Intel Core 2 Duo T7800 socket: Socket P

The Intel Core 2 Duo T7800 uses the Socket P socket. It is a 35 W dual-core Merom mobile part at 2.6 GHz with 4 MB of shared L2 cache for top performance notebooks.

Socket
Socket P
Launched
September 2007
Cores and threads
2 and 2
Base power
35 W
Codename
Merom
Segment
Mobile (socketed)
Clocks
2.6 GHz

Intel Core 2 Duo T7800 specifications

Cores2
Threads2
Core architectureMerom cores on 65 nm
Clocks2.6 GHz (no turbo)
Cache4 MB shared L2
Processor base power (TDP)35 W
Manufacturing process65 nm
Memory supportDDR2 through the board chipset
Front side bus800 MT/s
PCI ExpressPCIe from the board chipset
Integrated graphicsNone (board graphics where fitted)
MultiplierLocked
PackageSocket P (478-pin)

Motherboard and chipset compatibility

Intel Core 2 Duo T7800 needs a motherboard with a Socket P socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.

SeriesChipsetsSupport
Montevina (4 series mobile)GM45, PM45Needs a BIOS update
Santa Rosa (965)GM965, PM965Works out of the box

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

TypePGA, 478 contacts
Package size35 × 35 mm
IntroducedMay 2007
MemoryDDR2 or DDR3, depending on the chipset, two channels
Cooler mounting holesBoard specific (laptop heatsink)

Read the full Socket P socket guide

What the Core 2 Duo T7800 is

The Intel Core 2 Duo T7800 is a 2.6 GHz mobile dual core from September 2007. It runs two Merom cores at 2.6 GHz with no turbo, so 2 cores give 2 threads. Cache is 4 MB of shared L2 on a 65 nm process. Power is rated at 35 W on Socket P.

The T7800 closed the Merom Socket P line on an 800 MT/s bus in G0 stepping with a 13x multiplier at about 530 dollars launch price. It exists because Intel pushed the 65 nm mobile clock as far as the 35 W envelope allowed before 45 nm Penryn arrived.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The T7800 fits Socket P notebooks with DDR2 memory and a BIOS that lists late 2007 Merom parts, such as Santa Rosa GM965 and PM965 boards. It does not fit Socket M boards despite the shared 478 pins. Display comes from the notebook board graphics. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules.

Memory, PCIe and cooling

Memory is DDR2 through the board chipset in two channels.

An 800 MT/s front side bus ties the CPU to the mobile chipset. PCIe slots and board graphics hang off the chipset.

Cooling is the notebook vendor heat pipe assembly for the exact chassis, with Enhanced SpeedStep trimming clocks and voltage on battery.

Upgrade paths

On Socket P the upgrade is Penryn such as the Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 at 2.5 GHz with 6 MB of cache on Montevina boards, or the Intel Core 2 Duo T7700 at 2.4 GHz for a lower cost Merom. Beyond Socket P a move to a newer platform needs a new board. A swap must stay within the thermal design the chassis was qualified for.

Frequently asked questions

What socket does the Core 2 Duo T7800 use?

Socket P, on Santa Rosa boards with a Merom-aware BIOS.

How many cores does the Core 2 Duo T7800 have?

Two cores and 2 threads at 2.6 GHz with 4 MB of shared L2 cache.

What memory works with the Core 2 Duo T7800?

DDR2 through the board chipset in two channels.

Sources and verification

  1. List of Intel Core mobile processors (Wikipedia)
  2. Socket P (Wikipedia)

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