BGA 1443 socket: CPUs, chipsets and cooler fit
BGA 1443 is AMD ball grid array package for the Cato family of embedded APUs. The package carries 1,443 balls and solders directly to the carrier board. The known part on this package is the A9-9820, an 8-core Jaguar based APU at up to 2.35 GHz with Radeon RX 350 graphics and a 135 W envelope.
Quick facts
| Maker | AMD |
|---|---|
| Package type | BGA |
| Contacts | 1,443 |
| Package size | n/a |
| Introduced | April 2019 |
| Status | Legacy |
| Memory | DDR3-800 to DDR3-2133, single and dual channel, up to 16 GB |
| PCIe from the CPU | PCIe 2.0 x4 board link (UMI), plus board wired graphics lanes |
| Cooler mounting holes | Not applicable (soldered) |
| Replaces | None |
| Replaced by | None |
Overview
Cato targets embedded boards for signage, kiosks and arcade platforms that need many slow cores plus mature graphics drivers. The APU integrates the CPU, the GCN graphics with 14 compute units, and the board link on one die of 363 square mm. Memory is DDR3 rather than DDR4, which matches the Bolton chipset era boards it ships on.
Because the package is soldered and board specific, there is no retail motherboard with a BGA 1443 socket. Boards arrive with the APU fitted plus firmware for the exact memory and display wiring. Compatibility follows the board maker list rather than any chipset series.
Processor generations
| Codename | Marketing name | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cato | Cato embedded APUs | 2019 | 28 nm Jaguar based embedded APUs with GCN graphics, including the 8-core A9-9820 at up to 2.35 GHz with Radeon RX 350 graphics, launched in April 2019 on BGA 1443. |
Who BGA 1443 serves
BGA 1443 processors belong in embedded multi display boxes where eight Jaguar cores and GCN graphics cover video walls and machines that run for years on fixed software. Arcade cabinets and signage players with Radeon based rendering fit here.
The single A9-9820 option carries the whole family: 8 cores without multithreading, 985 MHz graphics burst and DDR3 bandwidth near 17 GB per sec in dual channel mode. Buyers who need modern codecs or faster single threads should look at Ryzen Embedded V series boards instead.
Memory and PCIe
Memory support covers DDR3 from 800 to 2133 MT/s in single channel up to 8.5 GB per sec and dual channel up to 17 GB per sec, with a 16 GB ceiling. Boards wire one or two SODIMM slots per design. Matched pairs help the integrated graphics most.
The board link is a PCIe 2.0 x4 UMI connection to the chipset for SATA, USB and networking. Graphics output runs through board HDMI and DisplayPort wired to the APU. Storage is board SATA plus M.2 where fitted.
Identifying and servicing BGA 1443
Identification reads as BGA 1443 with a 1,443-ball package in board maker documents, plus the Cato codename for the APU. That separates it from AM4 PGA parts and from FP4 mobile packages. The LGA, PGA and BGA: CPU package types explained guide explains soldered package practice.
Service is board level repair through the embedded vendor. There is no cooler pattern to match beyond the board heatsink for 135 W. Firmware updates come from the board maker for the exact display and memory wiring. The How to find your CPU socket type guide shows where board specs list the package.
CPUs on BGA 1443
1 processor page in the database, newest first.
| Processor | Cores / threads | Base / boost | TDP | Launched |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMD A9-9820 | 8 / 8 | n/a | 135 W | Apr 2019 |
Frequently asked questions
Can a BGA 1443 processor be replaced or upgraded?
No. The APU is soldered to its board. Upgrading means replacing the board, so choose memory and storage at order time.
What is Cato?
Cato is the 28 nm Jaguar based APU family for embedded boards, including the 8-core A9-9820 with Radeon RX 350 graphics. It pairs with Bolton era chipsets and DDR3.
What memory does BGA 1443 use?
DDR3 in single and dual channel modes up to 16 GB, from DDR3-800 to DDR3-2133 per board design.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .