Intel Core 2 Duo P9700 socket: Socket P
The Intel Core 2 Duo P9700 uses the Socket P socket. It is a 28 W dual core Penryn mobile part at 2.8 GHz with 6 MB of L2 cache for performance notebooks.
- Socket
- Socket P
- Launched
- June 2009
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 2
- Base power
- 28 W
- Codename
- Penryn
- Segment
- Mobile (socketed)
- Family
- Intel Core 2 Duo
- Clocks
- 2.8 GHz
Intel Core 2 Duo P9700 specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 2 |
| Core architecture | Penryn cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 2.8 GHz (no turbo) |
| Front side bus | 1066 MT/s |
| Cache | 6 MB L2 (shared) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 28 W |
| Manufacturing process | 45 nm |
| Memory support | DDR2 or DDR3, two channels |
| PCI Express | PCIe from the mobile chipset |
| Integrated graphics | None (board chipset graphics) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | Socket P (mPGA478MN, 478 pins) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Core 2 Duo P9700 needs a motherboard with a Socket P socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| Montevina (4 series mobile) | GM45, PM45 | Works out of the box |
| Santa Rosa (965) | GM965, PM965 | Needs a BIOS update 45 nm Penryn parts boot on Santa Rosa 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 Socket P.
Socket P at a glance
| Type | PGA, 478 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 35 × 35 mm |
| Introduced | May 2007 |
| Memory | DDR2 or DDR3, depending on the chipset, two channels |
| Cooler mounting holes | Board specific (laptop heatsink) |
What the Core 2 Duo P9700 is
The Intel Core 2 Duo P9700 is a dual core Penryn mobile processor from June 2009 for performance notebooks. It runs two Penryn cores at 2.8 GHz with no turbo and no Hyper-Threading, so 2 cores give 2 threads. Cache is 6 MB of shared L2 on a 45 nm process. Power is rated at 28 W with a 1066 MT/s front side bus.
The P prefix marks 25 to 28 W small form factor power against 35 W on T parts. Against the T9900 at 3.067 GHz it trails on clocks with lower power for thinner designs. The 6 MB cache helps threaded office work.
There is no graphics on the CPU. Display comes from the mobile chipset.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Core 2 Duo P9700 fits Socket P with 478 pins. Montevina boards boot it directly with a 2009 BIOS.
The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules, and the Intel Pentium Dual-Core T4500 page shows a Pentium on the same socket.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory is DDR2 or DDR3 in two channels depending on the chipset.
The 1066 MT/s front side bus links the CPU to the chipset. PCIe slots hang off the chipset.
Cooling uses the notebook vendor heat pipe assembly rated for 28 W.
Upgrade paths
On Socket P the upgrade is the T9900 with higher clocks on the same board. Beyond Socket P a move to Arrandale needs a new notebook.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Core 2 Duo P9700 use?
Socket P, the 478-pin mPGA478MN package.
How many cores does the Core 2 Duo P9700 have?
Two cores and two threads at 2.8 GHz with 6 MB of shared L2 cache.
What memory works with the Core 2 Duo P9700?
DDR2 or DDR3 in two channels depending on the chipset.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .