Intel Celeron 3205U socket: BGA 1168
The Intel Celeron 3205U uses the BGA 1168 package soldered to laptop boards. It is a dual core Broadwell-U part at 1.5 GHz and 15 W, and the soldered chip cannot be replaced.
- Socket
- BGA 1168
- Launched
- March 2015
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 2
- Base power
- 15 W
- Codename
- Broadwell-U
- Segment
- Mobile (soldered)
- Family
- Intel Celeron
- Clocks
- 1.5 GHz
Intel Celeron 3205U specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 2 |
| Core architecture | Broadwell cores on 14 nm |
| Clocks | 1.5 GHz (no boost) |
| Cache | 2 MB |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 15 W |
| 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 |
| Package | FCBGA1168 (40 × 24 mm, soldered) |
Motherboard compatibility
Intel Celeron 3205U 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 Celeron 3205U is
The Celeron 3205U is the entry Broadwell-U dual core for budget laptops on BGA 1168. Intel set two cores and two threads at a fixed 1.5 GHz with 2 MB of cache. Processor base power is 15 W on 14 nm from March 2015. No turbo and no Hyper-Threading keep cost and power down.
Fixed clocks suit web kiosks and school machines where steady response beats bursts. Two megabytes of cache cover a browser with a few tabs. The 14 nm process stretches battery in plastic bodies. Buyers meet it in low cost 15 inch notebooks with SSDs or eMMC.
Intel HD Graphics drives the laptop panel and an external monitor for office work. DDR3L and LPDDR3 over two channels feed the chip. The value case is simple: a fanless feeling dual core for writing, browsing and video playback at minimal price.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 3205U solders to BGA 1168 with laptop cooling for 15 W. No socket and no later swap exist. Shoppers pick screen, memory and storage once. Storage and Wi-Fi are the only parts that sometimes change later.
Mobile Broadwell chipsets pair with U silicon rather than desktop boards. The LGA, PGA and BGA: CPU package types explained guide explains soldered limits. Check the manual for memory slots, since some budget boards solder RAM as well.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
DDR3L-1333 and 1600 plus LPDDR3 to 16 GB over two channels suit budget laptops. A single 4 GB stick covers kiosk use, 8 GB suits school multitasking. Paired modules help graphics in video calls. ECC is absent.
PCIe 2.0 with 12 lanes from the CPU feeds Wi-Fi, storage and readers. Most 3205U laptops use SATA SSDs or eMMC, which match Gen2 lanes without waste. A 2.5 inch SATA SSD is the best feel upgrade.
Cooling is a small fan and spreader for 15 W with no boxed cooler. Thin plastic bodies run warm under video. Clean vents help sustained 1.5 GHz in hot rooms.
Upgrade paths
No CPU upgrade exists on soldered BGA-1168. Shoppers compare the Intel Celeron 3755U at 1.7 GHz above with the Intel Pentium 3805U adding threads nearby. All share the package, so clocks and threads decide.
A new laptop means a new platform. The How to find your CPU socket type guide helps confirm soldered budget designs.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Celeron 3205U use?
It uses BGA 1168, soldered. It cannot be replaced.
How many cores does the Celeron 3205U have?
Two cores and two threads at a fixed 1.5 GHz with 2 MB of cache.
What is the TDP of the Celeron 3205U?
15 W for budget laptops.
When did the Celeron 3205U launch?
March 2015 with Broadwell-U value parts.
Sources and verification
- Broadwell microarchitecture (Wikipedia, Broadwell-U specs)
- Intel Core i5-5200U Processor specifications (Intel, Broadwell-U family data)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .