Intel Core i7-975 socket: LGA 1366
The Intel Core i7-975 uses the LGA 1366 socket. It is a 130 W quad core Bloomfield Extreme desktop part at 3.333 GHz with Turbo Boost to 3.6 GHz, Hyper-Threading, 8 MB of L3 cache and an unlocked multiplier.
- Socket
- LGA 1366
- Launched
- June 2009
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 8
- Base power
- 130 W
- Codename
- Bloomfield
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- Intel Core i7
- Clocks
- 3.33 / 3.6 GHz
Intel Core i7-975 specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 8 |
| Core architecture | Bloomfield cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 3.333 GHz base, 3.6 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 | Unlocked (Extreme Edition) |
| Package | LGA1366 |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Core i7-975 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 i7-975 is
The Intel Core i7-975 is a quad core Bloomfield Extreme desktop processor from the second quarter of 2009. It runs four Nehalem cores at 3.333 GHz base with Turbo Boost to 3.6 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.
Intel Extreme charts list the 975 at 3.33 GHz base with 3.60 GHz turbo and an unlocked multiplier. Against the 960 it adds clocks and tuning headroom at the same 130 W. It was the fastest Bloomfield before Gulftown six cores.
There is no graphics on Bloomfield. Display needs a discrete card.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Core i7-975 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, with more for overclocking.
Upgrade paths
On LGA 1366 the upgrade is a Gulftown six core such as the 970 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 i7-975 use?
LGA 1366, the 1366-land package on X58 boards.
How many cores does the Core i7-975 have?
Four cores and eight threads at 3.333 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 i7-975?
DDR3 in three channels up to 24 GB on desktop X58 boards.
Can the Core i7-975 be overclocked?
Yes. Extreme Edition means the multiplier is unlocked.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .