Intel Celeron G540 socket: LGA 1155
The Intel Celeron G540 uses the LGA 1155 socket. It is a 65 W dual core Sandy Bridge desktop part at 2.5 GHz.
- Socket
- LGA 1155
- Launched
- September 2011
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 2
- Base power
- 65 W
- Codename
- Sandy Bridge
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- Intel Celeron
- Clocks
- 2.5 GHz
Intel Celeron G540 specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 2 |
| Core architecture | Sandy Bridge cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 2.5 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 2 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 1000 MHz) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | FCLGA1155 (37.5 × 37.5 mm) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Celeron G540 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 Celeron G540 is
Intel Celeron G540 is a dual core Sandy Bridge desktop processor that Intel released in September 2011 for office towers. It runs at a fixed 2.5 GHz with no turbo and no Hyper-Threading, so 2 cores give 2 threads. Cache is 2 MB Intel Smart Cache. Power is 65 W on a 32 nm process. The 100 MHz step over the G530 at the same power suits single thread office tasks.
Graphics are Intel HD Graphics for Sandy Bridge at 850 MHz to 1000 MHz. The block covers office monitors and video without a card. The memory controller takes DDR3 at 1066 MT/s.
Towers pair it with H61, B75 or H77 boards and 4 GB of DDR3 for a direct office feel. Fixed 2.5 GHz clocks cover file, browser and terminal loads. The How to find your CPU socket type guide shows how to confirm the socket in a used tower.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Celeron G540 fits LGA 1155 in FCLGA1155 form. Both 6 series and 7 series boards boot Sandy Bridge directly. No update is needed for Sandy parts.
At 65 W standard desktop boards cover power and cooling. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers the chipset split.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR3-1066, two channels, up to 32 GB. Two matched DIMMs help the shared graphics block.
PCI Express is 16 lanes from the CPU at PCIe 2.0. Office builds usually skip a card.
Cooling is the 65 W stock pattern with push pins on 75 × 75 mm spacing.
Upgrade paths
On LGA 1155 the Celeron G540 can step to Pentium duals, Core i3 parts with Hyper-Threading, or quad i5 and i7 chips on the same board. Memory and storage carry over. A slower dual reference is Intel Celeron G530 on the same socket.
A platform move to LGA 1200 or newer needs a new board and DDR4 RAM.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Celeron G540 use?
It uses LGA 1155. Both 6 series and 7 series boards boot it directly.
How is the Celeron G540 different from the G530?
Base is 2.5 GHz instead of 2.4 GHz. Cache, power and graphics match.
What memory does the Celeron G540 use?
DDR3-1066, two channels, up to 32 GB.
Is the Celeron G540 unlocked?
No. The multiplier is locked.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .