Socket LGA 1155 supports Intel's second and third generation Core processors.
Understanding LGA 1155 and its Supported Generations
LGA 1155, also known as Socket H2, is a specific type of CPU socket designed by Intel. It acts as the physical interface on a motherboard where the Central Processing Unit (CPU) is installed. This socket was engineered to be compatible with processors based on particular microarchitectures, each corresponding to a distinct generation of Intel's widely used Core CPUs.
The primary role of a CPU socket like LGA 1155 is to ensure proper electrical and mechanical connection between the CPU and the rest of the computer system. Different sockets are developed to match the varying pin layouts, power requirements, and communication protocols of different CPU architectures.
Generations Supported by LGA 1155
The LGA 1155 socket was specifically designed to accommodate two successive generations of Intel Core processors:
| Generation | Microarchitecture | Manufacturing Process | Key Features | Examples of Processors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second Generation | Sandy Bridge | 32 nm | Integrated graphics on the CPU die, significant performance improvements over previous generations, advanced vector extensions (AVX). | Intel Core i5-2500K, i7-2600K |
| Third Generation | Ivy Bridge | 22 nm | First desktop CPUs to use a 22nm Tri-Gate (3D) transistor technology, enhanced integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2500/4000), support for PCI Express 3.0. | Intel Core i5-3570K, i7-3770K |
Key Aspects of These Generations
- Sandy Bridge (Second Generation Core): These processors represented a major architectural shift for Intel. They introduced a fully integrated CPU and GPU on a single silicon die, which improved overall system efficiency and performance, especially for tasks utilizing integrated graphics.
- Ivy Bridge (Third Generation Core): As a "tick" in Intel's "tick-tock" development model, Ivy Bridge refined the Sandy Bridge architecture by moving to a smaller 22-nanometer manufacturing process. This allowed for better power efficiency, cooler operation, and further improvements to the integrated graphics capabilities. It also brought support for the faster PCI Express 3.0 standard, beneficial for high-performance graphics cards.
Importance of Socket Compatibility
Understanding which generations a socket supports is crucial for PC building, upgrading, and troubleshooting. A motherboard equipped with an LGA 1155 socket will only be compatible with Intel Core processors from the Sandy Bridge or Ivy Bridge families. Attempting to install a CPU designed for a different socket type or a newer/older generation will not work and could potentially damage components. This compatibility ensures that the CPU and motherboard can communicate effectively and harness the features specific to those processor generations.
