Intel Core 2 Duo E7400 socket: LGA 775

The Intel Core 2 Duo E7400 uses the LGA 775 socket. It is a 65 W dual-core Wolfdale desktop part at 2.8 GHz with 3 MB of shared L2 cache for mainstream towers.

Socket
LGA 775
Launched
October 2008
Cores and threads
2 and 2
Base power
65 W
Codename
Wolfdale
Segment
Desktop
Clocks
2.8 GHz

Intel Core 2 Duo E7400 specifications

Cores2
Threads2
Core architectureWolfdale cores on 45 nm
Clocks2.8 GHz (no turbo)
Cache3 MB shared L2
Processor base power (TDP)65 W
Manufacturing process45 nm
Memory supportDDR2 and DDR3 through the board chipset
Front side bus1066 MT/s
PCI ExpressPCIe from the board chipset
Integrated graphicsNone (board video where fitted)
MultiplierLocked
PackageLGA 775

Motherboard and chipset compatibility

Intel Core 2 Duo E7400 needs a motherboard with a LGA 775 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.

SeriesChipsetsSupport
Intel 4 seriesX48, P45, G45, G41Works out of the box
Intel 3 seriesX38, P35, G33, G31Needs a BIOS update
45 nm Wolfdale parts boot on 3 series boards that list them, after a BIOS update.

Board makers publish a CPU support list for every model. Check it for your exact board before buying. Chipset details for LGA 775.

LGA 775 at a glance

TypeLGA, 775 contacts
Package size37.5 × 37.5 mm
Introduced2004
MemoryDDR, DDR2 or DDR3, depending on the motherboard chipset
Cooler mounting holes72 × 72 mm

Read the full LGA 775 socket guide

What the Core 2 Duo E7400 is

The Intel Core 2 Duo E7400 is a 2.8 GHz mainstream dual core from October 2008. It runs two Wolfdale cores at 2.8 GHz with no turbo, so 2 cores give 2 threads. Cache is 3 MB of shared L2 on a 45 nm process. Power is rated at 65 W on LGA 775.

The E7400 tops the 3 MB Wolfdale desktop line in stepping R0 on a 1066 MT/s bus. It exists because Intel stretched the mid-range Core 2 Duo to 2.8 GHz for buyers who wanted near-flagship speed without paying for 6 MB parts.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The E7400 drops into LGA 775 boards with DDR2 or DDR3 memory and a BIOS that lists late-2008 Wolfdale parts, such as G41 and P45 boards. It pairs with mainstream 4 series chipsets. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules.

Memory, PCIe and cooling

Memory is DDR2 and DDR3 through the board chipset in two channels.

A 1066 MT/s front side bus ties the CPU to the chipset. PCIe slots hang off the chipset.

Cooling is any 65 W rated LGA 775 heatsink on the 72.5 × 72.5 mm mount, with Enhanced SpeedStep trimming draw at idle.

Upgrade paths

On LGA 775 the E7400 is the 3 MB ceiling, so the upgrade is the Intel Core 2 Duo E8200 at 2.667 GHz with 6 MB of cache, or the Intel Core 2 Duo E7300 at 2.667 GHz for a cheaper 3 MB part. Beyond LGA 775 a move to a newer platform needs a new board and memory.

Frequently asked questions

What socket does the Core 2 Duo E7400 use?

LGA 775, on DDR2 or DDR3 boards with a Core 2-aware BIOS.

How many cores does the Core 2 Duo E7400 have?

Two cores and 2 threads at 2.8 GHz with 3 MB of shared L2 cache.

What memory works with the Core 2 Duo E7400?

DDR2 and DDR3 through the board chipset in two channels.

Sources and verification

  1. P5QL-EM motherboard CPU support (ASUS)
  2. Intel Core2 Duo Processors MDDS (Intel)

Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .