Intel Pentium B915C socket: BGA 1284
The Intel Pentium B915C uses the BGA 1284 package. It is a soldered 15 W Gladden embedded part with ECC and no processor graphics.
- Socket
- BGA 1284
- Launched
- May 2012
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 4
- Base power
- 15 W
- Codename
- Gladden
- Segment
- Embedded
- Family
- Intel Pentium
- Clocks
- 1.5 GHz
Intel Pentium B915C specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 4 |
| Core architecture | Gladden cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 1.5 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 3 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 15 W |
| Manufacturing process | 32 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 32 GB, ECC |
| PCI Express | 20 lanes from the CPU, PCIe 2.0 |
| Integrated graphics | None (no processor graphics) |
| ECC memory | Yes |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | FCBGA1284 (37.5 × 37.5 mm, soldered) |
Motherboard compatibility
Intel Pentium B915C needs a motherboard with a BGA 1284 socket. Chipset by chipset data for this codename is not recorded yet. See the BGA 1284 chipset list and the board maker's CPU support list.
BGA 1284 at a glance
| Type | BGA, 1,284 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 37.5 × 37.5 mm |
| Introduced | May 2012 |
| Memory | DDR3-1066 to 1600 with ECC, two channels |
| Cooler mounting holes | Not applicable (soldered) |
What the Pentium B915C is
Intel Pentium B915C is a dual core Gladden embedded processor that Intel released in May 2012 for communications carriers. It runs at a fixed 1.5 GHz with no turbo, with 3 MB Intel Smart Cache and Hyper-Threading for 4 threads. Power is rated at only 15 W on a 32 nm process. The list entry that places it on Socket G2 at 35 W is wrong; the ARK record shows FCBGA1284 soldered at 15 W with embedded qualification.
No processor graphics are present, so carrier boards use a dedicated graphics chipset where a display is needed. Memory is DDR3 at 1066 or 1333 MT/s in two channels for up to 32 GB, with ECC for always on service. Twenty PCIe 2.0 lanes feed networking and expansion instead of a GPU slot.
The 15 W envelope suits fanless or small active cooling in dense enclosures. Fixed firmware locks the lifecycle for years. The LGA, PGA and BGA: CPU package types explained guide contrasts this soldered BGA part with socketed mobile Pentiums.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Pentium B915C solders to BGA 1284 with 1,284 balls in a 37.5 × 37.5 mm footprint and cannot be moved. Carriers qualify each model with a fixed board and BIOS for a long lifecycle, so another BGA part is not a field swap even within the same balls.
The BIOS must list the exact Pentium B915C string with ECC wiring. The 15 W heatsink is sized by the carrier for the enclosure. The CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide notes soldered parts have no desktop mount.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 32 GB, with ECC where the board wires it. ECC suits control and networking loads that run for months. Capacity follows the carrier design.
PCI Express is 20 lanes from the CPU at PCIe 2.0, split as 1x16 plus 1x4, 2x8 plus 1x4 or 1x8 plus 3x4. Carriers spend lanes on network interfaces and storage rather than graphics.
Cooling uses the carrier solution for 15 W. Sealed boxes rely on conduction and enclosure airflow. Service is limited to cleaning and drive swaps.
Upgrade paths
There is no CPU upgrade path on soldered BGA 1284. The Pentium B915C cannot be removed, so a faster carrier means a new board or a new box. Within the Gladden family the Xeon E3 quads show the higher thread option, but carriers rarely exchange models.
A platform move means a new embedded box on a current BGA package. Recycle the old unit through a proper e waste path once data is wiped.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Pentium B915C use?
It uses BGA 1284, a soldered package. List entries showing Socket G2 are wrong; ARK specifies FCBGA1284.
Does the Pentium B915C have Hyper-Threading?
Yes. Two cores give 4 threads at a fixed 1.5 GHz.
What memory does the Pentium B915C use?
DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 32 GB, with ECC.
Can the Pentium B915C be upgraded?
No. Soldered embedded parts need a board or box replacement for more speed.
Sources and verification
- Intel Pentium B915C Specifications (ARK mirror, nbcpu)
- Intel Pentium B915C (SiliconVoyage, no processor graphics)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .