Intel Core i7-7700 socket: LGA 1151
The Intel Core i7-7700 uses the LGA 1151 socket on revision 1 boards. It is a locked 65 W 4-core 8-thread Kaby Lake processor for builders who want threads without overclocking, on 200 series boards and updated 100 series boards.
- Socket
- LGA 1151
- Launched
- January 2017
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 8
- Base power
- 65 W
- Codename
- Kaby Lake
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- Intel Core i7
- Clocks
- 3.6 / 4.2 GHz
Intel Core i7-7700 specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 8 |
| Core architecture | Skylake based cores on 14 nm |
| Clocks | 3.6 GHz base, up to 4.2 GHz (Turbo Boost 2.0) |
| Cache | 8 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 65 W |
| Manufacturing process | 14 nm |
| Memory support | DDR4 up to 2400 MT/s (DDR3L up to 1600 MT/s on some boards), two channels, up to 64 GB |
| PCI Express | 16 lanes from the CPU, PCIe 3.0 |
| Integrated graphics | Intel HD Graphics 630 (up to 1.15 GHz) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | FCLGA1151 |
| ECC memory | Not supported |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Core i7-7700 needs a motherboard with a LGA 1151 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 300 series: B365 and Z390 | Z390, B365 | Not supported |
| 300 series: H310, B360, H370, Q370, Z370 | Z370, H370, B360, H310, Q370 | Not supported |
| 200 series | Z270, H270, B250, Q270, Q250 | Works out of the box |
| 100 series | Z170, H170, B150, H110, Q170, Q150 | Needs a BIOS update Needs a BIOS update before a 7th Gen processor will start. |
Board makers publish a CPU support list for every model. Check it for your exact board before buying. Chipset details for LGA 1151.
Recommended GPU pairing
| Recommended tier | High-end 1080p |
|---|---|
| Example GPUs | GeForce GTX 1070, Radeon RX Vega 56 |
| Target resolution | 1080p high settings |
Four threaded cores with boost to 4.2 GHz, 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes and DDR4 suit high-end 1080p cards from early 2017. A faster card still works and the balance shifts with game, settings and resolution.
This is a rough match for a new build at the stated resolution, not a limit. A faster card still works and helps at higher resolutions or in games that load the GPU more than the CPU. A slower card is fine for lighter games and office use. The exact balance shifts with the game, the settings and the resolution, so no percentage is given.
LGA 1151 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 1,151 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 37.5 × 37.5 mm |
| Introduced | August 2015 |
| Memory | DDR4 on most boards (some early boards use DDR3L). DDR4 only on the second revision |
| Cooler mounting holes | 75 × 75 mm |
What the Core i7-7700 is
The Core i7-7700 is a four core, eight thread processor that Intel released in January 2017 with the locked 65 W Kaby Lake range. Its cores run 3.6 GHz base to 4.2 GHz turbo with Turbo Boost 2.0. Cache is 8 MB of shared L3.
Hyper-Threading stayed on, so four cores yield eight threads: the same thread count the unlocked K offers at lower clocks. The TDP is 65 W on the 14 nm process.
Intel HD Graphics 630 cover display output, at up to 1.15 GHz. The multiplier is locked. On memory tuning, Z270 and updated Z170 boards accept XMP kits past DDR4-2400 while H-series and B-series boards hold narrower ranges.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 7700 fits the LGA 1151 socket on revision 1 boards. Z270, H270, B250, Q270 and Q250 boards accept it natively. Z170, H170, B150, H110, Q170 and Q150 boards need a BIOS update carrying Kaby Lake support. Revision 2 boards with 300 series chipsets never support it.
Since the multiplier is locked, B250 and H270 boards are the natural home. Z-series boards add memory profiles and ports rather than overclocking headroom.
Check the maker's CPU support list for the minimum BIOS on early 100 series stock.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
The memory controller supports DDR4 up to 2400 MT/s, with DDR3L up to 1600 MT/s possible on the few boards built with DDR3L slots instead. Two channels carry up to 64 GB. ECC memory is not supported.
The CPU supplies 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes from the processor. Integrated graphics drive office displays without a card, and fast storage hangs off chipset lanes.
At 65 W base with boosts past it, basic cooling suffices with airflow while a tower cooler runs quieter. Mounting uses the 75 mm LGA 1151 pattern from the CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide.
Eight threads at 65 W, revision 1 only
The 7700 brought Hyper-Threading to a locked 65 W i7 with high clocks, which made it a strong all-rounder for gaming plus threaded side work. Eight threads carried early-2017 titles well without overclocking.
The revision split runs the other way here. Revision 1 boards take it, with 200 series native and 100 series after an update, while revision 2 boards with 300 series chipsets never accept it despite the identical socket.
Upgrade paths
Against the Intel Core i7-7700K, the 7700 trades base clocks and overclocking for a 65 W rating and a lower price. Against the Intel Core i7-6700K, it adds clocks and media features on the same socket, subject to BIOS.
Moving to LGA 1200 needs a new board while keeping DDR4. The 7700 fits an office PC, a family PC with creation side tasks, or a quiet build that keeps integrated graphics.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Core i7-7700 use?
It uses LGA 1151 on revision 1 boards with 100 or 200 series chipsets, written FCLGA1151 in Intel's documents.
What is the difference between the 7700 and the 7700K?
The K has higher base clocks and an unlocked multiplier at 91 W. The 7700 keeps Hyper-Threading with close boost at 65 W.
Does the 7700 run in a Z170 motherboard?
Yes, after a BIOS update that adds Kaby Lake support. Without the update the board will not start with this processor.
Does the 7700 run in a Z370 motherboard?
No. 300 series boards are revision 2 and never support 7th Gen processors.
What cooling and graphics does the 7700 need?
At 65 W base the stock cooling approach works with airflow, while integrated graphics cover office displays without a card.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .