Intel Pentium E6500K socket: LGA 775
The Intel Pentium E6500K uses the LGA 775 socket. It is a 65 W dual core Wolfdale desktop part at 2.933 GHz with 2 MB of L2 cache and an unlocked multiplier.
- Socket
- LGA 775
- Launched
- August 2009
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 2
- Base power
- 65 W
- Codename
- Wolfdale
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- Intel Pentium
- Clocks
- 2.93 GHz
Intel Pentium E6500K specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 2 |
| Core architecture | Wolfdale cores on 45 nm |
| Clock | 2.933 GHz (no turbo) |
| Front side bus | 1066 MT/s |
| Cache | 2 MB L2 (shared) |
| Thermal design power | 65 W |
| Manufacturing process | 45 nm |
| Memory support | DDR2 or DDR3, two channels (board dependent) |
| PCI Express | PCIe Gen 2 from the board chipset |
| Integrated graphics | None (board video where fitted) |
| Multiplier | Unlocked (K series) |
| Package | LGA775 (FC-LGA6) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Pentium E6500K needs a motherboard with a LGA 775 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| Intel 4 series | X48, P45, G45, G41 | Works out of the box |
| Intel 3 series | X38, P35, G33, G31 | Needs a BIOS update 45 nm Wolfdale parts boot on 3 series boards that list them, after a BIOS update. |
Board makers publish a CPU support list for every model. Check it for your exact board before buying. Chipset details for LGA 775.
LGA 775 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 775 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 37.5 × 37.5 mm |
| Introduced | 2004 |
| Memory | DDR, DDR2 or DDR3, depending on the motherboard chipset |
| Cooler mounting holes | 72 × 72 mm |
What the Pentium E6500K is
The Intel Pentium E6500K is a dual core Wolfdale desktop processor from August 2009. It matches the E6500 at 2.933 GHz with 2 MB of shared L2 cache and 65 W, adding an unlocked multiplier for ratio overclocking. Release tables call it the first unlocked Pentium processor.
The K suffix marks tuning headroom on P45 boards at the same stock clocks as the E6500. Against locked Pentiums it matches speed with overclocking freedom.
There is no graphics on the CPU. Display comes from the board chipset or a discrete card.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Pentium E6500K fits LGA 775 with 775 lands. P45 boards with tuning firmware boot it natively.
The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules, and the Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 page shows a quad on the same socket.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory is DDR2 or DDR3 in two channels depending on the board chipset.
The 1066 MT/s front side bus links the CPU to the chipset. PCIe Gen 2 slots hang off the chipset.
Cooling is the stock 65 W sink, with a tower advised for overclocking.
Upgrade paths
On LGA 775 there is no faster stock unlocked Pentium dual, so the path is tuning the multiplier or a move to Core 2 Duo E8000 series. Beyond LGA 775 a move to Sandy Bridge K parts needs a new board.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Pentium E6500K use?
LGA 775, the 775-land package on boards with tuning firmware.
How many cores does the Pentium E6500K have?
Two cores and two threads at 2.933 GHz with 2 MB of shared L2 cache.
What memory works with the Pentium E6500K?
DDR2 or DDR3 in two channels depending on the board chipset.
Can the Pentium E6500K be overclocked?
Yes. K series means the multiplier is unlocked for ratio tuning on capable boards.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .