Intel Core i3-530 socket: LGA 1156
The Intel Core i3-530 uses the LGA 1156 socket. It is a 73 W dual core Clarkdale desktop part at 2.933 GHz with Hyper-Threading and 4 MB of L3 cache.
- Socket
- LGA 1156
- Launched
- January 7, 2010
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 4
- Base power
- 73 W
- Codename
- Clarkdale
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- Intel Core i3
- Clocks
- 2.93 GHz
Intel Core i3-530 specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 4 |
| Core architecture | Clarkdale cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 2.933 GHz (no Turbo Boost) |
| Cache | 512 KB L2 (2 × 256 KB), 4 MB shared L3 |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 73 W |
| Manufacturing process | 32 nm CPU, 45 nm graphics |
| Memory support | DDR3-1333, two channels |
| PCI Express | PCIe 2.0 x16 from the package |
| Integrated graphics | HD Graphics 733 MHz |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | LGA1156 |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Core i3-530 needs a motherboard with a LGA 1156 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 5 series with graphics | H55, H57, Q57 | Works out of the box |
| P55 performance | P55 | Works out of the box Onboard video ports stay dark on P55. Use a separate graphics card. |
Board makers publish a CPU support list for every model. Check it for your exact board before buying. Chipset details for LGA 1156.
LGA 1156 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 1,156 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | n/a |
| Introduced | September 2009 |
| Memory | DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 16 GB |
| Cooler mounting holes | 75 × 75 mm |
What the Core i3-530 is
The Intel Core i3-530 is a dual core Clarkdale desktop processor that Intel launched on January 7, 2010 at 2.933 GHz with Hyper-Threading for four threads and no Turbo Boost. Each core carries 256 KB of L2 cache with 4 MB of shared L3 cache. Power is rated at 73 W on a 32 nm CPU die with 382 million transistors plus a 45 nm graphics die.
The i3-530 was the volume Clarkdale with HD Graphics at 733 MHz, DDR3-1333 support and VT-x. Against the Pentium G6950 it adds Hyper-Threading and cache for threaded office work. A bit-tech launch review covers it alongside the i5-661 with Turbo Boost that the i3 lacks.
Memory is DDR3-1333 in two channels for 21.3 GB/s through the on package controller.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Core i3-530 fits LGA 1156 with 1156 lands. H55, H57 and P55 boards boot Clarkdale natively with a 2010 BIOS.
The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules, and the Intel Pentium G6950 page shows the Pentium alternative.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory is DDR3-1333 in two channels up to 16 GB on common ATX models.
PCIe 2.0 x16 comes from the package for discrete graphics.
Cooling is the stock 73 W LGA 1156 push pin sink.
Upgrade paths
On LGA 1156 the upgrade is a Core i5 with Turbo Boost such as the 650, or a Lynnfield quad on P55 boards. Beyond LGA 1156 a move to Sandy Bridge needs a new board.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Core i3-530 use?
LGA 1156, the 1156-land package on 5 series boards.
How many cores does the Core i3-530 have?
Two cores and four threads at 2.933 GHz with 256 KB of L2 per core and 4 MB of shared L3 cache.
What memory works with the Core i3-530?
DDR3-1333 in two channels.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .