Intel Pentium G640 socket: LGA 1155
The Intel Pentium G640 uses the LGA 1155 socket. It is a 65 W dual core Sandy Bridge desktop part at 2.8 GHz.
- Socket
- LGA 1155
- Launched
- June 2012
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 2
- Base power
- 65 W
- Codename
- Sandy Bridge
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- Intel Pentium
- Clocks
- 2.8 GHz
Intel Pentium G640 specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 2 |
| Core architecture | Sandy Bridge cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 2.8 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 3 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 65 W |
| Manufacturing process | 32 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3-1066, two channels, up to 32 GB |
| PCI Express | 16 lanes from the CPU, PCIe 2.0 |
| Integrated graphics | Intel HD Graphics (850 MHz to 1100 MHz) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | FCLGA1155 (37.5 × 37.5 mm) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Pentium G640 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 Pentium G640 is
Intel Pentium G640 is a dual core Sandy Bridge desktop processor that Intel released in June 2012 for standard office towers. It runs at a fixed 2.8 GHz with no turbo, with 3 MB Intel Smart Cache and 2 threads. Power is rated at 65 W on a 32 nm process. The higher base over T parts trades heat for speed in ventilated towers.
Graphics are Intel HD Graphics for 2nd Gen at 850 MHz to 1100 MHz. The higher base over T graphics steadies display work. The memory controller takes DDR3 at 1066 MT/s in two channels.
Towers pair it with H61, B75 or H77 boards, 4 GB of DDR3 and a small SSD for a direct office feel. Fixed 2.8 GHz clocks cover file, browser and terminal loads. The How to find your CPU socket type guide helps confirm the socket in a used tower.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Pentium G640 fits LGA 1155 in FCLGA1155 form. Both 6 series and 7 series boards boot Sandy Bridge directly, so H61, H67, P67, Z68, B75 and H77 all work. No BIOS update is needed for Sandy parts.
At 65 W standard desktop boards with stock cooling cover it. Board choice turns on display outputs and slots. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR3-1066, two channels, up to 32 GB. Two matched DIMMs help the shared graphics block. ECC is not supported.
PCI Express is 16 lanes from the CPU at PCIe 2.0. Most builds stay on integrated graphics for office monitors.
Cooling follows the 65 W desktop pattern with a stock push pin heatsink on 75 × 75 mm spacing.
Upgrade paths
On LGA 1155 the Pentium G640 can move to faster Pentium duals, Core i3 parts with Hyper-Threading, or quad i5 and i7 chips on the same board. Ivy models need a current BIOS. Memory and storage carry over. A low power reference is Intel Pentium G640T.
A platform move to DDR4 boards such as LGA 1200 needs a new board and RAM. Keep the G640 tower for office duty where dual Sandy cores still work.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Pentium G640 use?
It uses LGA 1155. Both 6 series and 7 series boards boot it directly.
Does the Pentium G640 have Hyper-Threading?
No. Two cores give 2 threads at a fixed 2.8 GHz.
What memory does the Pentium G640 use?
DDR3-1066, two channels, up to 32 GB.
Is the Pentium G640 unlocked?
No. The multiplier is locked.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .