Intel Core i5-8550 socket: LGA 1151
The Intel Core i5-8550 uses the LGA 1151 socket on revision 2 boards with 300 series chipsets. It is a six core desktop chip at 65 W.
- Socket
- LGA 1151 (revision 2)
- Launched
- September 2018
- Cores and threads
- 6 and 6
- Base power
- 65 W
- Codename
- Coffee Lake
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- Intel Core i5
- Clocks
- 3.0 / 4.3 GHz
Intel Core i5-8550 specifications
| Cores | 6 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 6 (no Hyper-Threading) |
| Core architecture | Coffee Lake cores on 14 nm |
| Clocks | 3.0 GHz base, up to 4.3 GHz |
| Cache | 9 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 65 W |
| Manufacturing process | 14 nm |
| Memory support | DDR4, two channels |
| PCI Express | 16 lanes from the CPU, PCIe 3.0 |
| Integrated graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | FCLGA1151 (37.5 by 37.5 mm) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Core i5-8550 needs a motherboard with a LGA 1151 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 300 series: B365 and Z390 | Z390, B365 | Works out of the box |
| 300 series: H310, B360, H370, Q370, Z370 | Z370, H370, B360, H310, Q370 | Works out of the box |
| 200 series | Z270, H270, B250, Q270, Q250 | Not supported |
| 100 series | Z170, H170, B150, H110, Q170, Q150 | Not supported |
Board makers publish a CPU support list for every model. Check it for your exact board before buying. Chipset details for LGA 1151.
LGA 1151 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 1,151 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 37.5 × 37.5 mm |
| Introduced | August 2015 |
| Memory | DDR4 on most boards (some early boards use DDR3L). DDR4 only on the second revision |
| Cooler mounting holes | 75 × 75 mm |
What the Core i5-8550 is
The Core i5-8550 covers mainstream towers with six Coffee Lake cores. It launched in September 2018 with a 3.0 GHz base and up to 4.3 GHz boost at 65 W. No public Intel ARK page exists for this OEM SKU, so Technical City plus TechPowerUp carry verification with cpu_list values matching both.
Nine megabytes of Smart Cache support office multitasking across six threads. The steady base sustains all core work. Boost to 4.3 GHz lifts single thread bursts in large documents.
UHD Graphics 630 handle office displays without a discrete card. The process is 14 nm. DDR4 in two channels suits mainstream towers. Memory max differs by source as 64 GB versus 128 GB, and this page uses 128 GB per TechPowerUp with a flag where Intel ARK is absent.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 8550 fits LGA 1151 on revision 2 boards only. B360 towers pair it with DDR4 for general offices. Early Z370 may need a BIOS update for late 8th Gen IDs. Revision 1 never works.
DDR4 in two channels suits six core offices with SSDs. Dual channel operation keeps video calls smooth. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide explains board generations.
Single socket desktops are standard. Another 300 series i5 on the same board adjusts clocks.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
DDR4 in two channels with SSDs gives responsive offices. Start with 16 GB where many tabs stay open.
Sixteen Gen3 lanes can hold NVMe while integrated graphics drive monitors. Most mainstream towers skip discrete cards.
65 W stock cooling from the CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide handles office heat.
Upgrade paths
On the same socket, the Intel Core i5-8500 trims clocks slightly for lower cost at the same 65 W. The Intel Core i5-8600 raises clocks at the same 65 W where listed. Both share 300 series boards.
Pentium Gold parts suit single app terminals with fewer threads.
Past LGA 1151 mainstream six core offices move to LGA 1200. The 8550 covers balanced towers where six cores must last.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Core i5-8550 use?
It uses LGA 1151 on revision 2 boards with 300 series chipsets.
How many cores does the 8550 have?
Six cores without Hyper-Threading give six threads. Base is 3.0 GHz with boost to 4.3 GHz.
Which graphics does the 8550 include?
UHD Graphics 630.
What memory does the 8550 support?
DDR4 in two channels.
When did the 8550 launch?
September 2018 with Coffee Lake. No public ARK page exists for this OEM SKU.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .