Intel Core Ultra 7 164U socket: BGA 2551
The Intel Core Ultra 7 164U uses BGA 2551, a compact soldered BGA for 9 W Meteor Lake mobile processors with LPDDR5X and PCIe Gen4. The 12-core chip at 9 W with Intel Graphics cannot be replaced.
- Socket
- BGA 2551
- Launched
- 2024
- Cores and threads
- 12 and 14
- Base power
- 9 W
- Codename
- Meteor Lake
- Segment
- Mobile (soldered)
- Family
- Intel Core Ultra 7
- Clocks
- 1.1 / 4.8 GHz
Intel Core Ultra 7 164U specifications
| Cores | 12 (2 Performance-cores plus 8 Efficient-cores plus 2 low-power E-cores) |
|---|---|
| Threads | 14 |
| Core architecture | Redwood Cove P-cores with Crestmont E-cores (Meteor Lake) |
| P-core clocks | 1.1 GHz base, up to 4.8 GHz turbo |
| E-core clocks | 700 MHz base, up to 3.8 GHz turbo |
| Low-power E-core clocks | 400 MHz base, up to 2.1 GHz turbo |
| Cache | 12 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 9 W |
| Maximum turbo power | 30 W |
| Manufacturing process | Intel 4 |
| Memory support | Soldered LPDDR5 or LPDDR5x to 6400 MT/s only, up to 64 GB, no DDR5 interface |
| PCI Express | 12-lane PCIe with 1x4 Gen4 plus 4-port Gen4 and 4-port Gen3, plus Thunderbolt 4 |
| Integrated graphics | Intel Graphics, 4 Xe-cores, up to 1.8 GHz, plus AI Boost NPU |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | BGA 2551 soldered, 23 × 19 mm |
| Cooler in the box | None (thin or fanless cooling) |
Motherboard compatibility
Intel Core Ultra 7 164U needs a motherboard with a BGA 2551 socket. Chipset by chipset data for this codename is not recorded yet. See the BGA 2551 chipset list and the board maker's CPU support list.
BGA 2551 at a glance
| Type | BGA, 2,551 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 23 × 19 mm |
| Introduced | 2024 |
| Memory | Soldered LPDDR5 or LPDDR5x to 6400 MT/s only, up to 64 GB, no DDR5 SODIMM interface |
| Cooler mounting holes | Not applicable (soldered) |
What the Core Ultra 7 164U is
The Core Ultra 7 164U is the faster 9 W Meteor Lake-U part in the compact UP4 Type4 package from early 2024. Two Redwood Cove Performance-cores with hyperthreading plus 8 Crestmont Efficient-cores and 2 low-power island E-cores give 12 cores and 14 threads, with P-cores at 1.1 GHz base and up to 4.8 GHz turbo. The package carries 12 MB of Smart Cache and an AI Boost NPU. Base power is 9 W with 30 W turbo for thin and fanless bodies.
Intel Graphics with 4 Xe-cores to 1.8 GHz covers display and streaming at low power. Memory is restricted to soldered LPDDR5 or LPDDR5x to 6400 MT/s up to 64 GB with no DDR5 interface, unlike 15 W BGA 2049 designs. The 23 × 19 mm footprint suits low z-height boards.
Buyers pick the 164U for the highest 9 W turbo with full 12-core threading. Aggressive power management stretches battery against 15 W siblings. Owners who need more memory headroom step to 165U on BGA 2049. The How to find your CPU socket type guide helps confirm BGA 2551 fit.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 164U solders to BGA 2551 on compact boards with no socketed path. Board design fixes soldered LPDDR5X capacity and port mix at order time. BGA 2551 does not cross to BGA 2049 despite sharing Meteor Lake silicon. Maker pages list the package under board specifications.
Twelve PCIe lanes split into Gen4 and Gen3 ports for NVMe, wireless and on-board devices, with Thunderbolt 4 from the platform. Factory firmware carries Meteor Lake support.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Soldered LPDDR5 or LPDDR5x to 6400 MT/s up to 64 GB is the only memory for 164U designs. Capacity is fixed for life, so 16 GB is the practical minimum for multitab use. No DIMM slots exist.
PCIe gives one by 4 Gen4 link for NVMe plus flexible Gen4 and Gen3 ports for radios. Cooling is a spreader to the chassis with optional small blowers for 30 W peaks.
Upgrade paths
No CPU or memory upgrade exists on soldered BGA 2551. Storage moves depend on the M.2 slot where makers open it. Docks add display and networking.
Within BGA 2551 the alternative is the 134U at lower turbo on the same layout. Outside compact power, 15 W U parts on BGA 2049 add memory ceiling and lanes.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Core Ultra 7 164U use?
BGA 2551 as a compact soldered BGA for 9 W Meteor Lake mobile processors. It cannot be removed or upgraded.
How many cores does the 164U have?
12 cores and 14 threads: 2 P-cores plus 8 E-cores plus 2 low-power E-cores, with 12 MB cache and a 9 W base power.
What memory does the 164U support?
Soldered LPDDR5 or LPDDR5x to 6400 MT/s up to 64 GB. There is no DDR5 interface.
How is 164U different from 165U?
Same 12-core layout but 9 W base with 30 W turbo against 15 W with 57 W turbo, a smaller package, and LPDDR5-only memory.
Sources and verification
- Intel Core Ultra 7 164U specifications (Intel ARK)
- Intel Core Ultra 134U and 164U are 9W Meteor Lake processors (CNX Software)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .