Intel Core i7-860S socket: LGA 1156

The Intel Core i7-860S uses the LGA 1156 socket. It is an 82 W quad core Lynnfield desktop part at 2.533 GHz with Turbo Boost to 3.466 GHz, Hyper-Threading and 8 MB of L3 cache.

Socket
LGA 1156
Launched
January 2010
Cores and threads
4 and 8
Base power
82 W
Codename
Lynnfield
Segment
Desktop
Clocks
2.53 / 3.47 GHz

Intel Core i7-860S specifications

Cores4
Threads8
Core architectureLynnfield cores on 45 nm
Clocks2.533 GHz base, 3.466 GHz Turbo Boost
Cache1 MB L2 (4 × 256 KB), 8 MB shared L3
Processor base power (TDP)82 W
Manufacturing process45 nm
Memory supportDDR3-1333, two channels
PCI ExpressPCIe 2.0 x16 from the CPU
Integrated graphicsNone (discrete graphics)
MultiplierLocked
PackageLGA1156

Motherboard and chipset compatibility

Intel Core i7-860S needs a motherboard with a LGA 1156 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.

SeriesChipsetsSupport
5 series with graphicsH55, H57, Q57Works out of the box
P55 performanceP55Works 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 LGA 1156.

LGA 1156 at a glance

TypeLGA, 1,156 contacts
Package sizen/a
IntroducedSeptember 2009
MemoryDDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 16 GB
Cooler mounting holes75 × 75 mm

Read the full LGA 1156 socket guide

What the Core i7-860S is

The Intel Core i7-860S is a quad core Lynnfield desktop processor from January 2010. It runs four Nehalem cores at 2.533 GHz base with Turbo Boost to 3.466 GHz, with Hyper-Threading for eight threads. Each core carries 256 KB of L2 cache with 8 MB of shared L3 cache. Power is rated at 82 W.

The trailing S marks low power against 95 W on the standard 860 at 2.8 GHz. Board lists confirm 2.53 GHz with 8 MB. Against the i5-750S it adds Hyper-Threading for threaded rendering at the same 82 W.

There is no graphics on Lynnfield. Display needs a discrete card.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The Core i7-860S fits LGA 1156 with 1156 lands. P55, H55 and H57 boards boot it natively with a 2010 BIOS.

The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules, and the Intel Pentium G6950 page shows a dual core alternative.

Memory, PCIe and cooling

Memory is DDR3-1333 in two channels up to 16 GB.

PCIe 2.0 x16 comes from the CPU package.

Cooling is a tower rated for 82 W or more.

Upgrade paths

On LGA 1156 the upgrade is the 870S or 880 with higher clocks on the same board. Beyond LGA 1156 a move to Sandy Bridge needs a new board.

Frequently asked questions

What socket does the Core i7-860S use?

LGA 1156, the 1156-land package on 5 series boards.

How many cores does the Core i7-860S have?

Four cores and eight threads at 2.533 GHz base with Turbo Boost to 3.466 GHz, with 256 KB of L2 per core and 8 MB of shared L3 cache.

What memory works with the Core i7-860S?

DDR3-1333 in two channels.

Sources and verification

  1. ROG Maximus II Gene CPU support (ASUS)
  2. Lynnfield microprocessor (Wikipedia)

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