Intel Core i7-5550U socket: BGA 1168
The Intel Core i7-5550U uses the BGA 1168 package soldered to thin laptop boards. It is a dual core Broadwell-U part with four threads from 2.0 GHz to 3.0 GHz at 15 W with HD Graphics 6000.
- Socket
- BGA 1168
- Launched
- March 2015
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 4
- Base power
- 15 W
- Codename
- Broadwell-U
- Segment
- Mobile (soldered)
- Family
- Intel Core i7
- Clocks
- 2.0 / 3.0 GHz
Intel Core i7-5550U specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 4 |
| Core architecture | Broadwell cores on 14 nm |
| Clocks | 2.0 GHz base, up to 3.0 GHz turbo |
| Cache | 4 MB |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 15 W |
| Manufacturing process | 14 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3L and LPDDR3, two channels, up to 16 GB |
| PCI Express | PCIe 2.0, 12 lanes |
| Integrated graphics | Intel HD Graphics 6000 (up to 1000 MHz) |
| Package | FCBGA1168 (40 × 24 mm, soldered) |
Motherboard compatibility
Intel Core i7-5550U needs a motherboard with a BGA 1168 socket. Chipset by chipset data for this codename is not recorded yet. See the BGA 1168 chipset list and the board maker's CPU support list.
BGA 1168 at a glance
| Type | BGA, 1,168 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 40 × 24 mm |
| Introduced | June 2013 |
| Memory | DDR3L-1333 and 1600 and LPDDR3-1333 and 1600, two channels, up to 16 GB |
| Cooler mounting holes | Not applicable (soldered) |
What the Core i7-5550U is
The Core i7-5550U tunes Broadwell-U i7 for graphics on BGA 1168 in thin premium laptops. Intel set two cores and four threads at 2.0 GHz base with turbo to 3.0 GHz single core and 2.9 GHz dual core. Four megabytes of cache support multitasking. Power is 15 W on 14 nm.
Lower base than the 5500U stretches battery, while HD Graphics 6000 up to 1000 MHz improves playback and light edits. Turbo preserves bursts for foreground apps. The soldered SoC suits thin bodies with soldered LPDDR3 for bandwidth. Buyers pick the 5550U where graphics outweighs sustained base speed in an i7 thin body.
DDR3L and LPDDR3 over two channels to 16 GB feed cores and graphics. Paired fast memory is required for peak graphics. The part fits travelers who present and stream more than they compile.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 5550U solders to BGA 1168 with thin 15 W cooling. No swap exists. Premium thin bodies lock RAM alongside CPU, so order 8 GB or 16 GB once. SSDs are often the only serviceable part.
SoC boards prioritize display and battery around the CPU. The LGA, PGA and BGA: CPU package types explained guide explains soldered consequences. Compare panel brightness before CPU gaps.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory to 16 GB over two channels with LPDDR3 speed options suits graphics thin use. Dual channel operation decides HD 6000 smoothness. Sixteen gigabytes helps creation with browsers.
PCIe 2.0 with 12 lanes serves radios and SATA SSDs. Efficient SATA drives protect battery. Display output selection matters for projectors versus 4K monitors.
Cooling is a slim fan for 15 W with 9.5 W idle points. Low base keeps quiet in meetings. Turbo brings brief fan bursts.
Upgrade paths
No upgrade exists soldered. Compare the Intel Core i7-5500U at 2.4 GHz base with HD 5500 for sustained speed with the Intel Core i7-5650U at 2.2 GHz base with the same HD 6000 class. All share BGA-1168.
A new thin premium laptop is the only step up. The How to find your CPU socket type guide confirms soldered thin i7 designs.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Core i7-5550U use?
It uses BGA 1168, soldered.
How many cores does the Core i7-5550U have?
Two cores and four threads at 2.0 GHz base with turbo to 3.0 GHz.
Which graphics does the Core i7-5550U include?
Intel HD Graphics 6000 up to 1000 MHz.
When did the Core i7-5550U launch?
March 2015 with graphics tuned thin laptops.
Sources and verification
- Broadwell microarchitecture (Wikipedia, Broadwell-U specs)
- Intel Core i7-5500U Processor specifications (Intel, Broadwell-U family data)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .