Intel Core i7-5500U socket: BGA 1168
The Intel Core i7-5500U uses the BGA 1168 package soldered to premium ultrabook boards. It is a dual core Broadwell-U part with four threads from 2.4 GHz to 3.0 GHz at 15 W with HD Graphics 5500.
- Socket
- BGA 1168
- Launched
- March 2015
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 4
- Base power
- 15 W
- Codename
- Broadwell-U
- Segment
- Mobile (soldered)
- Family
- Intel Core i7
- Clocks
- 2.4 / 3.0 GHz
Intel Core i7-5500U specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 4 |
| Core architecture | Broadwell cores on 14 nm |
| Clocks | 2.4 GHz base, up to 3.0 GHz turbo |
| Cache | 4 MB |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 15 W (7.5 W configurable down) |
| Manufacturing process | 14 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3L-1333 and 1600 and LPDDR3, two channels, up to 16 GB |
| PCI Express | PCIe 2.0, 12 lanes |
| Integrated graphics | Intel HD Graphics 5500 (300 MHz to 950 MHz) |
| Package | FCBGA1168 (40 × 24 mm, soldered) |
Motherboard compatibility
Intel Core i7-5500U needs a motherboard with a BGA 1168 socket. Chipset by chipset data for this codename is not recorded yet. See the BGA 1168 chipset list and the board maker's CPU support list.
BGA 1168 at a glance
| Type | BGA, 1,168 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 40 × 24 mm |
| Introduced | June 2013 |
| Memory | DDR3L-1333 and 1600 and LPDDR3-1333 and 1600, two channels, up to 16 GB |
| Cooler mounting holes | Not applicable (soldered) |
What the Core i7-5500U is
The Core i7-5500U leads 15 W Broadwell-U ultrabooks on BGA 1168 for premium thin work. Intel set two cores and four threads at 2.4 GHz base with turbo to 3.0 GHz. Four megabytes of cache help multitasking. Power is 15 W on 14 nm with 7.5 W idle points.
High base clocks for a 15 W dual core keep office work snappy without hunting turbo. Single thread bursts to 3.0 GHz cover foreground speed. Hyper-Threading handles background sync. The soldered SoC pairs with fast SSDs in flagship thin bodies.
HD Graphics 5500 from 300 MHz to 950 MHz drives premium panels with DisplayPort 4K. DDR3L-1333 and 1600 with LPDDR3 over two channels feed the chip. Buyers pick the 5500U where i7 branding and top 15 W clocks must fit a thin premium body.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 5500U solders to BGA 1168 at 40 × 24 mm with premium 15 W cooling. No swap exists. Flagship ultrabooks solder LPDDR3 and SSDs, so order specs once. Hinges and keyboards decide long term satisfaction alongside CPU.
SoC PCH-LP design keeps boards thin. The LGA, PGA and BGA: CPU package types explained guide covers soldered premium tradeoffs. Check warranty and battery replacement policy, since the CPU outlives wear parts.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
DDR3L-1333 and 1600 and LPDDR3 to 16 GB over two channels with up to 25.6 GB/s suit premium thin work. Paired memory lifts HD 5500. Eight to sixteen gigabytes covers travel with offline files.
PCIe 2.0 with 12 lanes in 4x1 and 2x4 splits feeds Wi-Fi and SATA SSDs. Premium SATA SSDs match Gen2 lanes. Capacity and endurance beat NVMe hunting on this interface.
Cooling is a refined single fan for 15 W. Sustained 2.4 GHz holds on desks. Lap heat trims turbo first in warm rooms.
Upgrade paths
No soldered upgrade exists. Step down to the Intel Core i5-5200U at 2.2 GHz to 2.7 GHz for value, or up to the Intel Core i7-5600U at 2.6 GHz to 3.2 GHz for top 15 W clocks. All share BGA-1168.
A new premium ultrabook is the only platform move. The How to find your CPU socket type guide helps verify soldered premium bodies.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Core i7-5500U use?
It uses BGA 1168, soldered.
How many cores does the Core i7-5500U have?
Two cores and four threads at 2.4 GHz base with turbo to 3.0 GHz.
Which graphics does the Core i7-5500U include?
Intel HD Graphics 5500 from 300 MHz to 950 MHz.
When did the Core i7-5500U launch?
March 2015 with premium Broadwell-U ultrabooks.
Sources and verification
- Intel Core i7-5500U Processor specifications (Intel)
- Broadwell microarchitecture (Wikipedia, Broadwell-U specs)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .