Intel Core i9-7960X socket: LGA 2066
The Intel Core i9-7960X uses the LGA 2066 socket on X299 boards. It is a 16 core Skylake-X HEDT chip at 165 W with boost to 4.2 GHz.
- Socket
- LGA 2066
- Launched
- September 2017
- Cores and threads
- 16 and 32
- Base power
- 165 W
- Codename
- Skylake-X
- Segment
- HEDT
- Family
- Intel Core i9
- Clocks
- 2.8 / 4.2 GHz
Intel Core i9-7960X specifications
| Cores | 16 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 32 |
| Core architecture | Skylake-X on 14 nm |
| Clocks | 2.8 GHz base, up to 4.2 GHz Turbo |
| Cache | 22 MB L3 |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 165 W |
| Manufacturing process | 14 nm |
| Memory support | DDR4-2666, four channels, up to 128 GB |
| PCI Express | PCIe 3.0, 44 lanes from the CPU |
| Integrated graphics | None |
| Multiplier | Unlocked |
| Package | FCLGA2066 (45.0 × 52.5 mm) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Core i9-7960X needs a motherboard with a LGA 2066 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| X299 HEDT | X299 | Works out of the box The 7000 series launched with X299. The 9000 series refresh needs a newer BIOS on early boards. Check the board CPU support list. |
Board makers publish a CPU support list for every model. Check it for your exact board before buying. Chipset details for LGA 2066.
LGA 2066 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 2,066 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | n/a |
| Introduced | June 2017 |
| Memory | DDR4-2933, four channels, up to 256 GB |
| Cooler mounting holes | 80 × 80 mm |
What the Core i9-7960X is
The Core i9-7960X is a sixteen core, thirty two thread HEDT processor from Skylake-X. It launched in September 2017 with a 2.8 GHz base and up to 4.2 GHz Turbo at 165 W. Sixteen cores cover heavy rendering where thread count decides job times.
Twenty two megabytes of L3 cache feed sixteen cores over mesh. The 2.8 GHz base keeps power in check across many cores, while 4.2 GHz burst lifts single thread work. One hundred sixty five watts need robust liquid or large air cooling.
No integrated graphics ship. Quad channel DDR4-2666 up to 128 GB supplies bandwidth for large scenes. Forty four PCIe lanes allow multi GPU nodes.
Intel priced the 7960X at $1699 at launch. Studios between 14 and 18 core needs chose it for balanced cost per thread. Unlocked multiplier supports tuning where cooling allows it.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 7960X fits LGA 2066 on X299 with BIOS support for 16 core Skylake-X. Late 2017 firmware adds these SKUs, so check the maker list for used boards.
Forty four lanes suit two or three GPUs plus NVMe storage. Four memory channels need balanced kits. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers HEDT planning.
The Core i9-7980XE on the same socket adds two cores. The 7940X trims cores where budget matters.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
DDR4-2666 in four channels up to 128 GB is the design. Four matched modules hold quad channel bandwidth. Larger populations add capacity.
Forty four PCIe 3.0 lanes feed GPUs and NVMe arrays. Render nodes split lanes between cards and scratch SSDs.
One hundred sixty five watts need liquid or large air with even mount pressure. High airflow sustains all core loads.
Upgrade paths
On X299 the step is 7980XE for two more cores, reusing board and DDR4. Gains show in throughput.
Past LGA 2066 a new platform is required. Memory and coolers often carry over.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Core i9-7960X use?
It uses LGA 2066 on X299 boards.
How many cores does the i9-7960X have?
Sixteen cores with thirty two threads at 2.8 GHz base with up to 4.2 GHz Turbo.
Does the i9-7960X have integrated graphics?
No. A discrete GPU is required.
How many PCIe lanes does the i9-7960X have?
44 PCIe 3.0 lanes from the CPU.
When did the i9-7960X launch?
September 2017 with the Skylake-X HEDT expansion.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .