Can I update my Intel® Core™ i5 desktop processor?
It depends. The first thing you need to do is check is that the socket of your desktop board supports your processor package type. The best place to find this information is from your desktop board manufacturer. Once you find your desktop board model number, go to the appropriate support page on the manufacturer support page and it will usually list supported processors for your board. For Intel® desktop boards, go to the Intel® Processors and Boards Compatibility Tool to see if your board supports your new processor choice.
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What sockets do the Intel® Core™ i5 desktop processors use?
The Intel® Core™ i5-6xx processor series and the Intel® Core™ i5-7xx processor series use a LGA1156 socket. The Intel® Core™ i5-2xxx processor series feature a LGA1155 socket. The Intel® Core™ i5-3xxx processor series also feature a LGA1155 socket.
Processors for each socket are not compatible with processors based on a different socket and won't work due to electrical, mechanical, and keying differences. The boxed fan-heatsinks will work across sockets because the socket footprint is the same. You do need to match the Thermal Design Profile (TDP) of the respective processors in order to properly match the right fan-heatsinks to the right processors.
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What are the compatibility concerns for Intel® Core™ i5 desktop processors that use the LGA1155 socket?
The Intel® Core™ i5-2xxx desktop processors use a chipset based on the Intel® 6 Series chipsets, while the Intel® Core™ i5-3xxx desktop processors use a chipset based on the Intel® 7 Series chipsets. These processors are backward and forward compatible with some notable exceptions.
Intel recommends that you check with the manufacturer of the desktop board you are using to see if it supports the processor you want to use. Once you know the desktop board model number you are using or are going to purchase, go to the appropriate support page on the manufacturer support page and it will usually list supported processors for your board.
If you are installing an Intel® Core™ i5-3xxx processor into a desktop board based on the Intel® 6 series chipset, you may need an updated BIOS, ME8 firmware, and drivers. Always check with your desktop board manufacturer for supported processors and the recommended update process. Here is a document that shows the update process for Intel® desktop boards based on the Intel® 6 series chipset: Updating the BIOS on 6 Series chipset desktop boards
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Where can I find installation information for the Intel® Core™ i5 desktop processors?
You can find information on installation documents and videos below:
Installation and integration of LGA1156 socket processors
Installation and integration of LGA1155 socket processors
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Do any of the Intel® Core™ i5 desktop processors contain processor graphics?
The Intel® Core™ i5-6xx processor series support Intel® HD Graphics inside the processor package. The Intel® Core™ i5-2xxx processor series supports either Intel® HD Graphics 2000 or Intel® HD Graphics 3000 inside the processor package. The Intel® Core™ i5-3xxx processor series supports either Intel® HD Graphics 2500 or Intel® HD Graphics 4000 inside the processor package.
The Intel® Core™ i5-7xx processor series do not support processor graphics.
For more information, including processor specifications and compatible Intel® desktop boards, go to this document: Intel® Core™ i5 desktop processors that contain Intel® HD Graphics
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What are the Intel® Core™ i5 processor series DDR3 memory voltage limitations?
Intel recommends using memory that adheres to the Jedec memory specification for DDR3 memory that is 1.5 volts, plus or minus 5%. Anything over this voltage can either damage the processor or significantly reduce the processor lifespan.
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What is the maximum frequency for DDR3 memory when used with Intel® Core™ i5 processors?
The Intel® Core™ i5-6xx processor series, the Intel® Core™ i5-7xx processor series, and the Intel® Core™ i5-2xxx processor series use DDR3 memory with supported speeds of 1066 / 1333 MHz. The Intel® Core™ i5-3xxx processor series use DDR3 memory with supported speeds of 1333 / 1600 MHz. DDR3 memory with a speed of 1066 MHz is not supported by the Intel Core i5-3xxx processors.
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What is the difference between this version of Intel® Hyper-threading and the original version?
It is similar to the original version with one important difference – this version is capable of supporting two threads per core. The original implementation of Intel® Hyper-threading supported a maximum of two threads since they were single core processors.
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Do the Intel® Core™ i5 desktop processors support Intel® Turbo Boost Technology?
The Intel® Core™ i5 desktop processors do support Intel® Turbo Boost Technology. Related information can be found here: Intel® Core™ 5 Turbo Boost Technology Operation
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Are there any new chassis requirements for the Intel® Core™ i5 processor platforms?
There are no new chassis requirements for the Intel® Core™ i5 desktop platforms utilizing the LGA1156 and LGA1155 socket. Currently available chassis tested to support 95W processors should meet the requirement. See the Intel® tested chassis list for a list of chassis that will work. The use of a Thermally Advantaged Chassis (TAC) is still highly recommended.
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Does the Intel® Core™ i5 desktop processor support Error Correction Code (ECC) memory?
The Intel® Core™ i5 desktop processors and desktop boards typically do not support ECC memory. ECC memory is usually used on servers and workstations rather than on desktop platforms. This is mainly due to the price premium of ECC memory and chipset support. Check with your desktop board manufacturer to see if ECC memory is enabled on your board.
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