Intel Core i5-520M socket: Socket G1
The Intel Core i5-520M uses the Socket G1 socket. It is a 35 W dual core Arrandale mobile part at 2.4 GHz with Turbo Boost to 2.933 GHz, Hyper-Threading and 3 MB of L3 cache. The same model also ships soldered on BGA 1288 boards.
- Socket
- Socket G1
- Launched
- January 2010
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 4
- Base power
- 35 W
- Codename
- Arrandale
- Segment
- Mobile (socketed)
- Family
- Intel Core i5
- Clocks
- 2.4 / 2.93 GHz
Intel Core i5-520M specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 4 |
| Core architecture | Arrandale cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 2.4 GHz base, 2.933 GHz Turbo Boost |
| Cache | 512 KB L2 (2 × 256 KB), 3 MB shared L3 |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 35 W |
| Manufacturing process | 32 nm CPU, 45 nm graphics |
| Memory support | DDR3-1066, two channels, up to 8 GB |
| PCI Express | PCIe 2.0 x16 from the package |
| Integrated graphics | HD Graphics (766 burst) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | Socket G1 (rPGA988A, 988 pins) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Core i5-520M needs a motherboard with a Socket G1 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 5 series mobile | HM55, HM57, QM57 | 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 Socket G1.
Socket G1 at a glance
| Type | rPGA, 988 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | n/a |
| Introduced | September 2009 |
| Memory | DDR3, two channels, up to 8 GB |
| Cooler mounting holes | Board specific (laptop heatsink) |
What the Core i5-520M is
The Intel Core i5-520M is a dual core Arrandale mobile processor that Intel launched in January 2010. It runs two Westmere cores at 2.4 GHz base with Turbo Boost to 2.933 GHz, with Hyper-Threading for four threads. Each core carries 256 KB of L2 cache with 3 MB of shared L3 cache. Power is rated at 35 W on a 32 nm CPU die with a 45 nm graphics die.
The 520M pairs the highest turbo in this batch with AES-NI, TXT and VT-d on the i5-5xx series. HD Graphics burst to 766 MHz covers office displays. The same model ships in both rPGA988A socketed and BGA1288 soldered packages; per the socketed package rule this page covers the socketed package, and the BGA row in the task list resolves to this page.
Memory is DDR3-1066 in two channels up to 8 GB through the on package controller.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Core i5-520M fits Socket G1 with 988 pins. HM55 class boards boot it directly. The BGA1288 soldered version needs its own board and is not interchangeable.
The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules, and the Intel Core i5-480M page shows a faster i5 on the same socket.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory is DDR3-1066 in two channels up to 8 GB.
PCIe 2.0 x16 comes from the package for discrete graphics options.
Cooling uses the vendor heat pipe assembly rated for 35 W.
Upgrade paths
On Socket G1 the upgrade is a Core i7 with 4 MB of cache on the same board. Beyond Socket G1 a move to Sandy Bridge needs a new notebook. This single page covers both task rows for the 520M, Socket G1 and BGA 1288, because they share one model name.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Core i5-520M use?
Socket G1, the 988-pin rPGA package. The same model also ships soldered on BGA 1288, covered by this page per the socketed package rule.
How many cores does the Core i5-520M have?
Two cores and four threads at 2.4 GHz base with Turbo Boost to 2.933 GHz, with 256 KB of L2 per core and 3 MB of shared L3 cache.
What memory works with the Core i5-520M?
DDR3-1066 in two channels up to 8 GB.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .