Intel Core i7-970 socket: LGA 1366
The Intel Core i7-970 uses the LGA 1366 socket. It is a 130 W six core Gulftown desktop part at 3.2 GHz with Turbo Boost to 3.466 GHz, Hyper-Threading and 12 MB of L3 cache.
- Socket
- LGA 1366
- Launched
- July 2010
- Cores and threads
- 6 and 12
- Base power
- 130 W
- Codename
- Gulftown
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- Intel Core i7
- Clocks
- 3.2 / 3.47 GHz
Intel Core i7-970 specifications
| Cores | 6 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 12 |
| Core architecture | Gulftown cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 3.2 GHz base, 3.466 GHz Turbo Boost |
| Cache | 1.5 MB L2 (6 × 256 KB), 12 MB shared L3 |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 130 W |
| Manufacturing process | 32 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 i7-970 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 Early X58 boards may need a BIOS update with Gulftown microcode before a six core chip will start. |
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 i7-970 is
The Intel Core i7-970 is a six core Gulftown desktop processor from July 2010. It runs six Westmere cores at 3.2 GHz base with Turbo Boost to 3.466 GHz, with Hyper-Threading for twelve threads. Each core carries 256 KB of L2 cache with 12 MB of shared L3 cache. Power is rated at 130 W on a 32 nm process.
The 970 brought six cores below the Extreme 980X with a locked multiplier. Against the 980X at 3.333 GHz it trails on clocks at a lower price. Against Lynnfield quads it doubles threads for rendering with triple channel DDR3 memory.
There is no graphics on Gulftown. Display needs a discrete card on X58 boards.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Core i7-970 fits LGA 1366 with 1366 lands. X58 boards boot Gulftown directly with a 2010 BIOS. Check power delivery because 130 W needs solid phases.
The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules, and the Intel Core i7-990X page shows the faster Extreme six core.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory is DDR3-800 or 1066 in three channels up to 24 GB on desktop X58 boards.
PCIe 2.0 comes from the X58 chipset with dual x16 slots on many ATX models.
Cooling needs a tower rated for 130 W on the 80 × 80 mm pattern.
Upgrade paths
On LGA 1366 the upgrade is the 980X or 990X Extreme with an unlocked multiplier 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 i7-970 use?
LGA 1366, the 1366-land package on X58 boards.
How many cores does the Core i7-970 have?
Six cores and twelve threads at 3.2 GHz base with Turbo Boost to 3.466 GHz, with 256 KB of L2 per core and 12 MB of shared L3 cache.
What memory works with the Core i7-970?
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 .