BGA 1283 socket: CPUs, chipsets and cooler fit
BGA 1283, also called FC-BGA1283, is the Intel soldered package for Centerton Atom server SoCs. It carries 1,283 balls and solders directly to the microserver board. Intel launched the S1200 series in December 2012 at 6 to 9 W with 64 bit support, ECC memory and virtualization, which earlier Atom parts lacked.
Quick facts
| Maker | Intel |
|---|---|
| Package type | BGA |
| Contacts | 1,283 |
| Package size | n/a |
| Introduced | December 2012 |
| Status | Legacy |
| Memory | DDR3-1333 ECC, single channel, up to 8 GB |
| PCIe from the CPU | 8 PCIe 2.0 lanes from the SoC |
| Cooler mounting holes | Board specific (server heatsink) |
| Replaces | None |
| Replaced by | Avoton |
Overview
The package combines two Saltwell CPU cores with Hyper-Threading, a single channel DDR3 ECC controller and 8 PCIe 2.0 lanes on one die. That integration suits fanless microservers and cold storage nodes, where one soldered chip covers compute, memory control and I/O without chipset overhead.
BGA 1283 was superseded by Avoton on the same ball count with Silvermont cores and more lanes. Because the chip solders down, buying decisions should weigh memory slots and Ethernet ports alongside the processor. A board replacement is the only CPU upgrade path.
Centerton arrived as a 64 bit Saltwell server SoC after years of 32 bit only Atom parts, which let microservers run standard 64 bit Linux distributions with virtualization. The S1240 at 6.1 W anchors the efficiency end while the S1260 at 2.0 GHz and 8.5 W tops the range, all sharing the same board footprint. Later Avoton parts reused the 1,283-ball count with Silvermont cores, more memory channels and more PCIe lanes.
Processor generations
| Codename | Marketing name | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Centerton | Atom S1200 series microservers | 2012 to 2013 | Saltwell dual core server SoCs with Hyper-Threading, ECC memory and up to 8 PCIe 2.0 lanes, launched in December 2012, including the S1220, S1240 and S1260. |
Soldered server package
BGA 1283 processors solder with 1,283 balls and cannot be removed or replaced. There is no retention lever, no pin grid and no aftermarket mounting choice. Thermal design uses the microserver chassis and heat spreader sized for the 6 to 9 W envelope, with passive cooling common across the range.
Because the chip cannot be swapped, the practical check before buying a used Centerton microserver is the condition of the whole system. Ethernet ports, SATA bays, power supply health and OS support matter more than the exact S1200 model. A board replacement is the only CPU upgrade path, and it usually costs more than the node is worth.
Memory and I/O
BGA 1283 designs use DDR3-1333 with ECC over one channel up to 8 GB. ECC catches single bit errors in always on nodes, which is the main reason servers pick Centerton over client Atom parts. Registered DIMMs are not used on this single channel platform.
PCI Express is 8 PCIe 2.0 lanes from the SoC for NICs, SATA controllers and SSDs. Boards wire lanes to dual gigabit Ethernet and storage rather than graphics slots. USB, UART and SATA round out board I/O, so the maker spec sheet is the final word on ports.
Platform lifecycle
BGA 1283 covers Centerton from December 2012 through 2013. Intel moved microservers to Avoton with Silvermont cores, more memory channels and more PCIe lanes on the same ball count. New compatible boards are therefore used or old stock, not current retail.
For a working Centerton node the practical path is care: free storage, clean airflow paths, and realistic workload expectations on a dual core Saltwell platform. A platform move means a new microserver with a 64 bit SoC and current OS support. The How to find your CPU socket type guide explains how to confirm the package before ordering parts.
CPUs on BGA 1283
3 processor pages in the database, newest first.
| Processor | Cores / threads | Base / boost | TDP | Launched |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intel Atom S1220 | 2 / 4 | 1.6 GHz | 8.1 W | Dec 2012 |
| Intel Atom S1240 | 2 / 4 | 1.6 GHz | 6.1 W | Dec 2012 |
| Intel Atom S1260 | 2 / 4 | 2.0 GHz | 8.5 W | Dec 2012 |
Frequently asked questions
Can a BGA 1283 processor be replaced or upgraded?
No. The chip solders with 1,283 balls. A faster microserver means a new board or a new chassis. Memory is also soldered or slotted per board design.
Which processors fit BGA 1283?
Centerton Saltwell server SoCs S1220, S1240 and S1260 with two cores, Hyper-Threading, ECC memory and up to 8 PCIe 2.0 lanes. Later Avoton parts use the same ball count with a different silicon revision.
What memory does BGA 1283 use?
DDR3-1333 with ECC over one channel up to 8 GB. ECC catches single bit errors in always on microservers. Registered DIMMs are not used on this single channel platform.
How many PCIe lanes does BGA 1283 provide?
8 PCIe 2.0 lanes from the SoC for NICs, SATA controllers and SSDs. Boards wire lanes to dual gigabit Ethernet and storage rather than graphics slots.
Does Centerton run 64 bit operating systems?
Yes. Centerton added Intel 64 plus VT-x virtualization and ECC memory, which earlier 32 bit Atom parts lacked. Standard 64 bit Linux distributions install normally.
Sources and verification
- Intel Atom S1240 Specifications (ARK, FCBGA1283, ECC, 8x PCIe)
- List of Intel Atom processors (Wikipedia, Centerton table)
- Intel Atom S Series (ARK, S1220/S1240/S1260 launch and TDP)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .