Intel Core i3-550 socket: LGA 1156
The Intel Core i3-550 uses the LGA 1156 socket. It is a 73 W dual core Clarkdale desktop part at 3.2 GHz with Hyper-Threading and 4 MB of L3 cache.
- Socket
- LGA 1156
- Launched
- May 2010
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 4
- Base power
- 73 W
- Codename
- Clarkdale
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- Intel Core i3
- Clocks
- 3.2 GHz
Intel Core i3-550 specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 4 |
| Core architecture | Clarkdale cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 3.2 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 (on package) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | LGA1156 |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Core i3-550 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 i3-550 is
The Intel Core i3-550 is a dual core Clarkdale desktop processor from May 2010. It runs two Westmere cores at 3.2 GHz with Hyper-Threading for four threads and no Turbo Boost, backed by 256 KB of L2 per core and 4 MB of shared L3 cache. Power is rated at 73 W.
The 550 adds about 130 MHz over the 540 at the same 73 W. HD Graphics cover office displays. Against the i5-650 at the same 3.2 GHz it trails in bursts without Turbo Boost.
Memory is DDR3-1333 in two channels.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Core i3-550 fits LGA 1156 with 1156 lands. H55, H57 and P55 boards boot it 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.
PCIe 2.0 x16 comes from the package.
Cooling is the stock 73 W LGA 1156 sink.
Upgrade paths
On LGA 1156 the upgrade is a Core i5 with Turbo Boost 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 i3-550 use?
LGA 1156, the 1156-land package on 5 series boards.
How many cores does the Core i3-550 have?
Two cores and four threads at 3.2 GHz with 256 KB of L2 per core and 4 MB of shared L3 cache.
What memory works with the Core i3-550?
DDR3-1333 in two channels.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .