Intel Pentium G850 socket: LGA 1155
The Intel Pentium G850 uses the LGA 1155 socket. It is a 65 W dual core Sandy Bridge desktop part at 2.9 GHz for budget towers.
- Socket
- LGA 1155
- Launched
- May 2011
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 2
- Base power
- 65 W
- Codename
- Sandy Bridge
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- Intel Pentium
- Clocks
- 2.9 GHz
Intel Pentium G850 specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 2 |
| Core architecture | Sandy Bridge cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 2.9 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 3 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 65 W |
| Manufacturing process | 32 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3-1066 and 1333, 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 G850 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 G850 is
Intel Pentium G850 is a dual core Sandy Bridge desktop processor that Intel released in May 2011 for budget towers. It runs at a fixed 2.9 GHz with no turbo and no Hyper-Threading, so 2 cores give 2 threads. Cache is 3 MB Intel Smart Cache. Power is 65 W on a 32 nm process.
The G850 sits one step below the G860 in the early Sandy Pentium stack. Office suites feel quick and light photo work stays usable. Threaded renders still favor Core i3 and i5 parts.
Graphics are Intel HD Graphics for Sandy Bridge at 850 MHz to 1100 MHz. The block drives office monitors at full resolution. A discrete card is only needed for extra outputs or 3D tasks.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Pentium G850 fits LGA 1155 in FCLGA1155 form. H61, H67, P67, Z68 and later B75 plus H77 boards all boot Sandy duals directly. No BIOS update is needed for this chip.
Small tower makers used the G850 with H61 boards and 4 GB of DDR3. Any retail board with the G850 string in its CPU list works the same way.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 32 GB. Matched pairs help shared graphics. ECC is not supported.
PCI Express is 16 lanes from the CPU at PCIe 2.0 for a single graphics or I/O card. Most builds leave the slot empty.
Cooling is the standard 65 W desktop heatsink on 75 × 75 mm spacing. The CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide notes this mount carries across LGA 1155, 1150, 1151 and 1200.
Upgrade paths
On LGA 1155 the G850 can move to the G860 for 100 MHz more, or to a Core i3 for Hyper-Threading and faster graphics. The board, RAM and storage stay. A same socket 35 W alternative is Intel Pentium G860T.
A platform move to DDR4 needs a new board and RAM. Retire the G850 box to classroom duty.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Pentium G850 use?
It uses LGA 1155 in FCLGA1155 form.
How is the Pentium G850 different from the G840?
The G850 runs at 2.9 GHz. The G840 runs at 2.8 GHz. Other specs match.
What memory does the Pentium G850 use?
DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 32 GB.
Does the Pentium G850 have Hyper-Threading?
No. Two cores give 2 threads at a fixed 2.9 GHz.
Sources and verification
- Intel Pentium G850 2.9 GHz 2 cores 65 W FCLGA1155 (PassMark)
- Sandy Bridge LGA1155 processor overview (Shuttle, G850 2.9 GHz 65 W HD 850 to 1100 MHz)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .