Intel Core i5-650 socket: LGA 1156

The Intel Core i5-650 uses the LGA 1156 socket. It is a 73 W dual core Clarkdale desktop part at 3.2 GHz with Turbo Boost to 3.466 GHz, Hyper-Threading and 4 MB of L3 cache.

Socket
LGA 1156
Launched
January 2010
Cores and threads
2 and 4
Base power
73 W
Codename
Clarkdale
Segment
Desktop
Clocks
3.2 / 3.47 GHz

Intel Core i5-650 specifications

Cores2
Threads4
Core architectureClarkdale cores on 32 nm
Clocks3.2 GHz base, 3.466 GHz Turbo Boost
Cache512 KB L2 (2 × 256 KB), 4 MB shared L3
Processor base power (TDP)73 W
Manufacturing process32 nm CPU, 45 nm graphics
Memory supportDDR3-1333, two channels
PCI ExpressPCIe 2.0 x16 from the package
Integrated graphicsHD Graphics (on package)
MultiplierLocked
PackageLGA1156

Motherboard and chipset compatibility

Intel Core i5-650 needs a motherboard with a LGA 1156 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.

SeriesChipsetsSupport
5 series with graphicsH55, H57, Q57Works out of the box
P55 performanceP55Works 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

TypeLGA, 1,156 contacts
Package sizen/a
IntroducedSeptember 2009
MemoryDDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 16 GB
Cooler mounting holes75 × 75 mm

Read the full LGA 1156 socket guide

What the Core i5-650 is

The Intel Core i5-650 is a dual core Clarkdale desktop processor from January 2010. It runs two Westmere cores at 3.2 GHz base with Turbo Boost to 3.466 GHz, with Hyper-Threading for four threads. Each core carries 256 KB of L2 cache with 4 MB of shared L3 cache. Power is rated at 73 W.

The 650 pairs Clarkdale turbo with AES-NI and TXT on the i5 line. Against the i3-550 at the same 3.2 GHz it adds turbo bursts and AES instructions. HD Graphics cover office displays with two display support.

Memory is DDR3-1333 in two channels for 21.3 GB/s.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The Core i5-650 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 faster i5 such as the 670, 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 i5-650 use?

LGA 1156, the 1156-land package on 5 series boards.

How many cores does the Core i5-650 have?

Two cores and four threads at 3.2 GHz base with Turbo Boost to 3.466 GHz, with 256 KB of L2 per core and 4 MB of shared L3 cache.

What memory works with the Core i5-650?

DDR3-1333 in two channels.

Sources and verification

  1. Intel Core i5-650 Specs (TechPowerUp)
  2. ROG Maximus II Gene CPU support (ASUS)

Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .