Intel Pentium 977 socket: BGA 1023
The Intel Pentium 977 uses the BGA 1023 package. It is a soldered 17 W dual core Sandy Bridge part for thin laptops and cannot be replaced.
- Socket
- BGA 1023
- Launched
- January 2012
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 2
- Base power
- 17 W
- Codename
- Sandy Bridge
- Segment
- Mobile (soldered)
- Family
- Intel Pentium
- Clocks
- 1.4 GHz
Intel Pentium 977 specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 2 |
| Core architecture | Sandy Bridge cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 1.4 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 | 16 lanes from the CPU, PCIe 2.0 |
| Integrated graphics | Intel HD Graphics (350 MHz to 1000 MHz) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | BGA 1023 (FCBGA, 1023 balls, 31 × 24 mm, soldered) |
Motherboard compatibility
Intel Pentium 977 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 977 is
Intel Pentium 977 is a dual core Sandy Bridge mobile processor that Intel released in January 2012 for thin laptops with soldered boards. It runs at a fixed 1.4 GHz with no turbo and no Hyper-Threading, so 2 cores give 2 threads. Cache is 2 MB Intel Smart Cache. Power is rated at 17 W on a 32 nm process.
Graphics are Intel HD Graphics for Sandy Bridge at 350 MHz to 1000 MHz. The low base suits thin bodies with small batteries. The controller takes DDR3 SODIMMs at 1066 or 1333 MT/s, often soldered in the thinnest designs.
Two slow cores cover light multitasking in thin bodies built for battery rather than speed. Laptops pair it with HM65 class boards and small drives. The LGA, PGA and BGA: CPU package types explained guide explains why this soldered BGA part cannot be serviced like Socket G2 Pentiums.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Pentium 977 solders to BGA 1023 with 1,023 balls in a 31 by 24 mm footprint and cannot be moved. Thin makers qualify each model with a fixed board and BIOS, so another BGA part is not a field swap.
The BIOS must list the exact Pentium 977 string. Power is light, so screen and battery decide the buy. The CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide notes soldered mobile cooling stays board specific.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 16 GB. The thinnest bodies solder RAM and lock size at purchase. Two channels help the shared graphics block.
PCI Express is 16 lanes from the CPU at PCIe 2.0, wired by the board to Wi-Fi and storage. There is no graphics slot to consider at 17 W.
Cooling is a slim 17 W spreader and fan. Fixed 1.4 GHz operation needs little airflow.
Upgrade paths
There is no CPU upgrade path on soldered BGA 1023. The Pentium 977 cannot be removed, so a faster thin laptop means a new board or a new device. A nearby soldered dual is Intel Celeron 867, though boards rarely exchange models.
A platform move means a new thin laptop on a current BGA package. Keep the old machine for single task duty after wiping the drive.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Pentium 977 use?
It uses BGA 1023, a soldered package. The chip cannot be removed.
How many threads does the Pentium 977 have?
Two cores with 2 threads at a fixed 1.4 GHz.
What memory does the Pentium 977 use?
DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 16 GB.
Can the Pentium 977 be upgraded?
No. Soldered BGA parts need a board or laptop replacement for more speed.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .