Intel Core i5-2300 socket: LGA 1155
The Intel Core i5-2300 uses the LGA 1155 socket. It is a 95 W quad core Sandy Bridge desktop part at 2.8 GHz with turbo to 3.1 GHz for office and home towers.
- Socket
- LGA 1155
- Launched
- January 2011
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 4
- Base power
- 95 W
- Codename
- Sandy Bridge
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- Intel Core i5
- Clocks
- 2.8 / 3.1 GHz
Intel Core i5-2300 specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 4 |
| Core architecture | Sandy Bridge cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 2.8 GHz base, 3.1 GHz turbo |
| Cache | 6 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 95 W |
| Manufacturing process | 32 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 32 GB |
| PCI Express | 16 lanes from the CPU, PCIe 2.0 |
| Integrated graphics | Intel HD Graphics 2000 (850 MHz to 1100 MHz) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | FCLGA1155 (37.5 × 37.5 mm) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Core i5-2300 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 Core i5-2300 is
Intel Core i5-2300 is a quad core Sandy Bridge desktop processor that Intel released in January 2011 for office and home towers. It runs at 2.8 GHz base with turbo to 3.1 GHz and has no Hyper-Threading, so 4 cores give 4 threads. Cache is 6 MB Intel Smart Cache. Power is 95 W on a 32 nm process.
Four real cores separate it from dual core i3 parts in threaded work. Office suites, photo edits and light compiles run well. Turbo lifts single threaded tasks to 3.1 GHz when thermal headroom allows.
Graphics are Intel HD Graphics 2000 at 850 MHz to 1100 MHz. The block covers dual office monitors. A discrete card is only needed for extra outputs or 3D tasks. The LGA, PGA and BGA: CPU package types explained guide contrasts this desktop LGA part with mobile forms.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Core i5-2300 fits LGA 1155 in FCLGA1155 form. All 6 series boards from the Sandy launch boot it, including H61, H67, P67 and Z68. Later 7 series boards accept Sandy quads directly.
Overclocking is limited on this non K part. P67 and Z68 allow small base clock moves, while H and B boards run rated clocks. Confirm the board lists the 2300 string.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 32 GB. Dual channel mode gives up to 21 GB/s with DDR3-1333. ECC is not supported.
PCI Express is 16 lanes from the CPU at PCIe 2.0. The x16 slot takes a discrete card for gaming or extra outputs.
Cooling is the standard 95 W push pin heatsink on 75 × 75 mm spacing. The CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide notes this pattern carries across several LGA generations.
Upgrade paths
On LGA 1155 the i5-2300 can move to the i5-2500 for higher clocks, or to an i7-2600 for Hyper-Threading with 8 threads. DDR3 and storage carry over. A dual core reference on the same socket is Intel Core i3-2120.
A jump to DDR4 platforms needs a new board and RAM. Keep the 2300 tower for school or shop use.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Core i5-2300 use?
It uses LGA 1155. All 6 series and 7 series boards boot it directly.
What are the base and turbo clocks of the Core i5-2300?
It turbos from 2.8 GHz base to 3.1 GHz when thermal headroom allows.
What memory does the Core i5-2300 use?
DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 32 GB.
What is the upgrade path from a Core i5-2300?
An i5-2500 for higher clocks or an i7-2600 for Hyper-Threading on the same board.
Sources and verification
- Intel Core i5-2300 4 cores 2.8 GHz turbo 3.1 GHz 95 W LGA1155 (Ubergizmo, Jan 2011)
- Intel Core i5-2300 2.8 GHz turbo 3.1 GHz 4 cores 95 W LGA1155 (PassMark)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .