BGA 2551 socket: CPUs, chipsets and cooler fit
BGA 2551 is Intel flip-chip ball grid array package with 2551 balls for the 9 W Meteor Lake-U processors released in early 2024. The package measures 23 × 19 mm, notably smaller than the 50 × 25 mm BGA 2049 used by 15 W and 28 W Meteor Lake parts, for thin laptops and mini PCs with low z-height. Laptop makers solder the processor directly, so there is no replacement path.
Quick facts
| Maker | Intel |
|---|---|
| Package type | BGA |
| Contacts | 2,551 |
| Package size | 23 × 19 mm |
| Introduced | 2024 |
| Status | Previous generation |
| Memory | Soldered LPDDR5 or LPDDR5x to 6400 MT/s only, up to 64 GB, no DDR5 SODIMM interface |
| PCIe from the CPU | 12-lane PCIe with 1x4 Gen4 plus 4-port Gen4 and 4-port Gen3 for NVMe, wireless and expansion, plus Thunderbolt 4 |
| Cooler mounting holes | Not applicable (soldered) |
| Replaces | None |
| Replaced by | None |
Overview
The compact UP4 Type4 package carries the same 2 Performance-core plus 8 Efficient-core plus 2 low-power island core layout as 15 W Meteor Lake-U, with 12 MB of Smart Cache, Intel Graphics with 4 Xe-cores and an AI Boost NPU. Memory is restricted to soldered LPDDR5 or LPDDR5x to 6400 MT/s up to 64 GB with no DDR5 SODIMM interface, unlike BGA 2049 designs that reach 96 GB. Expansion gives 12 PCIe lanes split into one by 4 Gen4 link plus four flexible Gen4 ports and four Gen3 ports.
Boards for BGA 2049 serve 15 W U series and 28 W H series Meteor Lake with larger packages and more lanes, so chips do not cross between the two BGAs despite sharing the Meteor Lake codename. The 9 W parts trade memory ceiling and lanes for footprint and idle power, which suits fanless mini PCs and thin clients. The How to find your CPU socket type guide shows where maker pages list package data.
Processor generations
| Codename | Marketing name | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meteor Lake | Core Ultra 100U 9W series | 2024 | Low-power UP4 Type4 Meteor Lake-U with 12 cores, 9 W base and 30 W turbo, including Core Ultra 5 134U and Core Ultra 7 164U with 4 Xe-core graphics. Added to ARK in early 2024. |
Memory and IO on BGA 2551 boards
BGA 2551 boards use soldered LPDDR5 or LPDDR5x to 6400 MT/s up to 64 GB with no DIMM slots and no DDR5 interface. The 64 GB ceiling sits below the 96 GB of BGA 2049 designs, which matters for buyers who keep many tabs and models open. Memory choice happens at order time and cannot change later.
Twelve PCIe lanes split into one by 4 Gen4 link for NVMe plus four flexible Gen4 ports and four Gen3 ports for wireless and on-board devices. Thunderbolt 4, AI Boost NPU, Wi-Fi 7 and LE audio carry over from Meteor Lake platform features. Builders should confirm lane splits in the manual before ordering storage and radios together.
Cooling and board design
Every BGA 2551 processor is soldered with no retention, so cooling belongs to the device maker. Most 9 W designs run with a spreader to the chassis and optional small blowers for 30 W turbo peaks. The low-power island cores stay active while the rest of the chip sleeps, which trims idle draw in thin clients.
Because configuration is fixed at purchase, core tier and memory size decide the life of the device. A mini PC that may later serve displays plus inference should take the 164U up front, while a fixed signage image runs well on the 134U for years.
Identifying BGA 2551 against BGA 2049
BGA 2551 uses 2551 balls at 23 × 19 mm for 9 W Meteor Lake-U with LPDDR5 only. BGA 2049 uses 2049 balls at 50 × 25 mm for 15 W U series and 28 W H series with DDR5 options, so boards and chips do not cross. Maker support pages list the package under board specifications.
Marketing names can mislead, since Core Ultra 5 134U and Core Ultra 5 135U share core counts but use different packages and power. When a support list names 134U it means BGA 2551 at 9 W, while 135U means BGA 2049 at 15 W. The LGA, PGA and BGA: CPU package types explained guide explains why soldered fit is fixed.
CPUs on BGA 2551
2 processor pages in the database, newest first.
| Processor | Cores / threads | Base / boost | TDP | Launched |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intel Core Ultra 5 134U | 12 / 14 | 0.7 / 4.4 GHz | 9 W | 2024 |
| Intel Core Ultra 7 164U | 12 / 14 | 1.1 / 4.8 GHz | 9 W | 2024 |
Frequently asked questions
Can a BGA 2551 processor be replaced or upgraded?
No. The processor is soldered to the board. Upgrading means replacing the board or the whole device.
What memory does BGA 2551 use?
Soldered LPDDR5 or LPDDR5x to 6400 MT/s up to 64 GB. There is no DDR5 SODIMM interface.
How many PCIe lanes does BGA 2551 provide?
12 lanes: one by 4 Gen4 link plus four flexible Gen4 ports and four Gen3 ports for NVMe, wireless and expansion.
What is the difference between BGA 2551 and BGA 2049?
BGA 2551 is the 23 × 19 mm 9 W package with LPDDR5 only. BGA 2049 is larger at 50 × 25 mm for 15 W and 28 W parts with DDR5 options.
Sources and verification
- Intel Core Ultra 134U and 164U are 9W Meteor Lake processors (CNX Software)
- Intel Core Ultra Meteor Lake processor lineup overview (TechPowerUp)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .