Intel Core i7-870 socket: LGA 1156
The Intel Core i7-870 uses the LGA 1156 socket. It is a 95 W quad core Lynnfield desktop part at 2.933 GHz with Turbo Boost to 3.6 GHz, Hyper-Threading and 8 MB of L3 cache.
- Socket
- LGA 1156
- Launched
- September 8, 2009
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 8
- Base power
- 95 W
- Codename
- Lynnfield
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- Intel Core i7
- Clocks
- 2.93 / 3.6 GHz
Intel Core i7-870 specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 8 |
| Core architecture | Lynnfield cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 2.933 GHz base, 3.6 GHz Turbo Boost |
| Cache | 1 MB L2 (4 × 256 KB), 8 MB shared L3 |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 95 W |
| Manufacturing process | 45 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3-1333, two channels |
| PCI Express | PCIe 2.0 x16 from the CPU |
| Integrated graphics | None (discrete graphics) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | LGA1156 |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Core i7-870 needs a motherboard with a LGA 1156 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 5 series with graphics | H55, H57, Q57 | Works out of the box |
| P55 performance | P55 | Works 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
| Type | LGA, 1,156 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | n/a |
| Introduced | September 2009 |
| Memory | DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 16 GB |
| Cooler mounting holes | 75 × 75 mm |
What the Core i7-870 is
The Intel Core i7-870 is a quad core Lynnfield desktop processor that Intel launched on September 8, 2009 at 2.933 GHz with Turbo Boost to 3.6 GHz. Hyper-Threading gives eight threads from four Nehalem cores, backed by 256 KB of L2 per core and 8 MB of shared L3 cache. Power is rated at 95 W on a 45 nm process.
The 870 was the launch flagship Lynnfield at $305 MSRP. Reviewers found it regularly ahead of Core 2 quads with Turbo Boost to 3.6 GHz on two cores. Against the 860 it adds base and turbo speed at the same 95 W.
There is no graphics on Lynnfield. Display needs a discrete card.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Core i7-870 fits LGA 1156 with 1156 lands. P55, H55 and H57 boards boot Lynnfield natively with a late 2009 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 95 W on the 75 × 75 mm pattern.
Upgrade paths
On LGA 1156 the upgrade is the 880 on the same board. Beyond LGA 1156 a move to Sandy Bridge needs a new board.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Core i7-870 use?
LGA 1156, the 1156-land package on 5 series boards.
How many cores does the Core i7-870 have?
Four cores and eight threads at 2.933 GHz base with Turbo Boost to 3.6 GHz, with 256 KB of L2 per core and 8 MB of shared L3 cache.
What memory works with the Core i7-870?
DDR3-1333 in two channels.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .