Intel Pentium 967 socket: BGA 1023
The Intel Pentium 967 uses the BGA 1023 package. It is a soldered 17 W dual core Sandy Bridge part at 1.3 GHz and cannot be replaced.
- Socket
- BGA 1023
- Launched
- October 2011
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 2
- Base power
- 17 W
- Codename
- Sandy Bridge
- Segment
- Mobile (soldered)
- Family
- Intel Pentium
- Clocks
- 1.3 GHz
Intel Pentium 967 specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 2 |
| Core architecture | Sandy Bridge cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 1.3 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 2 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 17 W |
| Manufacturing process | 32 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 16 GB |
| PCI Express | PCIe lanes from the CPU (layout varies by board design) |
| Integrated graphics | Intel HD Graphics |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | BGA 1023 (FCBGA, 1023 balls, 31 × 24 mm, soldered) |
Motherboard compatibility
Intel Pentium 967 needs a motherboard with a BGA 1023 socket. Chipset by chipset data for this codename is not recorded yet. See the BGA 1023 chipset list and the board maker's CPU support list.
BGA 1023 at a glance
| Type | BGA, 1,023 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 31 × 24 mm |
| Introduced | January 2011 |
| Memory | DDR3 and DDR3L, two channels, 1066 to 1600 MT/s |
| Cooler mounting holes | Not applicable (soldered) |
What the Pentium 967 is
Intel Pentium 967 is a dual core Sandy Bridge mobile processor that Intel released in October 2011 for soldered thin laptops. It runs at a fixed 1.3 GHz with no turbo and no Hyper-Threading, so 2 cores give 2 threads. Cache is 2 MB Intel Smart Cache. Power is 17 W on a 32 nm process.
The 100 MHz step over the 957 shortens waits in office apps and browsing. Thin laptops pair it with 4 GB of DDR3 and small SSDs for quiet use. It remains a basic dual, not a workstation chip.
Graphics are Intel HD Graphics for Sandy Bridge. The block handles thin panels and video playback without a card. Two memory channels feed the shared graphics block.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Pentium 967 solders to BGA 1023 with 1,023 balls and cannot be moved. Each thin model ships with a fixed board and BIOS for this exact string. Factory rework is the only way to change the chip.
October 2011 thin bodies used mobile 6 series era boards. Support follows the laptop maker CPU list. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers why those lists decide upgrades.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 16 GB. Soldered designs often lock capacity, so check the manual for free slots. ECC is not supported.
PCI Express lanes come from the CPU for Wi-Fi and storage. Boards split lanes per chassis.
Cooling is a slim 17 W spreader and fan. The CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide notes soldered cooling stays board specific with no retail mount.
Upgrade paths
There is no CPU upgrade path on soldered BGA 1023. The Pentium 967 cannot be lifted, so a faster thin laptop means a new device. A nearby soldered Celeron dual for comparison is Intel Celeron 877.
Keep the 967 laptop for travel after a storage refresh. Wipe the drive before passing it on.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Pentium 967 use?
It uses BGA 1023, a soldered package. The chip cannot be removed.
How is the Pentium 967 different from the 957?
Base is 1.3 GHz instead of 1.2 GHz. Cache, power and package match.
What memory does the Pentium 967 use?
DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 16 GB.
Can the Pentium 967 be upgraded?
No. Soldered BGA parts need a board or laptop replacement for more speed.
Sources and verification
- Sandy Bridge (Wikipedia, Pentium 967 2 cores 1.3 GHz 2011-10-02 BGA1023)
- BGA1023 CPU list (dmcpu, Pentium 967 1.3 GHz 2/2 Q4/2011)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .