Socket G3 socket: CPUs, chipsets and cooler fit
Socket G3 is the Intel socketed mobile socket for Haswell M, MQ and MX processors. It is an rPGA design with 946 contacts, also listed as rPGA946B, rPGA947 and FCPGA946 in Intel documents. The processor package measures 37.5 × 37.5 mm and seats with pins, unlike the soldered BGA1364 HQ package at 37.5 × 32 mm. Intel launched the socket with Haswell mobile in 2013 alongside the Lynx Point mobile chipsets.
Quick facts
| Maker | Intel |
|---|---|
| Package type | rPGA |
| Contacts | 946 |
| Package size | 37.5 × 37.5 mm |
| Introduced | June 2013 |
| Status | Legacy |
| Memory | DDR3L-1333 and 1600, two channels, up to 32 GB |
| PCIe from the CPU | PCIe 3.0, 16 lanes from the CPU |
| Cooler mounting holes | Board specific (laptop heatsink) |
| Replaces | Socket G2 |
| Replaced by | BGA packages (soldered) |
Overview
The socket exists for laptops that keep CPU choice open, from business models with dual core M parts through mobile workstations with quad MQ parts to large gaming bodies with Extreme MX parts. Cores span two cores with four threads on M through four cores with eight threads on MQ and MX. Graphics are HD Graphics 4600 across the range, with base clocks from 400 MHz and turbo to 1.3 GHz on MQ and 1.35 GHz on the Extreme MX. Memory stays DDR3L over two channels to 32 GB. PCIe arrives as 3.0 with 16 lanes from the CPU for discrete graphics and storage.
Because it is the last pin grid mobile socket from Intel, later mobile generations moved to soldered BGA only. Boards pair the socket with HM87, HM86 and QM87 companions for I/O. Laptop makers tune heatsinks per chassis for 37 W through 57 W, so cooler choice follows the service manual rather than a desktop pattern.
Processor generations
| Codename | Marketing name | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haswell | 4th Gen Core mobile M, MQ and MX | 2013 to 2014 | Socketed Haswell mobile from dual core M at 37 W through quad MQ at 47 W to Extreme MX at 57 W with HD Graphics 4600, launched in 2013 to 2014. |
Chipsets for Socket G3
Lynx Point mobile (8 series)
Launched with Haswell mobile in 2013 for Socket G3 boards.
| Chipset | Segment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| HM87 | Mainstream | Performance tuning for unlocked mobile processors. |
| HM86 | Value | |
| QM87 | Business | Business manageability for mobile workstations. |
Who Socket G3 serves
Socket G3 fits socketed Haswell laptops where the CPU can change: business notebooks with i7-4610M dual cores, mobile workstations with i7-4810MQ and i7-4910MQ quads, and large gaming bodies with the unlocked i7-4940MX Extreme. The 37 W M class suits 14 inch and larger bodies, the 47 W MQ class suits 15 inch workstations with dual fans, and the 57 W MX class needs 17 inch bodies with large pipes.
Within the socket the choice is threads against clocks at fixed graphics. The i7-4610M gives two cores with four threads at 3.0 GHz to 3.7 GHz for office mobility. The i7-4810MQ and i7-4910MQ give four cores with eight threads at 2.8 GHz to 3.8 GHz and 2.9 GHz to 3.9 GHz for builds and renders. The i7-4940MX gives 3.1 GHz to 4.0 GHz unlocked for tuning on HM87. Pick by thread needs and chassis cooling rather than base clocks alone.
Memory and PCIe
Memory support is DDR3L-1333 and 1600 across two channels to 32 GB with up to 25.6 GB/s. Most boards carry two SODIMM slots, while workstation bodies carry four for the full 32 GB. Matched pairs lift HD 4600 in calls and playback. ECC is not offered on these mobile parts.
PCIe comes as 16 lanes of PCIe 3.0 from the CPU in 1x16, 2x8 and 1x8 plus 2x4 splits for discrete graphics and fast drives. Gaming and workstation designs wire lanes to MXM graphics and mSATA or SATA Express paths per model. The Lynx Point companions add PCIe 2.0 lanes with up to eight lanes on HM87 for USB 3.0, SATA and networking. Exact wiring follows the laptop manual.
CPUs on Socket G3
17 processor pages in the database, newest first.
| Processor | Cores / threads | Base / boost | TDP | Launched |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intel Core i7-4710MQ | 4 / 8 | 2.5 / 3.5 GHz | 47 W | Apr 2014 |
| Intel Core i7-4712MQ | 4 / 8 | 2.3 / 3.3 GHz | 37 W | Apr 2014 |
| Intel Core i7-4610M | 2 / 4 | 3.0 / 3.7 GHz | 37 W | Feb 2014 |
| Intel Core i7-4810MQ | 4 / 8 | 2.8 / 3.8 GHz | 47 W | Feb 2014 |
| Intel Core i7-4910MQ | 4 / 8 | 2.9 / 3.9 GHz | 47 W | Feb 2014 |
| Intel Core i7-4940MX | 4 / 8 | 3.1 / 4.0 GHz | 57 W | Feb 2014 |
| Intel Celeron 2950M | 2 / 2 | 2.0 GHz | 37 W | Oct 2013 |
| Intel Core i3-4000M | 2 / 4 | 2.4 GHz | 37 W | Oct 2013 |
| Intel Core i5-4300M | 2 / 4 | 2.6 / 3.3 GHz | 37 W | Oct 2013 |
| Intel Core i5-4330M | 2 / 4 | 2.8 / 3.5 GHz | 37 W | Oct 2013 |
| Intel Core i7-4600M | 2 / 4 | 2.9 / 3.6 GHz | 37 W | Oct 2013 |
| Intel Pentium 3550M | 2 / 2 | 2.3 GHz | 37 W | Oct 2013 |
| Intel Core i7-4900MQ | 4 / 8 | 2.8 / 3.8 GHz | 47 W | Jun 2013 |
| Intel Core i7-4930MX | 4 / 8 | 3.0 / 3.9 GHz | 57 W | Jun 2013 |
| Intel Core i7-4700MQ | 4 / 8 | 2.4 / 3.4 GHz | 47 W | May 2013 |
| Intel Core i7-4702MQ | 4 / 8 | 2.2 / 3.2 GHz | 37 W | May 2013 |
| Intel Core i7-4800MQ | 4 / 8 | 2.7 / 3.7 GHz | 47 W | Apr 2013 |
Frequently asked questions
Which processors fit Socket G3?
Haswell M, MQ and MX mobile parts with M, MQ or MX suffixes, such as i7-4610M, i7-4810MQ, i7-4910MQ and i7-4940MX. Soldered HQ parts need BGA 1364 and U parts need BGA 1168. The packages never interchange.
Is Socket G3 the same as Socket G2?
No. Socket G3 is rPGA with 946 pin holes for Haswell mobile. Socket G2 is rPGA988B for Ivy Bridge mobile with a different pin count. Parts do not move between them.
What memory does Socket G3 use?
DDR3L-1333 and 1600 over two channels to 32 GB on most boards. Four SODIMM slots on workstation bodies allow the full population. Matched pairs help HD Graphics 4600.
Can Socket G3 overclock?
Yes, on boards with HM87 and unlocked MX processors such as the i7-4940MX. Ratio control follows the board firmware. Locked M and MQ parts run at rated speeds.
Sources and verification
- Socket G3 (Wikipedia, contacts and Haswell mobile list)
- Mobile 4th Gen Core Family Datasheet Vol 1 (Intel, rPGA package sizes)
- Intel Core i7-4710MQ Specs (TechPowerUp, Socket G3 memory and PCIe)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .