Intel Core Ultra 5 115U socket: BGA 2049
The Intel Core Ultra 5 115U uses BGA 2049, a soldered BGA for Meteor Lake mobile processors with DDR5 or LPDDR5X and PCIe Gen4. The 8-core chip at 15 W with Intel Graphics cannot be replaced.
- Socket
- BGA 2049
- Launched
- December 14, 2023
- Cores and threads
- 8 and 10
- Base power
- 15 W
- Codename
- Meteor Lake
- Segment
- Mobile (soldered)
- Family
- Intel Core Ultra 5
- Clocks
- 1.5 / 4.2 GHz
Intel Core Ultra 5 115U specifications
| Cores | 8 (2 Performance-cores plus 4 Efficient-cores plus 2 low-power E-cores) |
|---|---|
| Threads | 10 |
| Core architecture | Redwood Cove P-cores with Crestmont E-cores (Meteor Lake) |
| P-core clocks | 1.5 GHz base, up to 4.2 GHz turbo |
| E-core clocks | 1.0 GHz base, up to 3.5 GHz turbo |
| Low-power E-core clocks | 700 MHz base, up to 2.1 GHz turbo |
| Cache | 10 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 15 W |
| Maximum turbo power | 57 W |
| Manufacturing process | Intel 4 |
| Memory support | DDR5-5600 or LPDDR5-7467, up to 64 GB LPDDR5 or 96 GB DDR5 |
| PCI Express | PCIe Gen4 lanes for NVMe, plus Thunderbolt 4 |
| Integrated graphics | Intel Graphics, 3 Xe-cores, up to 1.8 GHz, plus AI Boost NPU |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | BGA 2049 soldered |
| Cooler in the box | None (laptop cooling) |
Motherboard compatibility
Intel Core Ultra 5 115U needs a motherboard with a BGA 2049 socket. Chipset by chipset data for this codename is not recorded yet. See the BGA 2049 chipset list and the board maker's CPU support list.
BGA 2049 at a glance
| Type | BGA, 2,049 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 50 × 25 mm |
| Introduced | January 2025 |
| Memory | LPDDR5X up to 8400 MT/s or DDR5 up to 6400 MT/s, two channels, up to 128 GB |
| Cooler mounting holes | Not applicable (soldered) |
What the Core Ultra 5 115U is
The Core Ultra 5 115U is the 8-core entry of Meteor Lake U for value thin laptops from the fourth quarter of 2023. Two Redwood Cove Performance-cores with hyperthreading plus 4 Crestmont Efficient-cores and 2 low-power island E-cores give 8 cores and 10 threads, with P-cores at 1.5 GHz base and up to 4.2 GHz turbo. It is the only Meteor Lake SKU with halved E-cores, paired with 10 MB of Smart Cache and an AI Boost NPU. Base power is 15 W with 57 W turbo.
Intel Graphics with 3 Xe-cores to 1.8 GHz covers office display and streaming at low power, the sole Meteor Lake part with fewer than 4 Xe-cores. Memory reaches DDR5-5600 or LPDDR5x-7467 for bandwidth shared with graphics and NPU. The NPU runs at the same speed as stronger Meteor Lake chips, which keeps AI features responsive in budget bodies.
Value thin buyers land here for Meteor Lake efficiency and AI features at the lowest price. Eight cores keep browsing, docs and calls smooth while sipping power. Owners who need more threads step to 12-core U parts on the same BGA 2049 base. The How to find your CPU socket type guide helps confirm BGA 2049 fit.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 115U solders to BGA 2049 on value thin boards with no socketed path. Board makers set memory type and power limits, so SODIMM and soldered variants differ in later expansion. BGA 2049 does not cross to LGA 1851 desktop boards. Maker pages list the BGA package as the fit reference.
Platform IO comes from SoC tiles plus board wiring, with NVMe, wireless and display outputs from the design. Factory firmware carries Meteor Lake support, so buyers weigh memory form and battery size.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
DDR5-5600 SODIMM or LPDDR5x-7467 soldered memory feeds CPU, GPU and NPU together. Capacity reaches 64 GB on LPDDR5 or 96 GB on DDR5 designs. Dual channel operation matters for the 3-core GPU.
PCIe Gen4 lanes wire NVMe plus wireless and Thunderbolt controllers. Cooling is a single pipe and blower for 15 W with short 57 W bursts. Sustained clocks follow fan health.
Upgrade paths
No CPU change is possible on soldered BGA 2049. SODIMM and NVMe swaps move where slots exist, while soldered LPDDR5X stays fixed. Thunderbolt docks add display and networking.
Within Meteor Lake on BGA 2049 the steps up are 12-core U parts with more threads and larger graphics. Outside mobile, Arrow Lake-H on BGA 2049 adds newer cores where boards support it.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Core Ultra 5 115U use?
BGA 2049 as a soldered BGA for Meteor Lake mobile processors. It cannot be removed or upgraded.
How many cores does the 115U have?
8 cores and 10 threads: 2 P-cores plus 4 E-cores plus 2 low-power E-cores, with 10 MB cache and a 15 W base power.
What graphics does the 115U include?
Intel Graphics with 3 Xe-cores to 1.8 GHz, the only Meteor Lake SKU with fewer than 4 Xe-cores, plus an AI Boost NPU.
When did the 115U launch?
Fourth quarter of 2023 per ARK, listed December 14, 2023 alongside the Meteor Lake launch wave.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .