with 16 lanes from the CPU for the discrete graphics and NVMe storage. Laptop designs wire the GPU beside a fast SSD. Cooling follows the 15 W envelope with thin single fan designs from 2018.
Upgrade paths
There is no CPU upgrade path on soldered BGA 1440. The only moves are a larger SSD where the slot allows it or a whole laptop replacement. The 8121U is a collector curiosity as the lone Cannon Lake shipment rather than an upgrade target.
Staying on its board, an SSD and a clean OS install help more than chasing clocks. The locked multiplier removes overclocking as a tuning option.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Core i3-8121U use?
It uses BGA 1440 as a soldered package per the database and Wikipedia. Current ARK quotes only the 45 by 24 mm size. The chip cannot be replaced.
How many cores does the 8121U have?
Two cores with Hyper-Threading give four threads at 2.2 GHz base with up to 3.2 GHz turbo, with 4 MB of cache at 15 W.
Does the 8121U have integrated graphics?
None functional. The GT2 slice is factory disabled, so laptops pair this chip with a discrete GPU for all displays.
Does the 8121U support AVX-512?
Yes, Cannon Lake is the first mainstream Intel design with AVX-512 extensions, and this SKU carries them alongside AVX and AVX2.
What memory does the 8121U support?
DDR4-2400 or LPDDR4/x-2400 in two channels up to 32 GB. ECC is not supported.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .