Intel Core i7-960 socket: LGA 1366
The Intel Core i7-960 uses the LGA 1366 socket. It is a 130 W quad core Bloomfield desktop part at 3.2 GHz with Turbo Boost to 3.466 GHz, Hyper-Threading and 8 MB of L3 cache.
- Socket
- LGA 1366
- Launched
- October 2009
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 8
- Base power
- 130 W
- Codename
- Bloomfield
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- Intel Core i7
- Clocks
- 3.2 / 3.47 GHz
Intel Core i7-960 specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 8 |
| Core architecture | Bloomfield cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 3.2 GHz base, 3.466 GHz Turbo Boost |
| Cache | 1 MB L2 (4 × 256 KB), 8 MB shared L3 |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 130 W |
| Manufacturing process | 45 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3 triple channel, up to 24 GB |
| PCI Express | PCIe 2.0 from the X58 chipset |
| Integrated graphics | None (discrete graphics) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | LGA1366 |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Core i7-960 needs a motherboard with a LGA 1366 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| X58 enthusiast | X58 | 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 1366.
LGA 1366 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 1,366 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | n/a |
| Introduced | 2008 |
| Memory | DDR3 triple channel, up to 24 GB on desktop boards |
| Cooler mounting holes | 80 × 80 mm |
What the Core i7-960 is
The Intel Core i7-960 is a quad core Bloomfield desktop processor from October 2009. It runs four Nehalem cores at 3.2 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 130 W on a 45 nm process.
CPU lists place the 960 at 3.2 GHz with 3.46 GHz turbo. Against the 950 it adds base and turbo speed at the same 130 W. Newegg class listings track it as a Yorkfield era step up for X58 towers.
There is no graphics on Bloomfield. Display needs a discrete card.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Core i7-960 fits LGA 1366 with 1366 lands. X58 boards boot Bloomfield natively.
The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules, and the Intel Core i7-990X page shows a six core upgrade on the same socket.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory is DDR3 in three channels up to 24 GB on desktop X58 boards.
PCIe 2.0 comes from the X58 chipset with dual x16 slots.
Cooling needs a tower rated for 130 W on the 80 × 80 mm pattern.
Upgrade paths
On LGA 1366 the upgrade is the 975 Extreme or a Gulftown six core on the same board. Beyond LGA 1366 a move to Sandy Bridge E needs a new board.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Core i7-960 use?
LGA 1366, the 1366-land package on X58 boards.
How many cores does the Core i7-960 have?
Four cores and eight threads at 3.2 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 i7-960?
DDR3 in three channels up to 24 GB on desktop X58 boards.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .